GEAR OF THE YEARBEST SMALL SHOP VACUUM
DeWalt DCV517B $129
The DCV517B is only
slightly larger than a hand
vacuum, but it’s still thor-
oughly DeWalt. It provides
superior vacuuming power
and the ability to tackle
anything from a bowl of
breakfast cereal dumped
on the f loor (milk and
all) to a handful of metal
shavings on top of your
workbench. The HEPA air
filter is incredibly robust.
BEST CORDLESS MOWER
Ryobi RY451145US $499
This U.S.-built mower can
cut a tremendous area
with its two (6-Ah) batter-
ies, and its X-shaped blade
leaves a pristine surface in
its wake. Rear-wheel drive
translates to good hill
climbing and side-hill per-
formance, and its bagging
on all surfaces (level, side-
hill, and uphill) is also
commendable.
BEST CIRCULAR SAW
Flex FX2131A-1C $249
One of the most productive
tools we’ve used is the Flex
6.5-inch circular saw. With
a pivoting dust-ejection
port, it’s also among the
cleanest. A small-but-
mighty 24-volt motor
powers a belt drive off that
motor, spinning the blade.
This design puts the blade
in line with the handle,
affording us an excellent
view of the cut line.
66 January/February 2022