Stronger and More Durable Than Wood

MEQUON, WI, January 29, 2013 – Johnson Level & Tool, the leader in levels, lasers and measuring tools, expanded its leadership in bamboo hands tools by introducing four new products to the world in the categories of t-bevels and try squares.

There are two bamboo versions of the t-bevel and try square, one with a traditional bamboo handle and the other with a carbonized bamboo handle.  Carbonization of bamboo provides a richer, more elegant finish for the true artisan.  All models offer a stainless steel blade that will never rust or corrode and a finely routed handgrip, completed with solid brass edging on the t-bevels and precision stainless steel gauging edges on the try squares.  All models meet or exceed federal standards for accuracy.

Compared to wood, bamboo is stronger and stands up better in both dry and damp climates.  “Our customers expect tough and durable tools, which is why we moved from wood to bamboo.  Bamboo has the tensile strength of steel, resists moisture and is sustainable to the rigors of everyday use on a job site,” said John Dwyer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Johnson Level.

Johnson Level now offers the highest quality, broadest and most complete lines of t-bevels and try squares in the industry.

New Models

• T-Bevels: 1915-0800 Bamboo and 1926-1000 Carbonized Bamboo

• Try Squares: 1909-0800 Bamboo and 1940-0800 Carbonized Bamboo

Johnson Level Leads the Way in Bamboo Tools is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Johnson Rafter Angle “Speed Square”

I recently learned that what I’ve always called a Johnson Speed Square is officially called a Johnson 7 Inch Johnny Square.  The Johnny Square was named after Johnny Wong a builder and carpenter who helped test and develop the square in the field.

As long as I can remember I’ve always owned and carried a Johnson Speed Square in my tool belt.  As a carpenter and builder the Johnson Speed Square or Johnny Square is the first square I reach for and I end up using it for 99 percent of my squaring lines, square cutting and line and angle marking applications.

The Johnson Speed Square allows me to make fast, efficient and accurate measurements and cuts.

Johnson 7 Inch Johnny Square New Features:

The new Johnny Square has a continuous 1/8 inch scribing grooves [from 1inch to 5-1/2 inches] that will very likely prove to be a huge addition to an already useful, “go-to tool.

I use the speed square to mark long rip lines all the time and sometimes the pencil slips.  Now with the scribing grooves I can make these lines faster and more accurately.

Like the older version the new Johhny Square has an easy to read angle scale from 0 to 180 degrees.    The one number layout for roofs, solar panel supports, stairs and trim is useful and fast to utilize.  A small booklet comes with the square showing how to use these scales and illustrate basic rafter and angle layout information.

Johnson 7 Inch Johnny Square

• Solid aluminum body with CNC machined edges for greater accuracy and durability
• Permanent graduations and numbers are easy to read
• Thick edge is useful as a saw guide
• Continuous scribing notches – ideal for ripping at 3-1/2” and 5-1/2”
• Low-glare, protective powder coated finish
• Complete instruction manual included with rafter tables (RAS-1 & 1941-0700)

Johnson 7 Inch Johnny Square is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Electronic Self-Leveling Horizontal & Vertical Rotary Laser Level

Johson’s Model 40-6529 Electronic Self-Leveling Horizontal & Vertical Rotary Laser Level is an extremely versatile layout tool perfect for a wide range of trades including; site work, carpentry, mechanical and electrical contractors. They sent us this new laser level along with their Heavy-Duty Elevating Tripod to evaluate. Below are my thoughts on these products.

Features and Specifications

Model 40-6529 Laser Level

• Electronically-controlled dual slope feature
• Electronic self-leveling horizontally and vertically
• Laser beam modes include dot, two adjustable line lengths and two rotation speeds (200 and 500 RPM)
• Visual and audible alarms when beyond leveling range
• Height of instrument/tilt alarm function ensures product accuracy
• Detector with clamp and 9V battery
• NiMH rechargeable battery pack
• Alkaline battery compartment (batteries not included)
• Charger
• Remote control with 9V battery
• Ceiling mount
• Tinted glasses
• Magnetic target
• Instruction manual with warranty card
• Hard-shell carrying case

Model 40-6330 Heavy Duty Elevating Tripod

Performance, Features and Quality

Over the years I’ve worked with dozens of surveying equipment used in the construction industry for layout and measurement. So I’ve got a pretty good handle on these products and I’m happy to say that Johnson has some great products. Both of these products really impressed me with their performance, features and quality construction.

