Love ’em or hate ’em, multi-tools are big sellers. Realistically, people that claim some of the tools are difficult to use have a point. Gerber Gear is doing something about that with the Gerber Center-Drive multi-tool. Plus, it’s now customizable.

Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool Customization

Gerber launched this flagship tool back in 2017 and it’s one of the best we’ve ever reviewed. The big news today is that it’s customizable. We went through the process of creating our own and it’s both easy and fun! We’re going to start by walking you through the three areas of customization.

Note that your customization options affect your overall price.

Body

The body section consists of two customizable points: color and blade laser marking.

Nine color options are available with different combinations of black, satin (silver), sage green, coyote (tan), and red. We went with a sage green and black combination. The handle color is also going to be the color for your plain edge blade and Center-Drive screwdriver.

The blade can have laser marking on both sides. There are symbols, pictures, patterns, and text to choose from. You can even upload your own image if you like. All options are available on both sides.

The cool thing is that you can rotate, move, and resize whatever you’re putting on there until it’s exactly the way you want it.

Tools

There’s a little bit of tool selection to decide on. You need to decide between scissors or a serrated-edge blade. I’m more likely to cut rope or cord, so I went with the serrated blade.

No matter which you want, you can also choose between a satin finish or a black oxide coating on the tools.

You have the same color choice for how you want the plier jaws to look.

Sheath

Finally, you can choose between a leather or nylon sheath. There’s no change in price between the two. I’m a sucker for leather, so that’s what I went with.

Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool Tools

The Gerber Center-Drive is full of features that look pretty attractive on paper. They didn’t try to pack as many tools as they could possibly fit, opting for a handful of tools that seem to make more sense.

Pliers

Rather than going with a butterfly-style opening, Gerber went with a one-handed slide opening mechanism and it’s fantastic! While holding the tool, simply push up until you feel the slide lock into place. At that stage, the pliers are ready for use. They’re spring-loaded, making them easier to work with.

Gerber goes with a little bit of a nontraditional pliers design on the Center-Drive. Its sloping nose gives it the look and function of a hybrid between standard pliers and a needle nose design. This gives you the ability to get into some tighter areas while still leaving plenty of strength to grip bolts in the middle, though it’s not as strong as Gerber’s Dual-Force multi-tool.

At the base of the pliers you’ll find carbide wire cutters. You can rotate these triangular-shaped cutters as they begin to dull. This means you’ll get three times the life of other carbide cutters and they’re replaceable when the end of their life comes around.

A notch at the bottom of each cutter acts as a wire stripper. You’ll need to feather your grip a bit based on the wire gauge you are trying to strip. I’m not a professional electrician by trade, but I found them pretty easy to use with only a small amount of practice.

Screwdriver

The screwdriver is where the Gerber Center-Drive gets its name. By creating an offset design and extending it out to 3.2 inches, the driver is in the middle of the handle giving you an axis of rotation that is more likely to reach and stay engaged with the fastener. Keep in mind that you’re still using a multi-tool, so it’s not as comfortable as a dedicated screwdriver. That said, the Center-Drive design is a huge improvement.

The offset design isn’t the only intelligent move the Gerber made with the screwdriver design though. First, they gave the bit holder a magnet to ensure that you can keep a bit in the driver without fear of losing it. Most importantly, they made it a standard 1/4-inch size. This is a huge deal because you can replace bits when they are worn or broken and you can customize your bit set to the type of work you’re going to be doing.

The Gerber Center-Drive comes with 14 different bits. 12 store in a bit holder that conveniently fits in your sheath, one stores on the driver itself, and the last sits in a spare bit holder on the tool. This gives you quick access to your two most commonly used bits (a #2 Phillips and 1/4-inch slotted for most people) while any assortment of 12 other bits is close at hand in the sheath.

Knives

A plain edge knife is accessible from the outside of the tool and a serrated edge knife is found on the inside. The plain edge blade features a drop point style and easy one-handed opening with a hole cut in the base. It locks in place with a frame lock. The blade is 3.25 inches long and made from 420HC steel.

The serrated blade isn’t quite as sexy. The end of the blade doesn’t really have a classic style but is closest to a sheep’s foot. You don’t really need as much of a point on a fully serrated blade since it will mainly be used for things like cutting rope. It’s about a half inch shorter than the plain edge blade and has a spring-loaded lever lock to release it.

Other Tools

The file offers fine and coarse sides and is nice to have on board for deburring or filing down other sharp metal pieces. The awl Gerber included is about the best I’ve seen. It’s actually sharp enough to make an effective hole in several different materials.

The bottle opener is also one of the most effective designs I’ve seen on a multi-tool. Not that its ability to crack open a cold brew at the end of the day is any better than other versions, but there is an integrated nail puller and prybar on the end of it. Is reinforced well enough to actually be able to put some force behind it and I’m very grateful to have a nail puller on me at all times.

You have markings in both inches and centimeters on the inside of the handle. While this is probably the only place they really could have reasonably etched it, is only mildly effective because of its placement. It can be used to judge fastener lengths pretty easily though.

Finally, there’s a lanyard hole integrated into the outside spring-loaded tool lock.

Sheath

The sheath features two pockets—one for the Gerber Center-Drive and one for the spare bit holder. As you would expect, a loop on the back makes it belt-friendly. With the original launch, my only complaint was the lack of a MOLLE-friendly sheath. That option now exists.

