Features

• Black scale shows the setting for fitting a single piece to an angle
• Perfect miter joints every time
• Direct reading - no calculations required
• Durable aluminum construction
• Red scale shows the angle for a miter joint

Reviews (4)

A Must for Every Trim Carpenter
What more can I say? This tool is a must for every trim carpenter. My advice to Starrett, however, is to create a line of these products. As an earlier reviewer mentioned, it would help to have one or two available that are a bit longer than this standard sized 12" model. If given the opportunity, I'd buy 3 different sizes (1) a 12" protractor, (2) a 24" protractor, and a (3) 32" protractor. The tape and mud at drywall seems (in otherwords, at every corner you are likely to measure) can throw-off standard-sized protractors. By having longer protractors, you can overcome the corner "bulges" for a more accurate reading. This suggestion aside, this is a high-quality protractor that should be in every trim carpenters' toolbox (or belt!!). Highly recommended.

Starrett 505A - Affordable accuracy
I can't believe the quality of this protractor for the price. I use it for everything from saw set-up to angle finding and checking. Using the 505A, I actually discovered that one of my combination squares (one that cost more than this protractor) was not square. The gauge is very easy to read. The feature I like best is the tension on the hinge. The 505A is easy to open and close to a specific angle but holds that setting firmly so it can be transferred to a saw blade or miter guide. No thumb screws to get in your way. The 505A is sturdy, accurate and has a flexible design that makes it indispensable for the woodworker. I highly recommend it.

Starret Protractor, needs larger scale.
Good tool, solid feel to it. Scale could be a bit larger and is hard to read in poorly lighted areas. Other than that it does a fine job and is easy to use.

instant miter cut settings for the miter saw
What a great new tool! All you need to do to get a perfect miter joint is to swing each of the two legs against your two work surfaces and read the angle indicated on the dial. That angle is what you set on your miter saw and you get a perfect miter joint, no matter what angle your work surfaces are. It is completely foolproof. Couldn't be faster to use. And it will also read for fitting a single piece too. I'm sure I will also use it for layout and transferring. It is the perfect angle tool for a carpenter like myself. It measures angles like a tape measures length.
This tool is beautifully made of aluminum. It has two matching 12" legs and a flush inset dial where the legs hinge at the ends. It operates smoothly and holds the reading without moving. It is very durable and obviously built for the jobsite.
I love this tool's simplicity and recommend it without reservation. ... Read more

Features

• Professional grade hinges for scaffolding use and storage case included
• Adjusts to stepladder heights of 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 feet
• Adjusts for extension ladder heights from 11 to 19 feet
• Heavy Duty Type 1A, 300 pound duty rating
• Extra wide flared bottom for firm support

Reviews (5)

One half the price of the Little Giant
As a contractor, I use a lot of ladders.

COSCO was the first to clone the Little Giant Ladder about five years ago. Apparently, Little Giant's patent was still in force for the hinges. I own the COSCO 17FT Worlds Greatest Ladder and used it for a couple of years, but I needed something longer.

In January 2002, I purchased the Type 1 22 FT Little Giant from Amazon.com. The only difference was the hinges and a few annoying braces in the climbing area of the two narrow extension pieces of the COSCO. The COSCO is made in Korea. The Little Giant is made in USA. Both functions flawlessly to this day.

I found the Little Giant cloned at Home Depot as the Gorrila Brand ladder at Home Depot. $99 for the 13 ft model and $199 for a 21 ft model. The ladder is essentially a China made copy of the Type 1A Little Giant.

My last purchase is the MT-13 Werner. It appears to be another clone of the Little Giant Type 1A, also made in China, probably by the same company that makes the Gorilla. I know this, because both brands include a bonus set of brackets for making the scaffolding with an almost identical blow molded polyethylene case. The brackets are identical and marked Patent Pending.

I would recommend the MT-13 and the MT-17 in the Werner Brand, but I still prefer the Little Giant in the 22 ft model. It is a lighter by five pounds than the 22ft Werner but cost about $130 more.

Since all of the original Little Giant patents have expired, the hinges on the Gorilla and Werner models are identical to the Little Giant.

Of all of the models, the MT-17 would be ideal for most home owners. It will go to the second floor window of a two story house. The 22ft model will go to the roof of a two story house, but only for one with a slab foundation, not one with a basement or a crawl space.

The 17 FT model is a good balance between weight size and function. The best deal would be the Werner MT-17. The quality of materials and assembly of all the models appear nearly equal.

One reviewer noted that these ladders were hard to extend. The best method is still the method of extending the ladder using the procedure described in the Little Giant Instructional Video. Since the methods are copyrighted by Little Giant, the clone manufacturers cannot use them with their own instructions sheets, videos or manuals. Accordingly, I cannot include the Little Giant Procedure in this review.

Heavy but Versatile
I first saw the Little Giant version of this ladder on a late night infomercial. It looked so interesting that I began researching it. I discovered the Werner MT-22 on Amazon.com. It was much less expensive than the LG, and Werner has a reputation for building solid ladders. The first day I got this ladder home, I used it to clean the gutters of our one-story home - it was great! I used it as the A-frame fully extended. It's rated for a 300 lb. load and I felt very secure on it. For the first time, I didn't sit on the roof to clean gutters.

