Standards
Last updated: September 13, 2026
This policy explains how DIY Tool Guide develops articles, distinguishes sourced facts from editorial judgment, handles corrections, and keeps commercial relationships separate from recommendations.
Editorial conclusions are made for readers, not retailers, manufacturers, affiliate networks, or advertisers. A commercial relationship does not guarantee inclusion, favorable language, a ranking, or continued coverage. Editorial criticism is not removed merely because a product has an affiliate destination.
We choose topics around real reader decisions: selecting a first tool, comparing compatible battery platforms, matching capacity to a project, understanding package contents, and avoiding common purchasing or use mistakes. Search interest and recurring questions may help identify a topic, but they do not determine the answer.
Products may be included because they represent a relevant size, feature set, battery ecosystem, price position, configuration, or alternative. We prefer exact current model numbers and like-for-like comparisons. A product is not automatically added merely because a retailer offers a commission.
Availability, model revisions, bare-tool versus kit status, included batteries and chargers, regional differences, and seller condition can materially affect a purchase. Readers should verify those details at the destination before ordering.
We prioritize primary sources for factual product claims. Depending on the subject, these may include manufacturer product pages, instruction manuals, compatibility documentation, warranty terms, safety notices, recall information, and official agency guidance. Retailer listings may help establish current availability or package details, but they are not treated as the final authority when they conflict with a manufacturer document.
Specifications are attributed to the exact model whenever practical. We avoid converting unlike measurements, transferring one model's result to an entire brand, or presenting manufacturer marketing language as independently verified performance.
A published cut depth, speed range, battery interface, warranty period, or package list is a product fact that should be traceable to a source. A conclusion such as “better for a first-time homeowner” is editorial judgment. That judgment should explain the relevant trade-offs rather than hiding them behind an unsupported score.
We do not claim that every product has been purchased, physically handled, or tested. When an article relies on documented hands-on work or a controlled test, it should state the method, configuration, conditions, and limitations. Otherwise, the article is based on research, published specifications, compatibility information, and practical selection criteria.
Factual concerns are reviewed against the cited source and, when necessary, additional primary documentation. Material errors should be corrected promptly. Minor spelling or formatting fixes may be made without a correction note; substantive changes that alter a recommendation, specification, safety point, or conclusion should be reflected in the article's update information or explanatory text where appropriate.
To report a possible error, use the contact page and include the article URL, disputed statement, and supporting source if available.
Articles display a publication date and may display a separate updated date. An updated date indicates that the page was materially reviewed or revised; it should not be changed solely to make old content appear new. Model status, source links, compatibility rules, warranty language, and recommendation context may be revisited as products change.
Some pages are prepared to contain affiliate links. If a qualifying link is active, the site may receive a commission after a purchase or other eligible action. Affiliate commissions do not determine topic selection, product inclusion, rankings, or conclusions. The site does not treat an affiliate relationship as evidence of product quality.
Pages with commercial intent use visible disclosure language, and affiliate links are identified in the site's markup. Any sponsored or paid placement, if accepted, must be labeled so it is distinguishable from independent editorial content. See the full affiliate disclosure.
Questions about this policy, a source, a correction, or a commercial disclosure can be raised through the contact page.