Additional Gerber Center-Drive Models

Rescue Edition

• Switches serrated blade for partially serrated drop point blade
• Switches plain edge blade for strap cutter

Plus Edition

• Switches plain edge blade for partially serrated drop point blade
• Switches serrated blade for scissors

Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool Price

The Center-Drive is available in several configurations. MOLLE and Berry-Compliant sheaths are also available. Here’s a breakdown of the MSRPs (retail prices may be lower):

• Standard: $130
• Standard with Bit Set: $135
• Rescue Edition: $145
• Plus Edition: $155
• Custom: Starting at $165

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of multi-tools to choose from and the Gerber Center-Drive is the one I keep coming back to. It has the tools I need with a design that’s easier to use and it’s Made in the USA. Now that customization is an option, it’s better than ever!

Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool Specifications

• Item Number: Gerber 30-001193
• Opening Style: One-hand
• Knife Blade Length: 3.25 inches
• Standard Bit Driver: Yes
• Rotatable Carbide Wire Cutters: Yes
• Closed Length: 4.7 inches
• Open Length: 6.6 inches
• Weight: 9.5 oz
• Jaw Material: Cast
• Made in USA: Yes
• Warranty: Lifetime
• Price: $119.99

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DeWalt Impact Connect Makes Cutting Pipe Faster And Easier

For plumbers, HVAC techs, and anyone else who works with piping, it can be a struggle to find a cutting tool that balances speed and convenience. Cordless Pro-grade pipe cutters can be pricey and manual solutions take up time and energy. DeWalt aims to fill this gap with the Impact Connect Pipe Cutter. We dove deeper to see what this attachment brings to the table.

DeWalt Impact Connect Pipe Cutter Attachment: The Big Deal

Instead of releasing a dedicated cordless pipe cutter, DeWalt designed the system to attach to your existing impact driver. It leverages the power and rotational impact of your tool to cut pipe faster than manual methods to limit fatigue on the job.

There are two versions. The DeWalt Impact Connect PVC/PEX Pipe Cutter Attachment (DWAPVCIR) cuts material up to 2 inches in diameter. It makes clean, efficient cuts in PEX, PVC (up to Schedule 80), and other plastic piping or conduit. In terms of speed, it’s up to 6 times faster than manual cutting.

The second version is the Copper Pipe Cutting Attachment (DWACPIR) and comes with a 1/2-inch and a 3/4-inch cutting wheel. There’s also a 1-inch cutting wheel you can purchase separately. It’s rated for use with type K, L, and M copper pipes.

Additional Features

Both use a Quick-Change brace that allows you to switch between cutting and driving applications in seconds. Weighing a little over 3 1/2 pounds, it adds some heft to the end of your impact driver, but attaches to the base of the tool and helps support the weight.

As for maneuverability, the attachment has 360° rotation to help work around awkward angles and has a large hook window.

If you happen to own another brand’s impact driver, don’t worry. It works with DeWalt 20V Max impact drivers as well as Pro-grade impact drivers from other brands.

DeWalt Impact Connect Pipe Cutter Attachment Price

Both versions retail for $119 as an attachment only. Currently, there are no kit options available. DeWalt backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.

Editor’s Note

Converting your impact driver into a pipe cutter is a really big deal, and not just for plumbers. Electricians. Irrigation specialists, HVAC techs, refrigeration techs, and many others can take advantage of Impact Connect.

Don’t miss the value proposition, though. With cordless solutions from brands such as Milwaukee running well over $200, DeWalt’s price tag makes it an awfully attractive way to relegate your manual cutters to the backup squad. It’s also no surprise that it’s a 2022 Pro Tool Innovation Award Winner.

Kenny Koehler, Pro Tool Reviews’ Managing Editor

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Kershaw Analyst Exudes A Hard-Working Attitude

What’s your highest priority when choosing a pocket knife? Price? Versatility? Weight? We got our hands on the Kershaw Analyst to see where this affordable folding knife fits in the wide range of options on the market.

Kershaw Analyst Blade

The Analyst’s blade begins its life as 8Cr13MoV steel. Its highlights include easy sharpening and decent corrosion resistance. That corrosion resistance gets an extra boost and a more tactical look from Kershaw’s BlackWash coating. It earns a mid-range score for toughness and is on the lower end for edge retention. Overall, it’s a good material choice for a knife that needs to work every day while staying easy on your wallet.

The steel forms into a 3.25-inch tanto blade with its classic piercing tip and hard angle that forgoes a slicing belly. The back end of the blade features serrations. In terms of function, it’s a solid piercing and chopping shape with the serrations making rope/cord cutting easier. Without the belly of a drop point blade, it’s not as effective for slicing.

The blade quickly deploys with a finger flipper and spring assist. Jimping on the back of the spine helps secure your thumb or forefinger during use and there’s a notch cut out just in front of that.

Kershaw Analyst Handle

Kershaw turns to glass-filled nylon for the handle material, helping to keep the overall weight of this knife down to 3.5 ounces. With a length of 4.25 inches, it gives the Analyst an overall length of 7.5 inches with the blade open.

There is some light texture in select areas more for aesthetics than grip.

Inside the handle is a liner lock to secure the blade in its open position. While not as beefy as a frame lock, it avoids breaking up the look of the handle.

