Features

• Comes with mounting hardware and instructions
• Attaches to Werner aluminum and fiberglass extensions
• Levels ladders on uneven surfaces automatically
• Adjusts up to 8-1/2"
• For type I and IA extension ladders

Reviews (7)

Installation of Werner PK80-2 auto-leveler
The instructions are detailed and didn't leave anything to the imagination. The instructions have different sections for the different ladders and require a careful study before and during the installation. At least the instructions are only in English, having multilingual instructions would make it way too confusing.

Installation took about 3 hours to accomplish for my D6020-2 20' fiberglass ladder and its a little scary permanently modifying such a nice ladder knowing that if you mess up the ladder can be permanently damaged or made useless. Take your time. Here is my list of things to be aware of going into this installation.

1) Be very careful aligning the drilling templates!!!

2) Center punch the hole positions good then your drill bit shouldn't wander. I didn't need to do this but you might pre-drill the holes with a smaller bit if necessary. You have 6 holes to drill over about 14" x 3" area so the drilling must be done very precisely if the side rail is to align correctly. The rail bracket doesn't have any give in it for error.

3) Double or triple check your measurements/instructions and drill bit sizes. Be very careful sawing off the square aluminum bar that runs through the rung as it has to be within 1/8" accuracy.

4) Don't remove the black electrical tape that comes on the side rails, this is done near the end of the installation.

5) Hack-sawing the side rail is the easy part. Previous review recommends a cutoff wheel which I'm sure works well but isn't necessary. Before doing this I'd mount the side rails to check your drilling accuracy. This is the point of no return before cutting off the existing ladder feet. If you messed up the drilling which I'm sure you won't if you are careful you can always abort the project here if necessary. The holes shouldn't hurt the ladder but cut off the feet and their side rails supports and, game over.

6) Drilling out the heavy rivets from the bottom rung is a royal pain and maybe a cutoff wheel would remove the head faster. I don't do that everyday so I'm sure there are better methods.

7) Have a good clutched drill and a 7/16" socket and it will speed up putting the 14 nuts on the side rails and the two feet.

8) Make sure you have good sharp drill bits, the sizes are indicated in a previous review and note they are less common drill bit sizes.

9) Wear a mask for the fiberglass drilling.

Good product, the ladder is definitely better and even stronger when the project is finished!

Great ladder accessory with a few caveats
As advertised, the PK80-2 Automatic Ladder Leveler easily adjusts to uneven ground. If you frequently use your stepladder in these conditions, this accessory is indispensible. This accessory does have the following disadvantages:

1. Installation should be done by an experienced handyman. Allocate a few hours to do the installation. Messing up the install may ruin the ladder, as the original ladder feet must be cut off.

2. The ladder will be somewhat heavier with the levelers installed. Before the levelers, I was able to easily move my 26-foot fiberglass extension ladder; with the levelers, I typically require help handling the ladder.

3. Installing the levelers widens the ladder foot spacing, as the levelers are placed outboard of the ladder rails. The resulting width is greater than the depth of two standard stair step depths, and the adjustment range of the leveler won't span two standard step heights; so, if your expecting to use the ladder against a wall with the feet on different steps of a stair, you'll likely have to still need some sort of platform/spacing under the lower foot.

The tools required for the install are: Power drill, 5/32", 3/16", and 9/32" drill bits, two 7/16" wrenches or sockets, #2 Phillips screwdriver, a hacksaw (I used an air-driven cuttoff tool), center punch, square, straight edge (2' or longer), scissors, pencil or marking pen, tape measure, metal file (sandpaper is also usable), adhesive tape, goggles, dust mask and gloves (for fiberglass ladders), and a 1-1/4" hole saw (for fiberglass ladders with rungs riveted to side rails).

Other tools listed in the instructions (for 2-section D1500 series ladder only, which I don't have) are 5/16" wrench or socket, 3/8" wrench or socket, 1/8" diameter punch, chisel, and C-clamp.

IMHO, the install is easier to do if you use air tools (i.e.: cut-off wheel, air drill, butterfly wrench). Also, the reattachment of the spacer sleeves is easier with rivets, instead of screws. I'd also suggest drilling pilot holes for the side rails as the 9/32" drill bit easily drifts off center when drilling through fiberglass; even after using a center punch.

Great Product...
I have a set of these on my 20 ft. ladder, and I am in the process of purchasing a set for my 32 footer.........I don't want to paint another day without them. They save time, work great, and most of all I don't worry that a block of wood will slip out from under the ladder leg . This is one product that can make your job much safer and easier if you use ladders a lot.

leveler
I have these on all three of my ladders, and wouldn't use a ladder without it. It makes it very easy to use the ladder on an uneven surface.

A MUST FOR ALL CONTRACTORS / LADDER OWNERS
I have a pair of the PK80 Level Master Automatic Ladder Levelers on my 28 foot ladder and I am purchasing a pair for my 40 foot ladder. This product really works !! It's just too hard to hold a 40 foot ladder up with one hand and adjust with the manual type levelers with the other hand. That's why the automatic type levelers are a must !!! They are well worth the money and easy to install. ... Read more

Features

• Folds to 7-1/2" width for easy storage
• External pinch-proof spreaders
• Double rivited Traction-Tred steps
• Top steps provide a wide platform
• Heavy gauge steel strap hinge

Reviews (5)

excellent ladder
As a remodeler every job I go to to work and pull out my ladder, all the other trades want to use it and then keep it. I have "killed" other 2' ladders and almost me by stepping off the wrong side, but not this one. You cannot go wrong here! I rate this a 5 star investment.

Step Stool
Just a great ladder. You can easily stand on the top step without having to worry about losing your ballance or your feet getting tired. It fits in small places and is easy to carry. It is also the right hieght for working in houses.

Versatile!
I was given two of these ladders over a year ago, and used them so much that I ordered two more! Although a bit heavy/bulky for the taste of two of my people, the rest of the crew loves them. One of our more common uses for the stool is to set them up as indoor scaffolding when performing lengthly ceiling/overhead work. Sorry I didn't discover this item years sooner!

