Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

Menu
Breaking
DeWalt Dual Trigger Bandsaw DCS379 Save 53% on a Milwaukee 6.0Ah Battery/Inverter Combo! Red Wing Traction Tred Lite BOA Work Boot Review Ingersoll Rand DXS Impact Wrench Review 2236QTiMAX Stihl BGA 300 Blower

level

DeWalt DWHT43003 Torpedo Level Preview
0

DeWalt DWHT43003 Torpedo Level Preview

by Clint DeBoer

DeWalt added a new torpedo level to their hand tool line, the DWHT43003 Torpedo Level. This small 9″ level has integrated solid block vials that should be both accurate and durable. When you’re tossing around a small level, the last thing you want are vials that shift or break when you throw it into a tool bag or the back of your truck. The top and bottom surfaces of the level are milled – a feature that DeWalt claims contributes to its 0.0005 inch/inch accuracy. Additionally, the center vial is magnified so it’s easy to read. To keep it affixed to metal studs and pipe, the new DWHT43003 Torpedo uses the more powerful and long-lasting rare earth magnets. A V-Groove base lets you affix the level to rounded pipe like copper, EMT and PVC. This may not be the most exciting tool DeWalt debuted this week in New York, but it’s a great product that should find its way into a lot of tool bags.

Irwin 250 Series 9" Magnetic Torpedo Level Review
0

Irwin 250 Series 9-inch Magnetic Torpedo Level Review

by Clint DeBoer

It’s easy to say that all torpedo levels are the same. It’s just as easy to think that if you have one you don’t need another, or that any 9″ level will do. For some that might even be the case. But as we’re introduced to more and more products, like the new 250 Series Magnetic Torpedo Level from Irwin, we are being made away of more and more handy features that will appeal to some trades over another. Let’s dive right into the 250 and talk about some of the stand-out features. A mirror on a level isn’t something you see every day, but Irwin put one on the 250. They dubbed it, sensibly, the “Plumb Site” and it’s there so you can check if you’re plumb without having to look around the level or move it to the side.

Johnson Level 40-6005 230' Laser Distance Measure Review
0

Johnson Level 40-6005 Laser Distance Measure Review

by Thomas Gaige

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 2500 Series Levels
0

Irwin 2500 Series Levels Preview

by Clint DeBoer

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.

Sola BR48 Big Red 48" Aluminum Level Review
0

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.

Johnson Level 1812-0025 Stud-Squared Review
0

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
0

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.

Johnson Level 40-6616 Tiling and Flooring Laser Level Review
0

Johnson Level 40-6616 Tiling and Flooring Laser Level Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Johnson Level 40-6616 Tiling and Flooring Laser Level makes doing right angle flooring layouts simpler and is a good tool to use along the way to check to make sure things stay in line. For a reasonable price, the DIY’er has a tool that can make their tile projects have that professional appearance. Everyone knows that in tile work, it is all about straight lines, perfect corners and a layout that matches the room. Johnson’s new Flooring Laser Level has a simple design, good accuracy, and a reasonable price that will bring a level of quality to your project, even if you are going to do a single floor. With laser guidance within reach, you can ensure that your flooring project will come out the way you dreamed it would.

MENU