There’s a deep carry clip that can install in four positions. It comes on the tip-up, right-hand carry side. If you prefer something else, you can put it on the left or right for either tip-up or tip-down carry.

There’s also a lanyard hole if you prefer to tether your knife.

Kershaw Analyst Price

The MSRP on the Kershaw 2062ST is $53.99 and as usual, retail prices are a bit lower. We found it on Amazon for $36.49. Kershaw back this knife with a lifetime warranty.

The Bottom Line

The Kershaw Analyst is a great example of an affordable EDC that’s right at home on a jobsite. Its partially serrated tanto blade is highly functional and the material choices keep the price tag down. Throw one in your toolbox, another in your tacklebox, and one more in your truck for good measure. Wherever the day takes you, chances are that the Analyst is happy to go along.

Specifications

• Model: Kershaw 2062ST
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV with BlackWash coating
• Handle Material: Glass-filled nylon
• Blade Style: Tanto with partially serrated edge
• Opening: Spring assisted with finger flipper
• Lock: Liner
• Blade Length: 3.25 inches
• Closed Length: 4.25 inches
• Open Length: 7.5 inches
• Clip: 4-position (tip up/down, left/right)
• Weight: 3.5 ounces

The post Kershaw Analyst Folding Pocket Knife 2062ST Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measures Deliver Tough Performance

The Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measures include some crazy durability claims. How crazy? How about 100-foot drop-testing crazy! It comes in both regular and Nite Eye versions (remember the Lufkin Black Widow tape?) and we put it through more than just our standard tape measure tests.

Pros

• Incredibly durable design
• Diamond abrasive on the hook grips better than slick coatings
• Redesigned belt clip
• Reinforced holes are ready for tethering

Cons

• On the expensive side
• Tough blade to throw

Editor’s Note: Think you know everything about tapes? Check out our article on how to read a tape measure and we promise you’ll learn something new!

Crescent Shockforce G2 Tape Measure Durability

The Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measure boasts its durability over everything else. In the hand, it’s certainly impressive. Four screws hold the tape together (the 5th in the center just holds the belt clip).

Lufkin also uses four rivets to hold the clip in place instead of the standard 2 or 3. The blade gets a standard nylon coating to prevent scraping off the print. It’ll still happen, it just takes much longer than with cheap tapes.

Rubber overmold covers the majority of the housing and metal roll bars protect the lock. It’s a tough enough build that Lufkin claims you can drop it from 100′. We’ll presume that’s on compacted soil and not concrete or asphalt. In our testing of the first-generation Shockforce tapes, they survived several falls onto concrete until we finally managed to break the tape. These have the exact same build quality.

So yeah, this is a tough tape.

Standout and Throw

Crescent Lufkin claims a 14′ standout for these measuring tapes. We didn’t quite get that far, but we did manage to eke out more than 12 feet. Looking back at our last best tape measure review article, that’s pretty competitive! Even without trying hard, you’ll repeatably get around 11′ 8″ of standout every time—at least until the tape breaks in a bit.

The throw is a bit different, and arguably not as important. The internal spring lets the tape spin faster inside than it comes out, creating a backlash effect. As with the first-generation Shockforce tapes, these are stiff. In fact, I could only get these to consistently throw between 55-64″. That’s well short of the 96″ length of sheet materials.

I’m not all that worried about the throw, personally. Just know that it’s tough to use that way if it’s something you expect your tapes to do.

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measure Accuracy

The printed marks are 1/16″ and you have your standard bold stud highlights every 16″ and truss diamonds every 19-3/16″. Read our article on tape measure markings if those don’t sound familiar to you.

Things started off well on our Lixer Master measuring tape calibration. Both the standard and Nite Eye versions of the Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tape Measure were dead on at 6″.

Additional Crescent Shockforce G2 Tape Measure Features

Blades

If it’s not already obvious, you have two choices when it comes to your blade. There’s a standard black on yellow and the Nite Eye hi-viz green on black we saw with the Black Widow. I personally like the Nite Eye printing, but both are easy to read.

Using red for the regular Shockforce G2 and hi-viz green for the Nite Eye, stud points get a large highlight every 16″ and the truss marks use standard diamonds.

Hook

Crescent Lufkin keeps the 360º hook from their Black Widow measuring tape, and it does a nice job of grabbing on the top, bottom, and both sides. They also put a diamond abrasive grip on the bottom half that helps it grip better than slick coatings.

Clip

Crescent Lufkin reinforced the stamped steel belt clip on the Shockforce G2 tape measures. They also added a handy tab at the top that lets you apply pressure when sliding it on and off your belt or favorite tool rig. This marks a huge improvement over the original model which we found difficult to clip onto our belts.

Tether Ready

Reinforced holes at the back are ready to receive a tether when working at height.

Lock

The lock is a standard design, bringing its plastic shield down to hold the tape in place. It holds as well as anyone else’s. They also have an Auto-Lock model that automatically locks the tape in place until you release it with the front-mounted button.

Price

On our 25′ models, the standard Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measure runs $30 and the Nite Eye version is $28. That’s a premium price, but well in line with other premium brands. The DeWalt premium XP measuring tape retails for a similar $28, and it’s among the most expensive for major brands, though others like Tajima can go higher.

