Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels offer wide expansion ranges for truing building components and objects separated by a span. I’ve been working with both sizes on several of our jobs including a complete gut and remodel as well as an addition. More than a few features impressed me and make these tools something you may want to consider for yourself.

Editor’s Note: Check out our best bubble level article to get our top picks.

Pros

• Robust, tough-as-nails construction
• Telescoping expansion effectively offers you several level lengths in one
• Ability to span gaps between two areas or objects to level or plumb them
• Telescope tension adjustment and inset lock keep fingers out of harm’s way
• Easy-to-read vials

Cons

• The design makes these levels heavy (but still lighter than carrying several levels!)
• There’s a slight flex when fully extended

Milwaukee Expanding Levels Performance

Expanding Possibilities

It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’ve used standard level lengths for years. But wouldn’t an adjustable level that fit the length of building components make the work more accurate? Of course—and that’s the great advantage of the Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels.

By releasing the inset lock (positioned to keep your fingers out of pinch points), you can expand the shorter level from 4- to 6.5-feet and the longer one from 6.5- to 12-feet. A tension adjustment controls the ease of slide. In this way, you can level and plumb the entire length of the component.

But there’s another advantage that wasn’t obvious until I put the levels to work. The design doesn’t have a continuous edge, so you can level a span over an obstruction like a bottom plate. You’ll see in the photos that I made sure the floor was level from room to room in a recent remodel. That was easy since the house was gutted to the studs. Of course, there are plenty of other applications as well.

Even when there’s not an obstruction of some sort, the level’s expandable design works well for spanning cabinets across the kitchen, plate to plate on a wall, and even large openings like you might encounter when building a block wall. They also work a treat for tiling showers, tubs, or entire bathrooms.

Heavier But Lighter

A few guys have pointed out that the Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels are heavy. That’s technically true but, to my mind, neither is as heavy as the several traditional levels it replaces. And those traditional levels can’t span over obstructions, so I really don’t mind the extra heft.

But I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the levels’ slight flex at full extension when horizontal. This particularly affects the longer version. Now, that’s a pretty easy issue to solve as you can avoid maximally expanding the level by just a skosh. You’ll still enjoy the excellent extended reach without any material impact on your work.

Tough Customer

The exterior on both Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels is built like a tank. Even so, the company offers handsome carry bags (MLSB48 and MLSB78). But the levels are so tough that I don’t worry too much about them outside of the bags. It’s important to note, however, that the levels’ Guaranteed Lifetime Accuracy of 0.029° or 0.0005″ per inch applies to the closed position only.

When Milwaukee Tool introduced the RedStick Expanding Levels, it emphasized their reinforced internal components. Apparently, expanding levels with cheap components can become stuck in the expanded position. The RedSticks are designed to reliably open and close for the life of the level. That claim is outside the timeframe and scope of this review, but it deserves mentioning.

Milwaukee fans will recognize the large, easy-to-read Sharpsite vials. Both levels also boast great hand grips and the shorter version has some seriously strong amplified rare earth magnets.

In a pinch, the levels’ highly legible rules can take the place of your measuring tape, which is really convenient.

Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels Price

Here’s how the Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels compare in price to some of the competition.

• Empire Level eXT78 (4 – 6.5′): $105
• Milwaukee MLXPM78 (4 – 6.5′): $374
• Stabila 35712 (7 – 12′): $299
• Irwin 1801107 (5 – 13’10”): $329.99
• Milwaukee MLXP712: $279

The Bottom Line

My work benefits from Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels’ ability to fit the entire length of the component I need to be leveled or plumbed. But the levels’ design offers more benefits that aren’t immediately obvious. For example, I took advantage of leveling areas over obstructions like a bottom plate and spanning large gaps. Factor in the reinforced internal components, what seems to be an indestructible exterior, Sharpsite vials, great grips, and a rule that can be your tape in a pinch—and these levels make a compelling case for themselves. The tradeoff is a heavier level, but it’s lighter than the several levels it replaces!

Milwaukee Expanding Levels Specifications

Model MLXPM78

• Amplified rare earth magnets
• Length: 48 – 78 inches
• Width: 4.25 inches
• Weight: 7.8 pounds
• Price: $209

Model MLXP712

• Length: 6-1/2 – 12 feet
• Width: 4.25 inches
• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Price: $279 

The post Milwaukee RedStick Expanding Levels Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

We used the new Makita AN924 Framing Nailer on several jobs over a period of several weeks including a complete home remodel. The work required the construction and modification of more than a few stud walls. Having used a Hitachi NR90AE nailer for over a decade, the Makita AN924 held its own as a powerful framer that includes all the bells and whistles. It also keeps its weight in check—and a light nailer makes the day go more smoothly.

