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.
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.
Porter-Cable launched a couple of brand new Infrared Thermometers, the 18V-powered PCC581B and the 9V-powered PCC582B. These infrared thermometers are very different from the ones we've seen in the past, incorporating a three-color indicator beam that indicates changes in temperature visually. When you pull the trigger, the thermometer takes a reference temperature reading while it paints a green circle beam onto the surface at which it is aimed. The colors change when a difference in temperature is detected as it is scans across an area. A blue beam identifies a cool spot, and a red beam shows a hot spot.
The Johnson Level 1812-0025 Stud-Squared is the love-child offspring between a tape measure and a square. The general idea is that you can use the tape to both measure and mark a straight line on dimensional lumber with relative ease. No more making your mark and then looking for a square or straight edge to complete the perpendicular cutting line. Without even having to extend the marking ruler, you can scribe across a regular 2x4 since it shares the same width.
DeWalt put out a brand new Line Laser, its DW089K, which improves on its past DW088K by adding some new features like a micro adjust knob for easy alignment, a metal "roll cage" for durability, and an integrated pivot bracket and universal wall mount that is perfect for installing acoustical ceiling tile. In particular, the micro adjust knob is especially handy as it lets pros adjust the 90-degree layout lines in small increments without having to nudge the laser or adjust a tripod to hit a specific mark. To make the beam more visible, the DW089K uses a laser that is twice as bright as the DW088K.
Many might think that once you have used one tape measure, you have used them all; and to this person I would say that you really need to try out the DeWalt DWHT33385L 25ft Tape Measure. This tape measure includes a number of features and upgrades that most casual users and professionals will quickly appreciate. The blade lock is among the best we have used and the extra large blade tip makes hooking the tape super easy on just about any side. With a 13 ft stand out, reaching and working by yourself is easier thanks to the rigid blade.
We recently got back from Bosch's Global Leadership Tour media event and were fascinated by all the new tools they are working on. One tool that we saw LAST year, however, was the Bosch WallscannerD-Tect 150. This tool uses Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) radar technology and is the first detector at a sub-$1000 price point that detects rebar, water-filled PVC, copper piping (non-ferrous metal), wood studs and live wiring. The BoschD-Tect 150 does more than detect these materials, though, it gives the user material type, depth, and relative width information. The D-Tect 150 works through concrete, wet concrete, and even deep concrete up to 6". In fact, you can use it in any of seven surface modes.
If you're cutting drywall, then invariably you've run across the need for an accurate drywall square. For more complex cuts, a model like the aluminum Swanson 48" Adjustable Drywall Square gives you the flexibility to cut angles without having to reach for another tool. It features a fully-adjustable head that locks into place with a positive 90-degree stop, but can also support 30, 45, 60, and 75-degree angles and anything in between. This is the perfect one-stop tool for drywall professionals who find themselves wanting to layout and cut multiple angles on a single sheet for more difficult rooms or applications.
When Swanson sent us their newest 7" Speed Bevel, we didn't realize the new inexpensive orange ABS plastic composite square would quickly become our all-around go-to tool for odd jobs and miscellaneous angle measurements. Swanson, who brought us the original Speed Square, built some new innovation into the Speed Bevel. While it doesn't excel in build quality, it does have a really good function as a low-cost multi-purpose solution for finding angles, making quick cut measurements, and serving as a stop-gap protractor.
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