Starrett is introducing two new inspection sets for automotive use. The new sets are ideal for measuring movement and play between parts, as well as component wear (such as ball joints). The sets offer several options for securing the measuring fixtures to nearby surfaces. Mechanics and techs can use either the included locking pliers or […]
Wiha Measure-Up Screwdrivers Review
Wiha recently released new screwdrivers based off their SoftFinish cushion grip drivers. These new Measure-Up screwdrivers feature inch and metric measuring scales on the shafts of the drivers. Initially I was skeptical that these new drivers were just another “gimmicky’ tool but I was soon proven wrong, as you will see in the following hands-on review.
Woodpeckers 6″ Carpenters Square is Long Overdue
Woodpeckers just introduced a new 6″ carpenters square that has been long overdue. The square is machined from cast and ground aluminum tooling plate, features machined 90° and 45° angles and has a solid beefy base that also functions as a handle. Woodpeckers previously only offered a 12″ carpenter triangle, which is a bit large […]
Wiha Pocket Folding Ruler Review
Wiha offers quite a few sizes and styles of folding rulers. Their smallest size, model #61601, is sized just right for stowing away in a pocket, tackle box, or tool box. These folding rulers are waterproof, flexible, and extremely durable. Or are they? Jeff was kind of enough to put one of these rulers through a […]
Wiha’s Indestructible Flexible Folding Rulers
Reader JeffD sent us another tip, this time about Wiha’s MaxiFlex folding rulers. These rulers are chemical, water, scratch, and impact resistant with deep embossed measurement scales. They’re also flexible and won’t rust or kink.
Bosch’s New Long Distance Measuring Laser Range Finders
Bosch just announced that they will be releasing two new laser range finders to complement their short and medium-range platforms. The two new laser distance measuring tools, GLR500 and GLR825, are capable of quickly and accurately measuring in 11 different modes of distances of 500 and 825 feet, respectively.
C.H. Hanson Remedies Potential Ball Level Crosshair Issue!
Last month we posted an update to our review of C.H. Hanson’s Precision Ball Level. In our experience, the ball level worked exactly as advertised, and looked to be very solidly made. In our update, we discussed a slight design flaw that made new levels susceptible to damage under certain conditions – perhaps careless handling at […]
Extech Video Borescope & Wireless Inspection Camera
Compared to a non-wireless inspection tool, a wireless borescope allows for more convenient or remote viewing. What’s the point of whipping out a gooseneck inspection camera if you cannot easily see the screen! When I found out that Dewalt was including a wireless inspection camera with their upcoming 12V MAX product line launch, I immediately […]
C.H. Hanson Precision Ball Level Durability Update
We reviewed C.H. Hanson’s Precision Ball Level a few months ago, and have used it a few times since then. Thus far, the ball level seems to be in great shape. However, as mentioned in comments to the review, the levels on the shelves at local home improvement retailers (mainly Lowes) are in terrible shape, with rubbed-off crosshairs. […]
Starrett’s New Plastic Miter Saw Protractor
It looks like Starrett recently released a new ProSite miter saw protractor, the 505P-7. The new 7″ protractor is made from plastic and includes the same angle-finding features and laser-engraved scales as the aluminum versions. Because it’s made from plastic, the 505P-7 is about half the price of Starrett’s aluminum miter saw protractors, at about […]
96-inch Level Recommendations?
Reader Don sent us an email asking for help in finding 8-foot level reviews and recommendations. If you have expereince with an 8-foot level, do you prefer to use a box level, or an I-beam level, and why? I would think that an I-beam level may be lighter and easier to use (not to mention cheaper), […]
Big Johnson Power Tape Measure
Johnson Level’s 16′ Big Johnson Power Tape is one heck of a nice tape measure! The Big J is durable, extremely easy to read, has a great locking mechanism, and includes a handy detachable belt clip.
Thread Checkers, Screw Gauges, & Size Identification
After posting about Lee Valley’s new thread ID tool, we started thinking about other thread-identification tools that we’re familiar with. Identifying a thread is usually done in one of two ways – by matching an unknown thread to a fastener of known thread, or by measuring and comparing the diamater and thread pitch of a fastener. Following are a few types […]
Lee Valley’s Nut & Bolt Thread Identifier Tool
Lee Valley’s most recent newsletter featured a new nut and bolt thread identifier tool that they’ve just begun carrying. From now until January 24th, the tool is being offered for $13.50, and the regular price is said to be $18.50.
C.H. Hanson Precision Ball Level Review
Two months ago to the date, we shared with you our very positive first impressions of C.H. Hanson’s Precision Ball Level. Since then, we have used the level quite a bit for various projects and tasks, and not only has it not disappointed us yet, it has exceeded our most demanding expectations. Following is our […]
CH Hanson Precision Ball Level First Impression
About three months ago, we posted about CH Hanson’s new Precision Ball Levels. We now have one of these new 24″ levels in our possession, and thought you would appreciate a few first impressions until we can offer a full review. We handed the level to a few colleagues, and following are their initial reactions. Holy [expletives]. […]
Clever Marketing Images of Swanson Speed Square
We just wanted to share with you the clever marketing images we found on Swanson’s website. Keep reading to see three more.
Swanson Speed Squares
Swanson Speed Squares can be used as a try square, miter square, protractor, line scriber, and saw guide. In other words, it’s a pretty handy layout tool that should be found in every home and shop. At the very least, it makes an excellent straightedge. We’ve been using an orange Swanson Speedlite square for about […]
Swanson Mini Surface Level
Swanson’s mini surface level is suitable for two-axis leveling tasks that do not quite require extreme precision. This type of level is extremely easy to use – hold or fasten it to a workpiece that needs to be horizontally parallel, and then adjust the workpiece until the level’s bubble is perfectly centered. Although this level […]
C.H. Hanson’s Innovative New Precision Ball Level
C.H. Hanson just released their precision ball level – a 24″ level which uses a rotating ball compass design. One of the level’s main selling points is that it eliminates some of the guesswork normally associated with reading a traditional bubble level. While greater ease of use is a good thing, we are even more impressed […]