PROS

• Drives nails consistently
• Nose spurs grab onto studs
• High capacity, top-load aluminum magazine
• Simple switch for single or bump actuation
• Dry-fire lockout
• Lightweight

CONS

• No significant drawbacks

Recommendation

Every feature of the AN924 is focused on efficiency. You get lots of power, aggressive spurs for control when toenailing, and a top-loading magazine that holds a lot of nails. The former model, the AN923 loaded from the rear. A selector switch near your thumb makes for easy switching in and out of bump-fire. You can find slightly lighter pneumatic nailers and heavier cordless framers, but Makita has put together an impressive package at a great price.

Performance

Magazine

Our crews haven’t strayed far from pneumatic framers due in part to habit but also to the cordless models’ extra couple of pounds. If a gun is reliable and reasonably light, we use it. The Makita AN924 framing nailer proved to be both of those things. But it sweetened the deal with its excellent aluminum magazine. The maximum 21º plastic collated nail capacity of 73 is on the high end of the range—two full sticks as you’d expect. It gets bested by its predecessor the AN923 at 74 and the Paslode F350-S which holds 84.

We like having fewer reloads, and the top-loading design makes it as easy and quick as could be. This was one of our favorite features.

Driving Home

This Makita framer hits nails hard. That power paired with nose’s aggressive spurs meant that nails go where I want them to go. Although some Pros might not consider precision critical in framing, it does enhance your speed.

All that power generates a burst of exhaust, of course, which exits through the top of the tool’s body. There’s no exhaust adjustment, which I don’t consider a big deal on a framing nailer.

All The Extras

The hook is reversible and adjustable. You can set it to either of two widths. I liked this option as the narrower works for your tool belt while the wider handles the hole in the top of your ladder or a wide beam.

An easy switch toggles between single and bump-fire. You also get a tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment that works well—though I rarely needed to adjust it. A dry-fire lockout mode lets you know you need more nails. I would expect all nailers to have this by now—but they don’t. Finally, the rubberized Makita logos on both sides function as protective bumpers. The whole package includes oil and a 1/4-inch NPT air fitting, so you don’t have to make that unpleasant trip back to the store.

Price

The 8.3-pound Makita AN924 framing nailer with 3-year warranty will set you back $229. That seems quite competitive in the field (which you can check out in our recent framing nailer shootout. However, the Hitachi NR90AE(S1) (now Metabo HPT) with 5-year warranty is quite a bit less expensive at $179 and weighs just 7.28 pounds. The well-reviewed and lighter weight Milwaukee 7200-20 also matches the price and includes a 5-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

The Makita AN924 nailer is an excellent tool with solid value. Although its 3-year warranty is a couple of years shy of its closest competitors, it otherwise keeps pace with the field’s top-performers. It also drops almost a pound off the weight of its predecessor, which otherwise did very well in our recent shootout.

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Makita AN924 Framing Nailer Specifications

• Power Type: Pneumatic
• Operating air pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
• Minimum recommended air delivery: 6.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI
• Nail size: 2 to 3-1/2 in., 0.113 to 0.148 in. shank diameter plastic collated
• Maximum magazine capacity: 73
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 22 x 4-5/8 x 13-3/4 in.
• Weight: 8.3 lbs.
• Price: $202.49

The post Makita AN924 Framing Nailer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

I’ve been building for years, but I’ve never used a Fasco product. Until now, I’ve been content with my reliable Hitachi nailer to help me frame out the bones of one structure after the next. Well, today I’ve got my hands on the newest Fasco Framing Nailer and Scrailer.

Fasco, originally an Italian company known for their innovative fastening solutions, gives their F58A RHN20-90C SCR the ability to use traditional 21° strip nails or the brand’s proprietary Scrails, a half screw, half nail. While I hope to have a project that will put the Scrails to the test in the near future, I’ll be sticking with good ol’ tried-and-true nails for this review.

