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Tackling home repairs or renovations doesn’t have to take all summer, only to result in subpar work. With the right supplies, you can save time, reduce mistakes, and make even the most challenging projects feel more manageable. To help you find products you can rely on, the Bob Vila team tested hundreds of items for plumbing, painting, construction, and general home maintenance.
From precision tools to durable adhesives, these are the repair and renovation products that delivered the best performance in 2025. Whether you’re sealing gaps, fixing squeaks, or upgrading a surface, this list highlights trusted, practical products built to work as hard as you do.
for Bob Vila
Photo: Amazon
The WD-40 Precision Pen brings WD-40’s trusted lubrication to tight spots without making a mess. In testing, it effortlessly fixed squeaky hinges, sticky zippers, and rusty tools, delivering just the right amount of product exactly where needed. Its compact, portable design makes it easy to keep in your pocket or toolbox, so you always have it on hand for precise, everyday maintenance. While larger tasks may still call for a traditional spray can, this pen is a must-have for small, targeted repairs.
What our tester says: “The WD-40 Precision Pen is a little bit of magic in a tiny package. And once you use it, you won’t want just one—you’ll want a stash.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the WD-40 lubricant pen 3-pack at Amazon for $12.49.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Drywall Screw Gun Kit
Photo: Amazon
The DeWalt 20V MAX XR Drywall Screw Gun was the fastest, most precise, and most user-friendly model in our hands-on tests of the best drywall screw guns. At just 5.7 pounds, it’s light enough for all-day or overhead work yet still feels solid in hand. Its easy depth adjustment and multiple operating modes helped our tester drive more than 100 screws quickly and consistently, making it a standout pick for both DIYers and pros who want efficient, reliable performance.
What our tester says: “This is a great drywall screw gun. Not only is it very user-friendly, but it also drives screws quickly and efficiently.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt drywall screw gun at Amazon or The Home Depot, starting at $289.
Loctite PL Premium Fast Grab Polyurethane
Photo: Amazon
Loctite PL 3X Premium Adhesive stood out as the strongest performer in our hands-on testing, creating a bond that held until 115 pounds of force finally caused the wood to fail—not the adhesive. Its tacky formula delivers excellent grip on common construction materials and works indoors or outdoors. While the thicker viscosity takes a bit of effort to apply, the exceptional holding power and 24-hour cure time make it a top choice for tough bonding jobs.
What our tester says: “I was surprised by the incredibly strong bond that Loctite’s PL 3X produced. I wouldn’t hesitate to use this for constructing engineered beams.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Loctite construction adhesive at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot, starting at $6.48.
Photo: Lowe’s
In our tests of the best caulks for baseboards, Sashco Big Stretch Caulk impressed us with its ability to stretch up to 500% without cracking, making it ideal for filling gaps around baseboards and other areas that settle over time. We found it easy to apply, and though it’s paintable, it also comes in 13 colors and dries to a semi-gloss finish that closely matches what’s used on most baseboards. Just one word of warning: Big Stretch isn’t waterproof and only minimally resists mold or mildew, so it’s not suitable for wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
What our tester says: “Sashco Big Stretch checks the two most important boxes when it comes to a caulk for baseboards: It dries to a semi-gloss white finish that matches most trim, and it’s flexible enough not to crack or gap when your house inevitably settles.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Sashco caulk for baseboards at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware, starting at $9.48.
Photo: Amazon
Flex Tape earned its place on this list for its almost unbelievable sticking power and consistently strong performance. We used it on everything from leaking hoses to cracked pipes and TPO roofing, and it sealed instantly every time—even when the surface was wet. With its ability to bond to nearly any material, it offers a fast, inexpensive fix when you need an immediate and reliable patch.
What our tester says: “If you’re a DIYer, renter, homeowner, or just someone who hates waiting around for a plumber, Flex Tape is worth tossing in your toolbox. It’s fast, sticky, and works on just about anything you can throw at it.” —Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get Flex Tape at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Flex Tape, starting at $12.74.
Photo: Walmart
NeuMaster’s handheld HVLP paint sprayer offers impressive value for a budget-friendly turbine sprayer. In our tests of the best HVLP paint spray guns, its 600-watt motor and three interchangeable nozzles delivered reliable performance. Plus, it was easy to carry (especially with the included shoulder strap) and simple to clean (thanks to its interlocking head design). While it’s not built for precision detail work, the NeuMaster provides consistent coverage on furniture, cabinets, and other medium-sized projects, making it a handy pick for DIY painters.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the NeuMaster is how portable it is, even with the hose. The strap made it easy to carry around, especially when climbing a ladder.” —Mike Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the NeuMaster paint sprayer at Walmart, starting at $69.99.
Photo: Amazon
The Vamos Fish Scale Mosaic peel-and-stick tile delivers the look of real marble with subtle metallic accents, creating a high-end backsplash without the cost or mess of traditional tile. In our tests, the adhesive backing proved strong and odor-free, and while cutting the complex fish-scale pieces required care, installation was otherwise straightforward. Thick and sturdy, these tiles will elevate any kitchen or bathroom and were definitely the most realistic and attractive peel-and-stick option we tested.
What our tester says: “Of all the brands I tested, this was by far the most stylish and durable. I bought extra boxes and installed them throughout my home!” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Vamos peel-and-stick tile at Amazon for $41.99.
Photo: Amazon
In our lineup of the best rust removers, Rust Kutter was one of the most effective products we tested, removing rust almost instantly while also preparing the surface for primer and paint. We liked how simple it was to use—just spray, wait briefly, and wipe to reveal clean metal. Rust Kutter works on tools, masonry, tile, and more, drying in about 30 minutes. Although it leaves a light residue on bare metal, its speed and versatility make it an excellent choice for restoration and repainting projects.
What our tester says: “When I sprayed Rust Kutter on, I couldn’t believe how fast it worked—the rust just melted away right in front of me.” —Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Rust Kutter rust remover at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co., starting at $22.99.
Photo: Lowe’s
The Wagner Smart Sidekick Roller transforms wall painting by pumping paint directly from the can to the roller, eliminating trips to a tray and speeding up large projects. In testing, it delivered smooth, even coverage and allowed for continuous painting over wide areas, though the roller is heavier than standard models. Setup is simple, and cleanup, while multi-step, is straightforward. Ideal for DIYers tackling big walls, Wagner’s electric roller makes painting faster and more efficient without sacrificing results.
What our tester says: “There are many gizmos out there designed to make painting a quicker and easier process; some work and some are junk. I’d place the Wagner Sidekick firmly among the true time-savers.” —Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Wagner electric paint roller at Lowe’s for $72.98.
The post The 2025 Must-Haves for Repairs and Renovations of Any Size appeared first on Bob Vila.