Fantastic Little Ladder
We recently purchased several of these Werner 2' Tall Fiberglass twin step stool / ladders. They are the handiest ladder we have ever owned. The height of this ladder makes it perfect for countless projects from framing, wall papering, painting, changing lights, electrical work, projects in the ceiling of your basement and the list goes on and on.

Extremely sturdy, this ladder is also a true 2 sided ladder, which even more adds to it's versatility. Make sure you keep your eye on this little ladder if you use it on a job site as they are so popular, they are likely to go home with someone else ( purely unintentional I am sure......)

Seriously, you will love this ladder and find uses for it that you never could have imagined......Plus, Amazon's price is very competative and the freight special is makes this an even better value, as if it needed any help!

tough ladder
I use this ladder day in and day out installing commercial doors and hardware. For any application up to eight feet this is the ideal step ladder. The most stable I have seen or used, wide steps front and back.I weigh around 250 lbs. so the ladder gets used to within 83 % of it's rated capacity daily and the one I started with is six years old now and good as new. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There’s a lot to like here. Super padding won’t cut into your shoulders and the X design distributes your gear’s weight evenly, taking the strain off your back. Everything about it is quality, from the fabric to the heavy-duty hardware and the tough straps. We like that left-handers can arrange the bags to suit them, and best of all, we didn’t get gored in the gut by protruding tools when bending over, thanks to side-hanging bags. Now, those side-hanging bags bumps the hammer ring to the back, and we do think the rear-hanging hammer would take some getting used to, but the side bags are worth it. We’d sure like to see Bucket Boss build a cell-phone compartment into the design, but aside from that, there’s nothing we’d change. If you’ve been clipping suspenders to a standard tool belt, stop and try this on for size. We’re sold on it.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 large stay-open pouches
• Fits up to a 48" waist
• Harness spreads weight across shoulders
• Reinforced pouches

Reviews (6)

good but not great
I have been in the trades for over 40 years, and used many tool belts. This belt is more for Western framers than Eastern, the whole debate, worm drive vs, sidewinder saws etc. If you are not used to a rear hammer holder, you will find it hard to get used to. The bags hang on your side, and not the front. These are the things I like because it makes it easy to bend over and not get pinched in the gut, by quick squares, tapes, racks of 16 sinkers, etc. This is a great belt to see if you like the side bag system, shoulder harness, rear hammer, only $40. Good bags cost $100 to $200 for any type, so not much lost is you don't like. The reason for the 3 stars, the hammer holder broke the first week, and the x brace across the back moves during the day which pulls the bags around to the rear. I reposition everthing at lunch and start again, it's a pain.

a toolbox on suspenders
I've been in the construction field for four years, and have not found a more comfortable belt yet. I'm rather thin, and in the winter I tend to wear many layers. Despite the many layers, it fits perfectly no matter what I am wearing. Unlike many other toolbelts, this one can hold all of the different types of tools that a carpenter needs. In the past, I have used the normal setup with all the individual pouches and just threw on a pair of suspenders to hold them up. After a long hard day of work, my shoulders are tired from the weight. Also, you know as well as I do, that when you try to fit into tight spaces, you could catch one of those clips, and they could wind shooting off and hitting you in the face. This does not happen with the air lift system whereever you go, the belt just follows. Overall, if you're out there all day, and are looking for a comfortable belt that doesn't strain your shoulders, the air lift system is definitely for you

Stiff as a dead mackerel, tough for a builder to get used to
As a builder, dont expect to use this thing right out of the box as mine came squished flat as a pancake and i couldnt fit all my tools in it and still reach them because the pockets were closed from being flattened: this doesnt help when you are up on a 30' ladder. I guess you could fill all the pockets with something and hang it for a bit before commissioning it for work. I have had it a week, still stiff as a dead fish and wont break in- but im expecting it to anyday now. I also think the hammer in the back stinks as i am used to a traditional tool belt with the hip hammer loop and this thing has none. Would be a good belt for someone just starting out as you can get used to all its little annoyances from the get-go, as a full time carpenter forget throwing your old belt away for this one. I used this belt for an hour and put my old one back on. The material is pretty rugged and its seems to be constructed well- the shoulder straps are also really comfortable. My overall opinion is: bad belt layout and i want my hammer on the hip which you cant have with this belt.

almost right
Let me first start off with that first I am a professional builder, and have at times a need to carry a full assortment of hand tools on the job where a tool bag or cart simply will not do. The option of hauling two full tool bags on my waist all day long becomes a bit uncomfortable. I saw an item like this in the store for $20.00 more that I tried on and like it. I got this one but did not like it because it had too many straps which made it hard to get on and off. I also thought that the number and placement of the straps made it easier to get snagged on things. The one that I saw in the store had a "Y" strap where this one has and "X" strap to support the tools, the "Y" strap was a little less padded which made it less bulky and the straps where little more sturdy which made them keep their shape beter and easier to get on and off quickly. I liked the one in the store better also because the tool bags hanged better and the clips that hold them where smaller in size but strong and less in the way. Even though it cost more in the store it was a better buy for me considering these small but important features to me.

good idea
This tool belt is a good idea and feels great...here's the lowdown. In the field the loops on the back of the pouches for the horizontal belt are weak. They broke within two weeks. Bucket Boss makes great products and I hope that they would upgrade this unit as soon as possible. I wish that I would have bought mine here, alas I did not and am now stuck with it. ... 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

• Belt hook
• Drives up to 750 nails per charge
• Includes two 14.4-volt/ah batteries
• Adjustable depth of drive
• No expensive and smelly fuel cells

Reviews (18)

Very nice gun.
I have owned this gun about a year now and it has been wonderful.
I have a SFN40 air gun which is very nice also but since I bought the AF41 I have not bothered to get the air gun out of the van. Both guns sit side by side and I always grab the AF41. I have never had a miss fire or a nail fail to set all the way. I don't work with 2" oak either. I can't imagine how Senco could improve this gun. I had paslodes in the past but the battery always was dead when I went to use it and they dont smell very good when used indoors.

okay til it breaks...and it will
This gun is one of those products that you'll wonder how you ever did without until.....it eventually breaks down. And it's guaranteed that it will. I had the Air Free 41, along with the cordless brad nailer, and I was as happy as a clam with both of them. That is until they both eventually broke. The brad nailer broke on me 5 times and the finish nailer twice. Fortunately the HDepot carried them so I just returned them for a new one each time. Unfortunately, they no longer carry these items for reasons I can only guess might be that they were filling containers full of broken guns for return to Senco.