• Milwaukee Stud: $19.99
• Stanley FatMax FMHT363255: $26.99
• Lufkin Shockforce G2: $29.99
• DeWalt XP: $29.99
• Lufkin Nite Eye: $27.99
• Tajima GS Lock: $42.99

The Bottom Line

These are some of the most durable tapes we’ve tested and they have a satisfyingly long standout. With two blade patterns and multiple lengths to choose from, they’re definitely in the conversation with the top names. If there’s any hesitation, it’s in the stiffness of the tape and whether you want to pay a premium price.

I like the Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measure for Pros and DIYers who value durability. However, if you have a hard time keeping track of your tapes, you might consider something with a lower cost of entry.

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce G2 Tape Measure Specifications

• G2 Models
  • L1216: Standard 16′
  • L1225: Standard 25′
  • L1235: Standard 35′
  • L1216B: Nite Eye 16′
  • L1225B: Nite Eye 25′
  • L1235B: Nite Eye 35′
• Blade: Two-side printing, nylon coated
• Markings: 1/16″
• Original Gen 1 Models
  • L1116: $25.99
  • L1125: $27.99
  • L1135: $41.74
  • L1116B: $28.99
  • L1125B: $29.99
  • L1135B: $36.78

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Kershaw Cannonball Transforms A Premium Winner Into An Affordable EDC

Some days, it amazes me that knife brands continue to come out with new models. It seems like there are only so many ways to combine materials and shapes. Then you get something in your hands like the Kershaw Cannonball folding pocket knife and know exactly why they never quit designing.

As soon as we took the knife out of the box, we had flashbacks to the Zero Tolerance 0095—a knife Clint still carries every day after more than 6 years. We dove deeper to see if Kershaw’s 2061 can be just as epic.

Kershaw Cannonball Blade

Kershaw moves toward the upper half of blade material selection with D2 steel for the 2061. In terms of edge retention, it’s significantly better than 8Cr13MoV that comes on Kershaw’s entry-level knives but not as good as the super steels. It remains easy to sharpen and has decent corrosion resistance. Overall, it’s a step up from value steels without getting into the pricing of premium blends.

The D2 is shaped into a classic drop point design with a big belly that’s great for slicing. The spine gets some additional angling and a grind that adds visual interest before finishing off with a section of jimping. It’s 3.5 inches long and gets it no-nonsense look from a BlackWash coating. At 0.112 inches thick, it’s not the beefiest blade we’ve ever used, but it’s plenty strong enough for nearly anything.

To deploy the blade, there’s a substantial finger flipper that makes up a generous finger choil when the blade is out. The opening is spring assisted and quick.

Kershaw Cannonball Handle

The handle is stainless steel and contributes significantly to the knife’s 5.4-ounce weight. It features a similar angular design to the ZT 0950 rather than the smooth curve of the Blur. It’s 4.5 inches long and just over an inch tall, filling your hand and offering a secure grip.

Rather than sharing the scratch-hiding BlackWash coating of the blade, the handle receives a grey PVD (physical vapor deposition) coating instead.

Set into the side is a strong frame locking mechanism. While there’s nothing wrong with a good liner lock, I personally prefer the security of a frame lock and I don’t mind that it breaks up the look of the handle. It gives the knife a look that matches its strong overall personality.

On the back of the handle is a deep carry clip that comes pre-installed for a right pocket, tip-up carry. If you prefer it in your left pocket, the clip is reversible to the other side.

Kershaw Cannonball Price

The retail price of the Kershaw 2061 is $86.99 and online prices are running closer to $54.99. For a D2 knife with the look, feel, and function the Cannonball has, that’s a good price. Kershaw backs it with a limited lifetime warranty and also offers a mail-in sharpening service.

The Bottom Line

If you’re obsessed with knives, you know your favorites by name. The Zero Tolerance 0095 has been one of ours for years. The Kershaw Cannonball takes what we love about the 0095’s design, gives it a Kershaw makeover at an affordable price, and we freakin’ love it! Get your hands on this model if you’re looking for a hardworking EDC built to take whatever your day has in store for you.

Specifications

• Model: Kershaw 2061
• Blade Steel: D2 with BlackWash coating
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel with PVD coating
• Blade Length: 3.5 inches
• Closed Length: 4.5 inches
• Open Length: 8 inches
• Lock: Frame
• Opening: Spring assist
• Clip: Reversible deep carry
• Weight: 5.4 inches

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Ox’s Tuff Carbon Pencil Helps You Leave Your Mark On The Job

Ah, the humble pencil. Its tried and true design doesn’t leave much room for improvement… or does it? Mechanical pencils were the next step in the process after the iconic yellow sticks we all know and love. The Ox Tools Tuff Carbon Marking Pencil takes the concept of a mechanical pencil and merges it with a tradesman’s marker for a convenient, refillable experience.

Ox Tuff Carbon Marking Pencil: The Big Deal

One of the most notable design features of this marking pencil is its refillable style. This particular model includes four sticks of different colored lead. You have the pre-loaded grey and a tube each of white, yellow, and red.

If you’ve ever used a mechanical pencil, it won’t be a difficult process to figure out how this one works. You push the button at the top to dispense the lead tube until you reach your desired length of exposed lead. To change out the leads or insert one of the refill tubes, you simply hold the dispense button down while inserting the lead.

Since you can extend the lead as much as you need, this pencil can reach tight or hard-to-reach places. Moreover, it marks most surfaces both wet and dry, so you won’t have to worry about inclement weather thwarting your marking needs.