It is fairly heavy (about 50 lbs.), but I didn't have much trouble moving it around. With the legs closed and retracted, it's only 5-1/2 feet tall x 24 inches wide x 9 inches deep. Setting it up took a little practice, but it's now a snap.

I emailed Werner about a ladder stabilizer and work platform. A rep replied very quickly and said that those accessories would be available in September 2004. The stabilizer will not be the quick click variety.

Great Ladder
I would actually give the Werner MT-22 ladder a rating of 4.5 stars, if it were possible to do so, due to the weight of the thing. Other than that, this is a great ladder with virtually no flaws. Does everything it's advertised to do and more. I am still finding new uses for this thing. I have given away all of my other ladders (used to have three of them), and now use this one for everything except the "step-stool" tasks. Bottom line is that I would buy it again, which is the highest endorsement I can give.

Versatile, but LIMITED extension capability!
Bought this for the flexibility and ease of transport. It fit without any trouble in the back of the vehicle and was very easy to handle with 1 person. Being able to use it as a stair ladder or with the included braces to use it as scaffolding support was very attractive. The weakness is in the extension ability. It is very difficult to fully extend the ladder to 19 feet. Basically your only option is to half-extend it on the ground, and once you have it standing, push it the rest of the way up. This becomes very difficult as this ladder does not have the typical pulley system found on regular extension ladders. It also cannot accept the Werner Quick-Click Stabilizer. The stabilizer would normall make window and gutter jobs a piece of cake. Also, with the angled legs, I am not sure of this ladders ability to accept a leveler. This all coupled with the flexing of 4 seperate pieces, prompted me to return it for a Werner 24 foot fiberglass extension that I am completely happy with. (...)

It is $50 cheaper at Lowes
I searched all over the Internet for the MT-22 and every website returned me to Amazon.com. I caved in and ordered it from Amazon. Mine is still in transit via UPS. I was at Lowes today and found it for $199. It is to late for me to take advantage of the Amazon lowest price guarantee because I had already ordered it. Check your local Lowes and challenge the price BEFORE you place an order. ... Read more

Features

• 25ft hi-flex hose stays flexible - will not kink
• Quietest, most powerful, portable, professional 4-stage system
• Fuji XT model non-bleed spraygun
• Stainless steel fluid components
• Insulated stay-cool handle

Reviews (4)

Overall.....impressive
Pluses:

1. Quiet operation - it sounds like a small vacuum cleaner

2. High quality parts - nothing cheap/flimsy here

3. Great quality of finish - consistent quality with paint and
laquers.

Minuses

1. VERY stiff hose - it induces fatigue after a short while which
becomes a bit of a distraction. I plan on changing mine soon

2. Expensive - I got what I paid for so it's not truly a
complaint

Overall I would give this product a 4.5 rating if I could. I'm very satisfied with this product

A great product and Excellent service
Whatever happened to my first review of this product? I can not find it anywhere and I wanted to spread the message about Fuji very much!

I bought a Fuji Q4 about 3 weeks ago and after having waited for long because of a delay in manufacturing due to the release of the new XT Non Bleeder type gun that comes standard with all new Fuji Q3 and Q4 systems.

I opted for the Q4 because for a relatively small difference in price you simply get the most powerful turbine in the market. It is a 4 stage turbine made right here in America. Fuji manages to put this monster in a very steardy black metal case and the system is claimed to be 50% quieter than the competition. Comparing it to a Turbinare unit I was thinking to buy I totally agree with Fuji's claims.

The unit came in a steardy box but to my dismay the plastic fitting that connects the hose to the turbine was broken. In addition to this, the 6 foot Flex hose I had ordered to come with my unit did not show up either.

A simple call to Fuji and a couple of days later I received a box with the Flex hose, a new plastic fitting and a quick coupling compliments of the company. I was also informed that
I would be receiving a new metal fitting as soon as they are available.

I highly recommend any new buyer to get this Flex hose as it really makes spraying a pleasure w/o the burden of the big rubber hose that comes standard with the unit. By the way, my unit also came with the small plastic cups I bought as an additional option and a pack of spares like cup seals and additional strainers.

I used my Fuji to spray 26 restaurant chairs for a friend who is openign up a new restaurant and the unit performed much better than I had anticipated. That time I used the plastic cups only because I had to spray between chair legs and I needed the smaller size of the spray sytem. The finish was as impecable as I ever had using a spray system and with an ease of conntrol I never felt using my compressor powered NON HVLP sprayer. It is such a different experience to have your paint go where you itnend it and STAY there instrad of the mess that a high pressure sustem creates. After spraying the 26 chairs I pretyt much walked away from the job with no paint stuck on me or my clothing.

The next day I had to spray some booths for the same friend and I tried to use the metal cup that comes with the system. Unfortunately, I could not make the gun achieve an good seal and since it is pressurized the paint was oozing out from it. I went back to the plastic cups and finished the job w/o a problem.

