Over at Amazon, there’s a month-long 20%-off sale on Irwin levels. All varieties of levels, about 50 styles and sizes, are included in the sale. The discount is applied automatically at checkout.

Deal ends April 30th. One warning – levels are flying off the shelves. Backorders are being accepted, but some of the popular sizes and styles now have a 3-4 week lead time.

Amazon Irwin level 20%-off sale details

Woodpeckers recently announced new 7″ and 12″ bevel gauges that combine modern engineering with a classic design. The new bevel gauges are one-time-tools, but we hope that Woodpeckers opts to make them permanent additions to their measuring and layout tool lineup.

These bevel gauges feature stout stainless steel blades, CNC-machined aluminum bodies, stainless steel hardware, and a vise-style sliding blade-lock thumbscrew.

I had a chance to handle (and drool over) the 7″ bevel gauge at a recent Woodworking Show, and my goodness, it felt fantastic. I’m a regular fan of Woodpeckers’ USA-made tools, but the bevel gauge felt even better built and looked more elegantly designed than I expected.

The Woodpeckers bevel gauge absolutely puts to shame the <$10 Empire model in my tool box. The plastic-handled gauge I’ve been using has a large thumbscrew on the front near the pivot, making it impossible to flip over and prone to slippage. The Woodpeckers design, on the other hand, features a locking thumbscrew at its end, enabling the tool to be used on either side.

Notice that the blade is asymmetrically positioned between the two sides of the handle. I feel that this was done so that you can use the gauge with a wider range of workpiece thicknesses.

Price is $70 for the 7″ bevel gauge, and $100 for the 12″. There’s also a handy laser-etched angle reference plate for $40. Ordering deadline is March 5th, with an approximate early-May 2012 shipping estimate.

Buy Now (via Woodpeckers)

The FastCap Square N Tape, invented by Tom Noon, is a small plastic square that you attached to your tape measure. The Square N Tape is 3″ wide and provides a 90° straightedge, notches at 1.5″ and 3.5″ for ripping 2x2s and 2x4s out of larger boards, a mark at 1.5″ for single-stud layout, and angular markings at 22.5° and 45°.

You can attach the Square N Tape to a tape measure with the pre-applied self-adhesive disc, or ample amounts of hot glue. On the front of the square is a white erasable notepad area.

The Good

The Square N Tape worked exactly as advertised. We received two samples, one to attach to our own tape measure, and one that came pre-attached to a FastCap PS-25 Pro Carpenter tape measure.

The smooth plastic body slides along boards with ease, and the notched V-grooves are easy to find with a pencil. Small grooves that indicate 1.5″, 22.5° and 45° marking locations were also easy to find and align as well.

The FastCap PS-25 tape measure is a decent tape measure, so most of the Square N Tape testing was done with the pre-attached combo. Using the Square N Tape was pretty easy and with a really short learning curve. After getting used to it, the combo did prove to be more convenient than pulling out a try square or speed square to make short right angle markings.

The Not So Good

There are two downsides to the Square N Tape. First, all 4 of our 25′ tape measures were too big to mate with the Square N Tape without modification. I don’t even see how hot glue can be used to create a strong and aligned match-up. Our 16′ Stanley PowerLock might fit, if I can find it.

Unfortunately, the useful height of the Square N Tape does impede the unlock action of the FastCap tape measure. Well, it does not really impede the lock itself, but it makes releasing the tape with one hand quite a physical challenge. Bringing in a second hand to help support the tape is a quick remedy, but the attachment shouldn’t interfere with normal operation of the tape measure.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, the Square N Tape is a handy device, and it does have potential to be a real time-saver. However, I could not attach it to any 3rd party 25-foot tape measures, and could not get comfortable with the FastCap tape measure and Square N Tape combo.

Despite its flaws, I still like the Square N Tape, or at least just the Square part. It feels relatively sturdy, does everything it says it can, is incredibly lightweight, and is made in the USA.

I sent a note to the inventor, describing my difficulties matching the Square N Tape to 3rd party tape measures and using it comfortably with the FastCap tape, but have not received a response. I thought that maybe I was missing something or handling the Square wrong, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

The Square N Tape is a neat and useful design, and although I personally could not get comfortable with it, your experience might be better. It’s priced at $6 separately or $15 with a FastCap tape measure.

Buy Now via FastCap

Cardstick stickers are 3-inches long and can turn an ordinary credit card into a small ruler. They’re waterproof, weatherproof, durable and made from very thin vinyl material so that they don’t affect card readers. Each sticker has both inch and centimeter markings.

A set of 3 rulers in clear, yellow and white, are available for about $3.50.

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Do you know what would be even easier? Printed or etched measurement cards, which probably already exist in the form of a home improvement center gift card or similar. Still, these stickers attach to any card already in your wallet, avoiding the need to slip an extra card in there.

