Skil's Base-Model Skilsaw: Skil/$45

Having cut thousands of pieces of lumber with our trusted 7-1/4" Skilsaw (model 5400-01)—and dropped it off a roof or two as well—we selected it as one of our favorite tools of 2007. It's proved to us time and time again that toughness doesn't always come in expensive packages. Photo by toolmonger

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In this week's installment from our friends at toolmonger.com, we bring you a budget-conscious bonanza. From dust bubbles that save you an afternoon of sweeping ($4 a pop) to a hand plane that won't cost an arm and a leg, it's the tools you need today.

Check out the previous roundups at popsci.com/toolmonger. And for all tools, all the time, head over to toolmonger.com.