The Best “Carpenter” Sawhorse 2024

I feel like I’ve been on a quest my entire career as a carpenter to find the unicorn of sawhorses. By that I mean a pair of sawhorses that stores well, are durable, open easily, support a lot of weight, and don’t break after 2 months or immediately after dropping them on a cold day. I know I’m asking for a lot, but someone, somewhere must make that unicorn sawhorse.

Up to this point my FAV sawhorse was the DeWalt “Work Stand” aluminum sawhorses and also the not-so-cheap, plastic, “Stanley-Style” folding sawhorses.

The DeWalt has everything I need in a sawhorse, except it’s a little heavy and is super bulky to store. The Stanley plastic sawhorses are light and slim, store great, but don’t last more than a month or a single drop in cold weather.

Thus, I embarked on a systematic journey, rigorously testing various sawhorse models across my job sites over the course of six months. This pursuit proved more challenging than anticipated. With each trial, I hoped to unearth that rare gem, the unicorn sawhorse, that would surpass all expectations and become the cornerstone of my carpentry endeavors.

In the end, I tested eight different sawhorses, all different styles to determine which one best suited my needs and performed effectively on the job site. The sawhorses included were:

1. Bora Workhorse XT
2. Central Machinery Sawhorse
3. Dewalt Heavy Duty Work Stand
4. Dewalt Adjustable Legs Sawhorse
5. Dewalt Metal Folding Sawhorse
6. Fulton StableMate Sawhorse
7. Kreg Track Horse
8. Stanley Folding Sawhorse

I evaluated these sawhorses based on six criteria to determine the best option, considering:

1. Weight
2. Storability
3. Durability
4. Set up and break down (Ergonomics and functionality)
5. Additional features
6. Cost

Note: All the sawhorses in this test had to have a capacity of at least 1000 pounds or more, as anything less wouldn’t meet the standards of a job site quality sawhorse. Moreover, a higher weight capacity typically indicates better structural integrity and durability.

BORA Workhorse XT

The BORA Workhorse XT stood out with its pre-drilled end brackets and a top beam that facilitate the creation of a sacrificial top and the attachment of 2×4 materials, enabling the assembly of a sturdy workstation.

Specifications

• Material:     Steel
• Height:        Adjustable 30 inches to 34 inches.
• Length:       38
• Depth:         4.5
• Weight:       15 lb.
• Capacity:     1,350 lbs. each [2,700 pair]
• Cost:           $ 160.00 [pair]

Observations After Using

Build quality of the BORA Wokhorse XT sawhorse was clearly engineered for durability and reliability. Key features include a weight capacity of 1,350 lbs. per sawhorse, totaling 2,700 lbs. per pair, ensuring ample support for storing stock.

The Bora’s height can be adjusted from 30 to 34 inches in 1-inch increments using an intuitive lever and slide and lock technology, catering to differing user heights or needs. Because the 2×4 slots stick out on the ends of these saw horses you will either love or hate them. I loved them – and we found them study and strong.

Additionally the top is set up for attaching a sacrificial board, and when combined with the side supports you can make a quick and easy support table,

There was a lot to like about the Bora sawhorses, they’re light, super strong, compact and well built. There were two things I did not like about them; you are required to fold one side of the legs first or they will not fold and store properly. The second issue I had is that they do not latch together and for storage.

Central Machinery 30 in. Steel Folding Sawhorses

The Central Machinery 30-inch Steel Folding Sawhorses, sold in a 2-pack, offer robust support for and impressive 2,000 lb. weight capacity.

Specifications

• Material:     Steel
• Height:        30 in.
• Length:       32 in.
• Depth:         5-1/2 in.
• Weight:       16.4 each
• Capacity:     2,000 lbs.
• Cost:           $40.00 pair

Observations After Using

This saw horse features a folding design. Their MDF tops are well-suited for saw cuts, providing a stable work surface. Additionally, the inclusion of a metal crossbar ensures the legs remain securely locked during use, enhancing strength and stability. However, assembly is cumbersome, likened to an “IKEA-like setup,” which is time-consuming and less than enjoyable.

To improve the top of these sawhorses, I utilized a router to round over the sharp edges on the MDF tops, adding a finishing touch to their design.

Upon using the Central Machinery sawhorses, I promptly recognized their difficulty in storing efficiently. Additionally, I observed that the plastic feet on the bottom of the legs tended to detach easily. To address these issues, I took the initiative to wrap the feet in electrical tape, providing a quick and effective solution for enhanced stability and storage convenience.

While these sawhorses deliver reliable performance, at an affordable price point, they don’t meet my needs, and I think they are best suited for DIY enthusiasts.

DEWALT Heavy Duty Work Stand DWX725

As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, up to this point these are the best saw horses that I’ve used, but they take up too much space! The DEWALT Heavy-Duty Work Stand, is built from corrosion-resistant aluminum, offers a reliable solution for storing stock, supporting a standing planks or a sturdy work table

Specifications

• Material:     Aluminum
• Height:         32″H
• Length:       ‎36″L
• Depth:         ‎11″W
• Weight:       15.4 lb.
• Capacity:     1,000 lbs. each [2,000 lbs. pair]
• Cost:            $200 pair

Observations After Using

With a maximum weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. each, this stand accommodates various materials effortlessly. Its lightweight design, weighing only 15.4 lbs., ensures easy transport. Additionally, the stand’s legs lock securely into place, providing dependable stability as you work. The legs feet are large, non-,marring and securely fastened to the legs.

It’s transport latch ensured that both units stay together during transport or storage. When carried separately they have the best carry handle of all the saw horses. When latched together, there is no handle.

My favorite feature on these sawhorses are the leg lock levers which allow easy set up and storage. My least favorite featured is the bulkiness and overall weight of the pair carrying them,  and they take up too much space to store. They also do not like how they adjust in height.

It also accepts optional DW7231 miter saw mounting brackets allowing use as a tool stand. Overall, the DEWALT Heavy-Duty Work Stand combines durability, portability, and safety features to support a wide range of tasks for pros. If you have a lot of of storage space, a box truck or trailer, you cant beat these saw horses.

DEWALT Adjustable Legs Sawhorse

The DEWALT Adjustable Legs Sawhorse combines durability, versatility, and ease of use to provide reliable support for various tasks.

Specifications

• Material:     Steel, Aluminum, Plastic Polymer
• Height:        32.7 in
• Length:       27.2.
• Depth:         2.2 in.
• Weight:       14.17
• Capacity:     2,500 lbs.
• Cost:           $ 70 pair

Observations After Using

Crafted from a high-quality combination of steel, aluminum, and plastic polymer, it boasts a remarkable load capacity of up to 2,500 lbs. per pair. I liken this sawhorse to the Stanley sawhorse, only on steroids!

It has a yellow slide lever that allows easy adjustment of legs separately, catering to uneven surfaces with clear, large numbers indicating height settings.  The legs have rubber feet, and the working bar has a V groove ruler for working with lumber or pipes.

Taller users will appreciate the back-saving adjustable height legs.  While these saw horses are somewhat heavy, their durability and load capacity make them suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Unlike cheaper alternatives, they remain stable under pressure and do not fold up or collapse unexpectedly.

I liked the adjusting height, folding mechanism and lightweight design of these saw horses. Despite its ruggedness and lightweight design, we experienced issues with the top brackets designed to hold 2x4s, which broke early on after being deployed to our cold job site. This was a huge bummer because I had such high hopes for this set.

Overall, the DEWALT Adjustable Legs Sawhorse is recommended for those seeking a robust and reliable work support solution for pro users. At the end of all the testing Dan, our lead carpenter chose these  horses for his van. Dan’s favorite sawhorse was the Kreg Workhorse, but his reasoning for choosing the DEWALT was they fold flat and were the easiest to store in his van.

“When you think about it these sawhorses live in the van more then they are set up, I want them to store neatly “~ Dan Shaw

DEWALT Metal Folding Sawhorse

The DEWALT Metal Folding Sawhorse features a robust metal structure designed to hold up to 2000 lbs. as a pair.

Specifications

• Material:     Metal, plastic
• Height:        10.686 in
• Length:       32 in.
• Depth:         4.68 in.
• Weight:       11.8
• Capacity:     2,000 lbs.
• Cost:           $ 80 pair

I liked the two top metal bars which facilitate secure clamping, easily accommodating trigger clamps. Its quick and compact folding capability ensures portability and easy storage, while features such as anti-slip pads on the top and legs enhance stability during use.

Observations After Using

These sawhorses offer exceptional versatility, including a 2×4-inch notches for creating a work station and a large V-groove ideal for handling pipes.  There is no option for mounting a sacrificial board without modifying and drilling the metal bars. At the end of this testing there was a saw kerf in the top rail from someone cutting too deep.

In the center of each sawhorse is a yellow flip handle that facilitates effortless carrying, while yellow side latches enable the convenient securing and transportation of two sawhorses together. While using we noted that the plastic locks popped off once and was reattached, it does seem likely to break over time.

I really liked using this set, in fact, its still in my work van being used. I like its lighter weight, carrying handle and overall compact size for storage.

Fulton StableMate Folding Professional Grade Sawhorse

The Fulton StableMate Folding Professional Grade Sawhorse is a testament to quality craftsmanship, proudly manufactured in Fulton, IL, just two hours west of Chicago along the banks of the Mississippi River. Crafted from robust 16-gauge steel, these American-made sawhorses are way  heavier than the competition, but their durability is unmatched, providing peace of mind for daily use.

Specifications

• Material:     USA Grade Galvanized Steel and welded tubing steel
• Height:        30 in.
• Length:       42 in.
• Depth:         5-1/2 in.
• Weight:       39 lb.
• Capacity:     3,000 lbs.
• Cost:           $ 200 pair

Observations After Using

We were impressed with the galvanized construction, eliminating concerns about leaving them outdoors and exposed to the weather.  Lets face it many sawhorses spend their entire life outdoors. We only set these sawhorses up once and they sit stationary with a pile of material on them. I forgot to get a photo of them, these are stock photos from the company website.

PHOTO: Leg Hinge

The StableMate’s folding legs are solid and have a beautify designed hinge mechanism. The legs lock open and fold and lock closed for convenient and compact storage. The only negative I found with them was that you have to fold one side of the legs first or they won’t fold tightly.

The non-skid rubber feet are solidly made and secured in place. With heavy-duty construction at its core, the Fulton StableMate offers reliable heavy material support.

My impression of these sawhorses is that they are built to last 100 years. Their construction feels robust, almost like diesel-powered.

The fact that they are made in the US, which is a big plus for me. However, they’re also quite heavy, which isn’t what I’m looking for in my daily tool setup. That being said, I’ve found the perfect application for them: they now serve as my material delivery sawhorses, since they can easily hold a pallet of plywood on them.

Bottom line – I was impressed with the build quality, durably, and 3,000 lb. weight capacity. Kudos to you Fulton!