Pros

• Easy jam clearance
• Non-traditional, but easy tool-free mode change
• Good value starting at $199
• Fires nails and Scrails
• Performance keeps up with other quality framing nailers
• Good ergonomics

Cons

• No major drawbacks

Feature Set

• Compatible with 20° or 17° Plastic Strip Nails and 20° Plastic Strip Scrail or 20° BeckDeck double threaded Scrail
• New jam clearing system: total release of the complete magazine
• Plastic protection against wood chips and splinters
• Patented sequential fire/bump fire device
• Nose-mounted depth adjustment
• Dry fire lockout

Performance

Now, I love my Hitachi nailers, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t inclined to just let the Fasco Framing Nailer and Scrailer replace it. I’m sure a lot of guys feel the same way. But this Fasco framing nailer has won me over, and there are some good reasons why.

My church recently purchased a sanctuary and offices from another congregation. This space will be a real blessing for us, but to meet our congregation’s particular needs, we needed to rebuild it. Using only the existing floor and walls, we’ve had to start from near-scratch with it. Our vision for the sanctuary calls for platforms and partitions galore, and so I used the Fasco framing nailer to help me get the job done.

Ergonomics

The handle includes an appropriate amount of contouring, and the rubber overmolding on the handle helps the gun to feel comfortable and secure to hold onto.

It weighs about the same as my other guns, and working for an extended amount of time didn’t seem to cause any undue fatigue. As a matter of fact, Fasco claims that this gun is 12% lighter and an inch and a half shorter than their previous model.

Since this is the first Fasco product I’ve ever held onto, I have no point of comparison. But it weighs in at 7.84 lbs, which is comparable to my Hitachi.

How does it fire? Does it feed smoothly, or does it jam up?

I didn’t expect the Fasco Framing Nailer and Scrailer to feel as good as it does, or for it to operate as easily as it does. It did jam a few times throughout the job, but clearing the jam with the magazine release is quicker and easier than some of the competitors out there.

Mode Changes & Plastic Guards

Like all Pro-level framers, this Fasco Framing Nailer and Scrailer includes both single fire and bump fire modes. Fasco has an interesting mechanism that’s completely new to me. Instead of switching triggers (I hate that) or a push in and turn switch, this uses a pin that you flip in for bump fire and out for single. It’s red so it stands out against the black and silver materials and really is easy to use.

Pro Tip: To switch modes, you need to press the trigger in. Be sure you’re not connected to an air supply when you flip it.

I used bump fire most of the time. Every so often, the gun double-shot, but I think that has more to do with late-day mental errors than having a problem with the gun.

Sometimes the double-shot nail fires off at an angle and sticks in the plastic guard near the nose. These plastic guards prevent collation material from flying around, but I think most of us find them more problematic than helpful. Personally, I take the guard off to start with and stick with safety glasses.

I really like the metal guard/bumpers on each side of the nailer’s head. Nailers, and any tools on the jobsite, inevitably get beat up no matter how careful you are. These guards offer an extra layer of protection against the bumps and drops that can happen.

Additionally, the Fasco Framing Nailer and Scrailer features all-metal internal parts to help improve the overall durability.

As far as criticisms go, I actually don’t have many. Aside from those occasional jams, I did hear a little air leak out of the exhaust at one point. After oiling it up, it seated better and didn’t present any more issues.

Price & Value

Pneumatic and cordless framing nailers range in price from about $199 to $399. Although the Fasco didn’t participate, you can see a large cross-section of available nailers in our recent shootout. The Fasco comes in at the low end of the range: $199 without a hook and $209 with a hook.

The Bottom Line

After starting off being skeptical that I’d ever pick up the Fasco over my Hitachi, I’m actually considering it. I don’t think I could ever completely give up on my go-to nailer, but if I ever come across a project that calls for the Scrails I haven’t had the chance to use yet, I certainly won’t complain!

