We love that the tool technology envelope-pushing continues at full speed. That means we get to use tools in ways that we couldn’t, wouldn’t, and sometimes even shouldn’t before (have you seen Kenny put his hand in the paths of the SawStop and Reaxx blades yet?). A big driver of tool technology has been in the battery and motor departments and so it is with the cordless Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch brushless dual bevel miter saw (model R48607B).

Editor’s Note: Check out our best miter saw article for our top recommendations.

First Impressions

Although it’s an indispensable carpentry tool, miter saws like the Ridgid R48607B are typically heavy. The tool’s awkward shape makes it difficult to move and store. And, of course, it’s tethered to a cord. The Ridgid R48607B cordless dual bevel miter saw is much lighter, compact, and mobile. But is it jobsite-ready?

We have a model home in our inventory that we decided to sell. It needed a pocket door installed to divide the living room and master hallway. Because the home was already built, the job was basically a small trim job. We also had some shoe molding and a lot of other punch list work to do. Calling up the Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch brushless miter saw to the big league, we got to work.

Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch Brushless Miter Saw Features

The standout features of the Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 Inch Brushless Miter Saw are the size and weight. At just 24 pounds, I can easily put it on my shoulder to move it where it needs to be or throw it in the front seat of my truck without it taking up much room when it’s not being used. I did have my doubts that it is jobsite ready because it seemed like a toy compared to traditional miter saws (spoiler alert – I would be pleasantly surprised).

There are some robust features in this small package. The dual bevel has left and right positive stops at 0°, 33.9°, 45°, and 48°. There are positive miter detents at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45°. The slide allows cuts in deeper stock while the work light illuminates the work area, an LED cut line guides the blade, and a bag collects the dust. You can also hook a vac to the 1-1/4-inch dust collection port. Last but not least, there are advantages to using a brushless motor.

A Lighter Ridgid Brushless Miter Saw

I’ve been doing carpentry in home construction for a couple of decades and now, as a superintendent for Joe Goldsmith Construction, it’s my responsibility not only to make sure our jobs are getting done but to also fill in the gaps when our crews are exceptionally busy and punch list jobs to put the finishing touches on.

I found that I can take the Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 Inch Brushless Miter Saw anywhere quickly – I can run up a flight of stairs with it, put it on the tailgate, or use it in a small space with no problem. It’s especially helpful for making a couple of cuts to button up a job or putting a few pieces of trim in – basically punch list stuff that it wouldn’t make sense to bring in a crew, have them run cords, and set up a workstation to accomplish. Better yet, it keeps the dust down so well I can cut in place, clean up any small mess, and be on to the next job.

Another great feature: it’s a standard 7-1/4-inch circular saw blade. If the blade gets dull, I likely have a blade in the truck that I can replace it with. Even if I don’t have a blade, I don’t have to worry that the store doesn’t have it – it’s a common and widely available size. That gives you an inexpensive alternative to a 60-tooth blade and the option of putting a 7-1/4-inch framing blade on there for a couple of 2x4s or other rough work you don’t want to use your trim blade on.

Beveling with the Ridgid R48607B

The only worry I had with the performance is the small amount of waste that the blade sometimes left behind. It was usually no problem to remove it by hand, but of course, that’s not how it should work and it could cause unsightly tear-out. A slight recalibration of the fence and/or cutline might be needed, but most likely an upgraded blade will take care of it.

The battery life on the Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch dual bevel miter saw impressed us. I’ve used this for all my small trim jobs for over three weeks, and I haven’t charged it. Even so, you have to understand that this is not your workhorse miter. I don’t think that’s a big surprise to anyone. If you’re going to trim a whole house, you’ll probably opt for a corded saw unless you’ve got several batteries charged up in the queue.

If you’re cutting very thick crown molding, something deep with the slide, or harder wood, you might bind the blade if you’re being too aggressive with the cut. Of course, this happens on more powerful corded saws, too. Just keep it in mind that the size and weight of the blade may need extra time for the cut.

