These days, even the simplest tools are going high-tech. Thanks to the far-reaching benefits of the computer age, do-it-yourselfers are enjoying better accuracy, faster results and less waste than they experienced with home-improvement projects of the past. Carpentry no longer has to depend on repeated measurements, complicated formulas and the ever-present possibility (make that probability) of human error. Michael Marcellini, a carpenter and owner of Marcellini Interiors, demonstrated some new electronic tools on HGTV's
21st Century Homes.
TriLite Level
First out of Marcellini's tool bag is the TriLite level by LeveLite. With no calibrating or adjusting required, this three-beam electronic device automatically levels itself in about three seconds. It floats freely on a liquid base, allowing it to automatically adjust for leveling in various directions while mounted on a wall stud or other surface (figure A). It's great for projects such as chair railing installation; just secure the TriLite to the wall, and it projects a level laser line all around the room.
The TriLite projects a forward laser as well as a laser point at 90 degrees, making it useful for squaring a room, and it also shines a vertical laser for plumb. Marcellini says, "All you have to do is connect the dots and you've got a perfectly square room."
AccuSquare Level
The AccuSquare, also by LeveLite, is a similar level that mounts onto a square and protractor (figure B) and shines a laser line across the floor in any direction, eliminating the need for chalk lines and tedious measurements when laying tile and other flooring (figure C).
IntelliTape Digital Tape Rule
Perhaps the most useful of Stanley's technologically advanced line of "IntelliTools " is the IntelliTape Digital Tape Rule. It's not your father's tape measure for sure; it combines the power of three lithium batteries, a memory chip and a built-in computer into one smart tape measure. Though regular-sized, this multifunctional tape rule allows you to read your measurements in the traditional way as well as on an LCD digital display (figure D). The IntelliTape also takes care of the note-taking for you; just push a button and it stores the measurements you've made.
This gifted tape measure has a case option that allows you to easily take an "inside-t o-inside" measurement of door and window casings, measuring from the front or back edge of the tape rule itself (figure E). With the touch of a button, the IntelliTape automatically includes or excludes its own width in the measurement (figure F ).
The IntelliTape also comes with a midpoint-calculating feature (figure G), which automatically calculates the center point of the current measurement.
Zircon's Repeater
Another smart tool that virtually eliminates the human-error factor, or at least the human-forgetfulness factor, is Zircon's Repeater. While voice recording capabilities aren't very cutting-edge these days, this clever tape measure will record up to 20 seconds of your own voice notes, taking away the frustration of forgetting how long that board needs to be before you get back to the table saw.
Technology continues to make our lives easier in unexpected ways. With all these do-it-for-you tools, even the least handy among us can produce professional did-it-myself results.
Resources IntelliSensor and CompuLevel
smart stud finder and a level that does the calculations for you
Stanley Works
1000 Stanley Dr.
New Britain, CT 06053
Phone: 860-225-5111
Toll-free: 800-782-6539
Fax: 860-827-3895
Website:
www.StanleyWorks.com
LaserPro2, TriLite, AccuSquare (Model #: TriLite - 21300)
Smart laser leveling and squaring tools.
LeveLite Technology Inc.
476 Ellis St.
Mountain View, CA 94043
Phone: 650-254-5980
Toll Free Phone: 800-453-8354
Fax: 650-254-5989
URL:
www.levelite.com
TriScanner and Laservision X
joist-, pipe-, and stud-finder in one scanner, and a level with a laser inside
Zircon Corporation
Website:
www.zircon.com
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