If several thousand dollars for an IR camera isn't in this year's tool budget, consider an infrared thermometer like the Fluke 566.
For my money, small telescopic mirrors are among the most useful inspection tools out there.
One of the most important diagnostic tools in the building-forensics toolbox is an infrared camera.
There are few things more satisfying than scribing a piece of trim and having it fit perfectly on the first try. Porter-Cable's 371 belt sander should make such precision scribing a lot easier.
Trade professionals often talk about "the right tool for the job." When it comes to cutting and bending rebar, Rod Chomper's hydraulically operated RCBE-6 is that tool.
Pulling out steel-form stakes isn't anyone's idea of fun, but a neat tool promises to make the job a little easier.
Turning posts on a shop-built lathe
Ridgid dual-bevel miter saw; planes; material handling
More power for dump trailer; pricing custom work; in search of drywall shims; source for layout stick
Dedicated nail guns that will pay for themselves quickly.
Hang fiber-cement siding by yourself and guarantee the right exposure with a pair of Siding Gauges from PacTool.
Protecting your hands from razor-sharp edges can be tough when you're cutting aluminum or steel siding with conventional aviation snips.
If a speed square is a framer's go-to layout tool, Malco's Sider is the equivalent for vinyl-siding installers.
Laying out anchor-bolt locations on a mudsill is quick and simple with the Bolt Marxster from Dude Tools.
Fans of auto-locking tape measures should check out the 150th-anniversary version of Klein's 25-foot Tape Stop Power-Return Rule.
Available in 100-, 200-, and 300-foot versions, the Lufkin Pro Series Fiberglass Long Tape has three interchangeable end hooks.
Sized to fit in a shirt pocket, the Leica Disto D2 is the smallest distance meter available and the simplest to use, says the manufacturer.
On past remodeling projects I
Outside of a few drywall contractors, I've met few people who could accurately guide a drywall router freehand.
FastCaps' Pocket Chisel is protected by its own folding handle and is tough enough — according to the maker — to withstand hammer blows.