KREG Track Horse

This sawhorse was a crew favorite.  Crafted from steel, aluminum, and plastic polymer, it offers durability and stability for various tasks.

Specifications

• Material:     Steel, Aluminum, Plastic Polymer
• Height:        30 in.
• Length:       42 in.
• Depth:         5-1/2 in.
• Weight:       24 lb.
• Capacity:     2,200 lbs. (997 kg) per pair; 1,100 lbs. (498 kg) individually
• Cost:           $ 360 pair

Observations After Using

The Kreg Track Horse is feature-rich and can be used as a work table and clamping system, not just a saw horse. The Track Horse boasts an impressive weight capacity of 2,200 lbs. per pair ensuring reliable support for heavy materials if needed.

One of its standout features is the dual-mode clamping system, which enables secure holding of work pieces using either the long track on top, or keyhole brackets on the ends, for vise-style clamping. Each Track horse comes with one Kreg Bench Clamp.

One feature I wasn’t particularly enamored with is the side support bracket clips designed to hold 2x4s. While I’m a fan of the 2×4 support, Kreg designed these clips to easily remove to allow access on the side for the Bench clamp. My issue is that there is no good place to store these clips, and I absolutely see them getting lost. I would prefer to have some sort of onboard storage option for them.

The Kregs top track design accommodates sacrificial surfaces, allowing for cutting without damage. Its adjustable legs offer six working heights, ranging from ground-level use with folded legs, to various elevated positions. A large lever unlocks the legs to unfold, or fold for easy storage and transport.

Because these sawhorses are robustly made, they’re large. They also do not latch together or have a carry handle.

Overall, we really like the Kreg Track Horse. It combines versatility, durability, and innovative features to provide a superior work support solution for professionals. However, its higher price point of $179.00 may be considered a drawback for some.

Stanley Folding Work Bench Sawhorse

The Stanley Folding Sawhorses and many other similar, folding sawhorses I have used are the OGs on the job site. They all boast a polypropylene construction and I have always been amazed that they have a capacity of 2,700 pounds as a pair.

Their design includes a V-grooves for secure material placement and clamping, along with top rubber pads to prevent slippage. I’ve been using  sawhorses like these for years because they are so light and easy to transport. I also like that they fold and store easily – but they don’t hold up to the rigors of the job site.

Specifications

• Material:     Polypropylene
• Height:        32.09
• Length:       27.28
• Depth:         4.13
• Weight:       12.6 lb.
• Capacity:     1,350 lbs. each [2,700 pair]
• Cost:           $ 44.00 pair

Folding sawhorses like these come equipped with a tool tray for storing power and hand tools, as well as a side cord hanger feature. We constantly see this tool trays break.  In fact they break too easily, which then causes the sawhorses to collapse under heavier weight. Additionally, the plastic material becomes brittle in cold weather, making it susceptible to damage if dropped.

Best Overall: BORA Workhorse XT

The BORA Workhorse XT stands out as the best overall sawhorse due to its robust construction, adjustable height, and impressive weight capacity of 1350 lbs. per sawhorse, totaling 2700 lbs. per pair.

Engineered with pre-drilled end brackets and a top beam, it offers exceptional versatility for creating a sturdy workstation. Additionally, its intuitive slide and lock technology allow for easy height adjustment from 30 to 34 inches in 1-inch increments, catering to user needs. We felt the BORA Workhorse XT delivered professional-grade expectations for performance and durability, making it the best overall sawhorse for Pros.

Best Bang for the Buck: Central Machinery 30 in. Steel Folding Sawhorses

The Central Machinery 30-inch Steel Folding Sawhorses offer excellent value for money with their sturdy steel construction, 2000 lb. weight capacity, and affordable price of $40.00 for a 2-pack. While assembly may be cumbersome, their folding design and MDF tops make them practical for various workshop tasks. Despite their lightweight design of 16.4 lbs. each, they provide reliable support and stability, making them a cost-effective choice for those on a DIY budget.

As a Pro user the best bang for the buck would be the BORA Work Horse.

Best Light-Duty: Dewalt Metal Folding Sawhorse

The DEWALT Metal Folding Sawhorse excels as the best light-duty option, featuring a durable metal structure with a capacity load of 2,000 lbs. Designed for versatility, it includes a 2×4-inch recess and V-grooves for handling various materials. Its compact folding capability and lightweight design of 11.8 lbs. make it portable and easy to store. Despite potential issues with the plastic locks over time, its affordability at $79.94 and functionality make it ideal for light-duty PRO tasks.

Best Heavy-Duty: Fulton StableMate Folding Professional Grade Sawhorse

The Fulton StableMate Folding Professional Grade Sawhorse takes the top spot as the best heavy-duty sawhorse, boasting a weight capacity of 3000 lbs. Crafted from robust USA Grade Galvanized Steel, it offers unmatched durability and stability for demanding job site conditions. While heavier at 39 lbs., its reliability, non-skid rubber feet, and built-in leg locks ensure safe and secure operation, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks.

Both the BORA Work Horse and the DEWALT Work Stand are sturdy and support a lot of weight as well. The Fulton holds the most weight of the pack!

Best Workstation: Kreg Track Horse

The Kreg Track Horse was a team favorite and stood out as the best workstation, providing a versatile and sturdy work support system for various applications. With a weight capacity of 2,200 lbs. per pair or 1,100 lbs. individually, the Kreg Track Horse offers users plenty of support and stability. Its dual-mode clamping system, sacrificial surface compatibility, and adjustable legs cater to diverse project needs. Although priced at $179.00 each, its innovative features and durability make it an excellent investment for professionals requiring a reliable sawhorse, or workstation.

Most Portable: DEWALT Adjustable Legs Sawhorse

The DEWALT Adjustable Legs Sawhorse earns the title of the most portable sawhorse, combining durability and versatility in a lightweight design. Weighing 14.17 lbs. and featuring adjustable legs for uneven surfaces, it offers ease of transport and setup. Despite potential issues with the top brackets, its back-saving adjustable height legs and compact folding design make it suitable for on-the-go professionals and DIY enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing performance.

Which One Did I Pick?

This evaluation has provided me with valuable insights into the variety of options available for sawhorses. Previously, I had been accustomed to purchasing cheap plastic Stanley sawhorses due to their lightweight and portability. However, I now understand that this initial cost-saving approach led to frequent replacements, costing me approximately $140 annually. Recognizing the value of investing in a better-built sawhorse upfront, I anticipate fewer replacements and less frustration in the long run.

In the end, I opted for the DEWALT metal folding sawhorse and my Lead carpenter opted for the Kreg Track Horse but later reverted to the DEWALT Adjustable Leg folding sawhorse because it stored better in his van, It’s important to note that these are our everyday grab-and-go units for our vans. We both agreed that the Fulton StableMate and DEWALT Work Stand will be our long term material platform. We also agreed that if we were setting up a long term clamping station, router table or assembly table we’d reach for the Kreg workhorse and use them.

Conclusion

When selecting a sawhorse, it’s essential to consider factors such as portability and storage convenience. For those requiring mobility and versatility, sawhorses with folding legs are ideal.

Moreover, the material of the sawhorse significantly impacts its weight and thus its portability. While ABS or plastic sawhorses offer lightweight options, steel folding sawhorses are sturdier but heavier. Heavy-duty models with high-capacity clamps may be more cumbersome to move, so it’s essential to balance weight with durability based on individual needs.

Additionally, considering additional features can enhance functionality and efficiency. Sawhorses with built-in shelves, cord hooks, or clamps provide added convenience for various projects, offering a versatile tailored worktable.

In essence, the decision to invest in a quality sawhorse should be guided by considerations of mobility, durability, and additional features, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for whatever you put it through.

Sawhorse Head-2-Head comparison

Best Sawhorse Head-To-Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

 TBB’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

TBB’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that hard-to-buy-for tradesperson in your life. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who just wants tools but already seems to have too many. Or that special person talks about tools and hardware even when they know you don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Yeah… we’re here to help!  Whether you need that last small gift or are looking to start off with a big bang, we have you covered. We go through the heartache, pain, and suffering of testing out some of the industry’s uniquest (yep, that’s a real word), most practical, and just plain coolest tools and job site gadgets to create a full-spectrum holiday gift guide.

To help you out, regardless of your budget, we broke down the tools by price categories which are:

• $50 and under:  The simple and/or “add on” gift
• $50-100:  The standard gift category
• $100-200:  The solid winner gift
• Over $200:  Santa’s REALLY nice list!

And all of the tools in our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So hang some lights and then get ready to hang out with us for a bit.

$50 and under Gifts | The simple and/or “add on” gift

• Craftsman Magnetic Cup Holder

If your Tool lover spends [too much] time in their workshop, and especially if they have a beverage or two while there, then this  is the perfect gift. Just sneak out there and look at any steel-topped surface like a table saw or jointer. See any rust rings? Well this inexpensive gift will eliminate those and give your person a place to put their drink after they work up a sweat and need to take a break. It’s magnetic and can also be mounted with screws, which we love.

Purchase at Lowes for $15

• Microjig GRR-RIP  Push Block & Fit Finder

It’s always fun to get a new tool but it’s equally important to use them safely. If you want your Tool Lover to keep all their fingers intact then you should check out the Microjig GRR-RIP Push Block. It has “smart hooks” that fold up on a flat surface or stay down to catch the back edge of a piece of wood being pushed through the table saw or jointer. It has a long surface area and great grip to make it super easy to keep a solid hold on your workpiece as you push it through the blade. The Fit Finder is an ingenious tool for finding the half thickness measure of a piece of wood or metal material. You slide the “P2” piece to the height of the material and the “P3” piece automatically adjusts to the halfway mark. It’s awesome for making easy lap joints on a table saw or even finding the center of a pipe or round lathe blank.

Purchase the GRR-RIP Push Block for $35

Purchase the Fit Finder for $34

• Spyder Shop Stool

Standing for long periods of time doesn’t always feel great. Especially on a concrete or hard packed floor. In work boots. So give your builder a sweet stool to take a break on. The Spyder stool is just the right height for a standard workbench, shop countertop, or draftsman’s table. The flared-out legs make it very stable and the boot bars give you a nice place to rest your feet while sitting.

Purchase at Lowes for $49

• Kreg 1/4 in Shank Router Flush-Trim Bit

We’ve used flush trim router bits A LOT in or work shops over the years. But when Kreg let us test out their new flush trim bits that feature top AND bottom mounted guide bearings we were immediately excited. These allow you to trim 1 1/8 in. thick material. The 1/4 in. shank paired great with the Ridgid Trim router featured below but Kreg also makes these in a 1/2 in. shank version. Like any decent router bit they sport a carbide edge and work great for template cutting. If your tool lover uses a handheld or table-mounted router then these are a must have.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $15

• Spyder Mach Blue Drill Bits

Drill bits are always a great gift because they sometimes break or get lost or just plain get dull. These Spyder bits look as good as they perform. The Blue finish also makes it easy to tell them apart from older bits that aren’t part of the set. The hex shank means they work with standard impact drivers as well as drill bits. The clear front case also makes it easy to keep track of missing drill bits before you store them away. They’ll love them!

