By a show of hands, how many of you clean your power tools? I didn't think so. Those Ryobi tools in the garage are built to handle life's daily wear and tear, tackle DIY projects, and more, but when they get covered in dirt, sawdust, and other grime, a proper cleaning is more important than you think.

Despite all the negative comments and jokes online, Ryobi fans are an enthusiastic and passionate bunch. If you're anything like me, you own a large selection of its brightly colored tools, along with some older blue models. Ryobi releases a little bit of everything, many of which end up discontinued, but those forgotten tools have become collector items, and people are still hunting them down.

Putting sensors all over the home and connecting them to Home Assistant is fun, I know, but it isn't for everyone — not yet. Thankfully, there are smart home upgrades that don't require any apps. I may have replaced every light switch in my home with a smart one, but my favorite smart home upgrade doesn't connect to my Homey Pro at all, and it's an improvement my entire family likes as much as I do.

Battery-powered tools are now powerful enough to tackle most jobs, with an ever-growing range of options from impact drivers to nail guns and everything in between. These live in your shed or garage when you’re not using them—but this could be a big mistake.

If you're a fan of Ryobi's bright, neon-colored tools found at Home Depot, you likely already know the company makes far more than just tools for around the yard and house. One of its best-kept secrets is how the 18V platform can power camping and outdoor gear. I own a ton of Ryobi products for camping, and here are several that are absolutely worth buying.

One of the worst feelings is realizing you're unprepared for a situation, whether that's stuck on the side of the road or during a big weekend project. That's why I always have a selection of dependable tools ready to go for flat tires, stubborn bolts, and other situations. With that in mind, here are five affordable DeWALT tools you'll want in your trunk or in the back of your truck.