As for the construction itself, Ox designed it with a combination of polypropylene, ABS, and stainless steel. This combination helps provide durability and longer life. The cap also features an integrated lead sharpener that keeps your lead needle nose sharp.

Additional Features

• Refillable with any Ox Tuff Carbon marking range leads
• Stainless steel lead feed tube
• Belt hook on carrying case

Ox Tuff Carbon Marking Pencil Price

This pencil retails for $14.98. It includes the four tubes of lead we mentioned earlier. Ox backs your purchase with a 90-day warranty.

Specifications

• Model: Ox-P503210
• Length: 6.4 in
• Case Material: Plastic
• Package contents: 1 pencil and 4 leads
• Lead size: 2.8mm

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Hilti 12V Green Cross Line Laser Level Targets Jobsite Tough Design

We’ve been super-excited about Hilti Nuron cordless tools, but today we’re shifting our attention to the 12V line. The Hilti 12V green cross line laser level is on our radar, and we wanted to see how the PM 20-CG A12 compares to other lasers we use.

Pros

• Excellent accuracy
• Higher visibility and longer range than most green lasers
• Durable IP54 construction
• Rechargeable lithium-ion power source

Cons

• Cost is a bit high for price-sensitive buyers

Hilti 12V Green Cross Line Laser Level Design

Power Source

As you take a tour of this laser, one of the first things to note is that it runs on a Hilti 12V battery. That makes it more expensive than models that use alkaline batteries on the front end, but there are some very real benefits.

For one, you’re not throwing away a set of batteries every day. Plus, the cost of those alkalines starts to add up over time.

Using a 4.0Ah battery, one Hilti 12V battery has up to 33 hours of runtime—enough juice to get you through multiple days on the job. It’s far more convenient and less wasteful than using AA or AAA batteries.

Lines and Points

The Hilti PM 20-CG A12 is a cross line and point laser. The vertical line covers 200° and the horizontal beam offer 160°. A simple press of the V/H button on top cycles between both, horizontal only, and vertical only beams.

In addition to the center point you get where the beams cross, there are also top/bottom plumb spots and left/right spot at 90° to the laser.

Like most lasers we work with, you can lock the diode to work with slopes or let it self-level up to 4°. The beams blink if you’re outside the self-leveling range.

Accuracy

Hilti dialed in the accuracy to ±0.12-inch at 33 feet (1/8-inch). That’s dead on the professional standard we expect from our lasers, though we have tested ones that are slightly more accurate.

Visibility and Range

Thanks to the green laser, you get more visible range than red lasers. In optimal conditions, expect to see the beam up to an impressive 131 feet. You can extend that out to a full 328 feet using Hilti’s PMA 32 laser detector.

To put that in context, most of the green lasers we use are visible to around 115 feet and roughly 260 feet with a detector, so you’re getting some range extension with Hilti’s beam.

Mounting

On its own, you can set the laser on the ground or mount it to a tripod with 1/4-inch threads. Hilti also packs the PMA 89 bracket in the box that includes magnets, a keyhole, 1/4-inch tripod threads, and 5/8-inch tripod threads along with some elevation adjustment, making it more versatile.

Environmentally Friendly

Most of what we’ve covered so far has been very good, but not necessarily above and beyond what other brands have to offer. Where Hilti raises the bar compared to the competition is with its jobsite readiness. Both the battery and laser have overmolding to offer some protection against bumps and falls.

What’s more impressive is the IP54 ingress rating the PM 20-CG A12 earns. According to the IP rating scale, that means dust can’t get in on a level that affects operation and splashing water won’t hurt it. Can your cross line laser do that?

Additional Highlights

• Beams blink when the battery is nearly out of juice
• Class 2 laser (no precautionary measure required)
• Receiver mode for longer distance measuring with a laser detector

Additional Options

We really like this model as a go-to laser level for Pros who need reliability and the longer runtime of a lithium-ion power source. However, there are a couple of other options to if this isn’t quite what you need.

• PM 20-CG: Identical specifications with a AA-battery power source
• PM 20-CGE: Increases the accuracy to 1/16-inch over 33 feet

Hilti 12V Green Cross Line Laser Level Price

If you already have batteries and a charger, the laser with the mounting bracket and soft case is $460.80. You can customize your kit from there, and Hilti recommends a pair of 2.6Ah batteries and charger to go with it. That configuration runs $577.30.

If you’re using Hilti’s fleet services, that’s $18.00 per month for just the laser or $22.25 per month for the kit.

The laser is part of Hilti’s 20-2-1 warranty program, including calibrations for the first two years. Hilti Fleet Services include unlimited calibrations.

The Bottom Line

Hilti has taken an excellent foundation and applied their reputation for tough, jobsite-ready tools to create the Hilti 12V green cross line laser. While the PM 20-CG A12’s price may be higher than some of the competition, so is its survivability, and it only takes one of the other guy’s lasers failing to make Hilti’s quality worth the price.

Hilti 12V Green Cross Line Laser Level Specifications

• Model: Hilti PM 20-CG A12
• Power Source: Hilti 12V battery
• Accuracy: ±0.12 in per 33 feet
• Range: 131 feet visible, 328 feet with receiver
• Ingress Rating: IP54
• Self-Leveling Range: ±4°
• Price: $460.80 bare
• Warranty: 20 years

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Expect Longer Line Life With the OX Tools Kevlar Line Aluminum Chalk Reel

You may think there’s not much to chalk reels—simply apply some chalk to a piece of string and snap it onto your working material for an instant, straight guideline. OX wants to change how you think of these tools and the convenience they provide. The OX Tools Kevlar Line Aluminum Chalk Reel features some upgrades from previous iterations, making it as convenient as possible for every Pro to use. We got one in our hands to find out how this version stands out.