Purchase at Lowes for $40

• DEWALT Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade Set

We use our Oscillating Multi Tool (OMT) all the time, whether cutting trim or leveling off protruding nail heads. But these tasks take their toll and the blades, no matter how good, get dull or chip off teeth. This is a great set from a great manufacturer. It has a good variety of blade shapes for a range of common materials. The case is handy and keeps the blades securely in place. And at $35 it’s a great value for what you’re getting from DEWALT!

Purchase at Home Depot for $35

• Crescent 4-Piece Chisel Set

Chisels may not be the first hand tool to come to mind but we use our consistently. Whether cleaning up a mortice and tenon joint or creating a just-right hinge recess, chisels are incredibly handy hand tools. This 4 Piece chisel set from Crescent holds their edge well and gives you the 4 basic sizes you need to tackle most any job. They are all steel construction with a large striking surface on the backside of the handle. The handle is really comfortable and grippy (you know what we mean) as well, so it won’t slip when you need to give it a good hammer strike.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $33

• Apex 11-Piece Pass Through Wrench Set

You might be thinking, my tool person already has wrenches. Too many wrenches for me to keep track of. But do they have a through wrench? A through wrench is built for ratcheting down nuts on long bolts or threaded rod. This Apex through wrench is even better because the through socket port is on the backend of an adjustable wrench. You get 2 tools in one here which makes it great to throw in your bag or truck and use on a number of jobs or tasks. Plus, the black-edition finish just looks sexy.

Purchase at Home Depot for $34

• Ryobi Li-USB Carver Kit

Sometimes you need a big saw or blade to make a big cut. But what about the smaller, detail cuts? Enter the Ryobi Carver kit. This rechargeable cordless charger kit comes with 3 blade designs: Straight, V-Gouge, and U-Gouge. It’s the prefect option for relief carving or restoration projects. Its lightweight and comfortable and delivers surprising power and utility for its size. And at $50 it’s not going to break the bank. This is a definite winner from Ryobi and something your tool lover might not have yet.

Purchase at Home Depot for $50

• Gerber Knives | Lockdown Slim Pry & Shark Belly Plain

We love knives. They may be one of the simplest and oldest hand tools around. These Gerber knives are awesome. The Lockdown Slim Pry (left) features 7 essential tools from a standard knife to a bottle opener, to a mini pry bar. It’s housed in a low-profile design that is both modern and easy to slide into your pocket. The Shark Belly (right) is an everyday carry, single blade pocketknife with a modern sheepsfoot blade and textured Sharkskin Grip. It has a scratch-resistant pocket clip and holds an edge quite impressively. Both knives come with Gerber’s awesome limited lifetime warranty as well.

Purchase at Gerber for $45/$47

$50-100 Gifts | The standard gift category

• Bora Tools 40 in. Parallel Clamp

We are big fans of Bora Tools Parallel clamps. They are often the go-to shop clamps. These 40 in. Bora parallel clamps are rugged and with the parallel face design offer even clamping pressure (up to 1100 lbs!) over the length of both clamping feet. They are designed to last with high quality steel and composite materials and come with removable work surface contact pads.  The orange color is easy to spot and they are built to last. The price point is on par compared to other manufacturers. So check them out at the links below.

Purchase at Bora for $56 (single)

Purchase at Home Depot for $100 (2-pack)

• Microjig Blade & Bit Cleaning System

We are big fans of keeping our equipment in the best shape possible to extend tool life and overall performance. The Microjig Blade cleaning system is an easy way to meet this goal. It allows you to use all-purpose cleaner (we used Mr. Clean) and a gentle abrasive pad to easily (and safely!) clean circular saw blades up to 12 in. as well as both 1/4 and 1/2 in. router bits. This is especially helpful if you’ve been working with soft woods that may have sap or pitch in the lumber and can heat up and stick to the blade when cutting. The included magnetic blade handle is also great for changing out blades on your table or miter saw. And at $99 its a small investment that has some serious long-term advantages!

Purchase the Blade & Bit Clean System for $99

• Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

We’ve featured a lot of tools and knives in our articles. Now we want to give you an option to sharpen them once you dull them out. This Work sharp knife and tool sharpener is our handheld offering to meet that need. it can easily sharpen every knife and tool you own. It uses flexible belts set at just the right angle to quickly restore the edge on your blades. The work Sharp knife and tool sharpener also has sharpening guides, and a two-speed motor and is very comfortable and user friendly. It even comes with a decent carry bag.

Purchase at Worksharp tools for $99

• Elgin Rumble (and Rebel) Earbuds

You know we prioritize safety at Tool Box Buzz. Power tools pose a long-term risk to hearing. So grab a pair of Elgin OSHA-compliant, NRR 27 decibel rated Rumble ear buds. We love them because they combine great hearing protection with clear audio quality. The earbud design with silicone ear tips and over ear hooks also means they stay securely in place even when running vibrating tools or wielding hand tools. Ear buds also offer the added advantage of working great with eye protection or headgear, such as grinding shields or welding helmets. The battery life is great on these Elgin earbuds, and they are IP67 rated meaning they are dust and sweat proof, essential jobsite characteristics. Elgin also sent us a pair of the Rebel Earbuds (which have no neck wire) and with an even more impressive NRR rating of 25 decibels, they are also great. Plus, the impact-resistant case even has a built in LED flashlight. At $129 they are a better fit in the next price category though.

Purchase at Elgin USA for $99

• Stanley Socket Set, Black Edition

If you need a full-spectrum socket set, as opposed to a small truck-friendly one (like the Apex set above), then check out this Stanley socket set. It has a sturdy molded case and everything you need at a great price to include both 1/4 in and 3/8 in shallow and deep sockets. And the black chrome finish with laser engraved markings is super easy to read which is great compared to all-stainless finish. This Stanley 69-piece socket set has everything you need and exceeds ANSI industry standards.

Purchase at Home Depot for $68

• Gear Wrench 10-Piece Bolt Biter Extractor Set

Broken fasteners are an unavoidable headache for any experienced builder or tool hound. The Gear Wrench Bolt Biter 10-piece set is the perfect solution to this problem. Made of high-quality steel and featuring a fluted edge design, they are made to last. It’s also super convenient to have the right-sized drill bits in the same storage case. They are also bi-directional meaning they can also tighten, not just loosen. This is great for those times it’s easier to drive the busted fastener the rest of the way through the material its embedded in. These are a necessity for anyone in the construction industry.

Purchase at Home Depot for $70

• Ryobi 18V 6-Port Supercharger

We love cordless tools and have featured countless reviews on Ryobi battery-powered tools over the years. If your tool lover uses Ryobi 18V power tools, then buy this. Why? Because instead of having to plug in one battery at a time, this charger allows you to plug in 6 batteries into a single charger. It charges them one at a time, in series, so when you head out to your shop later on, you’ll have 6 charged Ryobi 18V batteries waiting for you. And because it’s the intelliport SUPERCHARGED version, its cuts down on charging time compared to standard Ryobi 18V charging times. It works on Lithium or older Ni-Cd batteries and has an integrated USB charger to simultaneously charge a USB device while powering up batteries.

Purchase at Home Depot for $89

$100-200 Gifts | The Solid Winner Gift

• Diablo 8″ Stacked Dado Blade Set

This Diablo 8 in. stacked Dado blade set checks all the boxes we look for in a blade system. The blades have a low-friction coating, Carbide tipped blade teeth (that are resharpenable), shims for precision adjustments, and a carrying case. The set is designed to fit standard 5/8 in. arbors and features negative hook angles to produce splinter free edges and flat bottom grooves as advertised. This set is even ideal for underpowered saws because it requires less power to feed. And at $115, these blades are an investment that will allow you to custom build cabinets and shelving using precision dado and rabbet cuts for years to come. There’s a reason Diablo blades are common in all our TBB shops and this set will show you why!

Purchase at Home Depot for $115

• Little Giant 22-Ft Multi-Position Ladder

We are huge fans of a tool that has multiple uses. This Little Giant 22 ft. multi position ladder exemplifies this characteristic. It works as an A-frame, extension, 90-degree, or tressel-and-plank ladder. It has spring-assisted rapid locks to make position changes simple and secure. The wide flared legs make for a very stable base and help it meet or exceed all OSHA and ANSI industry standards. It’s crafted from aluminum and weighs in at a mere 38 lbs, yet holds up to 300 lbs. And best of all it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. At a sale price of $179 this is a great value for a great ladder!

Purchase at Lowes for $179

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Angle Grinder

As the saying goes, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. So don’t ask why Milwaukee is offering this kit for $199 (it’s usually over $500) and just buy it. Milwaukee FUEL products are among the most popular and prolific on any Professional jobsite. This Milwaukee 18V FUEL grinder is no exception. It features our preferred paddle switch design, multi-position mountable handle, and tool-free guard and blade adjustments. In addition, this M18 Grinder has REDLINK Plus, which is an electronic feature that allows the tool to talk to the battery to deliver the most power. This grinder is a beast and on par with any 11-Amp corded grinder we’ve used. It also comes with 2x 5.0 Ah RED Lithium batteries and a charger. This makes for one sweet gift! Find additional details at the TBB review article here.

Purchase at Home Depot for $199

• DEWALT 5-Inch 20V Orbital Sander

There’s nothing better than the final sanding on a beautiful hand-crafted creation. And this DEWALT 20V, 5-inch orbital sander kit is the perfect choice to get it done. It comes with a comfortable and powerful sander, 2Ah battery, charger, and sweet canvas storage bag. It has all the features you need including a variable speed switch that allows you to set the sander to anywhere from 8,000 and 12,000-OPMs. You can also hook a 1 7/8 in. dust extractor to it or use it with the included one-hand-removable dust bag. It’s lightweight and well balanced and at $129, its $100 cheaper than usual. We also have a TBB review article for that too!

Purchase at Lowes for $129

• Milwaukee M18 1/4 Sheet Sander

Keeping with our theme of finish sanding, the Milwaukee M18, 1/4 sheet sander is a great finish option for those tool lovers that already own (or want to own) Milwaukee tools. It’s a high-performing, variable-speed sander that oscillated anywhere from 11000-1300 OPMs. Additionally, it’s 2-stem clamp system for holding down the paper works perfectly. And the universal hose adapter and removable dust bag both did a great job collecting the dust we made. This sander also features Milwaukee’s REDLINK Plus (like the angle grinder above), to enable tool to battery communication and deliver optimized power. As far as cordless quarter-sheet sanders go, you can’t do any better than this Milwaukee one!