A few months ago we previewed the Mnpctech Modder Ruler, a handy multi-layout tool for PC case modding. It can be used for other types of projects as well, but is particularly handy for those modding, scratch-building or water cooling their computer chassis.

I have grown quite fond of the Modder Ruler, and although it’s not perfect, it is incredibly useful and saves time and frustration. You can check out my full review of the Modder Ruler over at Make. Head on over to Mnpctech if you’d like to buy one. The price is $35, but they’re sold out at the moment.

Amazon’s current lightning deal is for Bosch’s GLR500 laser measuring tool. Normally priced at $240-300, the deal price is $150. Deal ends in 1 hour or when supplies run out, whichever comes first!

Buy Now(via Amazon)

Specs:

• Range: 2″ to 500′
• Accuracy: ± 0.04″ (1.0mm)
• Memory stores up to 30 measurement modes and results
• Multi-surface area mode
• Four measuring reference points
• Powered by 4AAA batteries
• Backlit display
• Measures length, area and volume with multiple settings

Amazon’s most recent regular price for the GLR500 is $245.

As you may have spotted in our Home Depot Black Friday tool deals page, there’s a special Stanley tape measure 4-pack on sale for $9.88 with free shipping. The 4-pack includes 25-foot, 16-foot, 12-foot and 3-foot tape measures.

The 25′ model alone is priced over $9 at Amazon, with the other 12′ and 16′ models priced even higher! We ordered one of these about five years ago for about $10, and it’s still going strong.

Buy Now

Even with a couple of 25′ tape measures around the shop, we can never find one! Needless to say, we placed an order for one of these 4-packs and might order a second or third to give as gifts. We were planning to pick up a set in-store, but it’s available right now online and with free shipping!!

Savage Illuminated Levels

These new lighted levels will be available in 24″ and 48″ lengths. Each features 3 LED-lit vials, a continuous uninterrupted rail, “SuperShock” endcaps, and a durable extruded box aluminum frame.

Savage Box-Beam & I-Beam Levels

There will also be an expanded line of non-illuminated box-beam and I-beam levels with magnetic and non-magnetic bases. We counted 23 different models, from 18″ to 96″ in length.

Savage Torpedo Levels

For jobs that don’t require a full-size level, Savage offers 5 torpedo level designs, including a digital level, lighted level, and 3 conventional aluminum levels in 6″, 9″, and 11″ lengths.

Swanson Savage Squares

Okay, so this grouping is a no-brainer. Swanson applied some of their square know-how and developed these new Savage essentials. The new T-bevel that boasts a unique locking mechanism that allows the bevel to be used both ways. From the looks of it, we assume the knob at the bottom of the handle replaces the traditional side-handle lock. Swanson also developed a new combination square that is claimed to be 2X stronger, a try square, builders square, and wallboard square.

Savage Straight Edges

These new straight edges feature a non-slip backing and aluminum construction, with sizes ranging from 24″ to 96″.

Savage Folding Jab Saw & Utility Knife

The new combination tool is half jab saw, half lock-back utility knife. The jab saw part works with standard reciprocating saw blades and locks in place straight or at an angle.

More info via Savage

There’s no word on pricing or availability yet, but we expect for these tools to be widely available.

That’s right, USA-made tape measures! Harry Epstein commissioned these 12′ and 25′ long tape measures from US Tape.

The 25′ version will set you back $11.45, and the 12′ $8.15. Both tapes feature a baked-on blade coating, 3-rivet end hook, positive lock, and gloriously oversized and easy to read measurements. The 25′ tape is 1″ wide, and the 12′ tape is 3/4″ wide.

25-foot version | 12-foot version

All three models feature 3 vials in  0°, 45°, and 90° orientations, 4 super strong rare earth magnets, a durable aluminum body and a lanyard hole. They are all also waterproof, shock-proof, and jobsite-friendly.

Channellock 615 Professional Torpedo Level

The torpedo level is 8-1/2″ in length, and features a V-groove for quickly aligning pipe and conduit. Its central vial can be viewed from either side and through a large top window.

Channellock 620 Professional Level

A little larger and slightly more ergonomic than the torpedo level, the 620 professional level is 8-1/4″ long and features an 8-inch measuring scale on one side. Like the torpedo level, the 620 has large vials that can be easily read from both sides and the top.

Channellock 620L Professional Laser Level

Based off of the 620 level design, the 620L features a built-in class IIa red laser diode that is accurate to 1/4″ at 100-feet. The fittings are all made from brass to avoid rust.

I did have the chance to try out pre-production samples of these levels (thank you to Channellock), and the two features I liked the most are the levels’ spaciously bubble vial viewing windows, and the incredibly strong magnets. That’s not all I liked about them, but you’ll have to wait for the full review to hear the rest.