Pro Tip: When you’re done using any cordless tool, stick the battery on a charger so the next guy doesn’t get stuck partway through a job!

I really wish the Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch dual bevel miter saw had the slideable fence on both sides instead of just one. As a double bevel miter saw, you want that extra back for crown. That’s a bit of a bummer.

The safety trigger is excellent. You have to push a switch with your finger and then pull the trigger for the blade to turn. The slide works smoothly, and I found the arm lock easy and convenient to use. The detents work well to lock in the miter. The paddle for rotating the Ridgid R48607B saw’s miter table is a far superior design to a threaded screw style.

The Bottom Line

The Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 Inch Brushless Miter Saw is a well-designed, compact, fast, light, and easily portable saw for trim and punch list work. It will save you a bunch of time, hassle, and money as long as you’re not trying to build the world with it.

That the saw takes an easy-to-find 7-1/4 inch saw blade is a big plus. It’s not your workhorse but it certainly has its place on the jobsite for punch lists. I certainly recommend it and the current $379 price tag makes it a steal for this cordless class. Just because of the nature of the work a miter saw is asked to perform, I’d like to see it kitted with a second battery.

Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch Brushless Miter Saw Features

• Powerful motor over 2X more cuts per charge compared to a professional grade competitor kit
• Ergonomic lightweight design weighing only 24 lbs. for ultimate jobsite portability
• Brushless motor technology delivers extended run-time and a longer motor life to increase efficiency on the jobsite
• LED cut line indication and work-light helps illuminate material to improve cut accuracy
• Dual bevel design 0° to 48° left and right bevel with positive stops allows moving the saw head instead of the material
• Miter detents and bevel positive stops for quick adjustment to most common angles
• Built-in dust collection port works with common 1-1/4 in. wet/dry vacuum adapters
• Positive bevel stops positive stops at the most common angles 0°, 33.9°, 45°, and 48°
• Positive miter detents positive stops at the most common angles 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45°

Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch Brushless Miter Saw Specifications

• Model: Ridgid R48607B
• Power Source: Ridgid 18V Battery
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4″
• No Load Speed: 3650 RPM
• Maximum Cross Cut Capacity: 2″ x 8″ @ 90 degrees, 2″ x 6″ @ 45 degrees
• Bevel Stops: 0, 33.9, 45, 48 degrees left and right
• Miter Stops: 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45 degrees left and right
• Weight: 24 pounds
• Warranty: Lifetime Service Agreement
• Price: $379

The post Ridgid 18V 7-1/4 inch Brushless Miter Saw Review – R48607B appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

I doubt you’re still swinging the ol’ hammer tacker now that so many underlayment and wrap manufacturers require caps for warranties. It’s likely you’ve got a pneumatic tool for that work. If not, this review might make your life a lot easier! Sure, a hammer tacker – or just a hammer with capped nails – is cordless in an old-fashioned way, but not in the way that makes us more productive. A pneumatic cap stapler offers faster, more durable results. National Nail recently introduced an upgraded version of the CS150 with its Stinger Cap Stapler. Bring on the review!

At A Glance

• CS150B replaces the CS150 Stinger Cap Stapler
• For fastening roof underlayment, house wraps, and foam boards
• Shoots 7/16″, 18 gauge staples of 5/8″, 7/8″, 1-1/4″, or 1-1/2″ lengths with 1-inch diameter plastic caps
• Uses Stinger pneumatic StaplePac
• Capable of firing five staples per second
• 200 staple and cap capacity

Key Features

• Fastener Range: The new Stinger CS150B Cap Stapler expands the fastener range downward to 5/8″ staples from its predecessor. With well over an inch of staple length variability, it’s likely that this will be on the only fastening gun you need.

• Collated Staples and Caps: The magazine holds 200 collated staples/caps, exceeding most stapler’s capacities and matching the highest available. That means relatively more time working and less time reloading. Stinger claims it has an improved the magazine design, so we’ll have to investigate that.