If you aren't going to use these guns for your livelyhood, then by all means get one. Make sure you have a backup compressor and gun just in case. By the way, Senco in south FL is no longer fixing these guns. The Dewalt rep will be happy to accomodate your repair for approximately half the cost of a new gun. What a bargain.

good Idea poor product
I went through 5 of these guns and all failed. Luckily home depot took them all back. I spoke with a senco distributor who told me he sold 200 of these guns and had 180 returned. He said senco sent him some prototypes to try that all failed. He told senco that the gun wasn't ready for market, but they brought them out any way. I use senco air powered nail guns on a daily basis with tremendous satisfaction, but this gun is a loser.

I Love this nail gun
I got mine at Christmas and have used it for about 3000 nails. All nails were 2 1/2 inch driven into pine, fir and oak. I have never had a problem or a jam. I have an 18 guage nailer and a framing nailer but I use the Senco now rather than these whenever possible because the Senco AF41 is cordless and easy to use.

I have been using it primarily for crown molding (1200 feet installed with the gun)and door jam nailing. The cordless operation is very nice for nailing molding. On a step ladder you can hold the molding with one hand and nail with this cordless gun in the other.

I did not know how handy this tool would be when I bought it but it is now one of my favorite tools.

Expensive Toy - But Worth It.
I bought the AF-41 to help get some of those projects done that have been kicking around for a while. (At least that's what I told my wife.) It works as well as I expected...easy to use. A little heavy compared to an air tool but I'm not tripping over the hose. It especially handy for one- or two nail jobs.

A contractor working on my house tried it, and his comment was, "Hey, this is really slick!" He had been ready to go out to his truck and get his compressor, but finished the whole job with the AF-41, and it never missed a beat.

I've only had it a couple of months, but IMHO, this one's a keeper. ... Read more

Features

• Work hands free
• Made with rare earth magnets
• Strong box sframe will not warp or twist
• Guaranteed lifetime accuracy.

Reviews (2)

Well Worth the Money
I've been setting wood doors for years, and I can't believe I just now got these great levels. Use the 78" for the hinge jamb and the 30" for the header. Perfect door swing every time. My only complaint is that the magnets aren't placed in the EXACT positions of the hinges. But the magnets are still strong enought to hold on while hammering in the jamb. I would highly recommend spending the money on these quality levels if your reputation depends on quality.

Feel the power of those magnets!
We all know how great Stabila levels are, and we own several. We bought the regular Jamber last year and when we saw this magnetic Jamber we ordered a set. If you are used to the old strip magnets on levels, hang on, these magnets are. . . WOW . . . unbelieveable. If your putting in steel door frames this set is a must. It will pay for itself on your first job. Hands free working, even when someone is pounding on the floor upstairs, these levels didn't shake off the door frame. Very, very powerful magnets. We also discovered that Stabila placed the magnets on the 78" in the location of the hinges. So even if you are setting a wood door frame with steel hinges, you can use this level hands free. We are very happy with the quality of this and all our Stabila stuff. I heard that Stabia is a 100 year old company . . . where have you been all my life? ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This is brad nailing for the new millennium: a powerful driver in a feather-light body. The magnesium housing is a fantastic development from the Bostitch folks, who've known all along how to make a heck of a nailer. This one weighs in at a mere 2.1 pounds, letting you hoist and fire for hours without the strain and fatigue of the heavier models. The motor is whisper-quiet and oil-free, eliminating worries about oil-stained work pieces. Bostitch thought of everything with this one, even creating a magnetic magazine that hangs onto your fasteners for breezy loading. The adjustable depth control is quick and easy to use, without any fumbling. You can countersink in a flash, too. Don't let the weight of this tool fool you, it packs serious power. It also comes with a thousand brads and a sturdy case. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• No mar tip
• Oil free
• Lightweight magnesium housing
• Ultra quiet rear exhaust
• Adjustable depth control

Reviews (22)

Excellent tool
This is an excellent gun. Its driving performance is comparable to my 16g Porter Cable nailer. This gun has a couple of nice-to-have's:
- It is oil free. So you don't have to remember when you oiled it last etc. and you do not leave oil marks on the wood.
- It is very light. It is half as ligh as the box of nails that comes with the kit! If you work overhead this is a great advantage.
- The air exhaust is in the back, where the hose connects. I like this design better than the "adjustable" exhausts on top of the tool. With those, you hold the gun in a different angle every once in a while and get the blow in you face or into the dust etc. With this gun the exhaust does not get in your way.
- The non maring tip is fairly small. This makes it easier to toe nail shelves into dados etc.

I am surprised with the negative comments of other reviewers. I am wondering if their bad luck was associated with loading. This gun needs the nails at the bottom of its holder. There are groves for the nail heads of different length nails. Perhaps if you load the nails in to the wrong grove it might cause jamming. I did not have any jamming problems so far. Also, I used porter cable brand nails. I did not have any issues. I am wondering if cheaper brand nails are the cause of some of the negaitive comments.

I am sorry for everyone who did not like this gun. I love it. I worked for me right out of the box.

Comparing Bostich to Bostich
I have owned a Bostich BT-35 18ga. brad nailer for about 7 years. I wanted an 18ga. brad nailer with 2" nailing ability and a depth adjustment. I already had appx. 15,000 Bostich 18ga. nails, and experience with 3 other Bostich nailers that I own (BT-35 Brad nailer), (FN-60 15ga. finish nailer), (SX-32 finish stapler), made the choice of which brand to buy a non issue. I bought their latest 18ga. model the BT-200 because of the increased nail length capacity and the on tool depth adjustment.