• Hard Shell Carrying Case – The carrying case for the laser level is really nice. It’s built out of hard plastic with easy to use latches. The inside includes really nice molded foam that reminds me of nice photo equipment cases.
• Easy To Use Controls – The laser level is extremely easy to use and set-up. The self-leveling feature works quickly and accurately.
• Tons of Features – The laser offers tons of great features that make it extremely versatile. In the photo on the right you’ll see that one of our crews used the laser level while back-filling a foundation. We’ve also used the laser for leveling the wood sub-floor, setting exterior trim and even installing drainage pipe.
• Quality – One of the most important things that I look for in new tools is quality materials that can withstand the rigors of job site abuse. The heavy-duty tripod from Johnson is the best I’ve ever used. That’s saying quite a bit considering the number of tripods I’ve  used over the years. The tripod is built of high quality materials, has easy to use features and set-up is simple.
• Remote Control & Battery Back-up – I also like the remove control which allows you to control the unit from a distance (maybe you’re on a ladder, in an excavator, etc). You can also pull out the rechargeable battery pack and insert regular batteries if the pack runs out. These are small features but really extend the usability in my mind.

Overall Impression

I’m very impressed with both the laser level and tripod. The tripod really blew me away and I can easily say it’s the best I’ve ever used. If you’re a contractor, carpenter or builder this is a tool that can really improve your productivity.

If you’d like to buy these products you can use the following links:

• Johnson 40-6529 Electronic Self-Leveling Horizontal and Vertical Rotary Laser Kit
• Johnson Level & Tool 40-6330 Adjustable Height Tripod

Johnson Rotary Laser Level Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Glo-View® Digital Level – Model 40-6048

Digital levels are becoming very popular throughout the construction industry. The folks at Johnson Level and Tool sent me their Glo-View® Digital Level – Model 40-6048 to evaluate. It’s a 48″ bubble level with a built-in digital component as well. This is a really nice digital level and one I’d recommend for sure. Read on to learn more about the Model 40-6048 from Johnson.

Glo-View® Digital Level Specifications and Features

• Working Range Angle:    360°; Display ±90°; Definition Rate of 0.1°
• Accuracy:    ±0.1° for 0° and 90°; ±0.2° for other angles
• Power Supply:    3 “AAA” alkaline batteries
• Battery Life:    Approx. battery life 60 hours continuous use
• Working Temperature:    14°F to 113°F (-10°C to +45C)
• Patented Glo-View® vial enhances readability in low light
• Natural light or hand-held light sources re-charge the vial surrounds
• LCD screen rotates for easy top reading
• 5 construction languages – units of measure (degrees, percent, mm/m, in/ft in decimal, in/ft in fractional)
• Self-calibrated
• 0° to 10° and 80° to 90 °position of inclination is confirmed by a signal tone
• Numbers invert for working overhead
• Reference function making any slope “0.0′
• Hold function locks measurement on the LCD

Durability & Accuracy

Durability and accuracy are the two words I’d use to describe the Johnson Glo-View® Digital Level. I’ve always been a firm believer in spending good money on layout equipment like levels. Your finished product is only as good as your ability to consistently build level & plumb surfaces. The Glo-View® Digital Level combines the best features of a quality bubble level with the advanced features of a digital level in one durable, quality tool.

The overall quality of this level is very good. Machined surfaces offer a really nice straight edge. The ends have rubber bumpers to protect the level from impact drops. These levels offer nice large hand holes which make them easy to hold when climbing ladders and working in hard to reach areas.

Bubble (Spirit) Level – The bubble level on this Glo-View® Digital Level is really nice. Johnson uses their patented Glo-View® technology to help improve readability in low light situations. The Glo-View® absorbs energy in the form of sunlight or even an LED flashlight, and then slowly releases the energy as light over several hours. I happen to really like the Glo-View® bubbles on Johnson levels, they are much easier to read and work very well.

Digital Level Features – Many of you probably think that digital levels are a bit gimmicky but I’m finding them quite useful in my day to day job. One of the best uses for digital levels on my job is checking slopes for ADA compliant ramps and entry ways. Today’s codes are getting harder and harder to comply with so having an accurate measurement of slope angles is critical.

The digital level features on the 40-6048 are really nice. You can set it up for 5 different measurement types including; degrees, percent, mm/m, in/ft in decimal and in/ft in fractional. The display is easy to read and offers a back-lit display for low light situations. The display can be rotated so you can read it from the side or top of the level depending on where you’re standing.

The level isn’t super fast when waiting for it to find the actual angle. It can take up to a couple seconds or more in some situations to report a final angle. While I don’t think this is a big issue when trying to measure slopes some folks might find it sluggish.

