When it comes to woodworking tools, I’m a big believer in “buy once, cry once” (I also believe every shop should have a dedicated crying corner).
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But there are tools you’ll buy not once, not twice, but again and again.
These are what we call consumables — purchases you make knowing full well they’ll have to be replaced.
They include things like glue, tape, and finishes. But sandpaper, table saw blades, and router bits are all woodworking consumables as well.
And while these purchases are usually less expensive upfront, they’re a never-ending investment.
A new table saw can set you back a few grand. But that’s a fixed, one time cost. Sandpaper, on the other hand, is something most woodworkers will need to keep buying forever.
And that takes me to the thesis of this blog post:
The best way to save time and money in the shop — whether you’re a pro or hobbyist — is by investing in high-value consumables.
What exactly does that mean?
I’m going to explain it with a concrete real-world example, as well as give you a list of “value indicators” to look for in consumables like saw blades and router bits.
Knowing how to shop for value saves you lots of cash down the road — and also a ton of time (so you can get back to crying).
It’s natural to make buying decisions based on retail price. And while that’s definitely part of a product's value, it’s not the whole story.
I think of “value” as a balance of three factors: Performance, longevity, and price.
Basically: How well does a product work, how long will it keep working at that level, and how much does it cost upfront.
Let’s use table saw blades as an example. Say you find one for $20 and another for $100 and go with the cheaper option.
$80 in your pocket, right? But it turns out, that $20 blade has zero carbide on the teeth. So when it gets dull — which can happen with a few cuts — it’s basically bunk.
And of course, it doesn’t have any heat protective coating. Your cuts get hot enough to make grandma blush and your boards look like they just came out of the air fryer.
You’ll end up having to replace that $20 blade again and again. And within a year, it’ll have already cost more than the higher-end blade.
The price seems right — but the performance and longevity don’t cut it.
But that $100 blade has enough carbide to be sharpened multiple times. And the heat protective coating keeps your cuts cool and burn-free — saving you clean up time later on.
Even though the retail price is higher, the more expensive blade is higher-value. It works well and keeps working well for years to come.
But how much of a difference can this really make? You might be surprised.
I’m going to give you an example with real numbers about a consumable you’ve probably never given much thought to…
So let me walk you through the “Great Sandpaper Test.”
Last year, I did a MASSIVE test of 19 different sandpapers in head to head combat.
Most people probably don’t give sandpaper purchases much thought. You need some, so you go to your closest hardware store and pick up the cheapest available option.
But our sandpaper test proved that the difference in value doesn’t only save you time — it can actually save you a sizable amount of cash.
And sure, the money’s nice. But less time sanding?! We can all get behind that.
We first needed to figure out how to quantify value in sandpaper.
Like I said before, I see value as:
For how well it works, we looked at the amount of material removed (in grams) after 25 minutes of sanding.
To test longevity, we broke those 25 minutes into 5 minute intervals and looked at the decline in material removed in each interval.
As a proxy for value, we divided the amount of material removed by the cost of a single sheet, giving us a variable for “price per gram of material removed.”
And let me tell you — the differences between brands were soap opera level dramatic.
This experiment tested 19 of the most popular sandpapers (many by viewer request).
We used 5 inch, 120 grit discs from each brand, and tested them all on a piece of red oak.
To make sure the experiment was fair, we flew out to ATI Industrial Automation in North Carolina, who kindly let us use a robotic random orbital sander capable of exerting an exact amount of pressure across an entire surface.
We set this pressure to 10.78 pounds — about the force you’d put on a random orbital sander while using it yourself.
Then we started the experiment.
Each disc was used to sand the red oak board five times in 5 minute intervals of continuous sanding.
We measured the weight of the board (in grams) before and after each interval to figure out how much material had been removed.
After repeating the experiment for every disc (it literally took four days), we plugged the data into the following equation:
Total material removed in grams / Cost per disc = Cost per gram of material removed
That variable gave us a tangible way to rank the value of each brand.
And if we learned anything, it’s that retail price alone is a terrible indicator of value.
We have all the results available for free in a downloadable pdf (you can get it here) — but let’s look at one example to illustrate.
Makita’s white aluminum oxide sandpaper only costs $0.50 per disc, while 3M’s Cubitron costs $0.84 per disc.
But after 25 minutes of continuous sanding, the Makita disc only removed 4 grams of material — while the 3M disc took off 74 grams in the same amount of time.