The BT-200 can shoot a 2" brad, the BT-35 only shoots a max. length brad of 1-3/8".
The BT-200 has a depth adjustment which the BT-35 doesn't. You have to increase or decrease the power by adjusting the air pressure.
As soon as I took the BT200 out of the box I compared them side by side. Since the BT-35 can't load a 2" nail I used 1-3/8" in both guns. I used 200 1-3/8" nails in each gun and 200 2" nails in the BT-200. Several pieces of 2-1/2" thick red oak were the test material.

The 200 is somewhat lighter than the 35, but not by much.
The 200 is oil free, the 35 needs lubrication.
The 200 recoils more than the 35
The 200 is the only air nailer with a sequential trigger that I have ever used that double fired!
The 200 miss fired 5 times on the 2" brads (out of 200) that came with it although it did not with the shorter 1-3/8" lengths.
In 7 years I have NEVER had a jam or a missfire with the BT-35, FN-60, or the SX-32.
The 200 and the 35 will each countersink in oak any length that they can fire.
If I did not have the BT-35 to compare it to, I would probably have been more satisfied with the BT-200. The BT-35 just feels and sounds like the high quality product it is. I don't think, in my opinion, that you could by a better brad nailer than the Bostich BT-35 at any price. I am sorry that I can't say the same for the BT-200.
In my short test the 200 has more recoil. is louder, and for the first time ever I had a missfire in a Bostich nailer and a sequential trigger that double tapped.

Adjusting air pressure and adding a few drops of oil suddenly doesn't seem as much of an issue now as it did just one hour ago.

SB-1850BN vs BT200K
I borrowed a SB-1850BN (shoots same size brads but must be oiled) from a friend and was pleased. I decided to purchase a brad nailer. I saw the BT200K ... it did not need oiling, and proclaimed to be maintenance free ... great. I fired maybe 40 one inch brads at 80 psi. The depth would not remain fixed, I had two misfires and I was having two hit marks left on the wood. I took it back ... the store tested it ... no double hit marks ... but it did misfire and the depth would not remain fixed ... I received a refund. Yes ... I now own a SB-1850BN ... I don't mind having to add a drop of oil.

A fine brad nailer
I borrowed my friend's brand-new BT200 to do some trim work in a room addition and have had absolutely no problems with it while driving 2" brads.

Now I'm in the middle of a huge project building shelving for our home-based business and have driven just over 3000 1" brads without a single jam or misfeed. I do find that Porter-Cable brand brads seem to be a little harder and drive better than Bostitch brand - I'm nailing into some hardboard which is really a challenge for weak nails.

Overall, I haven't had any problems with this brad nailer and am considering buying one for myself.

Nice nailer
I was experiencing the misfire problem so I tried wiping the magnet lightly with air tool oil. I also put a few drops in the air inlet from time to time. The misfires still happened randomly and I was planning to return it. However, the oil seeped under the magnet and it eventually peeled off. I've completed 6 projects since then and the BT200K-2 has been flawless and a joy to use. The missing magnet has not affected usage in any way. This nailer is lighter and fits better in my hand than any of the other brands I've tried, plus it features rear exhaust, oil free, and the easy depth adjustment. The only improvement I'd suggest is a magazine empty indicator that is visible from both sides, or a feature that prevents firing or locks the safety tip from depressing if the magazine is empty. ... Read more

Features

• Professional grade hinges for scaffolding use and storage case included
• Adjusts to stepladder heights of 4, 5, 6 and 7 feet
• Adjusts for extension ladder heights from 9 to 15 feet
• Heavy Duty Type 1A, 300 pound duty rating
• Extra wide flared bottom for firm support

Reviews (2)

Heavy but Stable and Safe! but get it at COSTCO for $99
I always wanted a Little Giant but never could afford one. a couple of weeks ago I found this MT-17 at COSTCO for $99 (I'm not sure all Costco's have them though) and has the same features as the Little Giant. I've been up 12 feet and felt very safe and stable. This is a great ladder but a little heavy around 50Lbs.

Satisfied, but not amazed
I have had this ladder for about 10 days and am using it as I paint the exterior of my house. It is very stable in A-frame mode, though the rungs can be a little uncomfortable as you extend the height. (The inner and outer rings provide a wider support for your foot when at shorter lengths.)

As an extension ladder there was more flex than I was expecting. This ladder isn't as easy to adjust as the Little Giant infomercial would suggest. It comes with much nicer castings for use in scaffolding mode than the knock-off available at home depot. Not clear to me if there are any other differences. I also have been very happy with the stability of the outside wider scaffolding (when the ladder is broken apart into two samll A-frames). ... Read more

Features

• Internal flush pin for zero distance measurements with plumb line flush with surface
• Universal plumb bob setter with commercial-grade 14-ounce bob
• Setting pin for wood and drywall surfaces, strong magnet for steel frames
• Adjustable hook ratchets to cinch onto beams or hook onto nails or studs
• Braided nylon line extends and holds at lengths up to 14-1/2 feet, and retracts into its case automatically

Reviews (7)

Half great - half cheap plastic!!
I am finishing my basement and bought this plumb bob to set the walls, door jams and window boxes. I was immediately impressed with the quality of the plumb bob itself, the cord and the auto-retracting mechanism. The bob doesn't spin, settles quickly and the retraction gizmo is almost perfectly balanced - a HUGE time saver.

However, I found the "box" that you hang the plumb bob from to be very cheap. It's made of two pieces of plastic snapped together and broke the first time I dropped it. The hanging pin is a neat idea, but more often than not the unit popped of the wall and fell on my head. The black plunger that sets the pin is, again, plastic and you are supposed to hit it with your hand - you could never hit it with a hammer, even softly. Additionally, the hanging hook is thin gauge and I have bent it several times. More frustrating, its only maybe 2 inches long - it doesn't reach the width of a 2x4. The magnet is strong and the most useful and reliable hanging method.

I rate this 4 out of 5 because the quality of the cord they used and the retraction mechanism alone. The cord has never tangled and the recoil has performed perfectly. But, I almost always set a small nail and hang the plumb bob from there - I was tired of it falling off. Even though this is rigged - it's still a very useful and convenient tool.

One last note - they do a bad job of explaining the "zero depth" function. In the picture, you see the cord hanging 2 inches from the wall. Without moving it or anything, you can easily adjust the cord behind a set pin in the yellow box and the cord is now flush against the wall. I find myself doing this a lot when I need to be more careful about exact plumb.

All said and done - money well spent - but if (or when) I buy another one, I'll duct tape the plastic box together before I ever start using it!

A Bob among bobs!
Cool Tool, I was just looking for a simple plumb bob and saw this retractable Tajima bob on Amazon.com. It was a little more expensive than a high quality bob by it's self, so I went for it. This bob is great. Very high quality, and has a "u-joint" type of connection that makes the bob settle down quickly. The retractable feature is fantastic. This is a very nice tool and a must for every finish carpenter and home builder.

Tajima Plumb Bob
And I thought a plumb bob was a lump of metal tied to a piece of string....!! The Tajima plumb bob is quite simply a superb piece of Japanese product engineering. You can hook it, hang it, pin it on and its also magnetic - the high-vis cord self-retracts, it doesn't rotate. The gimbal-mounted bob is quickly self-damping and settles in seconds; the line can be three fixed distances from the back of the case - 60mm, 50mm or zero. If a heavier bob is fitted, the tracking arrangement of the cord is changed to compensate for weights up to 1Kg. It is beautifully constructed in mirror finish high quality ABS plastic, the bob is accurately turned and chromium plated. Its one of the best pieces of kit in my tool box. I bought mine in Hong Kong on 12.12.01 for HK$80, that's UKSterling 7.12 or US$10.40 by the way....

plumbing
I use the plumb right to set metal door jambs and check the plumbnest of sheetrock walls. this is an amasing tool and the best spent 40.00.

Simple, visual, and accurate
I am a wholesale millwork salesman. When I go out on a door complaint (usually it's not operating properly) I always go into the building with my PZB-400 and a framing square. Before I even look at the door I explain that for a door to working properly, it must be; plumb, level and square. I then explain that the PZB housing holds the string 2" off of the door frame, and if the jamb is plumb, the string will be 2" off of jamb (just above the weighted plumb bob). I then attach the PZB housing to the upper portion of the door's side jamb and pull out the bob until it is near the door sill. Once the bob has stopped moving I then measure the distance from the jamb to the string and show the homeowner that it is or is not 2" off of the frame. At this point it usually is apparent that the door was not installed plumb, and it becomes an installation issue, not a product issue. I first saw the PZB in This Old House Magazine. Norm said he used it to set walls and door frames. I am buying 4 of the Tajima PZB-400 Plumb-Rite Bob Setters for my fellow salesman for Christmas. They are the most accurate and quick way of determining plumb that I have found. ... Read more

Features

• Rubber nonslip grip
• 1-1/4-inch easy-to-read blade
• 11-foot tape standout
• Mylar-coated blade
• Rugged, durable casing

Reviews (19)

Long standout makes this tape "stand out" from the crowd
Absolutely a must have for do-it-yourselfers. Getting critical measurements by yourself can be a chore if you need to reach a long way. I recently did some remodeling in my kitchen, and this fat baby was indespensible. The top hook feature was a great addition as well. I was able to reach out much further than with any other tape I have used before. As an added bonus, the rugged construction of the fat max holds up to the most severe jobsite abuse. I've had mine since they first hit the stores around October of last year, and it has held up just fine through every rainy day, early morning concrete pour, and sling-the-tape-against-a-concrete-wall temper tantrum. (Nobody's perfect) One small drawback: the 1-1/4" width creates quite a curvature from the top to the bottom of the tape, making short measurements a bit of a trick. You have to take care to hold the tape at an angle so as to put either the top or the bottom of the tape flat against the work surface. This is a minor consideration though, and doesn't detract from it's overall function or usefulness.

Must have for the serious user
The Fat Max 25' Tape not only reaches a good distance, it has a great feel and well balanced. I've been buying the same Stanley 25' Tape for the last 12 years, trying others and not liking them. This one beats them all. I've also had alot of positive feedback from co-workers borrowing it. I didn't think I would find one, but it's my new favorite tape measure.

A must have for the professional
The Fat Max 25' Tape not only reaches a good distance, it has a great feel and well balanced. I've been buying the same Stanley 25' Tape for the last 12 years, trying others and not liking them. This one beats them all. I've also had alot of positive feedback from co-workers borrowing it. I didn't think I would find one, but it's my new favorite tape measure.

As almost everyone said, the best...but
Not to belabor the point, but the tape is great! If you are looking for a tape with a great standout, (11 feet I think is a bit of an exageration, maybe up on Mt. Everest where the air doesn't weigh as much) easy to read tape, and good heft in your hand then this is it.

Here comes the but... if you are going to be measuring things where 1/16th of an inch makes a difference, the wide tape that's easy to read makes it tough to get it perfect.

So here is the recommendation, if you are only getting one, and you are only doing framing, sheetrock, rough measuring you've got your man. If you are going to be doing finish work, trim, etc spend a little less and get the Stanely 33-599 25' contractor grade tape. Easier to get the last nit measured.

This tape takes top honors.
This tape is just the right feel in your hand and its wide blade makes it a winner. Once you buy one, you'll never go back to the flimsy little ten dollar tapes of the past. I am a carpenter and even at 25 bucks per tape which i payed when they were introduced I still think they are worth every single penny.
A+ tape measure, couldnt ask for more, dont know what some of the lesser reviews were about- i'm a builder and give it two thumbs sky high. I also noticed this tape took top honors in fine homebuilding magazine. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Designed with the professional in mind, the 702XP is packing 904 inch/pounds of power in a maneuverable, comfortable nailer. The anodized sleeve offers additional strength and durability and the urethane sleeve cap protects the sleeve from wear. The magazine load is smooth; the comfort grip feels great in hand. Just a twist adjusts the exhaust a full 360 degrees. The 20-degree magazine offers unobstructed line-of-sight; drive depth adjusts with a well-placed thumbwheel. As with most quality nailers, you can choose between dual action or restrictive trigger firing mechanisms. The bonus palm nailer is a sturdy little helper that will reach places the 702XP can’t get to. A great combination for the exacting professional, perfect for framing, decking, sheathing, siding, subfloors and trusses.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Thumbwheel depth-of-drive control and EZ-Clear
• Fixed firing valve one the Frame Pro 702 improves tool life and speed
• Palm nailer allows for access to restricted spaces
• Cushioned comfort grip on FramePro 702
• |Overmold grip and trigger|360? tool-free adjustable exhaust|On-tool, stowable rafter hanger"

Reviews (2)

Professional Grade, Well worth it.
A Professional framing nailer. Easy to adjust nail depth. Handy built-in hook for hanging on truss's while climbing. Plenty of power to drive any nails. Easy to reload and I am into my 5th case of 3.25 "Senco" nails without a jam. Hopefully by taking care of this new nailer it will build as many houses as my last one. Well worth the money for professional use....

Not worth it - Get a Hitachi
I got it brand new from Home Depot last week. I bought it because I need a nailer to build my shed and I have heard Senco is the nailer of pro choice, and I expect "you get what you pay for" as this model is not cheap.

It only shoot less than 600 2 3/8" nails in the week. It jamed once in the first 100 shots. (OK to me.) Then the problem started developing more seriously. At the end, it jammed 3 times in 10 minutes. I couldn't continue my work. I hammered some nails manually and send the unit back to Home Depot.

BTW, I bought Hitachi NR83A from HD afterward. It is very reliable, lighter than the above Senco, and even...cheaper. Highly recommended.

Eric. ... Read more

Features

• One-year warranty
• Works in and converts between all building dimensional formats
• Solves right angles, including rake-walls, slopes, and square-ups
• Calculates footing volume, blocks, roof area, stair layouts
• Advanced circle solutions, D:M:S conversions, areas, and volumes

Reviews (6)

1000 Stars Plus
I am blown away by this device. I first tried the free download from the Calculated Industries web site. ... It is a full blown version, without any restrictions, but stops working after 30 days. After about day 5 I knew I had to have it. By buying Construction Master Pro, instead of CM IV, you are getting a much better looking unit, with more features, a cover that mounts on the back while in use so as to not get in the way, and you are currently getting a free software version of Pro as well. All of that for only a couple more dollars than the IV version makes it a no brainer.
I am making cabinets, windows, and doors. In all of those, especially the windows, you need to do a lot of calculating in fractions. That makes the math work tedious at best. I was finding common denominators, then adding subtracting, dividing, multiplying, etc. Having to convert all along the way was a major amount of factoring. This calculator thinks in fractions as well as the standard arithmetic format. So you can insert, 8 1/8", and 3 13/64" for example, and it does all of the figuring for you. Convert your answer to board feet for material costs, is only a couple of buttons away. How many yards of concrete do I need to make the footers, no problem. I want to build an arch top doorway, and need to know the total amount of distance of the half circumference. No problem, just put in the rise at the center, and the run across the base, and it gives you every piece of information you could possibly need to know. This is just scratching the surface. This will be a tool that I will use for a long time to come. As I grow accustomed to its many capabilities, I will use it more and more, for a wide array of applications.
Could we call this calculus? It seems like it. When you watch the included CD that comes with the included calculator software version, you will see a video tutorial that explains a lot of the functions. Some are best understood by practitioners of that specific trade, but it makes me want to learn.
How much roofing material do I need? Just put in the pitch, and the floor space, and it calculates the amount of material. How many cubic yards of soil do I need to fill in the hill leading up to a wall? How many yards of concrete do I order for a patio. Determining hip and valley rafters. What is their length, and angle, and where do you put the bird mouth? Everything is calculated, and displayed in some applications as a sub chart with all of the finished answers in the software version. So it is nice to have both. Whether you are at your desk, or in the field, every option is covered.
I highly recommend the Construction Master Pro, I can't remember when I was more excited about a tool. I can't wait to use the calculator in ever expanding roles.
The price here at Amazon was 10 or 20 percent lower than the other sources, or at best the same price as others, and included free shipping. My advice, buy it, and buy it here. I warn you though that if you download the free trial version, you will be hooked after using it only a few times. Hope this helps.

A must buy for anyone in the construction industry
This calculator comes with me wherever I go. As an architect, I am constantly using it to help me in field surveys and design decisions. How I lasted for so long on the English system without it is a mystery. Even in meetings my colleagues are happy that its there to save us time. Seriously, until we switch to the metric system, this will be an invaluable tool for me.

Time = Money
I am a construction foreman in the film industry. I have always taken pride in my math, but this thing makes double checking so quick that I now carry it on my belt. Stairs are easy, rise/run for squaring, you name it. I have also worked overseas and the metric conversion features saved me. This model is better than the IV because of the integrated cover and owners manual. It is so good that someone stole mine again and now I need to buy another. If you do takeoffs or run numbers for a crew all day like me, buy one of these.

Indespensable
How did I ever make it along without this tool? This is absolutely one of the best purchases I've made in a long time. I installed a new front door with sidelights in my home (in place of a double door), and without the CMP 4060, it would have been a much tougher job. There are some very cool calculations that I plan to use in the near future, like the riser calcs for stairs, and the function that calculates how many bricks you need given width and height of the area.

In addition, the board feet calculation makes a visit to the lumberyard more convenient.

A must-have for builders.