OX Tools Kevlar Line Chalk Reel Design

This chalk reel features a material upgrade to the string line itself. It uses genuine DuPont Kevlar as line reinforcement, making it stronger and more abrasion-resistant than standard chalk reels. In fact, the braided Kevlar string featured on this model is up to 20 times stronger than previous models, according to OX.

OX also made improvements to the non-slip ox-horn hook, providing more leverage on your material’s edge.

As for the rest of the build, OX the housing withstands tough jobsite conditions. Its aluminum case provides durability and holds up to drops and bumps, keeping the internals from taking damage during everyday use.

It features a 6:1 gear ratio for quick reel-in action. We found reeling the line back in to be remarkably fast and easy. Even with the full 100-foot line length out, you can reel it back in just a few seconds.

Additionally, there is a push-button clutch that preserves the gears during line extraction. This allows the line to be let out more quickly and comes in handy especially if you know you’re going to need a longer string length.

Additional Features

• Steel crank
• Matte black coating keeps outer casing cool, even after sitting in the sun
• Ergonomic grip designed for all-day comfort

OX Tools Kevlar Line Chalk Reel Price

This chalk reel retails for $14.98 for the bare tool and you can find it at several retailers. OX doesn’t pack it with chalk, so you’ll have to purchase that separately. OX Tools backs your purchase with a 90-day warranty.

Specifications

• Model: OX-P505830
• Length: 5.5 in
• Width: 3.5 in
• Height: 2.5 in
• Weight: 0.45 lbs
• Material: Aluminum and plastic
• String length: 100 ft
• Gear ratio: 6:1

The post OX Tools Pro Kevlar Line Aluminum Chalk Reel appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

In nearly any construction-related trade, one of the most universally used tools is the tape measure. The Stanley FatMax Tape Measure is among the most popular tool we see on the jobsite bar none. With an 11-foot unsupported stand out thanks to a wider and thicker blade, one person can measure what sometimes would require two people. The folks at Stanley also designed this tape measure to take real-world jobsite abuse.

Editor’s Note: Think you know everything about tapes? Check out our article on how to read a tape measure and we promise you’ll learn something new!

Stanley FatMax Tape Measure Features

Having used and reviewed the best tape measures, I’ve pretty much seen it all. Everything from battery-operated, motorized versions to simple inexpensive tapes. In my personal tool collection, however, I keep going back to my Stanley FatMax tape measures. My two favorite sizes are the 16-foot and my 25-foot tapes. The 16-foot model comes in handy for doing smaller projects like trim and building things in my shop. I use the larger, 25-foot model when building decks and framing homes or additions.

I picked up some new Stanley FatMax Tape Measures the other day to replace one that got concrete all over the blade. That’s what I get for lending my tools to a mason!

What is the Standout on the Stanley Fatmax Tape Measure?

The Stanley FaxMax tape measure has an 11-foot unsupported blade standout. That may be one of its best features.

A long standout matters—particularly when working alone. Using a tape measure like the Stanley Fatmax with a long standout means you can quickly and easily take measurements without someone needing to hold or place the “dumb” end of the tape.

Stanley Fatmax Tape Measure Features

Durable Blade Coating

Stanley coated the entire length of the blade with a Mylar polyester film which helps to protect the blade and helps it last longer. The first 5 inches or so of the blade, closest to the tip, has an extra cover. Stanley used to call this BladeArmor. This industrial thermoplastic layer covers the most-abused portion of the blade and strengthens this section to help reduce breakage. It works similarly to the Milwaukee Tool nylon blade coating on their tape measure line.

Blade Lock and Wide Body

The blade lock is a simple push-pull thumb switch that is a little tight to engage when the tape is new; but after some use, it really gets easier to operate. The outside shell of the tape is made of ABS plastic with at least 85% of the outside covered with black overmold rubber to give grip and also cushion the tape should you drop it on a hard surface – and you will.

One thing quickly jumps out to folks not familiar with the Stanley FatMax line of tapes. They are FAT! Since the blade is a full 1-1/4” wide, it makes the body of the tape measure wider. Should you have small hands, it might take a while to get used to the larger size. We are pretty sure though, that once you do get used to the size, you will never go back to your old tape measure.

Testing and Use

Testing the Stanley 33-725 FatMax 25-foot Tape Measure was easy. For one of my recent projects, I whipped it out to measure some studs for a wall framing project. FatMax tapes have been a part of my tool collection for a long time. I consider them old friends. We have seen some users gripe that the overall curvature of the extended blade is a little excessive. This holds especially true when compared to other 3/4″ and 1″ wide tapes.

The reason for the complaints is that when you need to make very accurate cuts, you need to twist the tape blade slightly. This lets the edge rest against the material being cut. With other narrower tapes, this is not quite as noticeable. With most, the blade lacks this extreme curvature.

Fat Max, Fat Body

Also, they are quick to point out how fat the tape measure body is too. But then they quickly realize the trade-offs that come with the fatter blade too. Like how the extra curvature actually makes the blade stiffer when it is extended out to its limits and how it is not floppy at all. What we found interesting is that even though the packaging claimed 11 feet; we actually got it out to nearly 12 feet with no support.

