The Wirecutter Show

• How To Be Handier

  If you’ve ever put off a home repair because you didn’t know where to start—or felt overwhelmed by the wall of tools at the hardware store—this episode is for you. In this Wirecutter Show bonus episode, we chat with senior staff writer and tool expert Doug Mahoney, who’s spent years testing everything from screwdrivers to power drills. Doug breaks down exactly which tools you need to build your first toolbox, what’s worth spending extra on, and how to know when you’re ready to move from hand tools to power tools. He also shares his favorite safety tips, the one tool every homeowner should have, and a few of his go-to picks for getting started. This episode covers: Why learning to use tools matters: Becoming handier saves money, gives you more control over your space, and makes your home feel like something you can shape—not just live in.Where to start if you have zero tools: Doug says the “trifecta” for beginners is simple: a screwdriver, a hammer, and a tape measure. Add a utility knife and pliers as you go, and you’ll be able to handle most small jobs in your home.Why pre-made toolkits aren’t worth it: Most ready-made toolsets are overpriced and filled with poor-quality gear. You’re better off buying a few solid, individual tools that last a lifetime.What to look for in quality tools: The cheapest hammer or screwdriver might technically work—but good tools are easier to use, feel better in your hand, and perform better under stress.When to level up to power tools: Once you’re ready to take on real repairs, a cordless drill should be your first power tool. Products we recommend:The best hammer: Estwing E3-16CThe best multi-bit screwdriver: Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RDThe best tape measure: Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure 25-FootThe best adjustable pliers: Irwin Vise-Grip GV10 10-Inch GrooveLock PliersThe best utility knife: Milwaukee 48-22-1502 Fastback Utility Knife with Blade StorageThe best cordless drill: DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver KitThe best safety glasses: Radians MR0111ID MirageThe best respirator mask: 3M 8511 N95 Cool Flow Valve Particulate RespiratorThe best multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CX Additional listening:Nick Offerman’s Guide to Building Things That Last Additional reading:Nick Offerman Told Me That Swinging a Hammer Might Change My LifeThe 5 Best Hammers of 2025 The Best Multi-Bit Screwdriver The Best Tape MeasureThe 3 Best Adjustable Pliers of 2025The 4 Best Drills of 2025   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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• Nick Offerman's Guide to Building Things That Last

  Long before Nick Offerman became the mustached, straight-faced Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation, he was a woodworker. Growing up in Minooka, Illinois, he described his childhood home as “Little House on the Prairie”—a place where everyone made their own things, carefully crafting furniture, clothing, and tools by hand. And as a skilled woodworker and general handy person, Nick appreciates good tools. This is fortuitous, because Wirecutter’s staff are similarly obsessed. For this episode, we sat down with Nick to talk about his new book Little Woodchucks, the joy of learning to build things, and the essential things he recommends that anyone should have in their toolbox.  Our colleague Rose Lorre also sat down separately with Nick to discuss the foundational tool in his kit–a claw hammer–and documented her journey following his advice for buying a great hammer and learning to pound nails.  Here are some of the conversation highlights: Hands-on work builds confidence and independence: Doing things with your hands—whether it’s woodworking, sewing, or fixing something around the house—teaches problem-solving and self-reliance.A few quality tools and materials are worth the investment: Cutting corners might save money upfront, but investing in tools or materials that last saves frustration and disappointment in the long run—and often makes the work itself more enjoyable.Keep it simple when building a toolkit: A few versatile, high-quality essentials can get you started and teach you the fundamentals before you invest more.The Estwing claw hammer is still Nick’s favorite tool of all: Nick is a longtime fan of Estwing hammers. Back in 2019, he even tweeted his recommendation for an Estwing, and linked to Wirecutter’s hammer guide.Discipline in one area feeds success in others: Patience, planning, and attention to detail learned in one pursuit—like woodworking—translate to other areas of life. Wirecutter Picks In Nick’s Workshop: The best hammer: Estwing E3-16C Nick says he also keeps a cordless drill, a multi-bit manual screwdriver, a set of wrenches, and a saw. Here are Wirecutter’s picks for these handy staples: The Best Cordless Drill: DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver KitThe Best Multi-Bit Screwdriver: Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RDThe Best Hex Wrenches: Amazon Basics Hex Key Allen Wrench Set with Ball EndThe Best Adjustable Wrench: Channellock 8WCB WideAzz 8-Inch Adjustable WrenchThe Best Handsaw: Shark 10-2315 Carpentry Saw 15-Inch Other products Nick loves:The unsung hero in Nick’s workshop: Lie Nielsen Hand Planes Additional ReadingNick Offerman Told Me That Swinging a Hammer Might Change My LifeThe 5 Best Hammers of 2025 The Best Adjustable Wrench of 2025The 4 Best Hex Wrenches of 2025The Best Handsaw The 4 Best Drills of 2025The Best Multi-Bit Screwdriver More Nick Offerman:InstagramFacebookWebsiteNick’s new book: Little Woodchucks  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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• What’s Wrong With Your Computer?