• Firing Modes and Exhaust: Dual firing modes allow you to choose between sequential and bump (contact) fire modes. There’s also a tool-free, 360°-adjustable exhaust to prevent air and dirt blasts toward your face.
• Accessories: Have you ever opened up a pneumatic tool with the intention of getting right to work only to find it didn’t include an air fitting? That won’t happen with the Stinger Cap Stapler’s included fitting. A belt hook is a nice touch, too.

Performance

We’ve been building up a storm in our big motorcoach home development in Central Florida. Owners park their RV homes in expansive driveways and then enjoy a home without wheels for a while. Of course, each of those stationary homes requires roofing and wrapping – the right application for the CS150B Stinger Cap Stapler.

Ergonomics

We’ve got a few cap nailers and we even hammer in capped nails every so often, but securing material to roofs and walls this way isn’t optimal. The manual way is slow as molasses, of course. Even our pneumatic cap nailers, an improvement over manual nailing, jam all the time. Not only does this cost time, but it wastes nails because you never can throw out just the offending nail. You usually have to sacrifice a sequence of nails to clear the jam.

So I hooked up the CS150B and got to work. I loved the light, compact profile right away. The gun works quickly – so quickly, in fact, that I started to push it a little. Stinger’s five-cap-staples-per-second claim is no joke. I rapid-fired about thirty of them and the gun didn’t jam. Not a shabby start at all. The gun never jammed during the rest of my review period.

Since you’re effectively getting the holding power of two fasteners for each cap, being sure that the roof or wrap is pulled tight (not bunched up anywhere) is particularly important. There’s no adjusting the material after the staple is sunk unless you remove the staple completely.

Switching between single actuation and bump fire modes is simple and tool-free. Push the trigger’s red dial out and turn it to select the other mode. No different triggers, no fuss.

Reloading

Just like any other pneumatic fastening gun, you open the magazine and replace the coil of fasteners. But even this seemed easier than our other tools. Sometimes a roll of nails is awkwardly wrapped, and dropping the coil might mean watching as it rolls open down the roof! Putting the Stinger Cap Stapler StaplePac in the magazine doesn’t risk a coil disaster.

In the middle of the review, we got a second CS150B with a slight modification. The product team identified an area of risk and swapped out plastic for metal. It’s a simple tweak, but it’s good to know they’re looking at ways to improve their product even this close to final production.

The Stinger makes starting a roof or wrap so easy that one guy can do it. If you’ve got a finicky gun that jams or are using a hammer and cap nail, it’s a two-man start. But with the CS150B in one hand and the material in the other, you can be a lone ranger.

Price and Value

So how does the Stinger CS150B Cap Stapler rank among its peers?

It can hold 200 fasteners of 5/8″, 7/8″, 1-1/4″, or 1-1/2″ and will set you back about $230. Here’s where the competition sits:

• Hitachi N3808AP: 200 fasteners (7/8″, 1-1/4″, and 1-1/2″), $260
• DeWalt DWSL18CAP: 160 fasteners (1″ and 1-1/2″), $230
• Senco BC58 21GA: 185 fasteners (5/8″ only), $214
• Bostitch SL1838BC: 163 staples, 100 caps (3/4″ and 1-1/2″), $224.99

A little more detail: Bostitch and DeWalt have dual firing modes while Hitachi requires a trigger change and Senco does bump fire only.

Given that the Stinger Cap Stapler matches or exceeds the fastener capacity of its peers, has a wider range of fastener lengths, is in the same price range, and has given us outstanding performance, it’s price is one well worth paying.

The Bottom Line

The CS150B Stinger Cap Stapler is faster, lighter, more efficient, and boasts a great fastener length capacity than its closest competitors. With performance that exceeds our other guns, it’s my new go-to tool for roofing and wrapping!