We suspect that after some break-in time this length will diminish some. The retracting spring is plenty powerful enough too, and if you are not careful, it will whip the metal tape in at a rather fast rate. The packaging suggests not letting the tape slam into the body to help extend the life of the tool. We found that the tip is easy to latch onto the end of most of the materials that we measured thanks to its shape.

Conclusion

All in all, the Stanley FatMax Tape Measure lineup still proves itself a staple of the jobsite. While not perfect, it combines some of the most important qualities that a tape measure needs. We like the long stand-out and extra stiffness of the blade. The simple blade lock and easy-to-read measurements also prove a consistent advantage. It tops our performance scales as a great rugged jobsite measuring tool.

About the only negative comes with the price. Unless you land a sale, the Stanley Fatmax tape measure typically comes at a premium cost vs the competition. Expect to pay between $17 and $35 depending on the model you choose.

The post Stanley FatMax Tape Measure Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Milwaukee Cross Line Laser Levels Will Leave Others Green with Envy

BOOM! Just like that, Milwaukee broke into the line laser sector with gusto and we’ve got everything you need to know about the Milwaukee cross line laser level lineup!

Pros

• Green beams in all laser levels
• Two power sources to choose from—M12 or RedLithium USB
• Seven designs to choose from
• Full-day runtime in each model (8-hour minimum)
• New micro-adjust dials in positions easily and quickly
• Laser pivots on the plumb spot so it doesn’t move while you adjust
• 1/8-inch per 33 feet accuracy

Cons

• More expensive than some of the competition if all you need is the basics

Milwaukee Cross Line Laser Visibility

Every Milwaukee cross line laser uses a green beam to get the best visibility. The design team also worked up a new form of the standard target card to make seeing your line easier when you’re dealing with a brighter area.

It has better visibility with a high-contrast design that makes it easier to see when you’ve hit the center. It’s also magnetic and has standard and metric measurements.

Green beams come with a couple of trade-offs. For starters, they’re more power-hungry than red, so your runtime is lower given the same battery sources. They’re also more expensive to produce, so you’ll notice a bit of a premium compared to red lasers.

But they’re so much easier to see that we’re willing to accept those trades to get better visibility.

Milwaukee Cross Line Laser Accuracy

Milwaukee dialed in the accuracy of the diodes at 1/8-inch for every 33 feet. That’s dead-on what we expect from professional laser levels in this class. Some models drop to 1/4-inch over 33 feet or worse, giving Milwaukee better accuracy than entry-level models.

Power Sources and Runtime

Milwaukee is targeting two types of power sources: alkaline and lithium-ion. The irony is they’re doing it solely with lithium-ion power.

Milwaukee RedLithium USB Laser Levels

Milwaukee RedLithium USB cross line laser models are designed to replace the ones Pros use with alkaline batteries. Using up to 4 AA batteries for power, heavy line laser users might go through two or three sets of batteries a week.

Even though these Milwaukee laser levels run $50 – $100 more than alkaline, there’s a value proposition worth considering.

Let’s say you’re on the conservative side and use just one set of batteries a week. A pack of 48 Energizer batteries runs a little over $20 on Amazon. That’s enough to get you through 12 weeks. You’re going to need four of those over the course of the year (plus a little, but we’ll give you some vacation time), costing you $80. Your return on investment for going lithium is about a year or less.

If you’re that heavier user running through three sets of batteries a week, you’re in it for $240 a year. You’ve almost paid for the whole laser by the end of year 1.

So what about that runtime? Milwaukee’s RedLithium USB batteries will run for more than 8 hours in the cross line lasers and 15 hours in the 3-point model.

Thanks to USB charging and the ability to run while charging, you can easily use an M18 or M12 battery with a USB adapter as a power source. That will extend your runtime significantly.

Milwaukee M12 Cross Line Lasers

For compatibility with Milwaukee’s compact cordless tools, go with one of Milwaukee’s M12 models. These line up more closely with the lithium-ion competition out there in terms of runtime.

Using a 3.0Ah battery in the cross line/point laser or a 4.0Ah battery in the 3-plane model, you can expect 15 hours of continuous use.

Setup Simplified

One of the major highlights on each Milwaukee laser level is a micro-adjust for the vertical beam. We’ve used plenty of lasers with a micro-adjust on the mount for horizontal height, just not on the vertical plane.

Most of the time, you make adjustments by hand and there’s a lot of wobble along with simply overshooting your mark from across the room. With Milwaukee’s adjustment, it’s much smoother and more precise so you can get it right more quickly.

The other issue that pops up from adjusting most lasers by hand comes from the using the plumb spot to dial in a starting position. As you make your side-to-side adjustment, the plumb spot moves, too. The design team put their pivot right on the plumb spot, so you can make that vertical line adjustment without shifting your floor reference.

Jobsite Ready

Sensitive diodes, jobsites, and less-than-careful crew members don’t necessarily get along. However, Milwaukee designed these laser levels with 1 meter (3.3 feet) drop protection and with an IP54 ingress rating.