  If your computer has been slowing down or showing its age, you might not need to replace it just yet. Wirecutter senior staff writer Kimber Streams, who covers laptops and accessories, shares practical steps for reviving an old machine—and how to tell when it’s finally time for an upgrade. Kimber explains what causes computers to slow down over time, the simplest DIY fixes that can make a big difference, and what to look for if you do end up needing to shop for a replacement. See more of Kimber’s tips in this article on reviving an old computer.  This episode covers:Cleaning up storage and files: Freeing up storage is one of the simplest ways to make a computer feel faster. Check what’s taking up space and remove any and all unnecessary files.Tidying apps and removing unused apps: Kimber recommends uninstalling unused apps that come pre-installed on your laptop, plus any unused browser extensions, that may be slowing down your system.Why you should update your computer’s operating system: Kimber emphasizes the importance of software updates for both security and performance.When it’s time to consider buying a new computer: If you’ve completed all of the housekeeping steps and find that your computer still isn’t functioning the way it should, it’s time to look at your budget and what you need in a new computer.Guidance for buying refurbished and secondhand computers: Kimber recommends only buying from manufacturer refurbished programs, and to be wary of retailer refurbs if you can’t see the item in person and judge the condition yourself. Look for a refurbished computer with the longest warranty possible. P.S. If you have a spill, we don’t recommend using rice to dry your tech. Here’s why! Products we recommend:Our favorite refurbished laptop: Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025)Our favorite Windows laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook PlusOur favorite performance upgrade: Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)Our favorite online backup service: IDriveOur favorite lap desk: LapGear Designer Lap Desk Additional reading:How to Make Your Old Computer Feel New AgainThe 8 Best Laptops of 2025How to Shop for a Used Laptop or Desktop PCThe Best Cheap Laptops Under $500 for 2025 The 5 Best Windows Laptops of 20254 Simple Tips to Keep Your Tech Safe and Dry This Summer 2025Windows 10 Is Dead. But You Might Not Need a New Laptop Yet.  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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• How to Know What's In Your Drinking Water

  If you’ve ever wondered whether you should filter your drinking water, this is the episode for you. Wirecutter senior staff writer Tim Heffernan, who covers air and water filtration, shares practical steps for deciding whether to filter your water.  Tim discusses the most common contaminants you should watch out for, how municipalities filter your drinking water, and when it might be worth ponying up for a water test.  This episode covers:Why you should look up your annual drinking water quality report: Tim explains how every utility must publish an annual water-quality/consumer confidence report (CCR)--  a free first step toward understanding the quality of your drinking water. You can also look it up via the EPA site.When you may want to test your water for contaminants: If you’re concerned about what’s coming out of your tap, Tim recommends getting your water tested using a send-away lab kit. He’d skip at-home color-strip tests, which are often hard to read.Why living near a polluted area doesn’t mean your water will be polluted: The pressure in the pipes should help keep contaminants out. Contaminants in the water are more about your water source and how that water is treated.The pros and cons of different filters: Pitchers are cheap and convenient, but they clog and have short lifespans. Faucet and under-sink units use household water pressure for denser filtration and often remove more contaminants–but they can be more expensive overall. Products we recommend:Our favorite water pitcher: Brita Standard Everyday PitcherOur favorite under-sink filter: Aquasana AQ-5200Our favorite upgrade under-sink filter: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max FlowOur favorite faucet water filter: Pur Plus Faucet Filtration SystemOur favorite water test kit: Tap Score Advanced City Water TestOur favorite water test kit for well water: Tap Score Advanced Well Water Test Additional reading:The Best Under-Sink Water Filter for 2025The 5 Best Water Filter Pitchers & Dispensers of 2025The Best Water Quality Test Kit for Your HomeThe Best Faucet-Mounted Water Filter of 2025 I’m Wirecutter’s Water-Quality Expert. I Don’t Filter My Water.  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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• How To Maximize Credit Card Points for Travel

  This week, we’re exploring how to travel for less, and in this episode we discuss how to smartly augment a travel budget with credit card points.  Brian Kelly—founder of The Points Guy and author of How to Win at Travel–pulls back the curtain on exactly how these programs work, the crucial pitfalls to avoid, and the little-known strategies for scoring the best deals on flights and hotel rooms.  For more affordable travel advice, don’t miss our earlier episode with Elaine Glusac (aka the Frugal Traveler). And find our recommended travel gear below.  This episode covers:Why you should pay down debt first: The points game only works if you’re debt-free. Any interest you pay on a carried balance cancels out the value of the points you earn.How rewards programs are funded: Credit card companies primarily make money through an "interchange" fee (usually around 2%) paid by vendors on every purchase. The credit card company then gives a portion of this money back to you as rewards.How to maximize everyday purchases: Audit your monthly expenses (groceries, eating out, gas, etc) and get a card that offers the highest rewards on those purchases.Why you may want to prioritize “transferable” points: Cards that offer transferable points (from major banks) can be converted to many different airline and hotel partners, giving you maximum flexibility for travel.When it’s worth using awards tickets: Flights booked with an airline's rewards program are often fully refundable and changeable up until departure at no extra cost, unlike standard cash-fare tickets. ALSO: If you have a question about gifts, we want to hear from you for upcoming mini series! Send your question as a voice memo to [email protected].  Additional reading:Secrets to Cheap Travel from NYT’s Frugal TravelerThe 6 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2025The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2025The Best Suitcases for CheckingThe Best Gear for Travel in 2025  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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