Having contacted Fuji again I was told they will be sending me a newer make of a cup and hopefully this problem will also be solved. Please note that since the XT gun and cup assembly is new for Fuji and I guess some problems had to be anticipated. The point here is that the manufacurer is simply AMAZING in responding to comments and lightning fast in taking care of any problems you may have. You get to talk to Paul, the owner himself (not some clerk that could not give a darn about anything) and this guy even responds messages on weekends!

I give the Fuji Q4 a round 5 star for performance even with the few mishaps I had with it. It is super quiet, super powerful, super performing and it is backed up by what I feel is the best customer service I have ever encountered in my 15 years of buying wood working equipment from various big name manufacturers like Delta, Powermatic, Bosch etc. These guys could learn something about customer service from Fuji.

I give Fuji a 4 star for quality control but again, the outstanding service they offer prety much decides it for me: Fuji is an absolute winner! DO NOT buy another HVLP spray system until you try a Fuji first. Highly recommended.

Look no further.......
The Fuji Q4 Pro is QUALITY, top to bottom, A to Z. Unbelievably quiet, VIBRATION FREE, (becoming a rarity in electric motors because apparently no one cares about bearing clearances or endplay) and EASILY powerful enough to spray any finish you want. (the one exception being polyester, i.e. "grand piano" coatings which need a high pressure, (and high overspray) cup gun.)
Fuji industrial is a no-nonsense company. If you call for support, parts, etc., the president and CEO of the company answers the phone himself. No waiting on hold, elevator music and the like. He seeks absolute customer satisfaction, no middlemen and no confusion.
American manufacters should take note of the lack of corporate wigs, board of chairmen and such with their multi-million dollar salaries for doing basically nothing for their company. What suffers naturally is the end product resulting in yet ANOTHER inferior quality, poorly designed domestic product.

And, despite the name "Fuji", the company is based in Ontario and uses over 90% North American content.

At least here, you are paying for PRODUCT, not some 7.5 million a year PR figure while the engineers don't get paid enough to put out a continually improving product.

You will get more than your money's worth with the Fuji. The gun itself is worth more than many complete systems. And as stated, the Q4 is "THE MOST POWERFUL AND QUIETEST SYSTEM ON THE MARKET."

So, if, you want the most from your dollar, as do I, you won't be disappointed here.

Great sprayer, I am very pleased
I have had this unit about 10 months now and I am very happy with it. My goal, in general, was to get a sprayer with the following features/functionality:

-spray fine finishes such as lacquer and water borne finishes
-also spray thin stains as well as occasional latex and oil-based paints
-variable air pressure for more control
-spend less than $1,000

This unit has satisfied those goals very well. The variable air control is really a must, in my opinion, otherwise I cannot adequately control the atomization. This air control works very well on this unit. It does not vary the motor speed, but varies the flow through the hose with a convenient control located at the gun handle - you can vary the flow as you work and fine tune it without having to run back to the compressor unit to make adjustments. I just turn the unit on and then make all the adjustments at the gun.

This unit sprays everything have tried very well: thinned lacquer, straight stains and dyes, latex paint (with Flotrol), and slightly thinned oil base paint. The finishes are extremely smooth.

Once I have the air and fluid controls set for a given project, the amount of overspray is really remarkably small. Although it is possible to create a lot of overspray, that usually means the air control is set to high.

The unit is very easy to clean - usually I just run solvent through the gun after every coat. Then thoroughly clean the needle and nozzle after the project.

A bonus for me is the sound level of the unit - it is really very low - it is like a mid range "whoosh" . Definitely not a loud unit at all. I find that once I have everything adjusted and start spraying, I do not even pay attention to the sound of the unit at all. I understand that some other brands have very irritating noise levels. Not so here.

I also appreciate the manufacturer's after sale support. Very helpful. I also purchased (from Fuji direct) the 6 foot whip hose and the set of small plastic cups for small jobs. The whip hose is very light and I find it very helpful in maneuvering in my small spray area.

I have been happy with the needle/nozzle combination which came with the unit, although my guess for the majority of my lacquer work, the #3 nozzle would work fine also. ... Read more

Features

• Accuracy of 1/8-inch at 30 feet
• Requires three AA batteries
• Fast, accurate, and portable
• Self leveling

Reviews (6)

Outstanding Product
This hardware is awesome. You put 3 AA batteries in it and you're all set. It gives you a level line, a plumb line, or a combination of both within a second, with a push of a button. You can mount this product on a camera tripod, or use the provided magnetic mount and you don't need any assistance for your plumb and level lines. It is just sad that I bought mine for $299.00 from a hardware store before I saw this on amazon site. Yet I am so glad that I was able to do my bathroom tiles by myself with the help of this excellent piece of innovation.

Straight Walls
This self-leveling laser is perfect for the serious home re-modeler. I have just started building walls in my basement 10 to 60 feet in length. I am building the walls in place and obviously require alignment of the top plate with the bottom plate to ensure the walls are straight and plumb. By positing the laser 3-4 feet off the floor at one end of wall you can shoot bright lines along the floor, back wall, and ceiling simultaneously. I have also used the laser to ensure studs are straight and vertical. This is a must have tool...