Purchase at Home Depot for $149

• Kreg PRO720 Pocket Hole Jig

Kreg has made a name for itself in the pocket hole jog game. And the PRO720 exemplifies why. This multi-featured jig uses Automaxx clamping action to single-handedly clamp onto materials 1/2-1 1/2 in thick. The Gripmaxx surface holds material securely in place so the pocket holes are exactly where you want them to be every time. The chip ejection port (with optional shop vac attachment) helped keep the clamping area relatively free of dust and shavings while the on-board accessory storage was incredible handy in keeping the easy to lose bits, collet, and wrench securely in place. The blend of impact-resistant polymer and steel framing make this a durable, high-quality jig that your tool lover is sure to enjoy.

Purchase at ACME Tools for $109

• Ryobi 18V ONE+ Hybrid Propane Heater

It’s easier to work in a comfortable space, so why not get your workshop dweller a heater to keep their space warm? The Ryobi 18V hybrid propane heater is a great choice. It offers the option to run off a standard Ryobi 18V Lithium battery or plug directly into a 110V wall outlet. A standard 20 lb propane tank will last you around 12 hrs if you run it at the lowest heat setting. Although it blasts anywhere from 30000-60000 BTUs. And have no fear, even the lowest setting puts off some impressive heat! It features an internal fan to help circulate the hot air and enabling it to effectively heat up to 2500 sq/ft. The electronic ignition is easy to use and its a very light unit making it quite easy to carry around.

Purchase at Home Depot for $149

• Gerber Knives | US-Assist S30V & Dual Force Multitool

OK, OK. I know we already included some knives in a prior section. But some knife lovers have refined tastes. And some tool lovers are always after the newest and best multi-tool. Gerber has you covered in both cases. The US-Assist S30V (right) is a spring-assisted, bearing based single blade knife. It looks sleek and functions flawlessly. It’s boasts S30 high-grade steel, perfectly placed thumb studs, and a phenomenal cross lock system to keep the blade locked, whether open or closed. The Dual Force (left) is a multi-tool highlighted by its impressive slip-jaw pliers. In standard multi-tool fashion, it also boasts 11 other tools mostly housed within its butterfly opening design. It comes with a rugged nylon sheath. And as before, both tools also come with Gerber’s awesome limited lifetime warranty!

Purchase at Gerber for $151/$110

• Ridgid 4 & 6Ah + “Free” Tool (Trim Router) Set

When we saw this Black Friday Only deal we couldn’t pass it up. Usually, a Ridgid 4Ah and 6Ah lithium battery set alone is $169. So add in a “free” 18V tool to pair with them and this literally feels like a steal. We opted to test out the 1/4 in. trim router and weren’t disappointed. Ridgid is an excellent entry-level Professional line and the trim router worked great on pine, cherry, oak, and poplar boards. It has a micro-adjustment dial, integrated LED light, 1 7/8 in. dust port, and soft start feature. Both batteries, the charger, and the router fit in the nice nylon carry bag as well. This is usually a $469 package so plan your black Friday shopping around it!

Purchase at Home Depot for $169

$200+ Gifts | Santa’s REALLY Nice List!

• Gearwrench Men’s Heated Canvas Jacket

We already covered the value of staying warm while working. But what if you aren’t working in a workshop? Then look no further. The Gearwrench Men’s heater canvas jacket is awesome! The Cavas material is both super comfortable and machine washable. The battery securely zips into the interior pocket. We loved its chape as the battery felt way less bulky than competitor offerings. The 3 carbon fiber heat zones worked great and kept us toasty in the crisp New England fall weather. The included 5Ah battery lasted 8 hrs between low and medium heat. And It’s also water resistant so even when we were working outside and got caught in a light rain, we weren’t soaked to the bone. Yep, this jacket is great and so is this TBB review on it!

Purchase at Gearwrench for $220

• Napier Outdoors Sportz Truck Tent

Does your gift target have a truck? Like the outdoors? Then grab this Napier Truck tent and let them combine them both. This tent mounts directly onto the bed of a standard pickup truck and provides an elevated campsite wherever you can drive. It features a sewed bottom for weather protection, front and rear windows (so you can get through the back window into your cab) and both a rainfly and awning. The Napier truck tent stores conveniently into a small bag so you can keep it in your truck for impromptu camping trips. It also boasts over 5′ 6″ of headroom so it doesn’t feel as compact as we thought it might. It’s not cheap at $299, but it’s a gift that is sure to make memories as you make your special person happy.

Purchase at Real Truck for $299

• Work Sharp WS3000 Tool Sharpener

We couldn’t help but include a second Work Sharp sharpened on our list. One that we’ve reviewed in detail on TBB. This one is a more elaborate, bench-mounted option. This Air-cooled, dry sharpening system eliminates the mess of a wet system and delivers higher material removal rates without affecting the steel temper. It can handle blades up to 2 in wide. Switching between bevel angles is simple and fast since it’s as simple as adjusting the port (vs. a detachable jig). It uses a tempered glass grinding wheel which is calibration free. There’s also no need to change between fixtures, grade wheels, or use multiple machines get a razor-sharp edge. If your worker uses straight blades like knives or chisels with any frequency, then this is a fantastic tool!

Purchase at Worksharp for $280

• Dometic Patrol 55 QT. Ice Chest

Long days in the hot sun will make a person thirsty, so why not think about a full featured cooler to keep your beverages of choice ice cold? The Dometic Patrol cooler is THAT cooler. It has a single-piece rotomolded design and extra thick PU insulation. The tough polymer materials are meant to withstand any rough & tumble environment. The large leak-proof drain makes cleaning your cooler easier and the Deep-freeze lid seal is absolutely airtight. The rope handles are heavy duty and sure to last. Lastly, the multi-use welded wire dock that can be used to hold a cup holder or a bottle opener. This is an investment as this cooler is the last one you’ll have to buy. And it looks pretty great too in whatever color you choose!

Purchase at Real Truck for $279

• Skilsaw 10 in. Portable Wormdrive Pro Jobsite Table Saw

We saved the biggest gift for last but for good reason. It’s worth spending some hard-earned cash on if you are looking for that one big gift. The Skilsaw SPT99-11 is a phenomenal portable table saw. We’ve used it on a variety of jobsites, and it has always performed exceptionally. It is a 15Amp, 10 in. fully featured portable saw and comes with Skilsaw’s amazing folding stand. The 16 in. wheels truly make this jobsite portable (and easy to load in the back of a work truck too). We have always loved Skilsaw’s worm drive design which is featured on this saw. This saw has a 30 1/2 in. rip cut and 3 1/4 in. depth of cut capacity and on-board storage for the rip fence, miter gauge, push stick, and blade guard/anti-kickback paws assembly. The rack-and-pinion fence design is incredibly smooth and solid. It also has a left-tilting blade that cants over to a 45-degree angle. The 2 in., downward-angled dust port fits most standard shop vacs and does a solid job taking care of the sawdust created. And the sliding outfeed support rack is a well thought out integrated feature. See more details on this saw in our TBB article. This is a great value and sure to make any tool lover’s Holiday the best ever!

Purchase at Lowes for $649

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

We know shopping for tool lovers is definitely a labor of love. It makes you ask “What do you get someone who seems to already have everything?” Just trust TBB’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide to give you some great suggestions whether you are looking for the perfect small gift or that one unbelievable, big gift. Happy Holidays from the Tool Box Buzz Team!

 TBB’s 2022 Holiday Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

2020 Holiday Tool Gift Guide

Every year we put out a holiday tool gift guide to help you pick out a gift for that hard to buy for tradesperson in your life or maybe a gift for yourself. All of the tools in this year’s guide are ones that are in my job site kit or in my shop. I can personally recommend all of these because I use them regularly.

Tool Gift Guide Stocking Stuffers

Milwaukee Tool Fastback 2 pack

What’s to say about these knives? I’ve been using them for years both on the jobsite and in the shop. One of them, either the compact or normal fastback is always on me and sometimes I’m even carrying two. Now you or your loved one can get in on the action with this great deal from Home Depot for under $15.

Stanley Fatmax 2 pack

Here’s another sweetheart of a deal from Home Depot. This time it’s 2 for 1 on the perennial best tape measure. Just $20 is all you need for this one. At this price, buy one for yourself and one for your loved one.

Stanley  6-Way Screwdriver

I love this screwdriver. It isn’t one of those fancy 800 in 1 drivers but what’s great about it is that it has the two Philips sizes (#1 and 2) on opposite ends of one bit and the two standard sizes on opposite ends of the other bit. I love these so much that I own 3. Under $5 at ACME Tools.

Gearwrench Micro

I bought this last year as a stocking stuffer for my then 6 year old son (on a recommendation from my buddy Stuart). It’s a good quality, compact kit with most of the sizes you may need around your house. It is especially useful on knockdown furniture. I bought it for him but I borrow it so much that I should just get my own… and you should too! Just over $16 on Amazon.

Bosch GLM50C LDM

When laser distance measures first came out, I didn’t think they were all that useful outside of estimating. Now I use them quite frequently just to do quick material calculations, or sqft measurements, or heights, or any other measurement that’s longer than my tape. Stan reviewed it a couple years ago and it’s still a great tool. On sale now at ACME Tools for just under $100. 

Measurements can be directly imported into a phone/tablet app for quick layouts

Stiletto 10oz Hammer

Up until this point, all the tools in the gift guide have been on sale or some kind of special holiday deal. Not so much with this hammer, it’s listed at the normal price. So why am I including it? Because it’s the best hammer I’ve ever swung. Sure a hammer’s greatness is pretty subjective based on how it feels to the user but it was our best pick for our finish hammer head to head a few years ago with 6 of 7 of us picking it over the rest of the field. You can get it for about $85 at ACME.

My trusty hammer is a little worse for wear but it stills bangs nails like a champ

Tool Gift Guide – Under $100 Gifts

Kindling Cracker

This cool little tool is something I bought for my dad as a gift a couple years ago. It’s a dead-simple piece of cast iron that you put small logs on top of and whack them with a hammer to get small pieces of kindling. No moving parts and it’s fun to boot! $90 at ACME

Metabo HPT 10″ Miter Saw

Are you or a loved one in need of a miter saw to finish off that honey-do list? Every year ACME has a honey of a deal on this Metabo HPT 10″ miter saw. Is it the greatest miter saw on the planet? No but the price is fantastic for a decent little saw. Don’t believe me? Check out the price and reviews at the following link. $89 at ACME.

Dewalt 20V Blower

I’ve had this blower a couple seasons now and while it’s similar to other blowers on the market, the concentrator nozzle is what makes this one special. Usually this model is around $140. At only $99 at ACME, this is a screaming deal.

Cordless Inflator

Battery-powered inflators have been out for almost a decade on the RYOBI One+ platform. It wasn’t until a couple years ago the Milwaukee and Dewalt also released inflators of their own. An inflator isn’t an everyday tool so get the one that goes with your current battery platform. Either Ryobi ($49 bare tool), Milwaukee ($99 w/battery and charger), or Dewalt ($99 bare tool).

Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Headlamp

As a commercial carpenter, I’m often in low light job sites. One of my most used tools is my hard hat headlamp. It’s usb rechargeable so I just plug in my hardhat to my truck at the end of every day so that it’s ready to go for the next day. I like the milwaukee one not only for the rechargeability but the attachment system is second to none. At 475 lumens, it’s no slouch in the light output either. Home Depot has a screaming deal right now for the headlamp and an additional battery for under $60.

Gearwrench 20pc SAE/Metric Ratcheting Wrenches

Gearwrench was the first company to develop ratcheting wrenches and this 20pc set is about the easiest way to get your hands on them. I’ve bought this set twice over the last couple years. Once for myself and then a set for my dad because I liked mine so much. Ohio Power Tool has a great deal on these wrenches at just over $55.

Here is my wrench drawer with part of the Gearwrench set

Tool Gift Guide – Over $100 Gifts

Milwaukee Packout

I use Packout every day. Almost all of my tools that I bring to the jobsite are in a packout box, bag, or container. Milwaukee was later than some brands to the party but they’ve been blowing the rest out of the water with the shear number of options in the lineup. The gateway for most is the three case stack. If you don’t want to wait, head to your local Home Depot and pick up the stack for $197 plus tax. Otherwise you can grab it at ACME for similar price and free shipping.

The three box stack is a gateway drug to all the other great SKUs in the Packout line, like these bags

Dewalt Tough System 2.0

If your loved one has a penchant for the color yellow instead of red, take a look at the all new Dewalt Tough System 2.0. They took many of the things that frustrated users with the original and fixed them all the while keeping the new ones backwards compatible. A three box stack is similarly priced to the Milwaukee around $200 but is currently $179 at ACME Tools.

Gen 1 can click right onto the 2.0 boxes

Makita Rear-handle Circular Saw

Beast is the word that best describes this saw. Gobs of power, so much so that you may think it’s corded. With the ability to cut through 3x material in one pass, this saw is sure to be a hit with the tradesperson in your life. Right now you can get the saw with 2 additional batteries too so that means you get the saw, charger, a bag, and 4 batteries for $249 at ACME.

Milwaukee Mid-Torque

As Goldilocks said, “This one is just right.” The same is true for the Milwaukee Mid-Torque impact wrench. It has just the right amount of power and finesse for most fasteners. Lug nuts and automotive bolts to lag bolts and screw anchors in concrete. The version I have is gen 1 and it has 600 ft/lbs of nut busting torque. As a bare tool it is $199 at ACME. There’s also a newer version that just came out but that one is $40 more for only 50 ft/lbs of additional torque. Dewalt and Makita both have mid torque offerings as well and they seem really nice but I’ve only used them at media events.

My wrench and ratchet packout box. Mid-Torque is upper right.

Makita Couple Shaft

Hands down the best attachment system I’ve ever used and it appeals to most users because it comes in either gas or battery powerheads and about every attachment imaginable is available for this system. This isn’t something you’re probably going to gift someone (unless you’re married to them and get to benefit from it) but maybe it’s a gift you buy yourself this holiday season. Check out all the options at ACME.

Couple Shaft powerheads are available as X2 battery or 4-stroke gas

2020 Holiday Tool Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Tape Measure Comparison Testing  

Who Makes the Best Tape Measure? Tape measure and hammer brands often cause more debates on the job site than anything else, and I can see why. When you use a tool daily, hourly, or more, you become attached to it. One of the most critical tools required by all construction trades is the tape measure. So, who makes the best tape measure?  Pro-grade tape measures must retain their accuracy while enduring the regular abuses, such as drops or bumps, that occur on job sites.

In this Best Tape Measure Head-2-Head, we put several 25’ premium tape measures to the test.

We evaluated 8 different tape measures from 7 different manufacturers, five of which had magnetic tips.

The tape measures:

1. Dewalt DWHT 36225
2. Klein 86225
3. Milwaukee 48-22-7125
4. Stanley FMHT 33865
5. Stanley Powerlock
6. Lufkin L1025MAG
7. Tajima G-25BW

Why 25-Foot Tapes?

While there are certainly many other tape measures to choose from, we chose to look at the more popular, pro-grade tape models. We also chose to look at 25-foot length models, as they are the most popular length tape measures sold on the market. We put each tape measure through the following tests:

10-Foot and 25-foot Recoil Test

It is never a smart idea to let the tape measure blade whip back into the case– a tape measure isn’t designed to withstand a short, sharp shock over and over. When repeated, full-speed rewinding of the tape measure causes damage to the inner workings, the end hook, and the blade markings. 

However, during our testing we did just that! We tested recoil from 10-feet and 25-feet to establish a benchmark speed. We then used our benchmark speed to test the tape after abrasion, debris and drop testing. 

For this test, we measured and marked the distance on our clean shop floor. We pulled all the tapes out to this distance and recorded the recoil five times to determine their baseline average recoil speed.

The Milwaukee tape [below left] bent on the 4th recoil test, one Lufkin tape [below right] broke off on the 3rd recoil test. Several others had their hook movement stretched.

We used several of the same brands during our head-2-head testing. By using several samples of the tapes, we were able to complete and continue testing if a particular tape failed a certain test. 

According to our data, Lufkin had the fastest recoil speed, at 1.05 seconds, and that may have been a detriment to it tearing. Klien was second at 1.08 seconds, and Milwaukee was third with a 1.20 second 25-foot recoil.

Abrasion Test

Tape measure readability is important; over time, tape markings wear off and make the tape difficult or impossible to read. Furthermore, wear down of the tape coating is the #1 failure of tape measures.

All tape measure manufactures follow the ASTM D 968 and other internationally recognized test standards, the Falling Sand Abrasion Tester. The Falling Sand Abrasion Tester measures the resistance to abrasion of paint, lacquers, and other organic coatings.  Abrasion results from abrasive particles falling through a guide tube and impinging the test specimen, until the substrate becomes visible.

The abrasion jig we used was more aggressive. To simulate and accelerate tape-marking wear, we performed an aggressive tape abrasion test in the shop, through the use of an “tape-pull abrasion jig.”  It measured 26” long and had a hollowed-out, concave center bottom. The top of the jig had a 3/8” wide convex pressure-point. Adhesive grit sandpaper was applied to the convex point and wax was applied to the concave side.

The tape measures were placed in the jig, which had a very small gap for it to fit. We placed a 25 lb. weight on top, and then pulled the tape using a slow 1000-count back and forth through the jig. This allowed us to evaluate a 60”span of tape wear. Tape marking wear was then noted and photographed.

The Stanley PowerLock had the least amount of visible wear to its tape. Lufkin came in second place, Dewalt third, and Komelon came in fourth.

NOTE:

Many contractors use the first 6” or less of their tape more than the full 25-foot length. As a result, many tapes wear quicker in these areas.

To combat this, the DEWALT, Stanley FATMAX, and Stanley Powerlock all added a clear thermoplastic “Blade Armor” tape over these high wear areas.  DEWALT added 9” of thermoplastic coating, and the STANLEY FATMAX features a Mylar blade coating and 3” of BladeArmor. While the STANLEY Powerlock has a Mylar blade coating.

Milwaukee, however, uses a Nylon extrusion process. This process melts down nylon pellets through proprietary machine, which coats the entire blade. This coating is then baked in a furnace.  Komelon also uses a “sprayed on” nylon blade coating process, some like the L1025B that we tested has a matte nylon finish to reduce glare.  

Magnetic Pull Test [If Applicable]

Many contractors use magnetic tapes– from metal stud, to HVAC, and plumbing. Thus, we wanted to glean some insight on who sported the strongest magnet. To test this, we attached each tape’s magnet to 3/8” metal plate and pulled. In our opinion, all of tapes should be able to extend FULL 25-foot length, and while some did, others didn’t.

Three tapes were able to extend full-length:

1. Klein
2. Milwaukee
3. Stanley FATMAX

The Lufkin made it to 19’4” while the Komelon made it to 16-feet. I’ll be completely honest with you, we all have favorites, mine was the Stanley PowerLock, but I was falling in love with this Komelon tape at this point in the testing.

Magnetic Weight Test

On this test, we wanted to eliminate the risk of user twist or torque. We attached the tape measures that had magnets to bottom of ceiling non-galvanized joist hanger, extended the tape, applied the tape measure lock, and then applied blue tape to the tape and body to reinforce the lock. We used the blue tape because we found that many of the tape measure locks failed, before the magnet did.

For this test we placed pre-measured weights on top of the tap measure until the magnet failed. This test gave us an indication of how strong the magnet was.

The Stanley FATMAX blew the doors off the competition with a 5.5 lb magnet strength. Second place was Milwaukee at 2.25 lbs. Followed by Klein, Komelon and Lufkin at 1.5 lbs or less.

Debris Testing

Trades that work in extremely dusty environments will tell you that it doesn’t take long for the recoil on the tape to get sluggish or completely stop. Water or dirt that gets on the blade of a tape measure can work its way into the mechanism and cause slug, rust or jamb up the winding.

For this test we designed a torturous debris chamber recoil test. We modified a 3” pvc pipe to hold a medley of drywall dust, saw dust and sand.

Each tapes pulled out to 25′ and allowed it to recoil slowly. We repeated this sequence 4 times. This test proved too much for most of the tapes. Many of them would not retract and close less than 6-inches. We had to pull the tapes in and out to get them to close completely.

Once closed, we tested their recoil twice, from 25-feet while measuring for time. The BEST tape measure in this torturous test was the Stanley FATMAX which stopped at 9-feet on the first recoil test and then completed the recoil test at 1.9 seconds.

Followed by Lufkin which recoiled to 10’10” on the first test, and 6-inches on the second test. The Stanley PowerLock, in third place, stopped at 10’-4” inches on it’s first test, and only recoiled 25-inches (total) on its second test. The DEWALT, Klein and Milwaukee all recoiled to 14.5 inches or greater and failed to recoil at all, on the second recoil test.

Tape Measure Standout

Stand out is big to some guys, because a long reaching tape is useful when measuring alone. Stand out basically refers to how straight you can extend your tape without it bending or losing is rigidity.

We made a jig with a 15-degree angle and tested each tape three times for an average stand out measurement. The DEWALT stood out here, pun intended, with the longest standout.

Standout Results

1. DEWALT 11’3″
2. Stanley FAXMAX at 10’6″
3. Lufkin at 10’0″.

Hook Movement

Have you ever wondered why the hook is loose?

All of our pro followers already know why the hook at the end of a tape measure is loose. But for any novices, the looseness is very intentional and plays a key role in using the tape for both inside and outside measurements.

When you butt the end of the tape against a surface for an inside measurement, the tip is compressed  against the end of the tape by the width of that hook. (Spoiler alert – the first inch of the tape is short by the thickness of a hook.) When you go to take the outside measurement and hook it over the edge of whatever you are measuring, the hook moves away from the tape by the width of the hook.