That means from a cost per grams removed basis, the Makita discs were $0. while the 3M discs were $0..
Doesn’t sound like a big difference?
To take off 200 grams of material, it would cost you just over $25 with the Makita discs — and $2.28 with the 3M discs.
Even though they’re 68% cheaper upfront, the Makita discs end up costing you almost 200% more down the line.
Can there be a clearer example of value than that?
And the good news is the highest value products aren’t even always the most expensive.
The winner of our sandpaper test (by a longshot) was the 3M Xtract mesh disc — which took off a whopping 114 grams of material and only costs $0.41 per disc.
That’s a cost per gram of material removed of $0. — which means sanding 200 grams of material would cost a mere $0.72.
And besides monetary savings, these sandpapers also save time.
That’s a huge source of value — because the last thing I want to do is spend hours sanding.
Depending on the tool, there are different indicators of what will provide the most value.
Here’s a few tips on what to look out for when it’s time to restock.
Based on our results from the experiment, these are what we found to be shared amongst the top performers:
We’re soon going to be carrying different sandpapers from 3M — so keep your eyes peeled!
You can read more about table saw blades here — but these are the key features to look for:
The CMT blades we carry are all laser cut, come with a proprietary heat protective coating, and have tons of carbide for years of sharpenings.
From thin to full kerf, crosscuts to dados, we’ve got every blade you’ll ever need.
We partnered with BitsBits to release a line of Katz-Moses Tools Signature Router Bits.
They come with BitsBits’ specialty heat-resistant Astra-coating that can extend tool life by 2-4x, and we’ve got a selection of downcut, upcut, compression, spiral flush-trim, and profile bits.
TIP: USE IT RIGHT, KEEP IT CLEAN
The best way to extend the life of your bits and blades is simple:
Use them correctly and keep them clean.
That means you should take the smallest bites you can to keep things from heating up, and don’t push them past their limit.
Make sure to clean off any pitch (sap build up) with a good blade cleaner.
The CMT Blade Cleaner we carry makes it easy to clean off pitch and won’t damage the heat protective coatings (like Simple Green can).
What other “tool tests” would you like to see us do? Let us know in the comments below!
Follow us on Instagram @katzmosestools, on TikTok @katzmoseswoodworking, and check out my YouTube channel for more great woodworking content...
And as always, STAY SAFE IN THE SHOP!
Better tools let you do better work, and with that comes the confidence that you can handle routine home problems. Here’s what to get when you’re ready to upgrade from a basic preassembled toolkit.
Anyone putting together a toolbox should start with these versatile basics.
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A screwdriver may not be as fast as a drill/driver, but it can be better for tight spaces, delicate jobs, and anywhere you need a better feel. Ratcheting models add convenience by letting you turn and reset without removing the bit from the screw.
A truly excellent screwdriverThe MegaPro is the most well-rounded screwdriver we found. It has an ergonomic handle and a smooth ratcheting action, and it comes with all the right bits, storing them conveniently in the handle.
A truly excellent screwdriver Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RD Read the reviewThe MegaPro is the most well-rounded screwdriver we found. It has an ergonomic handle and a smooth ratcheting action, and it comes with all the right bits, storing them conveniently in the handle.
Same screwdriver, different colorIn side-by-side tests, the Channellock and MegaPro performed identically. Other than the color, they’re exactly the same tools. Get whichever costs less.
Same screwdriver, different color Channellock 131CB 13-in-1 Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver Read the reviewIn side-by-side tests, the Channellock and MegaPro performed identically. Other than the color, they’re exactly the same tools. Get whichever costs less.
A good utility knife not only makes quick work of breaking down boxes for recycling and opening plastic packaging but also handles serious tasks like trimming rug pads, slicing open a painted-shut window, or scoring drywall.
The best utility knifeThe 48-22- Fastback can be quickly opened and closed with one hand, and it provides a secure grip and a spot to store five extra blades.
The best utility knife Milwaukee 48-22- Fastback Utility Knife with Blade Storage Read the reviewThe 48-22- Fastback can be quickly opened and closed with one hand, and it provides a secure grip and a spot to store five extra blades.
Similar, but no blade storageThis less expensive version of our pick has the same one-handed action, but it lacks the blade storage.
Similar, but no blade storage Milwaukee 48-22- Fastback Folding Utility Knife Read the reviewThis less expensive version of our pick has the same one-handed action, but it lacks the blade storage.
The best hammers are hefty enough to handle big nails, delicate enough to tack up picture hangers, easy to grip, comfortable to swing, and built to last forever.
