The new Model 40-6001 Laser Distance Measure is a first for Johnson, but it looks like they got plenty right. It doesn't get crazy with 800 feet of measuring, but it has plenty to offer at 165 feet with an accuracy of ±1/16" (±2mm). The 40-6001 has all of the features you would expect from a good LDM; including, indirect measurement capabilities for length and height; and single distance, area and volume measurements. The LDM also has a few features not seen in lasers in the same price range, like a backlit LCD screen and a 10 measurement memory. The coolest feature of all has to be the sound activated measuring mode. This new sound mode should come in handy during those moments of awkward one handed measuring.

The 40-6001 also has a couple downsides. It has three measurement reference points (Front, Rear, and Tripod), but it lacks the forth measuring point for measuring in corners. Also a possible downside is the use a more expensive, less common, 9-volt battery.

The 40-6001 includes a soft-sided pouch, safety strap, rubberized LDM protection cover, 9V battery, and instruction manual.

Johnson Level - [:cicn:] Amazon

Rockwell's new table saw looks nothing like the table saws you are familiar with; the saws you know and love. In fact the only thing similar about it is the table. The BladeRunner from Rockwell can accurately be described as a jigsaw mounted in table, upside down. In the past we have seen rigs that allow users to mount their own jigsaws under tables, but the BladeRunner takes the idea a step further by offering an all-in-one package.

Channellock recently redesigned their entire website, and to say it looks good is an understatement. Navigation throughout the site has been greatly improved, so much so that it would be hard to make it any better. All of their tools have been broken down into categories that are easily accessible from the main menu. From there you can identify each tool with a large photo and a small description. Clicking on the photo takes you to a page with even greater product details, and the option to buy.

Along with the new website, Channellock has built a new community section called the Channellock Nation. Channellock Nation is a place where Channellock users and fans can come together and share their photos, stories, hopes and dreams, a little Channellock pride, and a lot of American pride. To kick off the new Nation, Channellock is giving away a grand prize of $2500 in Channellock tools and $5000 in cash. They are also giving away 50 first prizes (one for each state) consisting of a Channellock tool roll valued at $100. Check out the new ChannelLock site and be sure to join the Nation to enter to win some great prizes.

Channellock

ZipSnip, the answer to your cutting woes? The ZipSnip is a 3.6-volt lithium-ion rechargeable electric material cutter who purpose is to make cutting simpler. Its circular cutting blade makes it ideal for zipping through cloth, leather, plastic packaging, corrugated fiber board (aka cardboard) vinyl sheet goods, rubber liner, landscape fabric, canvas, wire, wrapping paper, etc. The 1-1/2” hardened steel cutting blade is configured to self-sharpen against a small sharpening stone so you don't have to worry about a dull blade. Even after you have worn down the blade to nothingness, you can simply swap it out for a new blade.

The ZipSnip weighs in at one pound, so it is probably a little heavier then the scissors you are used to using, but its cutting speed will cut down on your cutting time. The rather large trigger switch on the ZipSnip should make it easy for people of all ages to use, but the safety switch on the top will keep the tool from attacking on its own. The cutter uses a 1.4Ah 3.6-Volt battery that can be completely charged in 3-5 hours, and can hold its charge for up to 24 months.

Except for the trigger mechanism, the ZipSnip looks identical to the SKIL Power Cutter, which I own. So I can confirm that this tool can cut through everything in the above materials list, and that the battery can hold a charge for a very long time.

Interested? You can pick up the ZipSnip for $39.99 at your local Menards, or other hardware and home centers, and online at [:cicn:] Zipsnip.com - Amazon