Fasco Framing Nailer and Scrailer Specifications

• Model Number: F58A RHN20-90C SCR
• Height: 14.49 inches
• Width: 5.39 inches
• Length: 21.2 inches
• Weight: 7.84 pounds
• Pressure: 70-120 PSI
• Air Consumption: 0.06 SCF @ 90 PSI
• Actuation: Single and Bump
• Magazine:
  • Loading: Top
  • Capacity: 62 nails or Scrails
  • 20° Plastic Strip Scrail (fine and coarse threads)
    20° BeckDeck double threaded Scrail
  • 17° + 20° Plastic Strip Nails
• Vibration: 3.98 m/s2
• Price:
  • $199 without hook
  • $209 with hook

The post Fasco Framing Nailer and Scrailer F58A RHN20-90C SCR Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

I was challenged by a recent project that involved re-roofing a jewelry store. Now, I can’t say specifically what was done for obvious reasons, but let’s just say that installing a security roof in this application involved hundreds of 5″ x 1/4″ lag bolts. Each of these lag bolts had to be driven through a yellow pine 2×6, ¾” torch-down roofing membrane, 3/4″ plywood, and finally, into the edge of a 2×4… all with no pre-drilled holes. This is a pretty grueling test for any impact driver. Providentially, I was able to get my hands on the new Makita LXDT08 Brushless Impact Driver and, honestly, I couldn’t think of a better test. I was also thankful to get the extra tool on loan because this was going to be a lot of work.

Because I had so many lag bolts to install, and I was racing against the clock due to weather conditions, my crew and I employed 3 impact drivers to handle the workload. It was the perfect side-by-side comparison of the new brushless technology vs. the standard motors. The other two impact drivers were a Porter Cable PCL181ID and a Bosch IDS181-02. In case you haven’t memorized all the model numbers, these are both still-shipping 18V impact drivers with lithium-ion batteries. The major difference between the Makita and the other drills was the BL brushless motor.

My first impression of the LXDT08 impact driver was positive… and honestly, the turquoise and black Makita color scheme is pretty nice. But aside from aesthetics, the driver was similar in size and shape to most other 18 volt impact drivers that I have used, though perhaps a tad shorter in length. It was nice and compact and fit comfortably in my hand. The LXT battery was actually larger than I expected, but I quickly realized I had been using compact models for so long that I could now benefit from the extra power and run-time of a full 18V extended run pack.

I was extremely impressed with the battery life. The Makita seemed to run forever, even though we were taxing it pretty hard. And the power that it has was displayed in eyebrow-raising fashion. The specs put the Makita LXDT08 at 1420 in. lbs. of max torque operating at 2500 RPMs. We started all 3 impact drivers on lag bolts at the same time, and the Makita consistently drove the fastener all the way down significantly faster than the others. It won by several seconds. The impact action also felt quite a bit smoother than the other impact drivers we were testing, which was something I didn’t expect, but was a nice surprise. It’s like it did more work on the fastener, and less on my ears and hands.

Throughout this security roof job, the Brushless LXDT08 continued to exceed my expectations. I also had a chance to use it in other applications like carpentry work and a kitchen install. Although I normally use a smaller impact driver for cabinet installation, I took the LXDT08 with me to install some maple cabinets. It made quick work of fastening the cabinets to the walls with 3″ screws, and I really liked how the drill didn’t slow down at all sinking the fastener all the way in. I also loved how I was able to do the whole job on a single battery. And when it came time to recharge, that only seemed to take around 30 minutes or so. When I used the impact driver to screw the face frames together and remove and install the cabinet doors, I had a hard time restraining the driver’s speed and power. After snapping off several screws, I’d say that Makita’s 12V product or the LXDT01 3-speed model might be a better choice for smaller projects that require a softer touch.

The LXDT08’s built-in LED light pointed in the correct area while drilling, which was nice. It’s located just above the trigger and casts only a minimal shadow on the work area. The reversible belt clip can be moved to either side with just a single screw, something lefties will appreciate.

One of the only “issues” I had with the driver was with the quick release 1/4″ hex chuck. On two different occasions, an inexpensive bit got itself stuck in the chuck. It required some serious work to remove it and my only takeaway was that I didn’t have the same problems with other bits, so this might just be a tolerance issue with certain shaped 1/4″ hex bits.

Overall, I was very pleased with the performance of the Makita LXDT08 Brushless Impact Driver. It lacks an abundance of bells and whistles, but do you really want or need those in an impact driver? Probably not. All in all, it’s a tool that is both powerful and compact. If you are looking for more, Makita’s expanded product line does have other impact drivers, such as the Makita LXDT01 3-speed cordless impact driver. This driver and other models offer different features for a wider range of applications. But the LXDT08 is the newest model and, in my opinion, holds its own. I would recommend this drill to other professionals… In fact, I might try to hide this one in my tool trailer.

The post Makita LXDT08 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.