A versatile classicAny steel Estwing hammer is a well-balanced striking and demolition tool that redefines what “durable” can mean, and this particular size is easy for most people to swing, with a classic curved claw for easy nail prying.
A versatile classic Estwing E3-16C Read the reviewAny steel Estwing hammer is a well-balanced striking and demolition tool that redefines what “durable” can mean, and this particular size is easy for most people to swing, with a classic curved claw for easy nail prying.
Ideal for lighter workA smaller version of our main pick, this hammer is perfect if you're mainly hanging photos or putting furniture together.
Ideal for lighter work Estwing E3-12C Read the reviewA smaller version of our main pick, this hammer is perfect if you're mainly hanging photos or putting furniture together.
With tape measures, less is more: Look for a tough, durable blade, a smooth, strong lock, and a design stiff enough to stand out several feet yet slim enough to lie flat on a surface. You can skip extra features like auto-locking.
A classic by any measureThe PowerLock is easy to use, durable, affordable, accurate, and capable of doing its job without additional features that aren’t necessary for around-the-house work.
A classic by any measure Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure 25-Foot Read the reviewThe PowerLock is easy to use, durable, affordable, accurate, and capable of doing its job without additional features that aren’t necessary for around-the-house work.
A bigger, tougher optionWith a wider tape, a longer standout, and tougher parts than our pick, the FatMax balances rugged performance with a body that’s (just barely) not too big to be manageable.
A bigger, tougher option Stanley 33-725 25-Feet FatMax Tape Measure Read the reviewWith a wider tape, a longer standout, and tougher parts than our pick, the FatMax balances rugged performance with a body that’s (just barely) not too big to be manageable.
A good adjustable wrench can stand in for a much nicer set of wrenches or sockets to take care of nuts and bolts around the house. It should get into tight spaces, open its jaws wide, and hold a setting under pressure.
Versatile width and a comfortable gripThe Channellock 8WCB has the jaw capacity of a much larger wrench, plus smooth jaw adjustment and a comfortable, padded gripping area.
Versatile width and a comfortable grip Channellock 8WCB WideAzz 8-Inch Adjustable Wrench Read the reviewThe Channellock 8WCB has the jaw capacity of a much larger wrench, plus smooth jaw adjustment and a comfortable, padded gripping area.
Nice jaws, no paddingThe Milwaukee 48-22- has a wide jaw but lacks a padded handle, and the jaws are a hair thicker and a hair shorter, so it’s not as good in the tightest of spots.
Nice jaws, no padding Milwaukee 48-22- 8-Inch Wide Jaw Adjustable Wrench Read the reviewThe Milwaukee 48-22- has a wide jaw but lacks a padded handle, and the jaws are a hair thicker and a hair shorter, so it’s not as good in the tightest of spots.
More than just a secure, organized place for tools, a great toolbox is big enough to hold everything but not so huge that you can’t carry it. And it has enough organization that you can fit (and find) all the tools here plus some spare hardware, too.
Tough, organized, and convenientThis toolbox stores tools vertically, keeping them well organized and easy to grab. While you're carrying it around, the weight doesn’t shift. And with the lid on, it can serve as a seat.
Tough, organized, and convenient Milwaukee 13″ Jobsite Work Box Read the reviewThis toolbox stores tools vertically, keeping them well organized and easy to grab. While you're carrying it around, the weight doesn’t shift. And with the lid on, it can serve as a seat.
Straightforward and satisfyingThis Stanley model doesn’t have the durability or the organized tool storage of our main pick, but it does offer a lot of options for storing smaller items like screws, glue, and picture hangers. It's a nice pick for apartment dwellers.
Straightforward and satisfying Stanley Click ’N’ Connect 2-in-1 Tool Box Read the reviewThis Stanley model doesn’t have the durability or the organized tool storage of our main pick, but it does offer a lot of options for storing smaller items like screws, glue, and picture hangers. It's a nice pick for apartment dwellers.
For things like mirrors and shelves, mounting to a stud is always a good idea—and for heavier things like cabinets or TV brackets, doing so is a must. A good stud finder lets you find the right place to sink a screw securely.
Reliable and accurateEquipped with two magnets, the C.H. Hanson is a basic, durable stud finder that scans twice as fast as the rest without requiring batteries or calibration.
Reliable and accurate C.H. Hanson Magnetic Stud FinderEquipped with two magnets, the C.H. Hanson is a basic, durable stud finder that scans twice as fast as the rest without requiring batteries or calibration.
