Every day it seems some new app comes out that makes smartphones even smarter. They are used to solve many problems people come across throughout the day, soon we will be able to add laser measuring to that list.

A new smartphone app is being developed by Andrew Leyden called Phaser Tape that uses a separate laser module to deliver surprisingly accurate measurements. The app works by using the lasers from the module and the phone's built in camera to determine the correct distance. The Phaser Tape offers a measuring distance of between 30 - 50 feet depending on camera resolution, with an accuracy of ± 1/4-inch or better. The great thing about using a smartphone for measuring, is the ability of the app to do so much more than a regular laser distance measurer can do, such has almost unlimited measurement memory, advanced calculations, the ability to instantly email measurements and photos, and more.

The Phaser Tape is still in development and for $35 you can help to get the project rolling and be one of the first to get the Phaser Tape when it is completed. The donation includes the Phaser Tape laser module and App. Works with iPhone or Andriod phones.

Phaser Tape

At a time when most power tools are made outside of the U.S., and a time when jobs are hard to find, it is good news to hear that Milwaukee Electric Tool could be adding up to 103 new jobs to their research and development center in Brookfield, WI. It turns out this expansion is due to $1.5 million in economic development tax credits that MET is eligible for, as well as a $250,000 loan to improve the facility.

Milwaukee Tool has already started on the remodeling and expansion needs at the facility, and some of the 103 employes have already been hired. The remaining employes are expected to be hired over the next three years. The total amount of tax credits that Milwaukee could receive is directly based on the number of job that are actually created, so that is just over $14,500 in state tax credits per job.

via - BizJournals - JSOnline

Jobsites are full of many hazards, and one of those hazards could be waiting to find a home in your truck tire. I am talking about a single nail or screw that has fallen out of someones toolbag or a dropped screw box, something so small that can ruin your day if it ends up in the wrong place. If you are lucky you end up with only a slow leak and have a way to inflate your tire.

Porter-Cable has announced a new High-Pressure/High-Volume Inflator that can not only run off of a standard vehicle 12-volt outlet, but can also go cordless and run off an 18-volt Porter-Cable slide-style battery if the 10-foot DC power cord is not long enough for you. The PCC583B Inflator offers a high-pressure option that delivers up to 120 psi if pressure, ideal for inflating tire and such, and a high-volume option that can inflate/deflate larger items at a low PSI; think air mattress.

Another nice feature is the automatic shut-off function that can be set to shut off the inflator when it reaches the desired pressure. This is a nice feature that should make inflating your car tires a lot easier. All of the reading on the PCC583B are done on an LCD that can also be used to check the pressure reading on already inflated items.

The PCC583B will be available in November and is expected to retail for $49.97

PCC583B Inflator - Lowe's

I just remembered that Garrett Wade is offering a 15% off promo code that is good site wide, so I thought I better share it with you before the code expires tomorrow. I will be the first to admit that Garrett Wade's prices are not always the lowest on the net, however, they do offer a great selection of tools that can be harder to find at other locations, and most of there tools are priced similar to other online stores. They also carry many of the lesser-known tools I write about on TR, like the Deep Hole Marker.

With this 15% off promo code, you could get a really good deal on some tools you might have been holding out for. For example, the Work Sharp 3000 knife & tool sharpener is down to $169.96 from $199 and Staple Jack nail pullers are down to $25.46 & $21.21 from $29.95 & $24.95. Both of those tools are priced less than Amazon after the savings. I think their website is worth a visit to see if they have something you want.

Enter promo code 15PCTSW at checkout.

Update: Promo code has been extended to end midnight on Sunday 10/30/11.

Garrett Wade