Top 10 High-Tech Gadgets for Home Improvement Projects

Technology continues to make life easier -- from entertainment to preparing dinner and even for home improvement projects. The following is a list of 10 high-tech home improvement gadgets that will save you time and make life easier.

Digital Torque Wrench: Great for plumbing home improvements, this gadget displays the torque on a large digital display allowing you to read the amount of torque more easily. Average price: A digital torque wrench can be purchased from $100 up to $1,500.

Laser Leveler: Works like a regular wall leveler, but with a technological addition of a laser that runs along the wall to give you a visual straight line. It's a perfect gadget for hanging pictures. Average price: Everyday "around the house" laser levelers cost around $30.

Electronic Stud Finder: Finding wall studs to bear the load is necessary for hanging anything heavy on the wall. Electronic stud finders detect studs hidden in the drywall in a much quicker and reliable way than the old "tap the wall" test. Average price: Electronic stud finders range in price from $20 to $70.

Shop Vac Toolbox: This toolbox has a tiny Shop Vac installed to the top that doesn't add much weight or bulk to the unit. Cleanup is quicker and easier as opposed to dragging a trashcan size Shop Vac into the work space. Average price: The Shop Vac toolbox costs $70.

Laser Measuring Tape: This tape measure uses a laser that measures the distance between walls eliminating the need to anchor one end of the tape measure down while dragging the tape measure across the room. Average price: The laser tape measure runs between $40 and $60.

Electricity Meter: Measuring electric output requires an electricity meter. This tool is not only a high-tech gadget, it's mandatory for electric home improvements. Average price: Electricity meters vary in price but start at $25.

Snake Light: When you need light for a hard to reach area, a snake light is just would the gadget for the job. Snake lights are flexible flashlights that can maneuver into hard to reach places to give you light. Average price: You can find strong durable snake lights for $20.

Electric Screwdriver: Electric screwdrivers do all the twisting of the screw while the handle still remains in your hand. Electric screwdrivers are perfect for older people or anyone with hand-gripping problems. They also come in handy for tight spaces where you don't have enough room to move your hand to twist a conventional screwdriver. Average price: Electric screwdrivers start at $20.

Magnetic Tool Belt: A dropped tool can cause injury or at very least inconvenience. Increase the security of your tools by holstering them with a magnetic tool belt. Average price: Magnetic tool belts can be purchased for $40.

LED Finger Lights: Working in a dark area usually requires two hands, one to use the tool and the other to hold the flashlight. With a LED finger light, you can get all the light you need from one of the fingers on the same hand you are using to work your tool freeing up your other hand. Average price: LED finger lights only cost $3.

Sources:

"Hi Tech Gadgets to Update Your Home Improvement Kit , " DailyVecCorrespondent

"Home Improvement Gadgets," Best Stuff

"Hang Pictures Faster with a Laser Level," HomeDepot Moving

Seth Porges, "Low-Tech Stretched in Stud-Finder Showdown: Abusive Lab Test, " Popular Mechanics

J. Beam, "What is a Snake Light?" WiseGeek

"Electric Screwdriver," Air Screwdriver

"Magnetic Carpenter's Tool Belt," MDG Tools

"Led Finger Lights , " Utopia Tools

" How do I measure the amount of electricity something uses? " Michael Blue Jay