Another nice feature on the digital level is an easy to use calibrate mode where you can re-calibrate the level if it’s not running true after dropping it or bumping it.

Overall Impression

I really like this digital level a lot! In fact…it’s sitting under my seat in the truck as my primary level for job site visits now. This is a perfect level for guys who need the benefits of a standard bubble level and the extra features of a digital level. Johnson makes great levels and this one is no exception. Priced around $180 it’s a good value. If you’re interested in buying it online check out the following link:

• Johnson Level and Tool 40-6048 48-Inch Digital Level

Johnson Glo-View® Digital Level Review – Model 40-6048 is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Johnson Model 40-6001 Laser Distance Measure

The folks at Johnson Level and Tool recently sent me some of their latest products to test and evaluate. The first product that I tested was their Model 40-6001 Laser Distance Measure. Laser distance measuring tools are an essential tool in my tool bag and something that every contractor should absolutely have.

Model 40-6001 Specifications / Features

• Accuracy:    ±1/16″ (±2mm)
• Battery Life:    5,000 Measurements
• Calculated Measuring:    Addition/Subtraction, Area, Volume, 3 Pythagoras Functions (2-Point, 3-Point, 3-Point Partial)
• Dimensions:    4.1″ x 2.4″ x 1.3″ (104 x 61 x 33mm)
• Indirect Measuring:    Pythagoras Functions: Front, Rear, Tripod Thread
• IP Protection Class:    54
• Laser Classification:    Class II
• Laser Wavelength:    650nm (Red)
• Maximum Power Output:    <1mW
• Measurement Reference Settings:    Front, Rear, Tripod Thread
• Measuring Types:    Single Distance, Min/Max, Continuous Measuring, Sound Activated Mode, stakeout Function (2 settings)
• Power Supply:    1 9V alkaline battery (included)
• Temperature Range Storage:    -4°F to +140°F (-20°C to +60°C)
• Temperature Range Usage:    +32°F to +104°F (0°C to 40°C)
• Tripod Screw Thread :   1/4″ – 20
• Units of Measure:    Inches, Feet + Inches, Metric
• Weight:   1.5lbs (0.6kg)
• Working Range:    165′ (50m)

My Take On The Johnson Laser Distance Measure

Of all the tools that I used on a daily basis the one that saves me the most time is a laser distance measuring tool. Doing estimates, ordering materials and helping with layout are all tasks that I used these tools for. Next to my tape measure I can’t think of a tool that I use more. Needless to say with such an important tool it’s imperative that I work well, offer lots of features and take a beating on the job site.

The Johnson 40-6001 offers all the features I expect from a good laser distance measure. You can do all the basic measurements such as:

• Linear Distance from the device to a surface.
• Area – Simply measure along two perpendicular walls and the device calculates the area for you.
• Volume – Simply measure along two perpendicular walls and floor to ceiling and the device calculates the volume for you.

More advanced measurements can be taken using the built in Pythagoras feature. This can be really useful when trying to determine the height of a building from a distance and sizes of windows that can’t be reached on upper floors.

Johnson claims and accuracy of plus or minus 1/16″ but frankly it’s not an issue in my mind. No one can hold one of these things perfectly perpendicular or parallel to a surface so the measurement itself is likely to be not as accurate as you might think. These tools are a workhorse for estimating which frankly can be off an inch without a problem.

This model offers 3 reference points to measure from; front, rear and tripod screw. They should consider adding a fold down reference for hard to reach areas like corners.

The Model 40-6001 comes with a carrying case which you can attach to your belt and a protective cover. The carrying case and protective cover are great for keeping the tool protected from the elements. I especially applaud the plastic cover!

Overall the Johnson Laser Distance Measure is easy to use. The control panel icons are easy to understand and operate. Once you’ve used any type of laser distance tool you quickly realize they all operate in a similar fashion.

One thing that I’d like to see change on this model is the “fractions” read out on the LCD screen. The regular numbers are plenty big and easy to read. However, the fractions are really small and hard to read at times depending on the light, especially in bright daylight.

Overall Impression

The Johnson Laser Distance Measure, Model 40-6001 is a really good laser distance measuring tool. It offers lots of great features, it’s easy to use, it’s built of quality materials and most importantly it works great. If you’re in the market for a new laser distance measuring tool then this is one you should consider. Priced around $160 it’s comparable to other laser distance measures that include the Pythagoras features. If you’re interested in buying one  you can check it out online at:

• Johnson Level and Tool 40-6001 Laser Distance Measuring Tool

Johnson Laser Distance Measure Review – Model 40-6001 is a post from Tool Box Buzz