Kershaw's Clash, model 1605X, is possibly one of the more attractive assisted-open folding knives we've seen in a while. It fits the hand perfectly, is easy to use, and has a glass-filled nylon handle that's just grippy enough, but remains comfortable as you use it. The drop point blade has a nice belly and comes with a bead-blasted finish. We used the Speedsafe-enabled Clash in a variety of applications and carried it for weeks. We have to say, once you pick up this knife and start to use it, you may not put it down again... at least not anywhere your friends might "accidentally" walk away with it!
Tape measures are great, but for anyone who's done layout work or estimated for a significant construction project, you aren't going to get much joy out of dragging out a physical tape 200 feet tape measure. The new Johnson Level and Tool 40-6005 Laser Distance Measure is a tool that takes the walking and dragging out of the distance measuring game. It's super compact in size, yet it has an incredibly useful range. But that's all common features of a technology that's commonplace now. Where Johnson attempts to distinguish itself is in its flexibility and speed. The Johnson Level 40-6005 can handle taking measurements from as little as 2 inches out to its maximum of 230 feet. On top of that, it's lighting quick, thanks to a fast on-board processor that delivers results faster than just about any other similarly-priced laser distance measure we've used. Accuracy is also an astounding +/- 1/16 of an inch - even out at long distances. And, just to make sure that you are on target, a built-in laser pointer shows you exactly where you are aiming. Now let's break down the features a little at a time.
For some, a hammer isn't all that important. If you're serious about tools, however, or a framer by trade, a hammer is an extension of your arm and something you use almost all the time. With that being the case, issues like weight, features, and balance become very important. In fact, when you're striking nails almost non-stop, it's possible to actually calculate the time-is-money factor, and you'll see that your choice of hammer becomes something that could net you literally hours of labor-savings over the course of a year. It was with that mentality that we turned our fascination to Hart's line of Mill-faced Steel Framing Hammers.
Craftsman is taking on the big boys - or at least the big boys who like to listen to tunes while they work. Last week at CES, Craftsman revealed a couple new tool chests that really got our attention. The first piqued our interest because it was coated in a completely matte black finish. That's right, black as the night sky in a Kansas... you get the idea. The main thing Craftsman was about, however, was its other rolling tool chest. The big one with the speakers on the front. The new Contour Powered Series of tool rolling chests feature a power tool recharging station that can recharge up to four tools or personal electronics devices.
The Kershaw Compound 1940ST is a partially serrated knife that features the company's Speedsafe assisted open and a durable glass-filled nylon handle with pocket clip. The knife is a tad unusual in that the handle tapers down to a very thin, just 5/8-inch depth at the base of the handle. With a partially serrated blade, the Compound 1940ST is perfectly suited for both slicing and cutting tougher cords or rope. We liked the weight of the knife and the way it fit snugly and deeply into our pocket, with only the smallest amount peeking out - so as an every day carry (EDC) knife this may be an excellent choice for you.
For some, a hammer isn't all that important. If you're serious about tools, however, or a framer by trade, a hammer is an extension of your arm and something you use almost all the time. With that being the case, issues like weight, features, and balance become very important. In fact, when you're striking nails almost non-stop, it's possible to actually calculate the time-is-money factor, and you'll see that your choice of hammer becomes something that could net you literally hours of labor-savings over the course of a year. It was with that mentality that we turned our fascination to Hart's line of Mill-faced Framing Hammers.
The Gyros 58-21836 Magnalite Pocket Pro Cordless Work Light is a great work light for repair professionals, autos mechanics and for use at home thanks to its magnetic base and bright light output.
Irwin has released a new line of levels, dubbed the 2500 Series and they are marketing them in an unusual way. To demonstrate how tough they are, the company took a Chevy Silverado with 3,360 pounds of front axle weight and drove it across both a pair of Stabila Type 196 levels and a pair of their new 2500 Series levels. The Stabila levels folded under the pressure, but the 2500s held firm with just a slight bow in the middle. It's an impressive demo and now perhaps you can use your levels to square up your shed and then make a ramp to drive your tractor into it... or not. In either case, the frame of the new levels are made with thick-walled high-grade aluminum. It's gotta be pretty thick indeed to stand up to that type of stress.
There are many things to consider when looking for a level and the new Sola RB48 Big Red 48" High Profile Aluminum Box Level really appeals to pro users thanks to its many on-target features. Extra large shockproof acrylic block vials makes it easy to quickly and accurately see if your project is plumb or level. With a thick wall aluminum box frame design, accuracy is maintained, yet the level never feels unwieldy due to its lightweight construction. With a lifetime warranty and great features like phosphorescent vials, we are excited to see this European brand coming to North America.
Not only is bamboo an eco-friendly material; when properly prepared and finished it can be be made into durable and beautiful things like the new Johnson Level 1600-4800 48-Inch Eco-Tech Bamboo Level. This new level is made of laminated bamboo which makes it very abrasive resistant, incredibility strong and a real joy to use. While it might weigh a little more than its aluminum counterparts, there is something to be said about the natural feel of a wood (or in this case bamboo) level and we like it.
Everybody we talk to loves LED flashlights. Coast just came out with its new HP7 which boasts 207 ANSI lumens - that is bright! The flashlight is also becoming popular due to Coast products showing up all over Lowe's. More and more people are becoming familiar with the brand and, as a result, it's extensive line of high-end LED-based flashlight products. The HP7 has some impressive specs and features, even beyond the bright output of the Cree-style LED. We were more than happy to lend our critique to the new flashlight and see if it's array of features, functions and flash were as impressive as we were hearing about.
See All Articles In This Section