An electronic optionThe most accurate electronic stud finder we tested scans the wall in 13 places to display the entire width of a stud, and unlike the competition, does not require a fussy calibration process.
An electronic option Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710The most accurate electronic stud finder we tested scans the wall in 13 places to display the entire width of a stud, and unlike the competition, does not require a fussy calibration process.
An excellent little levelOf all the under-$20 torpedo levels we’ve tested, the PH 22 is the easiest to read, even in the dark. It’s durable, rigid, and the only one with a square edge that helps you mark cuts or lay out projects.
An excellent little level Sola PH 22 Flooring Level Read the reviewOf all the under-$20 torpedo levels we’ve tested, the PH 22 is the easiest to read, even in the dark. It’s durable, rigid, and the only one with a square edge that helps you mark cuts or lay out projects.
Tougher, more accurate, more expensiveThe Sola MM 5 25 costs a lot more than the rest, but its aluminum body, removable magnet, and shaded vials for increased visibility make it the best torpedo level for the serious DIY-er.
Tougher, more accurate, more expensive Sola MM 5 25 Read the reviewThe Sola MM 5 25 costs a lot more than the rest, but its aluminum body, removable magnet, and shaded vials for increased visibility make it the best torpedo level for the serious DIY-er.
Sharp, safe, and swiftThree carpenters were blown away by how fast the Shark handsaw cut. Its pull-stroke cutting style is very accurate and easier to use than a traditional push-stroke saw.
Sharp, safe, and swift Shark 10- Carpentry Saw 15-Inch Read the reviewThree carpenters were blown away by how fast the Shark handsaw cut. Its pull-stroke cutting style is very accurate and easier to use than a traditional push-stroke saw.
Not quite as quick a cutAlthough the Irwin is not as fast at cutting as the Shark, it’s a very nice saw with a comfortable handle.
Not quite as quick a cut Irwin 15-inch Carpentry Pull Saw Read the reviewAlthough the Irwin is not as fast at cutting as the Shark, it’s a very nice saw with a comfortable handle.
Between opening paint cans, scraping old coatings out of corners, and filling in for a putty knife on patching work, a good painter’s multitool can assist with every part of the painting process except for the actual painting.
Maximum utilityThis is the only painter’s multitool we found that cleans two sizes of roller covers, and it can also open paint cans, scrape old plaster, and crack a beer, among many other tasks.
Maximum utility Hyde 17-in-1 Read the reviewThis is the only painter’s multitool we found that cleans two sizes of roller covers, and it can also open paint cans, scrape old plaster, and crack a beer, among many other tasks.
A solid standardThe Hyde 6-in-1 doesn’t have the best features of our main pick, but it’s cheap, and you can still use it to open a can of paint, scrape, apply putty, and clean a large roller.
A solid standard Hyde 6-in-1 MultiTool Read the reviewThe Hyde 6-in-1 doesn’t have the best features of our main pick, but it’s cheap, and you can still use it to open a can of paint, scrape, apply putty, and clean a large roller.
Great locking pliers (aka Vise-Grips) combine smooth, precise adjustability with aggressive gripping strength, giving you the ability to grab firmly onto a small object, let go of the pliers, and know that it’s keeping the grip while you work.
Strength, with finesseThe build quality and mechanics of the Grip-On far exceed those of the other models we looked at. All of our testers were surprised that a pair of locking pliers could be so smooth.
Strength, with finesse Grip-On 111-10 Read the reviewThe build quality and mechanics of the Grip-On far exceed those of the other models we looked at. All of our testers were surprised that a pair of locking pliers could be so smooth.
Similar design, not as refinedThe Blackhawk has a design similar to the Grip-On plus a comfortable padded handle, but the build quality isn’t as good.
Similar design, not as refined Blackhawk PT--2 Read the reviewThe Blackhawk has a design similar to the Grip-On plus a comfortable padded handle, but the build quality isn’t as good.
You have to reach, grab, and pull small objects in tight spaces constantly in home repair. A good set of needle-nose pliers makes that easier, and for DIY electrical work on fixtures and switches, this tool and a screwdriver are all you need.
Pliers you can loveThe thick jaws of the Klein pliers make them the perfect tool for grabbing, twisting, and snipping wires (or reaching for a toy behind the couch). They’re pricey, but we think they’re worth it.