Stinger Cap Stapler Specifications

• Item Number: Stinger CS150B
• Operating Pressure: 80 – 110 PSI
• Speed: 5 cap staples per second (max. cycle rate/second)
• Tool Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Fastener Capacity: 200 caps / 200 staples
• Cap Type: Full 1-inch collated plastic caps
• Fastener Type: 7/16-inch, 18 gauge crown staples
• Fastener Length: 5/8, 7/8, 1-1/4, and 1-1/2-inch
• Price: $281.46

The post Stinger Cap Stapler for Roofing and Wrapping CS150B appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Ask just about any carpenter about the utility of the oscillating multi-tool and he’ll tell you that he’s not sure how we all got along without it in the “old” days. For flush cuts, plunge cuts, sanding, grinding, polishing, removing, and much more, the oscillating multi-tool is nearly indispensable on today’s jobsite. Like most power tools nowadays, today’s multi-tools have made the leap to battery power, but there are some reasons to keep a corded version around. I intend to get a lot of work done with the Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool as we build a home in a development in Polk City, Florida.

Bosch Starlock Advantages

The perennial problem and danger of using even the best oscillating multi-tool has been the need to change the blade soon after a cut. You remember very quickly that friction generates heat. Lot’s of heat. And let’s not forget when your fingers are around the teeth. Multi-tool manufacturers each have their own takes on blade change mechanisms, but whether screws hold them in or levers clamp them down, at some point in the process you have to touch the blade. But Bosch and Fein seem to have finally solved the problem with the 3-D bottlecap interface of the Starlock system.

Working the Starlock System

A lever closes the Starlock’s two small jaws, which are then pushed through the hole in the blade, and pop! The jaws automatically spring open to hold the blade securely. When it’s time for a blade change, pulling the lever closes the jaws and the blade falls off of the tool. No fingers were harmed in the making of this blade change because they never touched a blade. What’s more, so many points of contact between the blade and tool should result in more torque transfer. We’ll see how it goes.

Other Noteworthy Features

The Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool also packs quite a punch with a 5.5-amp motor. A variable speed dial modulates the oscillations per minute between 8,000 and 20,000. The blade moves in a 3.6° arc, which might not sound like a lot, but at several thousand oscillations per minute, it can do a good bit of work.

It also boasts Bosch’s Constant Response circuitry which is designed to keep the power constant even under load so there’s no bogging down. And if you have to be tethered with a cord, the ball-joint cord swivel is a nice touch. It all weighs in around 3.5 pounds. Hey, we’ve got a house to build here, let’s go!

Bosch Starlock Multitool Performance

This tool can do just about anything. I mentioned before that there’s still a reason to have a corded multi-tool in a sea of battery-powered ones, so let me give you an example. Say you need to put in a wall unit because plans changed mid-stream and the tradesmen before you didn’t know they should frame for it – or maybe they just forgot.

Just about any multi-tool can make quick work of the drywall, but sometimes there’s a stud right where that wall unit needs to go. Battery-powered multi-tools can struggle with the stud, but the Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool didn’t break a sweat in 2x4s. It just about doubled as a reciprocating saw. It’s that powerful. It eats straight through studs. In fact, I had to dial back the power just to keep control of it for shorter, finer cuts.

Check out our overview of the Starlock System

More to the point, I had to cut an electrical box into the side of an island in the kitchen. For rougher work, precision isn’t as big of a factor, but for something like this, you’ve got to be right on it. I had to turn the power all the way down to have control of it. The tool did a fine job, but it revealed one thing – at this speed, it isn’t really any quicker than a battery powered multi-tool.

So one thing to consider when you’re deciding on what type of power source you want is the type of work you typically do. If it’s finer, precision work then you’ll probably do just fine with a battery. But for an all around multi-tool from small work to demolition, this model has all the power you’ll need. Like I said, it’s nearly as good as having a reciprocating saw. Pretty impressive.

But it is funny how perceptions have changed – we used to doubt the usefulness of the battery power and rely on the corded tools. Now we tend to avoid the corded tools unless absolutely necessary!

The Starlock Connection and Blades

The Starlock system is really efficient and easy to use – it’s the best blade system I’ve seen on a multi-tool. You use the lever to pop the old blade off and snap the other on. It’s a quick, done deal. One of the nice things about this model is that it accepts Starlock, StarlockPlus, and StarlockMax accessories. Hmm, the naming system sounds vaguely familiar… anyone seen my rotary hammer?