We examined just how accurately the manufacturers built their tapes for this inside/outside hook movement. And we wanted to see how the hooks on the tapes stood up to after our retraction test. The results varied.

Out of the box, the Lufkin was most accurate with the hook thickness of .045” equal to the hook movement of .045” Most other tapes had a difference of .01” in these measurements. The Milwaukee tape had the greatest difference at .022”

After the retraction tests, we measured which tapes held their tolerances and which showed a marked difference after that test.Our theory was that the rapid 25-foot retractions would eventually loosen the tape hook, distorting its tolerance. We were right.

In this comparison, both Stanley tapes performed well. The Stanley PowerLock reading was identical and the FatMax varied by only .01”. Milwaukee also matched the FatMax performance of .01”. The Lufkin tape showed the largest difference, increasing by .045”, almost a full hook thickness.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is about designing for the end user. Defined as the science of fitting a workplace to the user’s needs, ergonomics aims to increase efficiency and productivity and reduce discomfort. For ergonomics we look at:

• Grip
• Weight
• Lock
• Belt Clip
• Ability to sit flat on a surface
• Hook
• Overall Construction

The best tape measure in the ergonomic category was the Milwaukee. The crew liked the detent on the back of the body, and finger brake on the bottom. The Milwaukee body has plenty of rubber over-mold on top and base. It was the MOST Stable of all the tape measures, when placed onto a flat surface. The extremely durable hook has solid rivets, a super strong magnet, a screw- nail slot with 2 upper tabs.

The Milwaukee tape measure features a unique belt clip constructed out of wire bale instead of a flat piece of metal. The clip is specifically designed to reduce wear and tear to pants and tool bags.

The crew noted that this belt clip was difficult to apply to a pant pocket one-handed, but once applied it does a phenomenal job holding the tape in place.

The Stanley FATMAX was a close second for ergonomics. It has a rubber over-mold on top back and bottom,  a strong, secure, positive clicking tape-lock that can resist 4 lbs.

The crew liked the belt hook, and low profile magnetic hook with its screw – nail slot on lower tab and two upper tabs extensions. Third place went to Komelon which is a very comfortable tape to use, smooth recoil, and one of my favorites.

Readability

Readability and durability are two words that stick when I think of tape measures. Three tapes tied for best tape measure readability.

1. Milwaukee
2. Komelon
3. Lufkin

The Milwaukee tape features a 1/16th yellow scale and is 2-sided. On the back end of the tape the numbers allow you to read upside-down.  Additionally, there is a small 12″ long architectural scale for plan measuring featuring  a 1/8 and 1/4 inch scale. This scale starts on the back of the tape at 10 inches and runs to 22 inches.

The Komelon,features a 1/16 scale, is easy to read with its high-vis yellow on top, white tape on back side [2-sided] tape. The crew felt that the Komelon may be the BEST of the tapes to read, based on the tape color! One thing the crew noted was that after the 12-inch markings, the tape markings get a bit busy to read. [For example; 13-inches is listed at 13 and also 1F 1.] We felt the this marking pattern made the tape very busy and was unnecessary.

The Lufkin Yellow tape, is also 2-sided, with a 1/16 scale. The markings are longer on this tape, and are labeled similar to the Komelon after 12-inches.

Drop Testing from 15-feet and 30-feet

We dropped the tapes onto pavement, once at 15-feet, and a second time at 30-feet. After both drops, we recorded and noted each tapes’ condition. We set up a personnel lift to do our drop testing.

Almost all of the tapes survived our 15-foot drop test. The Klein tape measure sustained the most damage. The Klein’s hook bent and the case opened. While it’s possible that the Klien hit the ground perfectly to dent the hook, we feel that the case should not have opened up from 15-feet. Also damaged was Stanley FAXMAX, DEWALT, Milwaukee and Komelon with slight case or hook damage.  The Tajima and Lufkin came in first place on the 15-foot  drop test. Both tapes worked perfectly and had zero visible damage.

On the 30-foot drop test the two most durable tape measures after drop testing were the Dewalt and the Stanley FATMAX, both sustained the least damage and were still usable after the test. Lufkin and Tajima came in tied for second place with slightly more damage but less than the rest of the pack. The Klein came in last, due to its case braking open on impact.

Price

• Dewalt DWHT 36225      – $29.97
• Klein – Upper #86225     – $24.66
• Milwaukee #48-22-7125 – $23.96
• Stanley FMHT 33865      – $ 22.98
• Stanley Powerlock           –  $ 11.00
• Lufkin L1025MAG          –  $ 16.80
• Tajima G-25BW               –  $ 20.91
• Komelon 73425                –  $ 11.05

BEST Tape Measure Overall 

The BEST tape measure overall was the Stanley FATMAX. The FATMAX had the highest score in magnetic hold, debris testing, drop testing, hook durability and blade thickness. It placed second in four other categories, securing the #1 slot in our testing.

One of our crew referred to it as a “brick-shit -house” of a tape measure.

While I’m sure Stanley marketing team won’t use that description, it’s certainly a durable, robust and well-made tape measure, designed for harsh job site conditions.

Scoring only one-point less than the FATMAX, in a super close race, for the best tape measure was neither a crew favorite, nor on anyone’s radar, during our tape measure testing.

This dark horse sneaked by the competition and took the #1 slot three times in several testing categories, and scored #2 three times and #3 six times.

The second best tape measure is the Lufkin.

After the testing it was apparent to me that these devices need proper care in order to provide you with accurate, reliable measurements. Caring for your tape measure is easy, here are a few steps for properly maintaining your tape measure.  

Best Tape Measure Video Review

Best Tape Measure is a post from Tool Box Buzz

48 Inch Construction Level Head to Head Comparison

Who makes the best construction levels? In this head to head we’re putting several 48″ construction levels to the test to see who makes the best!

One of the most fundamental tools required by all trades in construction is a level. Whether you’re building something plumb and level, or sloped, the only way to verify the slope of any surface is with some type of level. 48 inch construction levels are the most predominantly used size of level in the construction industry so we reached out to some of the leading brands and asked them to join our head to head comparison. For this comparison article we evaluated 7 different levels from 4 different manufactures. The manufacturers included:

• Empire Level
• Irwin Tools
• Stabila
• Stanley

While there are certainly many other level manufacturers to choose from we think this is a great assortment of levels. Over the last few months we’ve used these levels on job sites and tested them in the shop. The evaluation and testing was performed by three members of the Tool Box Buzz crew including myself, Rob Robillard and Jeff Williams. This evaluation consists of the following sections:

• Features and specifications
• Fit, Finish and Quality
• Vial Visibility
• Strength Testing
• Durability Testing
• Accuracy
• Cost & Value

48 Inch Construction Levels – The Lineup

The seven levels that we tested included the following (in alphabetical order):

• Empire Level – e75 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® Box Level – Model E75.48
• Empire Level -e95 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® UltraView LED Box Level – Model E95.48
• IRWIN Tools – 2000 Box Beam Level – Model 1794077
• IRWIN Tools – 2500 Box Beam Level – Model 1794067
• Stabila – Heavy Duty Level Type 196 – Model 37448
• Stabila – R Beam Type 300 – Model 41048
• Stanley – 48 in FATMAX® Premium Box Beam with Hook – Model FMHT42400

Six of the levels are box levels and one is a “beam” type level (which is still a box in our opinion).

Empire e75 Series TRUE BLUE® Box Level Features

• Reinforced vial locking system secures acrylic block vials and delivers long life accuracy
• Tool-free removable, shock absorbing endcaps provide superior protection and scribing performance
• Precision milled edges for guaranteed accuracy
• Surface grippers prevent the level from sliding on flat or angled surfaces
• Ergonomic, grip zones enhance comfort and portability (48”+ only)
• High contrast e-BAND vials highlight the edge of the bubble
• 300° Viewing Window maximizes range of view
• Hang hole for ease of storage
• Powerful rare earth magnets provide superior holding strength (magnetic models only)
• .0005″/inch Accuracy in all working positions
• $50
• Limited lifetime warranty

Empire Level -e95 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® UltraView LED Box Level Features

• Concentrated, Surround Dual LEDs and UV Activated Optical Brightener provide superior vial visibility
• High contrast e-BAND vials highlight the edge of the bubble
• Reinforced vial locking system secures acrylic block vials and delivers long life accuracy
• IP54 rating protects level from dust and water
• Powerful rare earth magnets provide superior holding strength (magnetic models only)
• Tool-free removable, shock absorbing endcaps provide superior protection and scribing performance
• High contrast vial surrounds improve vial visibility
• Precision milled edges for guaranteed accuracy
• Surface grippers prevent the level from sliding on flat or angled surfaces
• 2X Longer Battery Life – up to 32 hours. (2) AA batteries included
• Automatic Shut-off saves battery life by turning off LEDs after two minutes
• .0005″/inch Accuracy in all working positions
• High impact acrylic e-BAND block vials offer superior durability
• LEDs flash when battery is low
• Ergonomic, grip zones enhance comfort and portability (48” only)
• Press to toggle LEDs between level and plumb positions
• Hang hole for ease of storage
• $75
• Limited lifetime warranty on frame and vials. 1 year warranty on electronics

IRWIN Tools – 2000 Box Beam Level Features

• Continuous Edge increases level durability ensuring accuracy over time, protects center vial, and allows for continuous scribing
• Plumb Site® offers dual-sided, undistorted viewing in the plumb position and easy, more accurate plumb readings
• Retractable end caps allow for scribing into and through corners, increasing work efficiency
• $46

IRWIN Tools – 2500 Box Beam Level Features

• Thick-walled high-grade aluminum frame provides extreme durability and resists jobsite wear and tear
• Continuous Edge increases level durability ensuring accuracy over time, protects center vial, and allows for continuous scribing
• Plumb Site® offers dual-sided, undistorted viewing in the plumb position and easy, more accurate plumb readings
• Over-molded rubber end caps provide shock-absorption, protecting the level’s accuracy upon impact, and are removable for accurate leveling into corners
• $76

Stabila – Heavy Duty Level Type 196 Features

• Crystal clear vials readable in any direction with no change in accuracy tolerance.
• Spring steel hairline indicators in vials.
• Locked vial system, no recalibration needed
• Removable rubber end caps for scribing in corners and for reading tight header and sill openings.
• Rubber end caps grip walls and do not leave marks.
• Metal Hang hole for storing level on site.
• Two rubberized hand holds for comfort and grip (16″ version has one hand grip)
• 59″ and longer have a bridge over the vial for increased strength as well as providing an uninterupted surface for both drawing and scribing over the horizontal vial
• Vials accuracy is guaranteed for life
• One Horizontal (level) and Two Vertical (plumb) Vials
• $130

Stabila – R Beam Type 300 Features

• Ergonomic, user friendly shape
• Precision: 3 Straight Edges
• Grip: Continuous Handle
• Finish: Fender Smooth
• Strength: Over 2X the horizontal strength of our Heavy Duty Type 196 levels
• Locked Vial System – Never needs adjustment
• One Horizontal (level) and two Vertical (plumb) vials
• 48″ Model offers an offset plumb vial for easy viewing from the kneeling position
• Vials are guaranteed for life
• $106

Stanley – 48 in FATMAX® Premium Box Beam with Hook Features

• Magnified center block vial for high readability accuracy .0005-in
• Block plumb vials for accuracy of .0005-in
• Removable end cap for flush and accurate markings
• Fold out rafter hook – on-site convenient storage solution
• $36

Fit, Finish & Quality of Levels

The first impression of any tool that we test is usually the fit, finish and quality of the materials used in the tool. First impressions are important and often help us gauge long term life and performance on tough tasks. While this is quite subjective, we have no doubt that most people would likely rank these in the same order if the levels were all laying on a bench in front of them at the same time. Below is the list of levels with the top of the list being the best fit, finish and quality.

