The following reviews of measuring tools includes tape measures, box levels, squares, and laser measuring devices. That last category is becoming more and more extravagant. Advanced laser measures can be used for both distance as well as calculating volume and area from multiple measurements. For level reviews, new measuring tools include laser systems that can generate horizontal, vertical, and plumb lines simultaneously. Level Reviews, Squares & Measuring Tools on the Jobsite Aside from the tools mentioned above, we also review new smart tools with Bluetooth functionality so tradesmen can understand what works—and what’s gimmicky. There’s also the new Bosch digital levels, Milwaukee InkZall liquid paint markers, Empire Level laser etched squares, and the Fluke VT02 Visual Infrared IR thermometer. As technology improves, our reviews continue to analyze and compare modern tools against the trade and true performers. In this way we can see if new advances improve or just make more complex the tools we use. The last thing we want is to slow down the process of layout and measuring.
In our series on woodworking measuring and marking tools, we covered many ways of measuring. This time, we want to focus on how to use precision measuring tools like calipers and feeler gauges to get our accuracy down to 0.001” or greater. When I took cabinetmaking in college, we built a wooden toolbox. We dropped […]
Let’s go ahead and get this out of the way. The term Speed Square was invented by the first manufacturer of them, Swanson Tool Company (link). Though they dislike it when people use the term generically, it’s too late. The name stuck, rather like Kleenex or Sawzall. Technically they are called rafter squares or some […]
Find the measuring & marking tools you want, for the price you need When you have an idea in your head, drawn on plans/blueprints, or you are just winging it, you need to transfer that to your materials. You can get a lot done with just a tape measure, pencil, and square. To want to […]
Going green on your lasers gives you better visibility, but even interior lighting limits how far you can see green beams compared to their full potential. Following the successful launch of green plane and line lasers, the Milwaukee 165-Foot Laser Line Detector extends your range beyond what your eyes can see. Milwaukee 165-Foot Laser Line […]
Crescent Power Tapes Easier to Carry and Easier to Read Crescent Tools has launched another tape measure line under the Lufkin brand. The Crescent Lufkin Chrome Power Tapes feature some aesthetic design changes that make these tape measures easier to read and easier to carry. Crescent Chrome Power Tapes: The Big Deal The Chrome Power […]
Kapro 905DG Digital Level Packs Innovation and Accuracy Into Jobsite-Tough Design We recently had the chance to take the Kapro 905DG Digital Level to the jobsite. Our experience with Kapro has historically been really positive. The brand specializes in accurate and durable level designs that stand out in something of a crowded market space. Case […]
Klein Digital Level and Plumber’s Kit Find Correct Angles on Metallic AND Non-Metallic Pipes The Klein Digital Level features programmable angles for the quick and simple measuring of offset angles and tilts from true level. There’s no doubt that you’ll find this digital level—with its magnetic properties—particularly helpful with metal pipe and conduit. But, what […]
Johnson Ultra-Bright Green Laser Offers One-Man Alignment, Leveling, and Layout Johnson Level released a new Self Leveling 3×360 Laser with its GreenBrite Technology. This particular Johnson green line laser is self-leveling and projects three ultra-bright 360-degree planes of laser light to cover the total jobsite—up to 200 ft. A pulse mode also lets you use […]
Next-Gen Bosch Blaze Armed with 11 Different Measuring Functions and Better Range Bosch has just announced they’ve updated the Blaze line of laser measures. The second generation of these measuring tools come equipped with 11 different measuring functions and a range of up to 165 feet. Along with the improved functionality, the Blaze line also […]
Kapro Pipe Level Clips Onto Pipe Easily and Securely V-groove magnetic levels might have been the historic solution to leveling your pipes, but they haven’t been without their challenges. They don’t always hold well, and it seems like they hit the ground as soon as you take your attention off of them for a second. […]