The soft material blades from the kit aren’t terribly impressive in my experience. The main issue is they don’t cut a straight line well as other blades I use. If you’re just doing a rough opening in soft material and the hole will be covered with something larger, then it’ll be just fine. They will excel at taking silicone out of corners or some similar job. Just be cautious on finished material.

The scrapers work very well, however. Just take a look at each kit before you buy and be sure you’ll actually use all the included blades. For some Pros, you’ll be better off buying the individual blades and accessories you need.

The Bottom Line

The Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool is just a great tool. The question is whether the work you do requires so much power in a multi-tool enough to justify the cord. It’s possible that battery power is sufficient. But if you want an all around, soup-to-nuts tool that handles the fine as well as demo work, then you won’t be disappointed for one minute with the Bosch.

It’s right at home doing finer, precision work at slow speeds and demo work at high speeds. It’s like a wild stallion near 20,000 RPMs, so be sure you have control. It can almost double as a reciprocating saw in some scenarios. Some of the impressive performance is undoubtedly due to the power transfer of the Starlock system, which is the best multi-tool blade system I’ve seen.

On its own, the multi-tool is $259 and has accessory kit options that run it up to $399. That’s a pretty big price for this class of tool, even for Bosch. What you get for the premium is the Starlock connection system. The build quality ensures that the tool should last, so it’s a convenience feature many Pros will want to consider pulling the trigger on.

For lighter duty stuff, you might stick with battery power, but if not, the Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool is a stellar option if you can afford it.

Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool Features

• Starlock 3-D tool-accessory interface – delivers best-in-class blade grip providing more torque transfer
• Multi-tool versatility – accomplish flush-cutting, plunge-cutting, sanding, grinding, and many other tasks
• Dynamic accessory range – utilizes all Starlock, StarlockPlus and StarlockMax accessories
• Extreme power – driven by a 5.5 Amp motor with reinforced metal gearing
• 3.6° oscillating arc – delivers better accessory utilization and increased productivity
• Snap-in toolless accessory attachment and release lever – allows a no-touch, easy release of blade; no more burned fingers
• Flush cutting – provides a design that is ideal for flush cuts such as door jamb cuts using various plunge or segment blades
• Constant Response circuitry – maintains the desired speed under load
• Variable-speed dial – rotates from 8,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute to match speed to application for outstanding results
• Compact build – reaches into corners and other tight spaces
• Ergonomic design – features a narrow grip diameter, for user comfort
• Reinforced metal gearing – offers well-built construction for optimal force transmission from the tool to work surface
• Rugged construction – for robust durability and minimal tool vibration
• Ball-joint cord swivel – for enhanced ease of positioning tool and for cord durability
• Easy-to-use on/off slide switch – for trouble-free operation
• Easy brush access – allows access for tool maintenance and lasting operation

Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool Specifications

• Model Numbers
  • GOP55-36C1 – 8 Piece Kit (Tested)
  • GOP55-36B – 2 Piece Kit
  • GOP55-36C2 – 40 Piece Kit
• Amps: 5.5
• Case Type: Heavy-Duty Plastic
• Length: 11 inches
• Material: Aluminum and Plastic Composite
• Oscillating Angle: 3.6°
• Oscillations Per Minute: 8,000 – 20,000
• Speed: Variable (8,000 – 20,000 OPM)
• Voltage: 120V
• Weight 3.5 Pounds
• Width: 2.5 Inches
• Price:
  • GOP55-36C1 – 8 Piece Kit (Tested) – $284
  • GOP55-36B – 2 Piece Kit – $249
  • GOP55-36C2 – 40 Piece Kit – $369

The post Bosch StarlockMax Oscillating Multi-Tool GOP55-36 Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Quality craftsmanship sometimes suffers that same fate as Rodney Dangerfield: it don’t get no respect. Rarely will a layperson walk into a room and think, “wow, those cabinets are really level!” or, “look at how square that window is!” or even, “that conduit sure does look plumb!” If those newly-hung cabinets look wonky, or if the window sits off-kilter, or if that conduit appears as if it got thrown together by random time and chance, you might wonder who the bum was that did the installation. I guess it’s just our nature to take quality for granted. Even still, as professionals who take pride in our work, we strive for excellence, right? Perhaps the indication that our work is excellent is that it does go unnoticed.