1. Stabila – Heavy Duty Level Type 196: This level really stands out among the levels in this evaluation. This is a very heavy duty level built from quality materials. It features a quality paint finish, milled faces, and very comfortable hand holes.
2. Stabila – R Beam Type 300: While the Type 19 is our preference with the hand holes, this level is just as nicely built as the other Stabila level we evaluated. This level is certainly built to withstand the most severe jobsite conditions for trades like concrete and masonry.
3. Empire – e75 Series 48″ TRUE BLUE® Box Level: The Empire levels also impressed us with the paint finish, milled faces, comfortable hand holes and quality vials.

Flatness of Milled Faces

For this section we also evaluated the flatness of the milled surface on the levels. To do this we placed a machined straight edge on each level and checked for gaps between the two surfaces using feeler gauges. All of the level contact surfaces were very flat. The largest gap between the machined straight edge and a level was 1 100th of an inch. The bottom line is all of these levels come with a very flat surface to start with.

Both the IRWIN and Stanley FATMAX levels are decent levels but more of a consumer grade with regard to fit and finish.

Vial Visibility

One of the key features of a good level is the visibility and readability of the vials. Five of the seven levels in this evaluation use a traditional yellow/green spirit color in the level vial. While two of them (Empire) uses a slightly blueish colored spirit in theirs. After using all of these levels over the past several months we feel the yellow/green color is preferable in most low light conditions. However, the Empire LED lighted vials are very easy to read and definitely a step above the green/yellow non-lighted vials.

In addition to the visibility of the actual vial, the placement of the vial within the level frame also contributes to the overall visibility of these levels. As you can see from the adjacent photo, each of the levels have the vials attached to the frame in much different positions. For example, the IRWIN and Stabila R Beam levels have cut-outs in the frame that creates a “window” to the vial. Whereas the remaining levels have a full notch at the vial allowing for greater visibility of the vial.

Frame Strength Vs Vial Visibility

Obviously the trade off is a strength vs visibility issue. The first three levels mentioned provide a stronger continuity to the level frame and additional protection for the vial. While the other levels provide far superior visibility from different user positions.

From our perspective, the Stabila Heavy Duty Type 196 offers the best visibility to the vial, and the clearest vial with it’s traditional Yellow/Green spirits. We also think the Empire LED has excellent visibility when using the LED light. The Stabila R Beam has the same vial but it’s much harder to see in the small “window” cut-outs vs the full view that the Type 19 offers. The flip side of this is the Stabila R Beam offers superior vial protection for tough jobsite conditions.

IRWIN Tools offers a unique design with an angled mirror built into the frame. This allows users to read the vial from other positions angles. This is extremely useful when working on ladders and other positions that make it difficult to see the vial.

Flexural Strength in Strong and Weak Axis

In order to evaluate how strong these levels are we set up a test rig that allowed us to test the bending strength of these levels in both the strong and weak axis. While we didn’t test them to failure, we did load them with a heavy load and measure the deflection, which allowed us to rank them for flexural stiffness.

The test was a simple point  load bending test. The load was applied to the middle of each level using a sling. A 2nd level was placed on top of the testing level to create a reference point to allow for deflection measurements. A sample of the test setup is shown below for reference.

We also wanted to test the levels to see if any of them were permanently deflected after loading. We measured the difference between the initial no load state and the post load state. In other words, how well do the levels return to their normal shape after the load is removed. We measured this using a feeler gauge. That gives you an idea how small the numbers were.

The loads we applied on the strong axis were in the form of 60lb bags of concrete (3, 4, or 5 bags), plus the weight of the chain/straps, and plus the weight of the pallet. That gave us roughly 200, 260, 320 lb point loads tested on the strong axis and 200 lb load on the weak axis. The results are below:

Strong Axis Stiffness

The first graph above shows us the deflection of each level when loaded in the strong axis. The strongest (stiffest) level was the Stabila R Beam Type 300 with about 3/16″ deflection under a 300 lb load. Following in a close 2nd place was the IRWIN Tools 2500. Coming in last place was the Empire e95 LED level (the vial housing cracked under this loading condition).

Strong Axis Load – Permanent Deflection

We also measured permanent deflection after the load testing to see if any of the levels would be damaged (no longer straight) due to excessive loading. The graph above shows the measured permanent deflection of each level after the load was removed. Two of the levels showed a deflection that in our opinion would be considered significant. The Empire e95 was the worst one and this is almost certainly related to the cracked vial housing after the 300 lb load. The other level of concern was the Stanley FATMAX. It should be noted that these are still very small numbers with the Empire at 0.02 inches and the Stanley at 0.01 inches.

Strong Axis Load – Permanent Deflection

We also did the same comparison of the weak axis loading permanent deflection. Above you can see the same two levels didn’t fair very well under extreme loading in the weak axis.

So what does all this mean? Ideally no one is “loading” their levels in this fashion. However, it does give us insight into long term durability due to tough jobsite conditions. It gives us insight into how strong these levels are and how well they can take punishment when we abuse them.

Durability Evaluation – Drop Test

Levels are dropped from ladders, scaffolding, and all over the jobsite so we wanted to evaluate how well the levels performed after being dropped from a fixed height. This test was again used to rank the levels based on their post drop evaluation. We built a rig so that the levels would all be dropped in the same way. Jobsites are all so different that there are probably a few thousand (maybe more) combinations of heights, vectors, and surfaces that levels could be dropped. We chose to drop them straight down as a way to best evaluate the end cap protections engineered into the levels.

The drop rig was an 8′ step ladder with a 3″ ABS tube positioned vertically. A trigger pin (long, smooth bolt) was drilled through the pipe section and the lowest point of the level was right at 6′ above the ground. We pulled the pin and dropped them 10 times each and then inspected for physical damage as well as retested for accuracy. The accuracy results are below. A number of 4 for plumb means that the vials read plumb in 4 directions and that the vials were unharmed by the drops. A number of 2 for level means that the vials read level in 2 directions and that the vials were unharmed by the drops. Anything less that than means the vials moved over the course of the drops.

Drop Test Results

After each level was dropped we checked them to see if the vials were still working properly. The results are as follows:

• Six of the seven levels all read plumb from both ends of the level. The Empire e95 only read plumb from one end.
• Four of the seven levels all read level after the drop test including:
  • IRWIN Tools 2000 Box Level
  • Stabila R Beam Type 300
  • Stabila Heavy Duty Type 196
  • Empire e75 Level
• Three of the seven levels no longer read “level” after the test including:
  • Stanley FATMAX
  • IRWIN TOOLS 2500 Box Level
  • Empire e95 LED Level

In addition, we also inspected the damage to the protective end caps. Most did very well in this evaluation with the exception of the IRWIN Tools levels. These levels could benefit from redesigned end caps.

Level Accuracy

Accuracy is obviously important with construction levels. We performed a basic evaluation of the levels to check accuracy. The test involves placing the levels on a fixed surface in both directions and checking the level to see that it reads the same from both sides. Below is an image showing one of the tests. As you can see the bubble on this IRWIN Tools level show the same in both directions (bubble slightly to the right of center).

All of the levels passed this test and showed great accuracy “right out of the box”. We found no signs that any of the levels had an accuracy problem.

Value – Price & Performance

Value is very subjective for an evaluation like this due to the wide range of prices. So for this evaluation we felt it was important to consider the first three categories combined with the price of the tool. After all, if a level that costs half as much as a similar competitors level can withstand the same punishment and remain accurate, then that would be far more valuable from an investment point of view.

From our perspective the best value for this group of levels is the Empire e75 Series 48″ Model E75.48 level. Priced at $50 it’s a very well built level costing less than half of the Stabila levels that we tested. It performed well in our durability testing and it offers excellent accuracy. Honorable mention in this category goes to the IRWIN Tools 2500 Box Level coming in at $76 dollars.

Unique Features

Levels have been around for a very long time so what could possibly be unique about a level? We love innovation and several of these levels have some unique features that are worth pointing out.

• Lighted Vials – Probably one of the most innovative features we’ve seen are the lighted vials that Empire is using in their TRUE BLUE® UltraView LED Box Levels. This feature comes in handy more often than you might expect. Working in dark areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and low light situations makes the LED feature invaluable. This is a feature that we feel will end up on lots of levels in the future. The LED light is turned on by pressing a button on the side of the level. The LED turns off after 2 minutes automatically. The LED runs on two AA batteries for up to 32 hours.

• Rafter Hook – Who doesn’t love a rafter hook on their tools? We’re used to them on our power tools and expect them on quality tools to help with working at heights. The Stanley FATMAX® Premium Box Beam Level offers a unique fold out rafter hook on one end of the level. Anyone that’s framed a roof knows how handy this can be, preventing the level from sliding off the roof! We think this is an awesome feature to include in all levels for carpenters.

Overall Results – Best Construction Levels

At the end of the day we all want a winner and a trophy right? Well this comparison sure was tough to do (those of you who have followed this head to head on Social Media should know how hard it was by the time it took to write it!).  For this head to head we’ve decided to highlight three of the best construction levels:

• Best Construction Level – Hands down we felt the Stabila Heavy Duty Level Type 196 was the best level that we tested. The quality, strength, visibility, and accuracy of this level make it easy to name as the best construction level that we tested.
• Best Construction Level Runner-Up – Again Stabila takes the nod on this one. This time we’re naming the Stabila R Beam Type 300 as our Best Construction Level Runner-Up. The quality, durability, and strength of this level make it a tool that sure to last for years to come.
• Best Value Construction Level – The Empire e75 Series 48″ Model E75.48 level really impressed us with it’s quality, accuracy, and durability at a price that’s well over half that of the levels listed above. This level certainly deserves to be ranked very close to the two Stabila levels that we evaluated.