Replaces many tools
After getting buying this tool for my bathroom remodelling project, I've found it to be absolutely indispensable. It replaces numerous tools: plumb line, chalk line, levels, etc, costing well over the cost of this tool. The accurate self-levelling feature makes the work much quicker, as you do not have to wait for the plumb to settle, or make pencil marks. Also, the accuracy is far greater than with traditional tools.

Now, all the pictures hanging on the wall are perfectly level, too. Now, I have to raise one side of the house by 1/4" to make everything square...

Works great!
I am a weekend handyman and wanted to buy a laser level to speed up my solo work on the house--shelving; installing speakers in the wall and ceiling; installing trim and moldings, etc.

I looked at some of the more "consumer" oriented levels (robotoolz, stanley, etc.) and was concerned by what I read in the reviews. After doing a bit more unscientific research, I concluded that if you want a laser level that works, you need to spend more than the $100 that I was originally looking to spend.

I have used this a bit and it has worked great so far. My favorite thing about it is that you don't actually have to put it on a tripod or pin it in the wall--you can hold it against a wall or door and project it against the surface where you are trying to establish level/vertical lines. It's very quick and easy to use and seems to work well.

The lines are a little hard to see in bright daylight, but it's manageable.

I'll have to see whether it stands up to the test of time, but I am very pleased so far.

Bottom Line: I spent more than I wanted to but I have learned that you get what you pay for.

Worth its weight in gold.
Hello to all, I just purchased the PLS2 and have used it already to level multiple shelving units, install shelving, plumb up studs for nailing, mark for installing pipe in stud walls, install electrical boxes and switches, and figure pitch for a sewer line. The sewer line pitch was done in the fixed position. I figured the amount of pitch for the run, put the PLS2 on its mount and put the magnets on a piece of metal, lined up the two pitch marks and started to dig. As long as the measurement was the same, all was well. No more fiddeling with the level. No more trying to hold the level in one hand, hold the piece of lumber, get the screw or nail gun, all the time trying to maintain plumb or level, and finally fasten. Now I have an extra hand. Just set up the PLS2 and you can instantly see if you are on or not. You have both hands to fasten. In very bright sunshine the line is difficult to see, but, not impossable. The unit is very sturdy and stable. The unit comes with a leather holster, from Occidental Leather, and the magnetic "L" bracket for holding the unit on any metal piece. There are two small holes for mounting the bracket to wood or other non-metallic surface. The holster is set up for wearing on your belt, if you desire, and there is a large snap to keep everything in its place. On the holsters lid there are two metal buttons that hold the "L" bracket neatly. I believe the screw size on the unit is 1/4 x 20. I would highly recommend the PLS2 to anyone that uses a level or straight line with any kind of regularity. Further I would say that the usfullness of the actual line is more than the advertised 30'. With the right lighting conditions I could see usefullness in the 50 - 60ft. range or more. I will let you know. I also have the PLS5 and use it on occasion, but, the new PLS2 will be taking the 5's place for many applications including the many new applications that I will use it for. More to come.-ED ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Bosch has really broken ahead of the pack with their new miter finder/digital protractor/angle finder. The handiest thing, in our opinion, you can do with this tool is calculate miter and bevel angles for crown molding cuts easily and efficiently--using the molding spring angle and the corner angle as your input. It's also great for remodelers who often need to cut trim at odd angles to achieve a good fit. The tool's digital display is large and easy to read, and there's also a hold function that freezes the measurement. The finder also has an old-school leveler, so you know you're operating in pure horizontal reality. Plus, it fits lightly in your hand. Really, this is a very cool and unique tool, one we think finish carpenters and remodelers will find invaluable in their quest for quick, perfect fits. --Michael Shilling ... Read more

Features

• Level - Built-in vertical and horizontal spirit levels, accurate to 0 +/- 0.05°
• Versatile measuring tool, 4 tools in one - Anglefinder, Compound Cut Calculator, Protractor, Level
• Anglefinder - Determines the exact angles of jobsite or workpiece, eliminating guesswork
• Compound Cut Calculator - Automatically determines the exact miter and bevel setings necessary to make each crown molding cut fit precisely.
• Protractor - precisely positions the workpiece or intended cut line at the desired angle

Reviews (34)

Quickly becoming indespensible
Initially when I looked at this tool, I thought that it was a bit pricey for a digital protractor. Now I find myself using this tool for framing, trim work, and saw alignment. It has been invaluable in checking miter gauges for accuracy, you could use a protractor or speed square, but this is more accurate than a speed square and much quicker than either, especially if you need to make adjustments. This tool impressed me when I was checking alignment on my sliding compound miter saw. I wanted to verify its accuracy out of the box so I dialed into 90 / 0 degrees, the BOSCH protractor read 90.3, flipped it over and measured the other side of the blade and it read 89.7. Definitley much quicker than the conventional way, and you can easily use this with the table saw. Typically over time ( about 5 months now ) this tool reads between 0.0 and 0.1 accuracy, and like most scales you can check its accuracy and know what your margin of accuracy is. The back spring angle feature is very handy for crown molding, and for checking corners the back edge is rounded so as not to foil your reading in an inside corner measurement. This tool does so much more than I have mentioned, these are just tasks that I have used repeatedly and successfully. A carrying case would be nice, as this unit is nicely machined, it has a level built in which is handy and for quick checks, it saves holding two tools. So far, I am very satisfied with this tool.

Carpenters, Welcome to the 21st Century!
I purchased the Bosch DWM40L Digital Protractor/Angle Finder to install baseboard, shoemolding, and crownmolding in an older home. Naturally, there wasn't a square corner in the entire project. The Bosch tool made exact measurements for calculating miter angles for each piece of trim. You take its measurements and calculations and then transfer them to your compound miter saw. Nothing could be easier. It took hand fitting and guess work out of the job. This a fabulous invention and it's miles ahead of the older, but timeless tools such as a square, bevel, and protractor. It also doubles as a carpenter's level. This Bosch tool is also extremely well built and cosmetically pleasing--its heft feels good in your hands. My toolbox is now in the 21st Century--what would my Grandfather think? He'd probably say that I have it too easy now that I own the Bosch DWM40L Digital Protractor/Angle Finder. Sorry Grandpa.

Awesome tool ... well built ...
All of the previous reviews contain real nuggets of information. The ones that refer to the tool's inability to store the spring angle illustrate the only real criticism I have about this tool. However, using my also-newly-purchased Bosch 4410 10" Compound Miter Saw, I created a jig out of 1x material that effectively solves this problem.

When you open this tool you'll notice that there is a piece of metal that reenforces the strength of the tool where the two legs pivot. I simply cut the 1x material to a length that stops the tool exactly at 38 degrees when the tool is closed onto the wood ... and the wood is resting against that metal reinforcement. I plan to cut more of these pieces, one for each spring angle of common crown moulding manufacturers.

This was a precise procedure ... I found out shaving the width of a human hair off the length of the jig resulted in a difference of about .2 degrees. It'll take a few tries to get an exact 38 degree jig ... but it'll be worth it. I can now set the spring angle in seconds.

Hope this helps.

mmortal666@hotmail.com

Really it's a good tool -- but consider an alternative
I looked at this tool in a local store because I'm installing crown in an older house. It is very well made and deserves more than one star, but while I was in the store I found a simple plastic tool for measuring angles called "mite-r-gage". It gives you an accurage measurement which you then compare with a crown table that gives you the angle and bevel for flat cuts on a compound miter saw.

I just wanted people to consider this $10 alternative if the Bosch is overkill for how often you'll use it.

A great tool and time saver!
The Bosch DWM40L has saved me a lot of time on even the simple angles. I bought it for setting up angle cuts on my Dewalt sliding miter saw and now using it for all angle cuts. While installing an angled facia board on a roof peak, I slid the Bosch DWM40L into the slope of the roof line, divided by 2 and cut a perfect fitting joint without trial and error!!
The price is right and the tool is quality built. Just wish I had the case to protect it. Ordered that 2 months ago from Amazon and still don't have it.
I recommend making several copies of the instruction sheet and keep them near your saw(s). The setups for crown molding require a few steps and if you don't use the tool every day for compound miters on crown molding, you will become a little perplexed if you don't have the instructions.
With the extension leg, short outside corner angles are easy to locate. At first, I wasn't sure I would need the extension but now I'm glad I have it. I have even used this tool for conduit bending when working with goofy angled runs. Really does eliminate time consuming trial cuts and bends.
Buy it, you'll like it!! ... Read more

Product Description

Stabila's new "best of the best" professional level in a promotional pack. For the price of the 59" level you recieve both the 59" and the 24" level. As the industry leader, Stabila has improved on the "world's best level" with the new type 196 series. The accuracy is certified, top and bottom readings and sports a new rubber hand grip design. Rubber pad end caps and wall grips that are functional yet removable for flush measuring. Times have changed, rooms are getting bigger, walls are getting taller, closets are getting wider, and the professional contractor needs to keep up with state of the art tools, including levels. This promotional set is becoming the prefered lengths for levels for the homebuilders of the future. ... Read more

Features

• Accuracy guaranteed for life
• Accuracy certified, top and bottom readings
• Strong, wide frame design
• Removable rubber end caps for flush measuring
• Oversized rubber hand holds for comfort

Features

• One-year guarantee
• Patented technology
• Quick and accurate
• Compact and lightweight
• Battery-powered

Reviews (3)

Should 'a bought it last year
Being in the custom home remodeling business I'm always demonstrating to clients how out of square or plumb their existing structure is. When it comes time to re-working the project I had to wrestle with a plumb bob or spend time squaring up. I've looked at the three other shooting type laser tools and found that the PLS5 is the best value for the money. Even the accessories are well thought out 'cause they help me layout square using their pendulum target and the wall bracket lets me position the laser anywhere on the job. It saves me a ton of time and I do more with my PLS5 than my little rotary laser. I need the accuracy and I like the fact that the beams settle down very fast. Squaring is easy because you shoot 90 degree angles as soon as you turn it on. I tried the RoboVector but could not use it much past 30 feet. Beams got too big and I never knew when it was in self leveling range. Sent it back. PLS5 is more money but I learned a long time ago that you usually get what you pay for. Side by side comparisons rates a thumbs up from me for PLS

Almost a great unit if it only....
It is almost a great unit if only:
1) it had brighter beams for daylight use, such as setting square on a house foundation etc. Inside there is plenty of light.

