Hand Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

October 26, 2010 0

Bosch GLL3-80 360-Degree Line Laser Preview

We were able to review the GLL2-80 360-degree line laser earlier this year, and now Bosch Measuring Tools is introducing the GLL3-80 3-Plane Hybrid Line Laser. The new laser is nearly identical to the GLL2-80, except the GLL3-80 utilizes an additional laser diode to deliver full 360-degree coverage on two perpendicular vertical planes and one horizontal plane. By providing five cross points and self-leveling lines in 360 degrees, the GLL3-80 makes layout, leveling and squaring a breeze for cabinet installers, finish carpenters, remodelers, electricians and others. Unlike traditional cross line lasers, the GLL3-80 allows the operator to position the unit over one reference mark and provide two 900 layout lines from one setup point.

October 22, 2010 0

Ridgid micro IR-100 Infrared Thermometer Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Have you ever tried to stick a thermometer into an A/C register? It’s easy when you can stand 20 feet away and just beam a laser where you want to measure. The Ridgid micro IR-100 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer provides simple, quick and accurate surface temperature readings at the push of a button. You simply squeeze the trigger and point the ultra-sharp dual class II lasers at the surface being measured.

October 22, 2010 0

Ridgid micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector Preview

by Clint DeBoer

The Ridgid micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector provides simple and quick readings to identify the presence of combustible gases. The micro CD-100 is designed to detect Methane, Propane, Butane, Ethanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen and many other combustible gases. With adjustable sensitivity, even low-levels of gases can be detected in seconds. The Ridgid micro CD-100 Gas Detector is the tool for ensuring proper gas line installations, checking for maintenance and repair needs or quickly pinpoint combustible gas leaks.

October 22, 2010 0

Ridgid micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter Preview

by Clint DeBoer

The Ridgid micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter provides simple, quick and accurate distance readings. Simply push the measurement button to turn on the Ultra-Sharp Class II lasers, point the device at at the spot to be measured to, and push the measurement button. The distance reading will appear on the easy to read LCD display. We’ve reviewed several other laser distance measures, and Ridgid’s version of this rugged, compact, portable instrument enables professional tradesman to quickly determine run distances in a variety of scenarios.

October 3, 2010 0

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.

September 4, 2010 0

Milwaukee Scraper and Grout Removal Blades Review

by Thomas Gaige

As if a reciprocating saw is not handy enough, Milwaukee is making it more helpful by adding two new reciprocating saw blades to their line-up; one is a scraper and the other is a grout removal tool. Compatible with all Milwaukee Sawzall and Hackzall reciprocating saws, these new accessories convert several slow and strenuous hand tool applications into fast and effortless tasks.

August 26, 2010 0

Bostitch MFN-201 Manual Flooring Cleat Nailer Kit Review

by Thomas Gaige

While it is not everyday that we need to install tongue and groove flooring, we recently had an opportunity to put down about 2000 square feet of 6â€ wide cypress. The cypress is a lot softer then say oak or bamboo but the process is the same for all kinds of both pre-finished and post-finished nail-down flooring. To do this project we probably should have used a pneumatic floor nailer, but since we fell into a really good deal on a pair of Bostitch MFN-201 Manual Flooring Cleat Nailer Kits, we went this route.

August 24, 2010 0

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.

August 17, 2010 0

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.

August 17, 2010 0

Rockwell JawStand Clamp Stand Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Whether it’s hanging a door or setting drywall into place overhead, there are a number of instances where it would simply be nice to have a friend to help out… or maybe just have a more versatile clamping system – one that doesn’t take coffee breaks and never drops stuff. The “new” Rockwell JawStand seems to fit that bill nicely, and it does it in a lean and mean package. We put ‘new’ in quotes because this tool has been out before from a company called Triton (MSA200) and is now appearing under the Rockwell name – something that, if it increases availability and distribution, can only be a good thing for consumers. Rock on, Rockwell.