Milwaukee Cross Line Laser Level Options

There are currently seven laser levels to choose from. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Milwaukee M12 Green Cross Line and 4-Point Laser

The newest laser in the lineup is the 3624. It takes the cross line and plumb spot laser concept and adds two additional horizontal squaring spots to the left and right. You get the micro-adjust dial and plumb spot pivoting and the 3.0Ah battery runs the laser for more than 9 hours.

• Power Source: M12 battery
• Beams: Horizontal, vertical, plumb spots, and horizontal spots
• Runtime: 9+ hours
• Range: 125 feet visible, 165 feet with detector
• Accuracy: ±1/8-inch at 33 feet
• Self-Leveling: ±4°
• Ingress Rating: IP54

$499 Bare, $549 Kit

Milwaukee M12 Green 360° Single Plane Laser Level

The other of the new 2022 lasers in the line is the M12 3631. It’s a 360° horizontal single-plane laser that gets up to 30 hours of runtime with a 4.0Ah battery. With a visible range of 125 feet from the laser, you can cover a diameter of 250 feet without a laser detector.

• Power Source: M12 battery
• Beams: 360° horizontal
• Runtime: 30+ hours
• Range: 125 feet visible, 165 feet with detector
• Accuracy: ±1/8-inch at 33 feet
• Self-Leveling: ±4°
• Ingress Rating: IP54

$399 Bare, $499 Kit

Milwaukee M12 Green 360° 3-Plane Laser Level

Milwaukee’s 3632 is the way to go when you need three 360° lines for layout. Similar to the single plane laser, its two vertical beams and single horizontal beam are visible up to 125 feet from the laser, giving you a visible 250-foot diameter to work with. This model pivots on the top and bottom plumb intersections, making layout baselined on those points easier and faster.

With all three lasers running, the runtime is still more than enough to get you through the day at 15 hours with a 4.0Ah pack.

• Power Source: M12 battery
• Beams: 360° horizontal and two 360° vertical
• Runtime: 15+ hours
• Range: 125 feet visible, 165 feet with detector
• Accuracy: ±1/8-inch at 33 feet
• Self-Leveling: ±4°
• Ingress Rating: IP54

$599 Kit

Milwaukee M12 Green Cross Line and Plumb Points Laser Level

Of all the Milwaukee line lasers, we use the 3622 the most. With its vertical and horizontal cross line combing with plumb spots, it’s versatile across a wide range of trades. The micro-adjust knob pivots on the plumb spots and even though the kit comes with a smaller 3.0Ah battery, it still gets more than 15 hours of runtime.

• Power Source: M12 battery
• Beams: 360° horizontal, 360° vertical, and plumb spots
• Runtime: 15+ hours
• Range: 125 feet visible, 165 feet with detector
• Accuracy: ±1/8-inch at 33 feet
• Self-Leveling: ±4°
• Ingress Rating: IP54

$399 Bare, $499 Kit

Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Green Cross Line Laser

Switching over to the RedLithium USB battery system, Milwaukee’s 3521 is your go-to choice for a horizontal/vertical cross line laser. With the USB battery, the visible range is a little shorter at 100 feet but you still get more than 8 hours on a charge. While there are no plumb spots to pivot on, the micro-adjust mechanism is the same.

• Power Source: RedLithium USB battery
• Beams: Horizontal and vertical
• Runtime: 8+ hours
• Range: 100 feet visible, 165 feet with detector
• Accuracy: ±1/8-inch at 33 feet
• Self-Leveling: ±4°
• Ingress Rating: IP54

$299 Kit

Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Green 3-Point Laser Level

When all you need are the points, go with Milwaukee’s 3510. It has two plumb spots and a horizontal point that are visible out to 150 feet. Because of how 3-point lasers are used in the field, the base doesn’t have a pivot or micro-adjust knob. However, it gets an impressive 15+ hours out of its RedLithium USB battery.

• Power Source: RedLithium USB battery
• Beams: Plumb spots and horizontal spot
• Runtime: 15+ hours
• Range: 150 feet visible
• Accuracy: ±1/8-inch at 33 feet
• Self-Leveling: ±4°
• Ingress Rating: IP54

$249 Kit

Milwaukee USB Green Cross Line and Plumb Points Laser

For the same cross line and plumb spot functions as the M12 3622 on the RedLithium USB system, look for the 3522. The visibility is a little lower at 100 feet but your detector range is still 165 feet. The battery is capable of more than 8 hours of runtime and you have the micro-adjust knob and plumb spot pivoting action.

• Power Source: RedLithium USB battery
• Beams: 360° horizontal, 360° vertical, and plumb spots
• Runtime: 8+ hours
• Range: 100 feet visible, 165 feet with detector
• Accuracy: ±1/8-inch at 33 feet
• Self-Leveling: ±4°
• Ingress Rating: IP54

Available Accessories

In addition to the lasers, there are a couple of handy accessories worth pointing out.

First is what appears to be a fairly standard magnetic/hangable mount. In reality, the design allows you to attach the laser in 360º, making it easier to find a quick mounting point in nearly any environment.

There’s also a track clip to help you out when you’re working on a drop ceiling or something similar.

The Bottom Line

Milwaukee cross line laser levels have the accuracy and visibility we demand and help speed up the setup process. We like the fact that every model is lithium-ion powered with the runtime to make it through a full 8-hour day. Overall, there’s genuine innovation to be excited about and we expect Milwaukee is going to make a significant impact in the line laser market.

The post Milwaukee Cross Line Laser Level Review and Comparison appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.