A Must Have !
The Construction mmaster pro is one of the biggest time savers I own. From squaring up a foundation , to figuring out the angles & cuts of an Irregular roof. It calculates areas of a cylinder quickly & easily, Unknown radiuses and arc lengths for circular work. The ability to convert to Feet inches , decimal very quickly is indespensible ... Read more

Amazon.com

Strait-Line's claim that this is "the most capable laser level ever built" is an invitation to skepticism, but folks, after spending a little time with this model, we think it's true. Yes, there are other laser levels on the market that project both a horizontal and vertical line, but we've never seen one that lets you access the exact point of intersection—-this one does, so every job gets off to a flawless start. And flawless it is, because the Intersect self-levels within 8 degrees on a vertical surface. All you have to do is attach it to the wall (more on that in a minute) as close to vertical as you can, and Strait-Line's amazing technology projects perfectly level and plumb lines with zero guesswork for a 30 foot total horizontally and 20 feet vertically. (We'll do the math for you: That's a 600 square foot work area.) Mind you, the auto-leveling feature works on a vertical surface only, but use on the floor doesn't require leveling anyway. Another feature to love is that it leaves no marks on the wall; there are no pins to push in. Instead, Strait-Line has incorporated 3M's revolutionary Command Adhesive. Just peel, stick and remove the whole shebang when you're done, without a trace. Accuracy is outstanding, to within +/- 1/8 inch at 15 feet. This is a great tool for just about anybody, from contractors and cabinet installers to art galleries, builders, home decorators and of course, the intrepid do-it-yourselfer.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Mounts to any surface with no damage through the use of 3M Command Strips
• Unique, three line laser that works both level and plumb simultaneously
• Self-leveling eliminates any guesswork for greater accuracy
• Patented design allows access to 90-degree laser line intersection for most accurate project starts
• 600 sq. ft. work area for the most demanding projects

Features

• Hardened steel nose piece
• Rugged portable designed for performance
• Magnetic nose piece to hold nail in place
• Includes: Leather glove, two hardened nose pieces, oil, O-rings, and service tools
• Convenient carrying case

Reviews (2)

Great Nailer!
I have just begun a 2000 sq. ft. addition on my home. This nailer is the perfect tool for nailing all the joist hangers. I have a lot of engineered lumber in my design and trying to drive a nail by hand into a microlam beam is very difficult. I have framing nailers but they are too big to get in between the rafters at times.

The tool has a good feel and weight. Very comfortable. I drove over 200 nails the first day I used it and it never malfuctioned once. The glove keeps the tool where it needs to be and there is very limited recoil so it doesn't bother your hand at all.

I would recomend this nailer to anyone who does even the smallest amount of construction or home inprovement. In fact I have a second one on order for a Christmas gift for my 68 year old father who fell in love with it the first time he used it.

Pneumatic Palm Nailer
I recently retired and have undertaken a project to build a woodworking shop-garage. Swinging a hammer has become a very tiresome chore, and I was considering the purchase of a framing nailer. Upon reviewing information from various manufacturers, I realized that a framing nailer is a very specialized tool.
However, I happened to run across information about palm nailers. In reviewing the information provided by Amazon, I read that a palm nailer can be used for nailing any size nail and in many different applications. I could see where this would be a more useful tool than a framing nailer. I purchased the Bostitch PN100 kit, and immediately started using it with 16d nails in framing my new shop. I then used 10d nails in decking the roof. All I can say is this nailer is wonderful!! It drives nails quickly, at any angle, and in a limited amount of space. You do have to be careful to make sure that the alignment of the nail with the nailer is correct; if not, bent nails will result. However, with just a little practice, nailing becomes an effortless operation. I would recommend this as a general purpose nailer to anyone. I might also add that I own a brad nailer and a roofing nailer made by Porter Cable, and a 1/4 inch crown stapler, and the Bostitch nailer works as well as any of them. ... Read more

Features

• Hold feature
• Non-damaging
• Selectable species settings
• No manual corrections needed
• Digital display

Features

• 400-pound capacity
• Steel-frame construction
• Swivel, braking casters
• Adjustable
• Folds easily for storage

Reviews (8)

Good scaffold up to 3 feet
This is a good medium-duty portable scaffold. It comes pre-assembled, with you only needing to set the platforms in place, and tighten the locking knobs. It appears well constructed, and the platforms themselves are extremely strong. However, the scaffold suffers a bit from a slight lack of lateral stability. There are no braces in the front (it is open), and no diagonal braces in the back. This means the welds provide the lateral stability, which is adequate at all heights except for the very top. This may not be an issue for lighter people than myself (I weigh 290). The scaffold is rated to 400 lbs, so even my weight should not be an issue. The castors are large, lock easily, and roll easily. Overall, this is a good scaffold, and I would buy it again. With a little ingenuity, you could probably fashion up some type of diagonal brace for the back, which would make it very stable when the platforms are on the top rungs.

Nice, but there is one thing you should know
I bought this scaffold largely based on the reviews and it does fold well & have nice features. One point I would differ on with the other reviews, I would not call this scaffolding light weight! Check out the shipping weight on this before you buy.

The fact is the folding frame is light but the planks are more weight then I wanted to add to the many tools I already carry around. I decided to keep it because I'm sure I'll find occasions to use it but I also had to consider the 95lb shipping cost to return it.

Handy Stand for rolling mitre boxes, & trim around
I set up my compound mitre saw on it, with trim material,and I can roll all around the job sites, without always running back to where the saw is set up !!!! Saves much time, especially on big commercial jobs or small residential jobs.

I wish I had this 10 years ago
Wow what a nice device. I do not like ladders they kill my feet. This is such a wonderful tool installing molding lay it on top. hook a basket for your gun and have the helper push. bang its done. This will pay for itself first job in comfort, easy to push, folds flat! put it in van or truck it rules.

Used for everything
Smalltime building contractor, I've owned one of these for years...ever since a painter/wallboard hanger turned me on to them. They are lightweight, easily stored, carried, reconfigured. I use it for many, many things: rolling scaffold for crown molding, painting, drywall hanging and taping (no stilts!), carrying tools or material into a job site, STORING tools and material on site (makes cleanup so easy and makes tools so accessible) with an added platform or stepping the platforms. This tool has gotten me many compliments from customers that I am smart and well-organized. HA! My interest is in saving my back, fewer trips, less climbing. The narrow size and swivel wheels allows easy passage through doorways and around corners. I want more of 'em ... Read more

Features

• Easily calculate amortization and balloon payments for a precise forecast
• Bi-weekly vs. monthly loan comparisons for clear-cut loan options
• Calculate a wide variety of real estate finance problems for boosting buyer confidence
• Complete taxes and insurance for true PITI payments
• Automatic sales price and down payment calculations for smarter home shopping

Features

• ·     Unique and reusable design improves productivity
• ·          Increase accuracy with easy to use height adjustment and adjustable slides with centering posts
• ·          Reusable design builds profit by eliminating the use of expensive wood and reducing labor costs.

