The simplest tools are often the hardest to review. How much different can any two tape measures be? They are all basically as simple as a thin piece of metal with lines and numbers. So simple, yet, I have the hardest time finding one that I like. I have used tape measures from all of the major brands and have a good understanding of what I like and need, but none of them on the market fit the bill. Design is what makes or brakes a tape measure. It spends a lot of time in our hands being used, so any small design flaws are quickly noticed.

The Johnson 1805-0025 has all of the features I look for in a tape measure. The first is comfort: it is smaller then many of the tapes on the market today and thus fits well in my hands. Another thing that keeps it comfortable it its weight. It is much lighter compared to the "Fat" and similar wide type tape measures, but this also means it has a shorter tape stand-out. I was getting about 8 feet of stand-out out of the 1805-0025. This could be an issue for some people, but I usually turn to a laser if I need to measure anything in the air. The locking switch on the Johnson is also nice to use; it is nothing fancy, but it is easy to engage and holds strong. One part of the tape that could be a weakness, or a strength depending on your needs, is the larger end hook. It makes hooking easy, but for me it seemed to get caught in gaps.

Brand
Johnson Level

Model #
1805-0025

Buy
Amazon

The look of the tape is also important, and again the Johnson 1805-0025 meets my needs. It is simple to read, not being cluttered with over-information. The tape is also nicely printed on the underside and comes in handy when measuring over-head. In fact the underside is so nicely done that I prefer it to the top face of the measure. I like the fact that the numbers are turned to the side; this makes the tape easier to read from both sides.

I currently have four different 25-foot tape measures that have all fallen short, the Johnson 1805-0025 is by far my favorite.

Remember a few days ago I went on a rant against carpenters pencils? I also talked about my new favorite carpenter pencil replacement, the Staedtler graphite 771. Well, I put together a little video to show you its cool features. The 771 is now my go-to pencil throughout the day, though I do keep a .7mm on hand when greater accuracy is needed. I don't think this pencil was designed for carpenters, but it has a lot of great features on it that suit our needs.

ToolsInAction has the scoop on what is possibly the new 20V Max lithium-ion line from DeWalt. They somehow got a hold of a flyer that pictures what appears to be a new line that will be released later this year. I believe DeWalt announced their 12V line back in June of last year, so if they are following the same timeline, we have a few more months to wait. The flyer shows 3 drills, 2 impacts, a reciprocating saw, and a circular saw. The new line looks a lot like their 12V line, and uses a similar slide-in battery.

Also you will notice DeWalt is calling this line 20V Max, which probably means it is actually an 18V battery line like all the other brands. I am not a fan of companies using naming games and fuzzy math to try and get an edge. The same thing happened when Milwaukee called their 10.8V tools 12V Max when Makita and Bosch already had 10.8V tools out. All this did was create a bunch of confusion.

One more thing to take note of, at the bottom of the flyer are the words "Bostitch – New 15 Gauge Finish Nailer Changes the Game for Trim Carpenters". The rest of the flyer is cut off so it leaves us with our imaginations. Cordless? Where is the rest of the flyer?

Update: I got word from an anonymous source that the release date for these is set for September. I guessed June as the announcement date, so I might not be too far off.

via - ToolsInAction
DeWalt

It is no surprise that many, if not most of the tools sold in stores today are knockoffs that are made in China. But it might surprise you to learn that for just a few dollars more you can get the originals that all of these cheap tools are copying.

Original Estwing 16oz Hammer - $20 (made in USA) - Amazon ($27)
Name brand Chinese copy - $17

Original Shark Corp. 10-inch Prybar - $17 (made in Japan) - Amazon
Name brand Chinese copy - $15

Spring Tools Hammer-less Nailsets - $10 (made in USA) - Amazon
Name brand Chinese (hammer required) Nailsets - $8

Original Channellock 12-inch Tongue and Grove Pliers (made in USA) - $16 - Amazon
Name brand Chinese copy - $14

These are just a few examples of the original tools only costing a few dollars more then the tools made in China. After reading about what goes into Chinese OEM tools, it does seem like a no brainier to spend a little extra to get a tool you know will last. Not to say that all Chinese versions will not last, but why chance it? Plus you would be supporting countries and businesses that actually care about their workers. The original tools are becoming harder to find, and big box stores are mostly selling the Chinese knockoffs, but if check the smaller hardware and tool stores you will have better luck. Amazon also comes to the rescue and sells all of the Original tools listed above. If you have any examples of your own, please share them in the comments below.