Hand Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

October 22, 2010 0

Ridgid micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector Preview

The Ridgid micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector provides simple and quick readings to identify the presence of combustible gases. The micro CD-100 is designed to detect Methane, Propane, Butane, Ethanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen and many other combustible gases. With adjustable sensitivity, even low-levels of gases can be detected in seconds. The Ridgid micro CD-100 Gas Detector is the tool for ensuring proper gas line installations, checking for maintenance and repair needs or quickly pinpoint combustible gas leaks.

October 22, 2010 0

Ridgid micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter Preview

by Clint DeBoer

The Ridgid micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter provides simple, quick and accurate distance readings. Simply push the measurement button to turn on the Ultra-Sharp Class II lasers, point the device at at the spot to be measured to, and push the measurement button. The distance reading will appear on the easy to read LCD display. We’ve reviewed several other laser distance measures, and Ridgid’s version of this rugged, compact, portable instrument enables professional tradesman to quickly determine run distances in a variety of scenarios.

October 3, 2010 0

Porter Cable QuickJig 560 Pocket Hole Joinery System First Look

by Clint DeBoer

Porter Cable just announced the Quick Jig 560 Pocket Hole Joinery System. We don’t do a ton of these, but it actually looks to be very flexible and built like a tank, so you don’t have to worry about drift when using it repeatably over several pieces. In addition, the 560 has an automatic depth control system that allows for easy set up for different material thicknesses (up to 1-1/2″ thick). That means less setup time and a whole lot less computations on where you’re going to place your holes. There’s even a repeatable self-adjusting clamp that adjusts automatically. Variable spaced bushings allow a variety of positions for the pocket holes and a handy screw length gauge recommends the appropriate screw length for the material thickness.

September 4, 2010 0

Milwaukee Scraper and Grout Removal Blades Review

by Thomas Gaige

As if a reciprocating saw is not handy enough, Milwaukee is making it more helpful by adding two new reciprocating saw blades to their line-up; one is a scraper and the other is a grout removal tool. Compatible with all Milwaukee Sawzall and Hackzall reciprocating saws, these new accessories convert several slow and strenuous hand tool applications into fast and effortless tasks.

August 17, 2010 0

Rockwell JawStand Clamp Stand Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Whether it’s hanging a door or setting drywall into place overhead, there are a number of instances where it would simply be nice to have a friend to help out… or maybe just have a more versatile clamping system – one that doesn’t take coffee breaks and never drops stuff. The “new” Rockwell JawStand seems to fit that bill nicely, and it does it in a lean and mean package. We put ‘new’ in quotes because this tool has been out before from a company called Triton (MSA200) and is now appearing under the Rockwell name – something that, if it increases availability and distribution, can only be a good thing for consumers. Rock on, Rockwell.

July 16, 2010 0

Swanson 24″ Magnetic Lightning Level Review BLL24M

by Clint DeBoer

Everyone needs a good level. When you’re working in dimly lit areas such as walk-in closets, attics or work sheds, a lighted level seems just the thing to make a common task much easier to manage. Swanson’s most recent line of levels, including their Savage line of torpedo levels, have always done a good job of capturing a great amount of the available light within their vials – making them easier to view. With their new Lightning Level, however, Swanson Tools takes it to a new level and uses a couple of AAA batteries to send this level where few have gone before.

June 28, 2010 0

Bosch GLR225 Laser Distance Measure Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Bosch Measuring Tools has introduced the GLR225 laser distance measure, the latest addition to its award-winning line of laser measuring tools. The GLR225 laser distance measurer is a quality product that downloads accuracy into a tool designed to fit into a pocket or tool pouch. Able to perform a wide variety of distance measuring tasks, the GLR225 is ideal for builders, remodelers, project estimators, appraisers, architects, flooring contractors, interior decorators, plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, real estate agents and more.

June 15, 2010 0

Craftsman Evolv 101 Piece SAE and Metric Tool Set Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Craftsman Evolv 101 Piece SAE and Metric Tool Set is an ideal starter kit since it comes with decent tools to tackle most home owner’s tasks that require turning a wrench or tightening a bolt. With a pretty wide variety of sizes in both the sockets and wrenches, this set is a pretty good gift for the young person moving out on their own for the first time.

Stanley 55-099L FuBar Utility Bar Review

May 3, 2010 0

Stanley Fatmax FuBar Utility Bar Review

by Clint DeBoer

Every now and then you find a special tool. The kind of tool you wonder how you ever did without. The kind of tool that really, truly, makes you want to go break something. The Stanley FuBar is that tool. We all know what FuBar stands for: Functional Utility Bar. Right. The, um, “original” meaning is a bit closer to the truth as this tool will wreak havoc on any demo project, allowing you to disassemble walls faster, pull off drywall with more efficiency, and punch through lathe and plaster like it was paper mache.

Kobalt 46-piece SAE Tap, Die and Drill Set Review

April 23, 2010 0

Kobalt SAE Tap and Die Set Review

by Clint DeBoer

Everyone has experienced a stripped bolt or nut. It can leave you feeling helpless â€“ unless you have a good tap and die set handy. Kobalt introduced its 46-piece Tap and Die Set to take away that dilemma and provide you with the tools necessary to fix that nut or bolt right up. Of course, you can also use a good tap and die set to take a bare piece of steel rod and turn it into a threaded one. For most, however, you’ll use this to fix a bad bolt, nut, or threaded socket â€“ and those are the tasks for which this level of set is best suited.