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Best Construction Levels – Level Head to Head is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Stanley TLM99 Laser Distance Measure & Floor Plan App for Smartphones

Stanley ® announced on December 4th their new Stanley TLM99 Laser Measure with Bluetooth Connectivity and a Floor Plan App that digitally measures and creates floor plans for builders, remodelers, estimators, real estate agents, and do-it-yourself folks.

Floor Plan App

The Floor Plan App  allows you to add objects such as furniture, appliances, windows, doors and more into your floor plan making it a great space planning tool. The App will automatically populate each room with dimensions and square footage calculations. Created floor plans can be saved to a project folder and even be exported to the following formats:

• pdf
• jpeg
• excel
• dxf files to be printed
• or imported to other programs

These floor plans can be shared on Facebook, by email, from App user to App user, or sent to stores such as Home Depot.

Stanley TLM99 Laser Distance Measure

This Floor Plan App can be used alone or synched with the Stanley ® TLM99’s Laser Distance Measure with Bluetooth ® – model STHT77343. Measurement can be made with 3/32″ (2mm) accuracy.  Both of these products combined will provide a quick and easy method of creating and measuring floor plans.

This App and LDM combined will definitely be a benefit to remodelers, like myself.  Accurate floor plans helps with creating bids and better communications with customers. With automatic calculations, the LDM makes job estimates quick and easy, instantly calculating square footage, volume and distance.

Keep your eye out on Tool Box Buzz for a review. This item is on its way to our shop and we will be putting it through our normal day to day measuring routine.

How Much and Where to Buy?

The Stanley Floor Application is free to download at the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play Store. The Stanley TLM99 Laser Distance Measure – model STHT77343 is set to be sold in mass retailers, home centers and independent retailers sometime in January of 2015 and will sell for approximately $119.00.

Stanley TLM99 Laser Measure with Bluetooth Connectivity is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Best Hammer | Head to Head

Hammers are one of the most widely used tools in the world and while the basic concept hasn’t changed much over the years technology has certainly pushed some significant improvements that are widely available across the market today. We reached out to a range of Brands and asked them to send us up to two hammers, preferably a “light framing” weight hammer and a more subtle “finish” weight hammer. As you can imagine each hammer on the market today is slightly different than it’s competitor so trying to create a true “head to head” comparison wasn’t possible, however we feel the hammers included in our evaluation represent a nice mixture in both price point and style.

It should also be noted that there are many, many more makes and models on the market. We could spend months testing hammers and likely never touch them all. In this article we’re trying to touch on some new models that have recently come out in the market that cover a wide range or prices and availability.

Also, in this Head to Head we’re trying something new with the crew which we hope will allow us to do more of these articles and also get some of our “remote” reviewers in the game. Most of the reviewers received hammers to evaluate on their own, on the job, in the shop, and around the house. This allowed us to spend more time with the tools, and also develop a broader range of opinions and evaluations.

The Hammer Line-Up

As I mentioned earlier we’ve broken the hammer samples into two categories; Light Framing Hammers and Finish Hammers including the following models:

Light Framing Hammers

• DEWALT 20oz               – Model DWHT51054 – Smooth Face – Steel Handle – Rubber Over-mold Grip
• Estwing 15oz                  – Model EB-15S – Smooth Face – Steel Handle – Rubber Over-mold Grip
• Stanley FATMAX 17oz – Model FMHT51244 – Waffle Face – Steel/Plastic Handle – Rubber Over-mold Grip
• KOBALT 16oz                – Model 62754 – Waffle Face – Steel Handle – Rubber Over-mold Grip
• Powerstrike *                – Radial Finish DART Strike Face – Steel Tube Handle – Textured Paint Grip
• Stiletto 14oz                   – Model TI14MC-F – Waffle Face Titanium Head – Fiberglass Handle – Rubber Over-mold Grip

*NOTE: The Powerstrike hammer we tested is a prototype for a shorter handle design. Not available yet on the market, however, the slightly longer handle is available.

Finish Hammers

• Stanley FATMAX 14oz – Model FMHT51249 – Smooth Face – Steel/Plastic Handle – Rubber Over-mold Grip
• Hart 16oz                        – Model HH16SCS – Smooth Face – Steel Handle – Rubber Over-mold Grip
• Kobalt 16oz                     – Model 62742 – Smooth Face – Fiberglass Handle
• Stiletto 10oz                    – Model FH10C – Smooth Face Titanium Head – Hickory Handle

For each of the hammers we had each member of the team evaluate them on the job, in the shop, and around the house doing DIY projects. We’ve summarized basic features for each hammer below with highlights from the team members notes.

Hammer Comparison Test | Hammer Time is a post from Tool Box Buzz

STANLEY FATMAX Mobile Work Station

4/5

Manufacturer: Stanley
Model number: 020800R
Price: $96.99
Weight: 19.2 lbs

STANLEY FATMAX Mobile Work Station Review – Model 020800R

Regardless of whether you are a professional carpenter, plumber, electrician, or repairman, tool storage an important element when it comes to proficient work and time management. The days of carrying multiple tool bags full of hand tools and various power tools are gone.   Stanley Tools have designed a 4 in 1 Mobile took workstation that not only is one of a kind, but allows the use superb mobility from job-site to job-site. The 4-in-1 Mobile Work Station offers the end user a durable and rugged storage solution.  With 4 different compartments to offer;

• toolbox
• part bins
• portable tray
• over-sized lower bin for larger items

All of your tools are in one place.  Constant trips to the truck, trailer or even forgetting important tools, are no longer a concern.

First Impression

When I first received the package, my initial thought was WOW, this is big.  The weight of the work station is 19.2lbs with nothing in it.  It is lightweight, but don’t let that fool you, it’s heavy duty!! Taking it into my basement shop, I was wondering if I even had enough tools to fill this thing.  After all was said and done I sure filled it alright! The three tool bags that I had were completely unorganized and messy and a complete eye sore.  The Stanley FatMax 020800R was just what I needed! The large metal latches also offer peace of mind knowing it will not inadvertently open and has eye lets for to secure with a pad lock.

Organization

The 4 areas of storage in the  STANLEY FATMAX Mobile Work Station Model 020800R offer the end user a multitude of options.  With the large lower bin measuring at 19”x11”x16”. You can put smaller power tools such as cordless drill, multi tool or even a corded circular saw. In my case I was able to put my corded drywall gun, my multi-tool, and tools for joint compounding drywall. The parts bin section has 8 separate storage bins for all types of items. In my box, I put various rolls of tape, several box of screws and nails. Also, I put a small pouch I kept my air compressor attachments in there. Staples, sanding blocks, extra chalk for my chalk line and a spare tape measure are also neatly and easily stored. The toolbox portion is great spot for storing my bit sets, drill bit set, tool belt, safety glasses. The options are endless and offer the end user ample storage. The tool tray has 4 separate divided compartments for your basic hand tools. Screwdrivers, pliers, retractable knives, and small pipe wrenches to name a few! This Stanley FatMax 4-in-1 Mobile WorkStation is the key to workplace organization. Having all your tools with you when you need them will not only cut down on wasted time and hassle, it will increase work efficacy. Less time looking and more time work.

Additional Bonus Features

Two other features that grabbed my attention:

• The V groove
• The integrated ruler

The V groove is located on the top of the toolbox, as is the integrated ruler. The V groove holds materials in place while cutting, offering stability. The integrated ruler will allow for quick measurements when needing to cut rapidly. You could cut some wires, PVC piping, even making quick measurements on wood if needed.

Overall Impression

The hard durable foam construction, telescopic handle for easy maneuvering and patented, tiered, cantilever multilevel rolling system all come together to allow trouble-free access to all 4 freight areas simultaneously. The extra heavy duty 7” rubber coated wheels add steadiness when opened all the way. Closed, the Workstation is a compact, easily maneuvered unit which is deceiving when first looked at, however opened, it is a robust work space. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and walking into a job-site, this workstation offers the assurance that you will make a good first impression. Walking into a job-site and having a customer see you holding all your equipment and not able to shake their hand or even wave to them, is not a good way to start a job.  Being able to roll this work station in not only make you look organized, and professional, it also makes the customer realize you care about your tools.  It gives clients the perception that you are organized and ultimately assures them you are the right person for the project.

 Specifications:

• Closed Height 29”
• Closed Length 17”
• Closed Width 22”
• Patented tiered cantilever multilevel rolling system allows easy access to all 4 areas at the same time
• Telescopic handle for easy maneuvering
• Ball Bearing slides for smooth operation, even under a heavy load
• Extra heavy duty rubber-coated 7” wheels- for maximum stability
• Extra large, heavy duty metal latches with pad lockable eye lets

How and Where to Buy

The STANLEY FATMAX Mobile Work Station Model 020800R can be purchased for 96.99 here: Stanley FatMax Mobile 4-in-1 Work Station

STANLEY FATMAX Mobile Work Station Model 020800R is a post from Tool Box Buzz

The Stanley TwinTec Ratcheting Wrench is a 27 in 1 Tool

Stanley Tools TwinTec Ratcheting Wrench

3.5/5

Manufacturer: Stanley Tools
Model number: STHT72123
Price: $29.99
Weight: 2 lbs

The two dials fit both Standard (SAE) and Metric (MM) sizes!

Small Dial (SAE)

• 3/8″
• 7/16″
• 1/2″
• 9/16″
• 5/8″

Small Dial (MM)

• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16

Large Dial (SAE)

•  11/16″
• 3/4″
• 13/16″
• 7/8″
• 15/16″
• 1″

Large Dial (MM)

• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• 23
• 24

Features

The Tool combines 26 sockets and a ratchet in one hand tool with the quick adjust dial. Each head features a reversible ratcheting socket on a light weight and durable composite handle. The wrench also has the flexibility to work with hex, star, square, 12 point, eyebolt, or even rounded hex fasteners.

Performance

The tool dials to whatever size you need, within the limitations listed above, and is easy to operate. The quick tab at the base of each dial allows you to quickly change from forward to reverse. I can see this tool saving the day when you need to losen a stripped bolt or rounded nut, but the bulkiness of each head may reduce the ability to get to said troublesome fastener.

Overall Impression

From a professional’s perspective, this strikes me as the tool you never think to buy, but I can certainly see this saving the day when you have an unexpected bolt to remove or a piece of equipment fails and needs a last minute repair. Additionally, as a tool nut I just think this is an interesting concept Stanley pursued, and I think it may pay off.

Is this a tool you’ll see in a mechanic’s shop or a staple on a job-site probably not, but this is a great idea, perfect for the homeowner, DIYer, and even useful to the professional audience. Regardless, as a professional tradesmen and tool connoisseur, I love this idea and tool as a fun gift to give my fellow brothers and sisters in the trades for the holidays.

The Stanley TwinTec Adjustable Ratcheting Wrench Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Stanley Quickslide Knife Review

Stanley Quickslide Knife STHT10828

3.5/5

Manufacturer: Stanley Tools
Model number: STHT10828
Price: $12.00

Performance

Overall Impression

Stanley Quickslide Knife Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz