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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.

Porter Cable QuickJig 560 Pocket Hole Joinery System First Look
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Porter Cable QuickJig 560 Pocket Hole Joinery System First Look

by Clint DeBoer

Porter Cable just announced the Quick Jig 560 Pocket Hole Joinery System. We don’t do a ton of these, but it actually looks to be very flexible and built like a tank, so you don’t have to worry about drift when using it repeatably over several pieces. In addition, the 560 has an automatic depth control system that allows for easy set up for different material thicknesses (up to 1-1/2″ thick). That means less setup time and a whole lot less computations on where you’re going to place your holes. There’s even a repeatable self-adjusting clamp that adjusts automatically. Variable spaced bushings allow a variety of positions for the pocket holes and a handy screw length gauge recommends the appropriate screw length for the material thickness.

Empire Level e2992 Hi-Vis Rafter Square Preview
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Empire Level e2992 Hi-Vis Rafter Square Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Rafter squares may not seem like a tool that needs much innovation, but Empire Level Mfg. Corp., maker of the True Blue series of levels as well as the DLX10 DeWalt Series Level, tweaked theirs to offer the most productive features they could come up with. Their new e2992 Hi-Vis Rafter Square is designed to offer added visibility, safety, durability and convenience. To do this, they went to the drawing board, literally, and came up with a design that would make sense to roofing and engineering professionals who use this type of tool nearly every day.

Bosch DLR130K Laser Distance Measurer Review
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Bosch DLR130K Laser Distance Measurer Review

by Thomas Gaige

Imagine being able to accurately measure distances anywhere from two inches up to 130 ft away with a tool that is not much bigger than a cell phone. With the new Bosch DLR130K Laser Distance Measurer you get pin-point accuracy down to 1/16″ of an inch with just the click of a button. Real estate appraisers, contractors and interior decorators will appreciate the easy to use functions and how much this laser distance measurer will speed up calculating areas and estimating materials for their projects.

Swanson 24" Magnetic Lightning Level Review BLL24M
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Swanson 24″ Magnetic Lightning Level Review BLL24M

by Clint DeBoer

Everyone needs a good level. When you’re working in dimly lit areas such as walk-in closets, attics or work sheds, a lighted level seems just the thing to make a common task much easier to manage. Swanson’s most recent line of levels, including their Savage line of torpedo levels, have always done a good job of capturing a great amount of the available light within their vials – making them easier to view. With their new Lightning Level, however, Swanson Tools takes it to a new level and uses a couple of AAA batteries to send this level where few have gone before.

Bosch GLR225 Laser Distance Measure Preview
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Bosch GLR225 Laser Distance Measure Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Bosch Measuring Tools has introduced the GLR225 laser distance measure, the latest addition to its award-winning line of laser measuring tools. The GLR225 laser distance measurer is a quality product that downloads accuracy into a tool designed to fit into a pocket or tool pouch. Able to perform a wide variety of distance measuring tasks, the GLR225 is ideal for builders, remodelers, project estimators, appraisers, architects, flooring contractors, interior decorators, plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, real estate agents and more.

Bosch GLL2-80 Dual Plane Leveling and Alignment Laser Review
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Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Bosch GLL2-80 Dual Plane Leveling and Alignment Laser gives users the functionality of a much larger rotary laser level combined with the convenience of a compact jobsite tool. To make it even better, Bosch gives you both horizontal and/or vertical 360 degree planes with just the push of a button. You can use this tool alone, with the mount included in the kit, or with a tripod depending on your needs.

Black & Decker BDL170 BULLSEYE Auto-Leveling Laser Review
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Black and Decker BDL170 Bullseye Auto-Leveling Laser

by Thomas Gaige

The Black & Decker BDL170 BULLSEYE Auto-Leveling Laser is just the ticket if you are trying to put up chair rail, install wallpaper borders or hang pictures in a row. What’s even better is that it comes with a temporary hands free mount so that you can stick it on a wall and then use both hands to make marks or mount what you need on the wall. The auto leveling feature makes it a cinch to use too.

Black & Decker Accu-Mark Level wall
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Black & Decker BDSL10 36-Inch Accu-Mark Level Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Black & Decker BDSL10 36-Inch Accu-Mark Level makes it a simple task to precisely hang decorative items on your wall by taking all the guesswork out of where to position the hangers on the wall. Simple and effective solutions to common problems are things that we like to see in the tool world. When you add new functionality to an already versatile tool like a level, we think it is brilliant.

Zircon MetalliScanner MT6 Review
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Zircon MT6 MetalliScanner Review

by Thomas Gaige

Ever wonder if they put all the hurricane strapping in your house or if your concrete slab is reinforced with steel? Well you don’t have to wonder any more if you use a Zircon MT6 MetalliScanner. This tool will locate and indicate the approximate depth of both magnetic and non-magnetic metals up to 6″ deep in most all nonmetallic construction materials. With this tool, you can figure out where the metal is before your expensive drill bit or saw blade does.

Swanson TS149 9” Sliding T-Bevel Review
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Swanson Sliding Bevel TS149 Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Swanson TS149 9″ Sliding T-Bevel is a classic yet modern tool that the craftsman can use everyday for all types of woodworking projects, either as an angle finder or as a square. The T-Bevel is especially handy when trying to duplicate an odd angle of an existing condition.

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