2) the five beams were not offset. When squaring for a foundation layout one must allow for the 1" offset. If I set the laser's plumb-bob beam over a corner mark and point the front beam to my next point, the 90 degree point is going to be 1" off. I don't like this because this is one more thing I have to adjust for. When paying this kind of money I should not have to make adjustments for this.

The PLS5 could learn from a competitive product, the RoboVector, that doesn't have the 1" offset in its square. You get a true square, not just a 90 degree. I can set the plumb on a corner point, point to my next corner and see another corner that is in square with the first corner point. The RoboVector's beams are not as bright which hurts its use outside. The RoboVector is considerably less expensive.The PLS5 is more accurate and that meant a lot to me. See specs.

The PLS5 is a good unit, more accurate, expensive, and with some limitations. A new version (PLS5X) is supposedly better for outdoors. Check it out too. Probably worth the extra.

Leveler Saves Time, While Increasing Accuracy
We build homes and small offices, and we bought a PLS-3. It gave us quicker readings on leveling foundations, and squaring up corners, than conventional leveling tools, strings, triangles, etc. It saved us time, money, readjustments, and it was accurate out to 100 feet.

We have now added a PLS-5, and are doing even more, squaring up walls, making measurements on ceilings without going up a ladder. We recently laid out an entire cathedral ceiling, doing all the measurements and angles while standing on the floor. Both units have paid for themselves in less than a month of use. ... Read more

Features

• Professional grade hinges for scaffolding use and storage case included
• Adjusts to stepladder heights of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 feet
• Adjusts for extension ladder heights from 13 to 23 feet
• Heavy Duty Type 1A, 300 pound duty rating
• Extra wide flared bottom for firm support

Features

• 25-year limited warranty
• Most popular full-size Leatherman tool
• Larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters and all-locking blades
• Includes bottle/can opener, wire stripper, 8-inch ruler, and lanyard attachment
• 100% stainless steel

Amazon.com Review

A deceptively simple-looking tool, the BoWrench is a boon for both professional deck builders and do-it-yourselfers. The BoWench gives you a fast, one-person way to straighten decking boards. This is great, because decking material--whether redwood, cedar, or another, more exotic rot-resistant wood--is often warped, especially in 14- to 16-foot lengths. To operate the BoWrench, you simply fit the tool on a joist, swing the lever arm, and release. You can either push or pull boards into alignment, and when the handle is perpendicular, the tool locks in place, holding the board securely and leaving you free to drive nails or screws. The BoWrench is better than toenailing. Burying nails in the sides of decking to close gaps works, but it gives water more ways to enter the decking, which eventually leads to rot. With the BoWrench, you'll save time, create a longer-lasting surface, and maximize material. Using the special cam attachment (sold separately), the BoWrench replaces the clumsy beater block as the best way to close gaps in tongue-and-groove plywood and paneling. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Heavy-gauge steel construction
• One-person operation
• Can push or pull
• 24-inch handle
• Closes 2-inch gaps

Reviews (16)

Awesome tool!
I am building a new home that has two large porches, two large decks and a small balcony. I decked the first porch with T&G Mahogany before I purchased this tool. What a pain! The boards required significant "tweaking" to get them to lay tight. I tried various methods of prying the boards tight with very unsatisfactory results. The best method required screwing a 2-by along the joists, using a piece of scrap T&G board and prying against it with a flat bar. Then the fun would begin; trying to hold the board tight with one hand and trying to get a screw driven into the deck board with the other.
The BoWrench simplifies everything! I started on the second porch after I bought this tool (I bought the T&G attachment as well). The wrench's "cam-action" not only pulls the deck boards tight, but it holds them there freeing up both hands. I am actually able to use some of the boards I culled from the first porch as being too warped; the BoWrench just pulls them into place. Also, by switching the pivots you can "push" a board instead of pulling it. This was very useful on the porch when I was close to the house. I can't wait to use it on the rest of the decks. I can't imagine not having one of these tools if I planned on building more than one deck in my lifetime. Definitely worth the money!

Lost without one!
The BoWrench is the best decking tool I have ever used because its easy to use, and it doesn't mar joists like other ones. As a contractor that builds a couple of decks a year, this has paid for its self many times over. You can achieve proper gap spacing with out digging through the lumber pile for straight boards(if they exist anymore!). I would highly recommend the BoWrench to any deck builder.

Works for me
All the ads for this product show it being used on 5/4" lumber. I didn't know how it would perform on 2x's, but with the poor quality of pressure treated lumber around here, I definitely needed some help. I'm glad I bought the BoWrench. I just finished a 12' x 24' deck using 2" x 6" lumber, and this tool muscled them into position with ease - just needed a 1/4" shim to compensate for the thickness.

Couldn't Live Without BoWrench
I'm an avid do-it-yourselfer and just added a 1,000 square foot deck addition onto our home. I purchased a Bowrench to straighten 5/4" deck boards and it is amazing! Just slip it on the joist and pull the handle - it straightens the board and leaves you with both hands free to fasten the board.

