Lights on a level might seem like a gimmicky idea to some, but if you have ever done any leveling in a room with poor lighting (like just about every jobsite I have been on), you know what a pain it can be to read the vials on your level. The problem is then amplified if you are leveling against a dark wall. To solve this problem, I have used the light from my cell phone to shine on the vials in some situations where extra light was needed.

Stanley FatMax has introduced a new line of lighted levels that feature built in lights for both vertical and horizontal vials, as well as lights along the length of the level. Not to be outdone by anyone, the levels also have built in rare earth magnets that make the leveling of metal door frames, and etc. a breeze. The FatMax Lighted Levels are available in 3 sizes: 16-inch, 24-inch, and 48-inch and run on 3 AA batteries.

I haven't been able to find prices or a place you can buy these except for the 16-inch at QVC, which also has a video of it in action.

Stanley Levels

How often do you actually finish a tube of caulking, adhesive, or can of spray foam in one day? I know I rarely do, especially if it is for a home project, or for a quick repair at work. So what do you do with that partially used tube? If you just let it sit, the tube will dry up. I am simple and use whatever I can find to plug the tube, like a screw or some masking tape. If this is a problem you have on a regular basis, you might want to check out the Twist-n-Seal caulk saver plug. The reusable plug will keep your caulking tube ready to go when you need it. If you are worried about the Twist-n-Seal plug falling out, don't, it has been tested to hold over 40 lbs of pull force when finger tightened on a caulking tube. You can get a pack of five for around 3 bucks at your local hardware store, and they are made in the USA.

Twist-n-Seal

While it would be hard to put a price tag on your fingers, I think I can safely assume they are worth more then $1500. This $1500 number is the base price of the SawStop Contractor Saw. During this safety week, it would be hard not to include the SawStop brand which truly revolutionized table saw safety. While there are plenty of safety techniques, and jigs that can help keep you safe, even the most experienced table saw user can have accidents. What could be more safe then a saw that wont cut you?

For those of you unaware, SawStop makes table saws that use a braking system to stop the saw blade if it comes in contact with skin. The system works so well it can stop the blade within 5 milliseconds of detecting contact with skin.

SawStop saws detect contact with skin. The blade carries a small electrical signal, which the safety system continually monitors. When skin contacts the blade, the signal changes because the human body is conductive. The change to the signal activates the safety system.

Even though I have never used a SawStop saw, I think they deserve a huge thanks for making safe tools, and continuing their research for future products.

SawStop
Fine Wood Working Video Review

You have to love tools that help to make working life easier. The Rapid Warrior Combo Knife and Hand Saw from Rapid Tools looks to be one of them. While most utility knives only use knife blades, the Rapid Warrior can use both standard utility knife blades as well as any standard 1/2-inch reciprocating saw blade.

Many times when you have small cuts to make on the job, it is not worth it to make a trip to the truck to get a reciprocating saw. With the Rapid Warrior, all you have to do is keep a reciprocating saw blade in you toolbox, and you will always be prepared.

The Warrior will come in both a fixed and folding model, and both feature tool less blade change. The Warrior will be available in a value pack which includes a fixed-style Warrior knife, 5 Rapid serrated-
edge utility blades, a drywall saw blade, 8-inch general purpose saw, 6-inch hacksaw and blade
case, all for under $20 retail. You can also purchase both knives and blades individually.

Rapid Tools
Rapid Tools - Amazon

Caulked N' Ready is one of the latest "why didn't I think of that" products from FastCap. As the title suggests, it is a holster for your caulking gun. I use a caulking guns quite a bit in my line of work and one of the problems I run into is where to put the dripping caulking gun when I need both hands. Sure some caulking guns have hooks on the back, but if you ever try to hang it off your pants, or ladder, you end up with goop all over everything.

I don't know anyone that likes marking for electrical cutouts; one little misread of the tape measurer, and you got a hole in a place where it doesn't belong. If only there was an easier way... there is, the article title doesn't lie.

The answer is BlindMark. BlindMark is a pretty simple, but also pretty amazing product that makes it so easy to mark for cutouts it would be almost impossible to mess it up. Here is how it works. Simply install part-A of the BlindMark into your electrical outlet box and cover it with your drywall, or paneling. Then using magnets, part-B aligns itself with part-A to give you an exact location of the covered outlet box. Now you can mark the location, cut out for the box, and remove part-A.

Don't forget about cabinets. I have on rare occasion made some mistakes when cutting into cabinets. Now with all the oscillation tools on the market, it is easy to cut for boxes while the cabinet is in place. This working with cabinets probably depends on the thickness of the cabinet.

You can pick up the BlindMark for around $25 on their site, and on ebay.

Ever find that you just cant seem to hold on to your wooden handled tools. Or maybe you can but you just want more comfort. The Air-Grip is a cold-shrink grip that you can apply to any of your tools handles between 3/4" and 1-7/8". The Air-Grip also features a tacky grip that will keep your tools in your hands even in wet or humid conditions. Simply slip your handle into the tube, unravel the plastic endoskeleton and the Air-Grip wrap tightens itself around the handle. Useful for shovels, rakes, axes, and many more tools. Available in 8" and 18"

Air-Grip - Amazon

When it comes to storage cases that can handle the worst types of abuse, Pelican is the first name that comes to my mind. Used by everyone from the military to movie production crews, even small businesses and home users. I use a Pelican case to store my camera gear at home, because I know it will be safe from just about any natural or unnatural disaster it may encounter.

Pelican has a cool new mobile tool chest, the 0450. If your job requires you to take your tools on the go, this is the Pelican case for you. The 0450 was specifically designed for the military, and I doubt any of your own conditions could be worse. If you want to be sure everyone of your tools has its own place in the 0450, simply contact Pelican to get your tool drawers custom made. The Pelican 0450 cost around $500 Video after Read More

Pelican 0450

Need a knife that can do it all and a $1400 price doesn't bother you? I don't know if you can find anything with more tools then this Wenger Giant Knife. With an astounding 87 implements you could spend a lifetime trying to figure out what each tool is, and what each tool can do. It weighs 2 pounds, and sizes in at 8-3/4 inches, so you will need large pockets, and a strong belt to keep your pants up. There are too many tools for me to list, so you can find the full list on the Wenger Giant Knife page.

Wenger Knives - Amazon

The reciprocating movement mimics the movements that are bodies use for sawing by hand. If you think about it, we use the same body movements to do a number of other tasks. The problem with the reciprocating saw is that it can only do one task as is the case with most saws, and who wants a tool that can only do one thing. ReciproTools knows this, and have designed a number of attachments that can be used on a reciprocating saw, that will give your arms a rest, and make your reciprocating saw a better tool.

An adapter is attached to the reciprocating saw which allows you to "quick connect" the various attachments. The quick connect is similar to a 1/4" quick connect drill bit. Available attachments include a Half Round File, Rattail Fine File, Rattail Coarse File, Flat Rasp, Off-set Stainless Brush, and Straight Stainless Brush. The adapter cost $16 on Amazon, with each attachment costing around $6. Video after Read More

ReciproTools - Amazon.com