Features

• Find roof leaks & water seepage
• Measure moisture levels from 10-28%
• Contact probes at end of 3 feet coiled cable
• Scale and reference chart
• Hard & softwood, concrete, plaster, etc

Reviews (4)

Sonin 50211S Rapitest Moisture Test Meter
great price. works well. BUT... the probe is problematic. The probe breaks very easily at the prongs. The solder joint inside the probe breaks under pressure and ruins the continuity ot the prong to the unit, thus rendering it useless. Sonin does offer a replacement probe for it however for about $5.00. Sonin ships very quickly and responds to your email quickly also. This unit is a real bargin for its price, much cheaper than its counterparts. Just be prepared to replace the probe. If the probe problem was fixed this unit would be an excellent value.

Sonin-Rapidtest moisture meter
This is a pin-type meter designed for measuring moisture content in drywalls and concrete. It's really not designed for measuring lumber moisture content. I own a Wagner MMC-220 that costs $270 and the readings given by the two meters are drastically different if used on wood. The problem is it's almost impossible to push those thick pins into lumber to get a good reading. If the pins are not pushed in deep enough into lumber or drywall, the reading will be off. It's not too difficult to push enough of the pins into drywall to get a meaningful reading, but it's almost impossible to push them into most woods. Surprisingly it's not hard at all to get meaningful readings on concrete because you just have to push the pins hard against concrete without having to penetrate the concrete.

Overall, as long as you use it for its intended purposes, i.e. measuring moisture content in drywall and concrete, it's a good meter, but it's useless as a moisture meter for woods.

These don't last long under every day use
I do two home inspections per day. I have not had one of these last more than 6 or 7 months. They always seem to fail at the socket for the probe wire, or at the probe connection to the wire. I still keep buying them because they are easy to use, accurate for my purposes and cheap. If you must have one for your job have a spare hanging around just in case.

Don't waste your money buy this one!
If you have a couple hundred dollars to blow, you can waste your money on one of those obscenely overpriced name brand moisture meters. If you're looking for something that performs comparatively just as well, but you don't want to spend a fortune, look no further. It may not look as pretty or have a digital display, but it performs the same basic function just as well as any of the higher priced models. I've been using mine for my home inspection business since I purchased it about a year ago. I haven't had a problem with it's accuracy yet and it's very easy to operate. The only complaint is that it's too easy for the power switch to turn on when it's sliding around in your tool box. I went through alot of 9V batteries before I found out that SONIN offers a storage case for it. It was very inexpensive and well worth it in what I save in battery money. As for the Meter, this is the best price I've seen it for so far. I've seen it 2-3X this price on other web sites and paid much more for mine from a home inspection equipment supplier. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If you work on your knees all day, you know how critical it is to find a pair of knee pads that not only protect your knees but also feel comfortable while doing so. Bucket Boss Air-Gel knee pads do both effectively. Designed to work like a running shoe for the knee, the Air-Gel conforms to the contours of the knee to reduce pressure and help prevent injury. A special lining moves sweat away from the skin for added comfort, while the straps curve away from the back of the knee to eliminate bunching and binding. Even after a long day's work, the result is more comfortable knees. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Super-resilient Air-Gel padding conforms to knee
• Anatomically-curved straps prevent bunching and binding
• Non-skid rubber cap
• Patented Dryz moisture management foam keeps skin drier

Reviews (6)

Disappointing
It is hard to avoid the conclusion that the people who designed these knee pads never wear knee pads. They are very disappointing, although it would be very simple to make them better. The problem is that the curve of the knee pad is very shallow, and the gel pack is a single pack, not molded to the shape of a knee. Consequently, the knee rolls around on the pad which is almost as hard on the knee as not wearing pads. If the gel pack were shaped so as to cup the knee snugly, they would be fine. As it is, they are little better than a simple pair of pads that I bought for $9.00 in the garden store.

Gift for Dad who has almost everything
My Dad went into landscaping late in life and it's a job he loves. He also loves all the toys that go with it. Minus the knee pads he could never find a pair that stayed up or in place.
Or that the rocks didn't pierce the gel and for that part his knees. Every day he uses his knee pads theres a call on my machine how much he loves them. They're truly a wonderful product if they can withstand the torment of my dad. He uses them on cement to gravel. He even uses them to weed in to ease the pressure on his knees. There a great product. Sue Bolis

Not for me
Contrary to the other reviews I couldn't use these. I am used to well contoured foam filled knee pads that stay put. I was looking forward to the ultimate with the new gel backing. Sadly the gel is put in as simple pillows and sewn around the edges. This fills what appears to be a very well made and contoured shell with mounds of gell, which I kept rolling off of, with my knees ending up to the side on the sewn seams. I tried everything but couldn't correct this. Since I can't work without pads [all day] I went back to the old ones and sent the gel pads back. Reluctantly. It wouldn't take much to contour the gel to solve this and they would be wonderful. I noticed at least one of the other reviewers mentioned slipping off to the side also. Great idea, not well engineered

excellent product
Very comfortable. Can work for hours on concrete floor and not have any pain. Highly recommended.

Best I've seen yet
I normally spend one or two days a week installing Pergo flooring and have been desperately looking for knee pads that wouldn't do 3 things:

1. Make my legs sweat like crazy 2. Pull the hair out of the back of my knees 3. Fall half way down my shins every other minute

These knee pads fit the profile perfectly. After a 10 hour installation, I only had to adjust the pads twice. Both times they shifted to the side. The only knock I have: The pads are a little too hard and slide a bit on the Pergo. They could use more grip for leverage. Otherwise, they were perfect "off-the-shelf" kneepads for the price. ... Read more