Since then I've used it for installing 1" x 6" pine T&G on our kitchen ceiling and for installing log siding on a small cabin we built. I have a shop full of tools and it's one of my favorites! (and this is the cheapest place I could find it at)

Must be better than the Stanley version
I just used my new bowrench and loved it. It is well made and works well. I was concerned that the Stanley tool might be of higher quality, but I'm not any more. Also, I could not get enough information on the Stanely tool to see if it would even work this well. Being able to lock tool into place is priceless... ... Read more

Features

• Titanium handles for lightweight and maximum strength
• All-locking blades for high-pressure reliability
• Sheepsfoot Blade with Cutting Hook for more efficient serrated cutting
• Premium belt sheath included for belt-side portability
• 154 CM premium stainless steel Clip-Point Knife

Features

• Includes tripod, rod, and case
• Self-leveling horizontal rotary laser
• 3/32" accuracy @ 100'
• 1000-foot range
• LD-100N detector

Features

• Up to 100 feet laser viewability
• Self-leveling
• Remote-controlled
• Solid-metal spherical base
• 150-foot radio control range

Reviews (23)

Don't know how I lived without it!
I have had my Robo Laser for only a few days now and already I don't know how I lived without it. It took only minutes to learn how to use it and right away I was saving the company I work for money by doing a job that once took two people to do. I am a foreman for a brick laying company and Robo Laser's first job was to help me lay out brick courseing. Just to be sure I could trust it's accuracy the first time,I checked my marks with an auto-level. It was perfect. I had no problem seeing the laser beam outside and the self-leveling feature made things quick and easy. Although I used a tripod the fact that you can sit it on almost anything as a base makes the leveling possibilities even greater.For anybody who wants a great laser at an unbelievable price this is the tool for you!

A do-it-yourselfer's dream
I got the RoboLaser to help me layout a patio that I had being planning on doing for a while. I set up the RoboLaser on a camera tripod, got my remote control and a yard stick and was able to layout the patio in no time. The RoboLaser is easy to use. The laser dot was bright and had no difficulty finding it during a sunny day. I really recommend it for all those jobs that require leveling. This is truly a one-man surveying tool.

You take your chances
I bought the robe laser a couple of years ago and it worked fine, but recently it went out of calibration. Too bad it doesn't have an auto self-calibration. When the tool was working, it was a fantastic time saver (I'm a carpenter and general contractor) and one man set-up/use is invaluable. However, I recently was checking my newly poured foundation walls for level and was quite alarmed at 1-1/2" out of level with a shoot-spread angle less than 60 degrees so I borrowed a buddys' old but acurate scope transit to verify what's what and discovered only a 3/8" out of level foundation. So until I can spend the time to recalibrate it, it's useless. Now, I'm considering purchasing another one or stepping up to a cst/Berger or pls5x for the extra $250 and name brand reliability. I also have the robo-vector which, when it was working, was also a fantastic tool for squaring up corners and plumbing anything, however, it too is on the fritz, therefore useless until repaired/recalibrated. You get what you paid for, when this tool works its amazing, but if/when it goes out, its useless and a waste of time. Maybe I just got the lemons?

it works
There was a long delay between order and delivery, and Amazon.com finally shipped me a newer model, the 7210-1, which includes a line generator---and perhaps other improvements. This is about that model, not the RB01001. Though I obviously don't really know, I imagine that anyone ordering the 01001 from now on will actually receive the 7210.

It worked exactly as advertised, and is easy to use. The remote control makes it easy to do a one-man leveling job. It was well calibrated out of the box, but I tweaked it, and recalibration is easy. (Just like any level, reverse it and split the difference.) I have no meaningful complaints, and the price is certainly right for a self-leveling laser. Obviously I have no idea how it will stand up under rough usage.

My only minor complaint is that the calibration plug is awkwardly located, and my own clumsy paws had a lot of trouble removing and replacing it. Though the instructions don't say so, it isn't even possible to remove it without a prying tool of some sort. I was tempted to not bother replacing it, but that would have left a hole for dust to get into the mechanism, which seemed to be a bad idea.

The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five was that I imagine that one can get fancier tools for three times the price, and it's good to leave room at the top. This one is plenty good enough for me.

Robolaser
I have been using my Robolaser for 2 years not and it is a great tool. Simplicity for 1 person working by themselves. The beam is very visible and you don't have to hold any other instrument. Is a bit tough in the right light conditions to see the beam move to the location of your work, while outside. Very portable and easy to set up and go to work. ... Read more

Product Description

Delivers a fine finish with low overspray. Ideal for painting or staining cabinets, trim, furniture, machinery and equipment. 58 CFM - 5 PSI. 2-Stage turbine motor. Transfer efficiency - 85%. Includes: HVLP spray gun, 25' hose. 2 Needle/nozzle sets, wrench, viscosity stick, strainers, and cleaning brush. Sprays: Light, medium, heavy-stains, varnishes, oil-based paint, latex. Weight 26 lbs.. MADE IN USA. ... Read more

Features

• Sprays most finish coatings: lacquers, clear coats, varnishes, enamels, water-borne coatings, stains and oil-based paints
• Adjustable spray gun controls to create fine finishes.
• Air flow adjusts for a finer finish
• Material flow adjusts to spray a variety of coatings
• Ideal for fine finish interior/exterior projects: cabinets, furniture, trim, fences and equipment

