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Ridgid micro CA-300 Inspection Camera Preview
Plumbers Tool Reviews 0

Ridgid micro CA-300 Inspection Camera Preview

by Clint DeBoer

We’re big fans of the inspection camera, having reviewed several on PTR. They allow home inspectors, plumbers, appraisers, HVAC technicians and electricians document and troubleshoot problems with an ease that was impossible before the advent of LED and micro-camera technology. Ridgid’s newest inspection camera, the micro CA-300 is the company’s next evolution of the microEXPLORER family. You can record both still images and videos of problems in hard-to reach areas and then share these findings with the RIDGIDConnect solution. On top of that, an embedded microphone means that you can also document your video with live commentary, so your notes are more complete.

Klein J2000 Side-Cutting Lineman's Pliers Review
Electrician Tool Reviews & Buying Guides 0

Klein J2000 Side-Cutting Linemans Pliers Review

by Ben Parker

If you ask ten electricians which company makes the best lineman’s pliers, all ten would say ‘Klein’ (trust me, I actually asked ten… and I’m an electrician). In fact, most electricians call any lineman’s pliers “Kleins” – though they probably shouldn’t. They have set the standard for lineman’s pliers in the way that Xerox set the standard for copying machines back in the day, or Kleenex did for tissues. Klein tools are on the top of the list for electrician’s tools because it’s their specialty – and when that’s all you do, you tend to get good at it. The Klein lineman’s pliers are said to be the best made. With all of the recent competition, and years of other manufacturers crafting competing products, we were curious to see if they still held the title.

Johnson Level 40-6005 230' Laser Distance Measure Review
Levels, Squares & Measuring Tool Reviews & Buying Guides 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.

Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Review
Electrician Tool Reviews & Buying Guides 0

Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Review

by Thomas Gaige

Getting a quick and accurate bead on the temperature differential around an AC duct or a door can be a lifesaver for air mechanical technicians and energy efficiency specialists. While there are a lot of tools on the market that can help you do this, it’s nice to be able to reach for a familiar name – particularly when your shop is already equipped with compatible batteries and chargers. Recently Porter-Cable launched the PCC581B Infrared Thermometer, which comes as a bare tool, making it a great choice if you’re already vested in their 18V cordless platform. And if you’re not, Porter Cable also offers a 9V-powered version, the PCC582B. Both of these infrared thermometers incorporate a tri-color beam that indicates temperature changes visually along with the digital readout. When you pull the trigger, the thermometer takes a reference temperature reading while it projects a circular green beam onto the surface at which it is aimed. The projected beam colors change when a difference in temperature is detected as you scan it across an area. A blue beam identifies a cooler spot, and a red beam indicates a hotter area.

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