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About Us

Shop Tool Reviews split off from the Pro Tool Reviews brand. While Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online magazine that has been publishing reviews and industry tool news since 2008, Shop Tool Reviews is a division of that organization that focuses on professional automotive, metalworking and furniture-making tools. Shop Tool Reviews writers help mechanics, shop owners, and furniture makers make successful tool choices for their businesses. When you’re spending thousands of dollars on tools designed to increase productivity and expand your business, a review site dedicated to sharing the low down on some of the hottest industrial and commercial tools is going to be a valuable resource!

Our reviews are written for professionals and business owners who run automotive repair shops, small furniture shops, and metal shops. That’s what Shop Tool Reviews is all about. When your tool purchases can make or break your business, we’re here to show you the tools that can get the job done and help you make the best possible choices.

Shop Tool Reviews is written by mechanics, automotive professionals, and shop owners. You get feedback from the very people who purchase these machines—and then use them on a daily basis to make their workflow more efficient… If you work in an auto body shop, service center, or metalworking shop, you’re going to relate to our writers (and you’ll want to read more and more). We’re making it for you, specifically. Feel free to reach out to them via our Contact page, or via the Comments section below any written review.

Shop Tool Reviews Staff Editors and Writers

Tim Johnson

Director

Having a love of automobiles that stems from his father’s racing days, Tim has spent a lifetime around cars and trucks. From restoring and renovating them as well as fixing them when they break, Tim always has a tool handy. He currently resides in central Florida with his wife and 5 kids where he divides his time as a mentor, devoted father, loving husband, and jungle gym. Tim Johnson owns and operates Shop Tool Reviews, and his experience with automotive tools and shops gives him a uniquely honed perspective in this area. Read more...

Clint DeBoer

Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

When he’s not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another for over two decades. In 2008, Clint was one of the founders of Pro Tool Reviews. He also created the Pro Tool Innovation Awards in 2013 as a way to recognize the “movers and shakers” in the industry. In 2017 he launched OPE Reviews for the professional landscaper and heavy equipment operator. He hopes his efforts will provide tradesmen, builders, contractors, landscapers, mechanics, and shop owners with reliable and engaging tool reviews to help them make better purchasing decisions. Read more...

Kenny Koehler

Managing Editor Emeritus

An avid endurance athlete, Kenny has competed in triathlons (he’s an Ironman) and various other fitness activities. Still, his passions lie with his faith, family, friends, and now—his growing love for well-designed power tools. You’ll often find Kenny chatting up engineers at media events to better understand the chemistry and physics behind tool technology. His chief responsibility is managing the massive amount of content that flows through Pro Tool Reviews, but he continues to occasionally contribute content to Shop Tool Reviews. Kenny continues to keep in shape by being a loving father to two very active twins! Read more...

Shop Tool Reviews Writers and Reviewers

Jonathan Bucklew Reviewer

Chief designer & fabricator of Seventeen20, Jonathan is a professional musician turned furniture-maker. He’s spent the last two decades years twirling drumsticks for multiple bands including Copeland, States, and Anchor & Braille. His affinity for industrial modern design has been inspired in part by his travels, though his current inspiration comes from his biggest project in recent years: The Joinery—an upscale and modern food hall in downtown Lakeland, Florida.Jonathan not only tackles reviews for Pro Tool Reviews, but he also spends quite a bit of time crafting ideas and articles for the Shop Tool Reviews website.

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Michael Lucas Reviewer

Michael has owned Michael’s Auto Detailing for more than 30 years. He’s been using all manner of tools to provide anything from body restoration to high speed buffing and polishing to make older cars look like new. Obviously, this gives Michael a lot of experience with both pneumatic—and now new cordless—tools and the accessories that go with them. We look forward to working with Michael to find out which products and accessories work the best and last the longest. Michael is married to the love of his life and has one son and one daughter. If he’s not polishing on a car, then he’s spending time with his family.

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Tom Gaige Reviewer

Tom is one of the original founders of Pro Tool Reviews. He has over twenty years of experience in residential and commercial construction. He’s been a project manager at an engineering firm, started his own architectural design company, and finally owned and operated a residential construction company as a licensed contractor in South Carolina.As one of our Shop Tool Reviews writers, it also helps that Tom’s been working on vehicles (his and others) for over two decades. Tom’s specialties are problem-solving and attention to detail—two traits that are apparent each time he tests and reviews power tools.

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Robert Bellew Reviewer

Robert has been restoring and painting cars since he could drive. He was taught early by his grandfather and further self-taught by countless hours of working with the best. Of course, possibly the most important tutor is trial and error—and he’s got tons of that under his belt!Robert has a love for Oldsmobile 442 muscle cars, and he can be found working on classics every day of the week. His hobby and passion have turned into his profession—a factor that’s kept him going for the past 15 years. His finished products speak for themselves.

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