Reviews (1)

Solid Product, Huge Time Saver
I used this product to stain a buddy's fence and deck, finished in 4 hours what would have taken days to do with a brush or roller. Little bit of overspray but not bad, good options for adjusting spray amount and air pressure. Easy to clean up, fairly light weight, I'm already looking for more projects to use it on. 1000 times more fun than using a brush. ... Read more

Features

• 25ft hi-flex hose stays flexible - will not kink
• A powerful, portable, professional 3-stage system
• Fuji XT model non-bleed spraygun
• Stainless steel fluid components
• Insulated stay-cool handle

Reviews (1)

So happy I now wish I had bought Fuji's top of the line
This HVLP is like my new best friend. This morning I sprayed 1/2 gallon of paint onto 25 kitchen cabinet doors (one side), in 2 hours including clean up. The finish is impeccable.

My only regret is that I didn't spend the extra $200 and buy the four turbine unit. A friend of mine recommended Fuji because he's been painting professionally with his for the last 13 years--no problems. His is the three turbine model, so I figured I didn't need anything more.

Only one complication: thinning. In order to shoot latex (I use Benjamin Moore Iron Clad Latex Enamel) you have to thin it. I have not been able to eliminate orange-peel with anything less than 20% thinning. And I'm not sure if this jeopardizes the integrity of the paint.

But otherwise, this sprayer will save you so much time it is ridiculous. Think what you can paint--cabinets, furniture, base board, molding, the cat.

The unit is quiet, and seems to be quality. It uses standardized turbines. ... Read more

Features

• Dust, dirt, and water resistant - 1 year limited warranty
• Five self-leveling orthogonal beams: level, plumb, and square
• Electronic self-leveling with flashing out-of-level indicator
• Visible and accurate to 1/4" @ 100'
• Powered by four AA batteries, auto-shut off with low battery indicator

Reviews (10)

Laser self-leveling RT-7610-5
Price is very reasonable, after using this tool a few times it is very easy to use, I checked the plumb lines with a plumb bob to insure accuracy, and it was dead center at 15 feet high. the level is also very accurate--I use it to set cabinets, and for laying out.
Just as important, the tool makers customer service is impressive, and they are very helpful with any questions or support.
I think because of that I should have rated this tools with 5 stars.

Laser problems
I have a similar problem as two other users. I used the system several times immediately after purchase and it worked fine. Then I didn't use it for over 8 months. It was stored in the original container and inside the house. I recently tried to use it again and now the servos work, but there is no laser. I've got an email into the company, but we'll see...

Make it work.....
I got my 7610-5 as a factory rebuild, so I am not out as much as some of you. When I first got home, I thought it was broken, but after 20 mins or so, it finally leveled itself. I was able to use it on a job 1 time, but after storing it (in an air conditioned room) for a couple of months, it never worked again. Customer svc will not answer emails, and a call to the factory says they will charge $85 to fix it no matter what is wrong, maybe good, maybe bad. I really wish that I had a laser that I could rely on, but this is not it. As a remodler, my tools must work when I get to the jobsite, always. I am very disapointed, especially now that porter cable has started selling them. Every other P.C. tool that I have is excellent, this will bring down the quality of their product line.

laserless level
I have had this level one and half years, using it about ten times. It worked well and saved me alot of time. My one very minor complaint would have been its long search times to find level. (Longer than others I have used.) Now I have a major complaint...after storing it in the recommended manner for five months, it will not produce a beam...it justs searches for level. The little motor hums, the little gimble indexes and I get nothing. It was working fine, no abuse, no accidents...can't recommend it now, can I?

Not perfect, but darn useful
purchased this after going through much pain trying to locate several downlights in a large living room. That job alone paid for the puchase. Since then I've used it to lay out landscapes, fences, and cabinets. The self-leveling feature is perfect for amatures like myself.

Some minor qualms, it's well built, but not bullet-proof (why did they move to servos for the level?!!?), the laser seems to shoot too large of a dot, and it's hard to see outside (even with the aids supplied). As others have noted, It's also very sensitive to being bumped, or serious vibrations; This has never been a problem for me, I'm not a contractor, but I can see it being a pain on a busy job site.

Overall: highly recommended ... Read more

Features

• Water resistant non submersible
• Provides level reference and point-to-point plumb
• Working range at 100 feet
• Accurate to less than 1/4 in. at 100 ft.
• Automatic leveling

Reviews (1)

PLS 3 is a great little tool
I have been using one of these little laser plumb/levels for about a month now. It is the first, and often only level I reach for these days. It shoots a bright red dot visible in full daylight, and makes locating plumb and level points a cinch. Great for framing, layout, finish,etc.. It is rugged enough to handle the usual job-site bumps and scratches, and small and light enough to fit in your tool pouch. Long battery life too... The only drawback is that the other guys on the crew constantly want to borrow it! ... Read more

Features

• 13' - 23' Extension height, adjustable in 1' increments
• 6' - 11' Stepladder height, adjustable in 1' increments
• 300 lb OSHA rated Extra Heavy Duty

Features

• Rated at 250lbs.
• Five year warranty