To achieve the kind of excellence that probably will go unnoticed, you’ll need a leveling device of some sort. Carpenters and builders have used bubble (or spirit) levels for hundreds of years, and plumb bobs for even longer. Because of their simplicity and usefulness, we’ll likely use those tools for the rest of our careers. Innovation moves ever-onward, and these days, we have access to more sophisticated forms of leveling. Today we’re looking at one example of this sophisticated leveling innovation, the newest Makita laser level. This self-leveling cross-line and point laser level will cast lines and dots on our work surface, which makes finding level and plumb super simple.

Key Features

Let me paint the scene for you. We manage a fair number of properties in Auburndale, Florida, and we’ve recently started on some remodeling projects. Hanging new cabinets and light fixtures has been our top priority. With a few homes to renovate, it’s safe to say that we had a fair amount of work ahead of us. The upside here is that, with so much work to do, we were able to put the Makita laser level through its paces right away. The job might have been a little overwhelming, but this new level speeds up and simplifies the whole process considerably.

Red Vs. Green

The Makita laser level does all of its leveling in red. Generally, red lasers work pretty well and are the baseline for visibility. How well you can see red lasers depends on the amount of ambient light. Green lasers are more easily detected by the human eye, and there are some manufacturers who are capitalizing on this. However, green diodes tend to cost significantly more to implement and require more energy. Makita sticks with the old tried-and-true red. Makita claims that you can see the 635nm class II laser’s lines up to 50 feet, and the laser points up to around 100 feet. Since the majority of cross-line laser use is for interior work, that’s good enough.

Reference Lines and Spots

All of the self-leveling laser levels reviewed on these pages emit horizontal, vertical, and cross-lines (horizontal and vertical simultaneously). Like Klein’s offering, some of these self-leveling lasers even feature a plumb spot. This Makita laser level includes all of those tools, plus vertical level dots at the left and right points. The horizontal beam fans out 180°, and the vertical beam extends 120°. In doing so, this level covers all your bases, allowing you to cast most any reference line you could need.

The plumb spots are particularly helpful when centering a fixture over furniture, such as a light over a dining room table. Measure the center of the table, turn on the top and bottom dots, and line up the center of the table with the bottom one. You’ll see the exact center of the light fixture on the ceiling. Of course, there are loads of applications for these as well as the vertical dots, so you can get creative.

Self-Leveling Function and Accuracy

A laser level’s ability to self-level saves a good bit of time and effort, provided you confirm that the pendulum is properly calibrated at the outset. But “self-leveling” requires a little qualification – it’s not as if it will level itself sitting on a 20° sloped surface. Nearly all cross-line laser levels can right themselves within a handful of degrees. The Makita laser level’s tolerance is 4°, which it can achieve in 3 seconds. Once leveled, Makita claims the lines and dots are both a reasonably accurate +/- 1/8″ at 30 feet.

The integrated pendulum lock allows the laser to find an angle rather than level or plumb. It’s most convenient to attach the level to a tripod for this application. The pendulum lock doubles to keep the laser diode safe during transport and storage. This feature is also common on all laser levels.

Modes & Power Conservation

Most laser levels are fairly simple to operate but the Makita makes the sophisticated tool about as simple as can be. A two-button interface toggles the laser between its five modes. You’ll have the option of choosing a horizontal line, vertical line, cross-line, all four dots, or both lines with all four dots.

