Product Review: Tools and Hardware

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Bostitch. The HFN1 oil-free flooring cleat nailer kit features a tool-free, adjustable, steel-reinforced handle with rubber grip, a tool-free adjustable shoe that easily sets the flooring thickness between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch, and a pre-finished adapter to protect flooring during installation. The tool's compact design allows it to fit closer to the wall to lay an additional course. The tool, which weighs 11.5 pounds, accommodates 16-gauge flooring cleats from 1-1/2 inches to 2 inches. 800.556.6696. www.bostitch.com.

RoboToolz. The Dual Technology RoboTape indoor/outdoor Laser Measure combines a red laser-pointing beam with an infrared measurement beam to take readings from dark targets and in bright sunlight. The tool is accurate within 1/8 inch and takes measurements up to 600 feet. Its Time of Flight pulse technology allows for easier reading at long distances. Other details include Measure on Level for taking level measurements; Pythagoras, Area, and Cube functionality; and Min/Max to automatically record wall measurements. 650.903.4944. www.robotoolz.com.

Ridgid. According to the manufacturer, the Fuego 6-1/2-inch compact framing saw is the fastest and lightest corded framing saw on the market and offers the performance of a 7-1/2-inch saw. The tool weighs 8 pounds and has a 12-amp motor that provides 6,100 rpm. Other features include magnesium upper and lower blade guards; a strong, ultra-light composite shoe; ratcheting lock levers; and an integrated dust blower. 800.474.3443. www.ridgid.com.

Hitachi Power Tools. The company's new diamond grit drill bits work with tile, marble, porcelain, granite, slate, and glass. Available in five sizes, the bits are designed to produce holes faster and at a lower cost per hole than competitive bits, the company says. 800.829.4752. www.hitachipowertools.com.

Senco. The battery-powered Cordless Finish product line includes the Cordless Finish 25 18-gauge brad nailer and the Cordless Finish 41 15-gauge angled finish nailer. Both feature a switchable drive system to enable both precision nail placement with sequential operation and rapid nail placement with contact actuation operation. 800.543.4596. www.senco.com.

Werner. The Electrician's JobStation ladder has customized slots, caddies, and holders designed with electricians in mind. The ladder features slots for the most-used electrical tools, along with a measurement scale, a hacksaw hook, and a parallel groove that holds up to 1-inch conduit pipe. Brackets make organizing and pulling wire easy, and fold-out hooks clamp and hold conduit for cutting. 888.229.7727. www.wernerladder.com.

Max USA. The 400-psi PowerLight HN65J joist hanger nailer is 40% more compact than conventional tools, the company says, and weighs only 4.4 pounds. The tool features a durable locator for finding hanger holes, a slim nose for getting into tight spots, a 100-nail magazine, dial-adjustable depth control, a contact-trip trigger, a trigger lockout switch, a tangle-free swivel fitting, a reduced exhaust air system with built-in silencer, and a maintenance-free end cap filter. The nailer shoots flat plastic sheet collated nails from 11/2 inches by .131 inch to 2-1/2 inches by .162 inch. 800.223.4293. www.maxusacorp.com.

Stabila. The Tech Type 196E level features a digital readout on the front and on top as well as an audible indicator of level. It provides a digital readout in five ways: degrees, percent, millimeters per meter, inches per foot decimally, and inches per foot fractionally. The tool is easy to calibrate, the company says, and it features a rugged frame and removable rubber end caps. The level comes in 14-, 24-, 48-, 59-, and 78-inch lengths. 800.869.7460. www.stabila.com.