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Levels, Squares & Measuring Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

The following reviews of measuring tools includes the best tape measure, box levels, squares, and laser measuring devices. That last category is becoming more and more extravagant. Advanced laser measures can be used for both distance as well as calculating volume and area from multiple measurements. For the best laser level reviews, new measuring tools include laser systems that can generate horizontal, vertical, and plumb lines simultaneously. Aside from the tools mentioned above, we also review new smart tools with Bluetooth functionality so tradesmen can understand what works—and what’s gimmicky. As technology improves, our reviews continue to analyze and compare modern tools against the trade and true performers. In this way we can see if new advances improve or just make more complex the tools we use. The last thing we want is to slow down the process of layout and measuring.

Sola BR48 Big Red 48" Aluminum Level Review
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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.

Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Preview
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Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Porter-Cable launched a couple of brand new Infrared Thermometers, the 18V-powered PCC581B and the 9V-powered PCC582B. These infrared thermometers are very different from the ones we’ve seen in the past, incorporating a three-color indicator beam that indicates changes in temperature visually. When you pull the trigger, the thermometer takes a reference temperature reading while it paints a green circle beam onto the surface at which it is aimed. The colors change when a difference in temperature is detected as it is scans across an area. A blue beam identifies a cool spot, and a red beam shows a hot spot.

Johnson Level 1812-0025 Stud-Squared Review
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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.

Bosch D-Tect 150 Wallscanner plumbing
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Bosch D-Tect 150 Wallscanner Preview

by Clint DeBoer

We recently got back from Bosch’s Global Leadership Tour media event and were fascinated by all the new tools they are working on. One tool that we saw LAST year, however, was the Bosch WallscannerD-Tect 150. This tool uses Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) radar technology and is the first detector at a sub-$1000 price point that detects rebar, water-filled PVC, copper piping (non-ferrous metal), wood studs and live wiring. The BoschD-Tect 150 does more than detect these materials, though, it gives the user material type, depth, and relative width information. The D-Tect 150 works through concrete, wet concrete, and even deep concrete up to 6″. In fact, you can use it in any of seven surface modes.

Swanson TOSB01 7" Speed Bevel Review
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7-inch Swanson TOSB01 Speed Bevel Review

by Clint DeBoer

When Swanson sent us their newest 7″ Speed Bevel, we didn’t realize the new inexpensive orange ABS plastic composite square would quickly become our all-around go-to tool for odd jobs and miscellaneous angle measurements. Swanson, who brought us the original Speed Square, built some new innovation into the Speed Bevel. While it doesn’t excel in build quality, it does have a really good function as a low-cost multi-purpose solution for finding angles, making quick cut measurements, and serving as a stop-gap protractor.

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

Johnson Level 40-6064 Digital Angle Locator Review
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Johnson Level 40-6064 Digital Angle Locator Review

by Thomas Gaige

The new Johnson Level 40-6064 Digital Angle Locator takes all the guesswork out of finding odd angles in the field thanks to a working range of 0 to 222 degrees and a built in miter calculator. In the past we would have relied on some fancy guesswork or trial and error to get angled cuts to match up, which usually resulted in wasted material or time. With an easy-to-read digital display, three button control and accuracy to within .5 of a degree, it should be a cinch to calculate the trim pieces needed for that bay window or octagon shaped ceiling cove. As my old boss used to tell me, ‘measure twice, cut once’. Well, that’s a whole lot easier now with angles and miters calculated more precisely and quickly with the Johnson Digital Angle Locator.

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