Finding the right setting couldn’t be easier. Just cycle through each of the lighting modes by pressing one button, and put it in pulse mode with the other button. Lock it down using the lever on the side – and that’s it. It’ll take you more time to attach it to a tripod than it will to have accurate lines and/or plumb spots anywhere you need them.

Makita also includes a pulse mode which will extends the runtime out to 35 hours. The pulse mode provides a somewhat underwhelming laser light show, just in case Pink Floyd comes on the ol’ classic rock station. That is to say, you can detect the pulse and it drops the overall brightness. You’ll want to use it in situations that there’s not as much light to work with so you can see still see the beam. An auto shutoff further conserves power.

Other Notable Features

The Makita laser level comes with a standard bracket that can attach to a tripod with a 1/4″ or 5/8″ thread. The bracket has magnets for attaching the whole thing to metal surfaces, as well as keyholes for securing it to wood or drywall. Since the laser self-levels within 4°, you don’t even have to be that accurate with your mounting!

Makita protects the laser with a rubber overmolding, which provides some impact protection. If it takes a knock to the floor, you’ll want to check the calibration. The overmold will help keep the accident from bring a total loss. Additionally, the Makita laser level carries an IP54 rating, which keeps it moderately safe from water and dust ingress.

The Bottom Line

Are there ways to improve the Makita line laser?

Sure, you can give it a green diode and make it run on the 12V CXT or 18V LXT battery platforms. You’ll also have to hurt your wallet quite a bit more to get your hands on it.

What Makita does really well is bring in a combination of lines and spots that cover nearly every situation for a cross-line laser, simplify what it takes to use it, and keep the cost down. That said, the Makita SK103PZ isn’t a cheap laser. Coming in around $310 puts it at a premium, but not way out in left field. From what we’ve seen of it so far, there’s a solid argument for shelling out a few extra clams for it.

In the end, the Makita laser level will help you achieve the kind of excellence that goes unnoticed more quickly than you can with standard levels. Time is money and you’ll find this Makita cross-line laser pays for itself quickly.

Makita Laser Level Features

• Provides all possible reference lines required in leveling, aligning, plumbing, and squaring applications for maximum versatility
• Line visibility range up to 50’ and Point visibility range up to 100’ depending on ambient light in working environment
• Accuracy – horizontal/vertical lines (+/- 1/8” @ 30’); points (+/- 1/8” @ 30’)
• Fast self-leveling time; stability is achieved in 3 seconds for increased productivity
• Self-leveling is correctable up to 4° of slope allowing operation on uneven surfaces
• Bright 635 nm class II laser for best-in-class visibility in moderate ambient light environment
• Laser line fan length spans well past 90° point position to provide 180° horizontal line and 120° vertical line for full reference line coverage in demanding applications
• Integrated pendulum lock enables slope incline applications for increased versatility
• Pulse mode conserves and extends battery life for increased operation time in low light environments
• Delivers up to 35 hours of continuous run time operation
• Five dedicated mode functions conserve power by allowing battery power usage only when needed to operate the necessary functions
• Recessed laser windows are highly protected from fracture damage in slot positions for increased durability
• Full oversized rubber over-mold for increased protection
• Pendulum lock offers added protection of laser diode during transport and storage
• Dust and water resistance with IP 54 rating for increased durability
• Simplified two button user interface for ease of operation
• Integrated bracket allows for attachment to a tripod with a 1/4” & 5/8” thread or to metal and wood objects

Makita Self‑Leveling Cross‑Line and Point Laser Specifications

• Item Number: SK103PZ
• Power supply: 3 AA batteries
• Line accuracy (at 33 feet) : +/- 1/8-inch
• Point beam direction: 4 points (up, down, left, right)
• Line-beam direction: 2 line (horizontal, vertical)
• Working range (line) : 50 feet
• Working range (point): 100 feet
• Laser diode: Class II, 635 nm
• Leveling range: 4°
• Operating time (hours) : 35
• Auto shut off: Yes
• Net Weight: 1.04 pounds
• Price: $310.78

The post Makita Laser Level Review: SK103P Cross-Line appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.