Easy-Read Rafter Square
The introduction of a layout tool designed for easy viewing is always welcome news to those of us with fading eyesight. Empire Level’s new e2994 7-inch anodized-aluminum rafter square has fine, laser-etched graduations and tables with a blue background, which should make it easier to read than traditional silver-colored squares – especially on dusty job sites or in bright light. The square also has an extra-wide flange for hooking board edges. It costs $17. Empire Level, 800/558-0722, empirelevel.com
High-Performance Fasteners
Several GRK screws featuring the company’s proprietary all-weather Climatek coating – including RSS, R4, Kameleon, and Trim screws – have now been tested in an ICC-accredited lab and approved for structural use in pressure-treated lumber. The information is indicated on the fastener labels so you can show your building inspector. Search “AC257 Information” at the company’s website to view a video. Prices are also shown on the website.
Simpson Strong-Tie’s new Strong-Drive structural wood screws range from 3 to 10 inches long and have a “4Cut” point that eliminates most predrilling, a knurl above the threads to reduce driving friction, and a double-barrier coating that allegedly matches the performance of hot-dip galvanization. The SDWS version has a .22-inch shank diameter and a star-drive screw socket, while the SDWH version has a .195-inch shank and a hex head. I recently drove several 10-inch SDWS screws into engineered lumber with full-size 18-volt drill/drivers, and no pilot holes were required. A 12-pack for fastening deck ledgers costs around $10 to $12. GRK Fasteners, 800/263-0463, grkfasteners.comSimpson Strong-Tie, 800/999-5099, strongtie.com
Fuel Economy
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 18-volt lithium-ion drill/driver is scheduled to hit the market this spring. The current top-of-the-line M18 model – the 2610-24 – is powered by a conventional brushed motor and a 3-amp-hour lithium-ion battery, weighs 6.15 pounds with its side handle attached, delivers 750 inch-pounds of torque, and costs about $320. The new model will be powered by a brushless motor that’s smaller and more efficient than a brushed motor. It will come with 1.5-amp-hour or 3-amp-hour batteries, weigh just 4.3 or 4.9 pounds with the side handle attached, deliver 650 or 725 inch-pounds of torque, and measure a mere 7.9 inches long. Judging by a proprietary runtime test I witnessed at the show, the 3-amp-hour battery just might let you work all day on a single charge. The new tool will cost $230 with 1.5-amp-hour batteries (2603-22CT) and $280 with 3-amp-hour batteries (2603-22). An M18 Fuel hammer drill will be released simultaneously. Milwaukee, 800/729-3878, milwaukeetool.com
Hose Control
The PneuPower ReCoiler air-hose reel provides a clever solution to the problem of hose storage. Made in the U.S., it consists of a slender and rugged Lexan case with a 1?4-inch by 5-foot inlet hose on the outside and a 1?4-inch by 100-foot outlet hose coiled inside. You simply pull out as much hose as you need and crank it back in when you’re done. The polyurethane hose supposedly won’t try to recoil or tangle after you unreel it, won’t kink, is flexible down to -40 degrees, and won’t chafe on abrasive surfaces. The company says that models with a 5?16-inch by 75-foot outlet hose and a 3?8-inch by 50-foot outlet hose are coming in March. All three versions cost $130. PneuPower,pneupowerus.com
Spirited Levels
Irwin has launched a complete new lineup of box-beam and I-beam spirit levels, including the 2500 Series of premium nonmagnetic box beams. These levels have a thick-walled aluminum frame with a continuous edge that protects the center vial and allows nonstop scribing, plus rubber end caps that can be removed easily with one hand so they don’t interfere with your layout. A “Plumb Site” window lets you view one of the plumb vials conventionally, or at the level’s edge when you would otherwise have to strain for a side view. Six-foot and longer versions add an extra horizontal vial near one end. The 2550 Series adds rare-earth magnets along one edge. The levels in both series range in size from 16 to 96 inches long and in price from $50 to $210. Irwin, 800/464-7946, irwin.com