Right now you can purchase these levels from Channellock.com, but they will be available through major retail channels shortly.

Torpedo Level via Channellock
Professional Level via Channellock
Professional Laser Level via Channellock

In my experience, setup bars are faster and more accurate than using a measuring tape, quicker than making trial-and-error cuts, and easier to use than setting cut or routing depth with a large wood workpiece or sheet of plywood.

Setup bars are much handier and more commonly used for setting router table bit height, but I’ve found them to be useful for setting table saw and circular saw cutting depths as well.

Router Table Setup Bars via Amazon
Photo: Rockler’s Brass Setup Bars (via Amazon)

Johnson Big J Wood Level Features

First, most obviously, the level has a laminated walnut and maple layered construction to prevent warping. The reference surfaces are lined with stainless steel bindings, and the ends are protected with rubber caps.

The vials are made of tough acrylic for improved strength and durability, and the lenses are made of glass and are replaceable.

All About the Bubbles

The 24″ level features 3 pairs of vials, with each vial being arched slightly opposing its twin. Not used to having each vial arched, I thought that it would take me a while to get used to this, but this turned out to not be the case.

I found that the level was a pleasure to use in both horizontal and plumb orientations. The bubble vial pairs allow the level to be used right side up or upside down. But, there is a downside to this – the arched geometry of the vials mean that the level cannot be used horizontally on its side. The placement of the levels also mean that there’s no top-side window that can be read from above.

Performance & Portability

Overall, the level is easy and comfortable to use, and the readings were spot-on accurate. The windows are large and bright, and the bubble vial contrast is sharp and easy to read. I did find myself sometimes missing a vial at the top of the level, and rolling the level over to its side is not a working remedy.

The level’s beauty also comes with extra weight, which is something to consider if you are constantly on the move.

Conclusion

The Big J wood level is a thing of beauty, and it works reasonably well. There’s no question, it is well built and it feels durable enough to last a lifetime with a bit of care. Johnson did a great job with the vials, although I personally prefer the more traditional vial layouts such as the ones in their Glo-View digital level.

While I really like this level, I think that the vial arrangement and lack of a top-mounted vial or window may be a deal-breaker for some. After a few uses I learned to always read the bottom vial of each pair, and compensated for the lack of a top vial/window by leaning back slightly and glancing down. As long as I didn’t try to look straight down from above the level, visibility wasn’t an issue.

Based on the great aesthetics, build quality, easy to read vials, and the fact that the level is made in the USA, I would highly recommend the Big J wood level. But, the slightly unconventional vial geometry and absence of a top vial or window is cause for some reservation.

If you’re set in your ways and don’t like changing your work habits, you may want to look at a different Johnson or other branded level. But if you’re open to a [short] learning curve and enjoy owning and using finely crafted tools, you’ll love the Big J hardwood level.

Big J wood levels are widely available, with the 24″ version (B1024) priced at ~$100-120, and the 48″ version (B1048) around $130-150.

Johnson Big J Hardwood Level via Amazon
Product Info via Johnson Level

Thank you to Johnson Level & Tool for providing the sample unconditionally for review.

Once the SureGrip is level, turn on the laser to project a crisp horizontal beam to the right of the unit. If you need a leveling laser to the left, use the magnetic attachment to flip the laser line direction.

The SureGrip is priced at $30 and is available now.

Black & Decker SureGrip Laser Level via Amazon

Woodpeckers’ newest one-time tools are these two one-piece carpenter squares. The squares are available in several sizes – 3-3/4″, 95mm, 6″, and 150mm, and perfect for working with smaller stock.

Each square is machined with a 7/32″ thick blade and 23/32″ wide foot, and has an engraved inch or metric scale along its vertical edge. The smaller squares feature a finger hole, and the larger squares feature angle markings in the most common sizes.

The deadline for ordering any of these squares is May 9th 2011. The smaller sizes are priced at $30 each, and the larger ones $50 each. All squares are made in the USA and are CNC-machined from solid blocks of aluminum.

Woodpeckers One-Time Tool Carpenter Squares

M.Power’s R1 tape measure is designed for right-handed users and features a blade that reads from right to left. This allows a user to hold the tape measure with their left hand while placing marks with their right hand.

M.Power describes the R1 as a serious measuring tool, but from the looks of it, they’re not just tooting their own horn – the R1 does look to be carefully designed. The R1 features a high visibility and high impact plastic case, shock resistant rubber grip, ergonomic thumb lock, quick-touch blade brake, a stainless steel tip, and shock absorber to avoid tip slam damage.

The R1 is available with a combination 16ft/5.0m imperial and metric blade.

M.Power R1 Tape Measure via Amazon
Product Info via M.Power

What do you guys think, is this an end to a common frustration or a solution in need of a problem?