Tools of the Trade: Product Briefs

Johnson Johnny Square

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:20:06 EST

A powder-coated aluminum square with easy-to-read markings.

DeWalt DWE575SB Circular Saw

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:04:48 EST

A compact circular saw that weighs less than 9 pounds.

Bosch FNS138-23 Pin Nailer

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 02:14:16 EST

A small pinner with dry-fire lockout and a very small tip.

Hammer + Prybar

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 03:12:13 EST

The True Temper 30-inch Claw Bar looks like a cross between a framing hammer and a crowbar.

Li-Ion Finish Gun

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 03:11:51 EST

Paslode updated its 16-gauge cordless finish gun and added a load of new features, the most prominent of which is a lithium-ion battery that's smaller and lighter than the nicad in the previous model.

18-Gauge Nailer

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 03:11:54 EST

Porter Cable's new 18-gauge brad nailer (BN200C) offers a nice set of features at a reasonable price.

Durable Pinner

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 03:16:46 EST

Uffy's new 23-gauge pinner, the TH-T-CZ10, is designed to be both lightweight and durable.

Johnson Stud Squared Framer's Tape

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:46:29 EST

In addition to functioning like a standard 25-foot tape measure, the Johnson Stud Squared can assist with framing layout.

Irwin 2500 Box Beam Level

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:18:59 EST

The Irwin 2500 Box Beam Level has an unusual feature that makes it easier to use: a mirror that allows you to read the plumb vial from the edge of the tool (for those times when it's hard to look from the side).

Hart steel-handled framing hammer

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:25:51 EST

Hart's new steel-handled framing hammer has features that could be useful to any carpenter: a magnetized nail slot at the top of the striking face, a hole through the head that can be used as a rebar bender, and a nail puller at the side of the head for pulling stubborn nails.

Sola KB 24 wet-dry pencil

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 02:38:47 EST

Sola, a company best known for its levels, also makes a line of specialty pencils.

Max Brad Gun

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:15:05 EST

Max has just come out with a new standard-pressure 18-gauge brad gun (NF255F) that uses the same driver and bumper technology as the company's 400-psi tools.

Senco Metal Connector Nailer

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:15:09 EST

If you're looking for a small metal-connector nailer, Senco just might have the ticket. The Joist Pro 150 is all about size. Weighing barely over 4-1/2 pounds, with a nose-to-rear length of 12 inches, this gun is designed for use in tight spaces.

Launch Time 2011: Paslode Framing Nailer

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:57 EST

Launch Time 2011: Senco 16-Gauge Angled Fusion Nailer

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:14:01 EST

Launch Time 2011: Arrow Stapler and Brad Nailer

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:58 EST

Product Watch: 23-Gauge Pinner

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:29 EST

A 23-gauge pinner is perfect for fastening small returns and delicate pieces that would be destroyed by a brad nailer. Cadex, known for well-made and feature-laden guns, has just released the CP23.30, a low-price alternative to some of its fancier tools.

Product Watch: Feature-Rich Finish Gun

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:32 EST

Bostitch recently upgraded its 15-gauge finish nailer with an eye toward making life easier for the trim carpenter. The gun has a small, thumb-operated blowgun for clearing away dust and debris and a small battery-powered LED on the nose.

Product Watch: Reliable Hammer Tacker

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:36 EST

If it weren't for hammer tackers, the tedious task of applying felt paper and housewrap would be intolerable. As part of Arrow's new RED line, the HT50iRED has a bottom-loading mechanism that the maker says tightly secures the staples and makes jamming less likely than in rear-loading models.

Product Watch: Thor's Hammer

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 07:13:37 EST

Framing hammers take a lot of abuse, and after a while their striking surfaces can start to break down. To prolong the life of the Hardcore Hammer, its maker recessed the waffle face (made from hardened steel) slightly from the head's smooth outer ring.