Pliers you can love Klein J203-8 Heavy Duty Journeyman Pliers Read the reviewThe thick jaws of the Klein pliers make them the perfect tool for grabbing, twisting, and snipping wires (or reaching for a toy behind the couch). They’re pricey, but we think they’re worth it.
Still good, far cheaperThe jaws aren’t as precise, the pivot isn’t as smooth, and the grip isn’t as secure—but if the Klein pair is beyond your budget, these pliers, at about half the price, will get the job done.
Still good, far cheaper Stanley 89-870 FatMax Long Nose Pliers Read the reviewThe jaws aren’t as precise, the pivot isn’t as smooth, and the grip isn’t as secure—but if the Klein pair is beyond your budget, these pliers, at about half the price, will get the job done.
The most useful all-around gripping tool to have at home is a pair of adjustable pliers. The large jaws can open wide yet remain parallel to each other, making them perfect for grabbing nuts, bolts, pipes, and all kinds of plumbing.
Strong grip, easy adjustmentThe 10-inch Irwin GrooveLock pair has a lifetime warranty, an impressively easy push-button locking system, and comfortable handles.
Strong grip, easy adjustment Irwin Vise-Grip GV10 10-Inch GrooveLock Pliers Read the reviewThe 10-inch Irwin GrooveLock pair has a lifetime warranty, an impressively easy push-button locking system, and comfortable handles.
If you want the absolute bestExceeding the competition by every measure—with a higher price to match—the Knipex Cobra's self-locking feature is flawless, and its jaws adjust to 25 different positions.
If you want the absolute best Knipex 87 02 250 10-Inch Cobra Water Pump Pliers Read the reviewExceeding the competition by every measure—with a higher price to match—the Knipex Cobra's self-locking feature is flawless, and its jaws adjust to 25 different positions.
Hex wrenches or keys (aka Allen wrenches) are essential for installing towel bars, tightening door handles, or assembling IKEA furniture. A good set is well-organized, with wrenches that are easier to store and access.
Standard tools, superior caseThese hex keys (also known as Allen wrenches) are ideal for tight spots, and their easy-to-use case makes it simple to remove and replace even the tiniest wrenches. Backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Standard tools, superior case Tekton 26-piece Long Arm Ball Hex Key Wrench Set Read the reviewThese hex keys (also known as Allen wrenches) are ideal for tight spots, and their easy-to-use case makes it simple to remove and replace even the tiniest wrenches. Backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Good quality, less organizedThese are better-quality wrenches, but they’re more expensive than our main pick. The case doesn’t fold open, so access can be a little awkward.
Good quality, less organized Bondhus L-Wrench Double Pack Read the reviewThese are better-quality wrenches, but they’re more expensive than our main pick. The case doesn’t fold open, so access can be a little awkward.
If you need to change a toy’s batteries, swap out a thermostat, or tighten your sunglasses, you need a precision screwdriver. A basic tool with bit storage is enough for most people, but we also found a comprehensive set for electronics enthusiasts.
Simple but completeThe Maxcraft precision screwdriver is inexpensive and basic, but its onboard bit storage, knurled grip, and good bit selection can meet most people’s needs for working with electronics, toys, and other small hardware.
Simple but complete Maxcraft 7-in-1 Read the reviewThe Maxcraft precision screwdriver is inexpensive and basic, but its onboard bit storage, knurled grip, and good bit selection can meet most people’s needs for working with electronics, toys, and other small hardware.
The enthusiast’s upgradeThe iFixit 64-bit kit has every bit you could ever need for computer and appliance repair, plus many convenient features like a spinning rear cap and a flexible stem. Most people don’t need this much, but this screwdriver has it all.
The enthusiast’s upgrade iFixit Mako Driver Kit Read the reviewThe iFixit 64-bit kit has every bit you could ever need for computer and appliance repair, plus many convenient features like a spinning rear cap and a flexible stem. Most people don’t need this much, but this screwdriver has it all.
These tools may seem perfect for a well-stocked home toolbox, but they’re more for tradespeople, hobbyists, or those who need to work on vehicles.
Although this is essential for work on vehicles and other machinery, most homeowners can get by with an adjustable wrench (or two) and some versatile pliers.
These are great for banging two-by-fours into position, but they’re often too heavy, long, and unwieldy for general around-the-house work, like tapping in picture hangers.
These will be some of the first tools you’ll need if you take up woodworking, and they may come up if you’re doing finish carpentry at home. But until you get into that, hold off.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Valve Opening Key. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.