Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

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Levels, Squares & Measuring Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

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.

Sola BR48 Big Red 48" Aluminum Level Review
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Sola BR48 Big Red 48-inch Aluminum Level Review

by Thomas Gaige

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.

Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Preview
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Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Preview

by Clint DeBoer

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.

Johnson Level 1812-0025 Stud-Squared Review
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Johnson Level 1812-0025 Stud-Squared Review

by Matthias Gaige

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 2×4 since it shares the same width.

DeWalt DW089K Line Laser Level Preview
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DeWalt DW089K Line Laser Level Preview

by Clint DeBoer

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.

Bosch D-Tect 150 Wallscanner plumbing
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Bosch D-Tect 150 Wallscanner Preview

by Clint DeBoer

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.

DeWalt DWHT33385 25ft Tape Measure Review
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DeWalt DWHT33385 25ft Tape Measure Review

by Thomas Gaige

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.

Swanson TOSB01 7" Speed Bevel Review
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7-inch Swanson TOSB01 Speed Bevel Review

by Clint DeBoer

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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