Swanson, the makers of the ever popular Speed Square, have come out with a new layout tool that does it all, or almost all. Their new Speed bevel has all the features and looks of their classic Speed Square, but with a little transformer magic, turns into a T-bevel. With a little more transformation you have a try-square; in total the Speed Bevel offers 5 different layout tools in its one small fold-able package. Heck, the fact that you can fold down and make a Speed Square smaller, is all it took to sell me on the idea; I can never seem to find a good place to store my rafter square because of its shape.

Whether you build houses for a living, or you just want a multifunctional tool from the best name in leveling and layout, the Speed Bevel will handle the job. Made from tough, light-weight, high-impact ABS composite, the Speed Bevel is actually five tools in one – a framing/rafter square, a try square, a miter square, an angle finder/protractor and a sliding T-bevel.

The Speed Bevel takes the place of a few tools I use regularly, and most importantly, I don't really use any of those tools at the same time. I like the idea of cutting weight and a few items from my toolbox, the only question I have is, how accurate is it? An un-square square would be a very bad thing. The Speed Bevel cost around $7, and is about the same as a regular Speed Square.

[:cicn:] Speed Bevel - Amazon
Swanson Tool Co

You know I love lasers, they automatically make everything cooler, and the Johnson 40-6616 tiling and flooring laser square is no exception. This cool little squaring laser projects two lines across the floor that are 90-degrees apart, thus making it ideal for the flooring trades. But you don't have to be one of the flooring trades to get good use out of this tool; the 40-6616 works great for anyone needing to make squaring lines on the floor.

Though the 40-6616 uses new technology like lasers, the tool itself is very simple in design and in function. A single push of a button is all it takes for the squaring fun to begin. You don't even have to level it, though the laser does have two level vials that can be used for layout on vertical surfaces.

Are you a Pro and want to show off your great work, or are you a Not So Pro that needs a bit of help but still likes to give it a try? It doesn't really matter, because Bosch has a contest for both types. Bosch and Joe the Pro are running a contest looking for photos showcasing the work you have done. If you are one of the chosen, you win a new Bosch Power Box 360 radio. All you have to do is head over to contest page on Facebook and enter using the online form. Submit your photo and a short description. The contest runs until July 15th, and the Judges will chose one winner a week.

Pro Or Not So Pro Contest

In an effort to better organize my home workspace I decided that I needed to get some of my non-work tools out of boxes/bags and into places where I could more easily access the ones I use most. My solution was simple, and probably the same solution that many of you use, pegboard. A full sheet of pegboard is cheap, and with the right hooks and attachments, you can organize a good portion of your tools. Next all I needed was pegboard hooks. Lucky for me, my Father had a box full of them that he let me dig through. Most of the hooks he had came from old retail store displays, so my selection was pretty much limited to straight hooks. Not a problem though; I always turn to Harbor Freight for things like this, and sure enough, online they show a full selection of peg board hooks.