The 5 Most Underrated Tools Costco Carries (And Which We'd Recommend)

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Whether a tool is underrated is subjective, but if you have a lot of experience, it's worth considering a surprising recommendation. Here are five great deals on tools at Costco that we think you'd be better off with - and a couple that you shouldn't be without. We've found tools that make it easier to move things, clean up, and push things out of the way, a tool with superhuman strength thanks to lithium power, a workshop essential at an unbeatable price, and a way to make your workshop portable without sacrificing power.

This cable can handle up to 20 amps, and it's extra reliable and has plenty of power, thanks to its SJTW designation, which makes it weather-resistant and has a durable covering that can handle up to 300 volts. (Just to be clear, the 300-volt rating is a technical specification, so don't try to use it at that voltage, and keep in mind that this reel is mainly designed for indoor use, with occasional outdoor use allowed.)

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Link2Home Cord Reel

Power tools usually need 20 amps when paired with almost any other tool, which is more than an average extension cord can safely handle. The cord reel has a three-year warranty and on Amazon, customers have given it 4.6 stars out of 5, based on 448 reviews. On average, other Link2Home cord reels receive 4.54 stars from Amazon customers.

Some reviewers dispute Link2Home's description, claiming the "heavy-duty metal steel drum" is actually made of thin, flexible metal. They also argue that the tangle-free cord management system is ineffective because the spool spins too freely, allowing tangles to form. Others have trouble rewinding the cable onto the spool. Nevertheless, the majority are enthusiastic about the product and find it indispensable for DIY projects, making it a must-have item to purchase at Costco.

This is a portable, lightweight hand truck, also known as a "Magna Cart" or "Magna Cart Hand Truck".

We praised the 800-to-1000-pound capacity of Costco's 4-in-1 Convertible Hand Truck, but the Magna Cart is a different kind of device. It's designed more for moving boxes and bins of items we're trying to keep organized. However, this 150-pound-capacity cart can still handle some serious tasks, even moving large appliances. For example, many electric stoves, even 30-inch models, weigh 150 pounds or less. A standard residential clothes dryer typically weighs less than 150 pounds, and medium-capacity top-loading washing machines usually do as well. You'll have to make do without the straps that most appliance dollies offer, though. People who bought the Magna Cart generally agree about its capabilities; based on over 100 reviews across the Costco site and Amazon, it has an average rating of 4.4 stars.

There are very few complaints in the relatively small number of negative reviews. The most common issue mentioned is the wheel size, with one reviewer preferring a previous Magna Cart model with larger wheels, as it allows for easier navigation when there are large gaps between subway trains and platforms. A few users also expressed concern that the aluminum frame flexes a bit when loaded, giving the impression that it might break, although no one reported that their cart actually did break.

DeWalt 8-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum

Acknowledging the need for flexibility in its design and features, this stainless-steel vacuum includes four swiveling casters for effortless movement, a 12-foot cord, and a comprehensive set of accessories and attachments to tackle nearly any vacuuming task. Driven by a 5-horsepower motor, it circulates air at 90 cubic-feet-per-minute (cfm) in multiple directions, allowing it to function as both a wet-dry vacuum and a leaf blower. The wet functions are not an afterthought, as the device automatically turns off when filled with water, features a large drain for quick emptying, and comes with a washable wet-dry cartridge filter (HEPA filters and disposable vacuum bags are also available). It has received an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 800 combined reviews on Costco and Amazon.

Some reviewers are skeptical about the vacuum's reputation. It's made by Alton Industry, and some people think it doesn't meet the high standards associated with DeWalt products, especially when it comes to the attachments. A few users have difficulty connecting to dust collection ports, even on other DeWalt tools. Others mention that it's surprisingly loud. However, the product still has an average rating of 4.6 stars, and most customers are very satisfied with the vacuum. Considering its price of $94.99 (a similar model, the DXV08S, costs $139.00 on Amazon), the Costco deal is a great value.

Trailer Valet MV Pro - Automatic Trailer Mover

It really depends on how you define "need," but in a nutshell, this thing is a powerful tool, so you don't have to be overwhelmed.

The MV Pro, available through Costco's premium brand service, is designed to handle a 12,000-pound trailer with a weight distribution that keeps the tongue weight under 1,400 pounds. It can pull a boat, ATV, utility trailer, or other trailer up a 5% (2.9 degree) grade using only your guidance and a 20-24V non-impact drill driver, which is not included. The mover has two gear ratios to optimize speed and torque in any situation, solid, deeply treaded tires for traction, and a durable, powder-coated, zinc-nickel-plated steel body. Use the MV Pro to move trailers in tight spaces without a vehicle (or without the skill to use a vehicle in tight spaces) and avoid damaging expensive things that cost more than $599.99. If the price of $599.99 is a concern, remember that it's lower than many battery-powered trailer movers with similar specs.

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A tool with a 3.5-star rating might not usually impress, but a closer examination reveals that this compressor is definitely worth taking a second look. In any home workshop, an air compressor is an essential tool, and for $139.99, a 125-psi, 8-gallon, 65-dBA air compressor is a great value. This device can handle most of the tasks you'd want a compressor for, such as spray-painting, inflating tires, sandblasting, blowing off sawdust, inflating pool and kids' toys, and running pneumatic tools at a moderate pace.

The price is $251.90. The only drawbacks were the short 90-day warranty and a few instances of defective compressors, so be sure to test it thoroughly as soon as you get it home.

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