Powered by You the Consumer
Helping you choose the right tools before you buy
Tools In Action is an online publication dedicated to the world of power tools, outdoor power equipment, grilling, outdoor products and more. Since 2003, we have been helping professionals, homeowners, tool enthusiasts and DIYers make informed decisions.
Our Story
Tools In Action was founded in 2003 by Eric Jopp and Dan Maxey under the name Professional Power Tool Guide. Our original goal was to create helpful guides and information for professionals and homeowners. We still hold true to that goal, and we have grown to include much more.
Today, Tools In Action is a trusted source of information for people all across the world. We reach buyers through our website, our power tool forum and our social media channels.
Our mission: to give professionals, homeowners, tool enthusiasts and DIYers clear, useful information about products before they make a purchase.
What We Cover
Power Tools
Drills, saws, sanders and the rest of the tools that get the job done, for the jobsite and the home shop.
Outdoor Power Equipment
Mowers, blowers, generators and other outdoor power equipment (OPE) for the yard and beyond.
Grilling
Grills and grilling gear for the backyard cook.
Outdoor Products and More
Outdoor products and other gear worth knowing about before you buy.
Our tagline
Powered by You the Consumer
Our readers are part of everything we do. Questions, comments and conversations from our community help shape what we cover. TIA Members have shared their real-world experience on our power tool forum, and our Reviews by You program lets consumers submit their own video reviews.
Meet the Team
Eric Jopp
Founder
Eric is a huge Cubs fan and says math is his strong point. His passion is spending time with his wife and two children.
Dan Maxey
Editor
Dan was born in the UK and moved to the USA when he was 7 years old. When he isn’t out boating, he is working on projects around the house.
Kiaya Freeze
Writer and Editor
Before joining Tools In Action, Kiaya and her husband lived through a four-year DIY home renovation, then sold their home to travel the country full-time in an RV with their two toddlers and their 90 lb. Alaskan Malamute. She brings knowledge and experience in DIY home remodeling, decor and crafts, RVs and camping, and family activities.
When she’s not working or caring for her family, you can find Kiaya on her yoga mat, taking nature walks with her dog, making a mess in the kitchen, or reading and writing (yes, more writing).
Kathryn Emery
Home Improvement and Lifestyle Expert
Kathryn has more than 20 years of experience in the home improvement and lifestyle industry. She is a passionate, vivacious and knowledgeable expert who helps people create their best home space with confidence and fun.
She is the founder of BeTheBestHome.com, a company that provides media and content services for home-related products, trends, innovations, trade shows and retail events. A versatile and engaging storyteller, Kathryn can be seen on stage, on screen, online and in print. Find her on social media at @kathrynemerytv.
John Miller
Woodworker
John has been woodworking, building his shop and collecting tools since 2000. His passion is spending time with his wife and two kids, and he especially enjoys coaching his daughter’s softball teams, which takes up nearly all summer. He is a lifelong fan of the Michigan State University Spartans and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When he isn’t spending time with his family, John is in his workshop or working on a home improvement project.
Get in Touch
Have a question or want to learn more about Tools In Action? We would love to hear from you.