Going straight - What's New?

* Hanging pictures, shelves, mirrors, shutters, drapes, or any other items that have to be straight can be a frustrating task, necessitating rulers, tape measures, levels, pencils, and, invariably, a balancing act atop a ladder, trying to keep all these tools accessible without tumbling off. Still, when the job is completed, there is usually a trail of nail holes from false starts due to mismeasurements, unsteady hands, or other mishaps. If only there were a better way.

Well, there is, thanks to the clever people from the Black and Decker Corporation, Towson, Md. Their Bulls Eye Laser Level & Stud Finder is a prime example of truth in labeling, as its name describes exactly what this well-designed tool does. To find a straight line, simply place the Bulls Eye on the wall at the appropriate height and wait for its self-leveling feature to find the horizontal or, if you prefer, vertical plane. The laser transmits a 20-foot visible line--10 feet in either direction--along which you can drive your nails, hooks, etc. Pushing an enclosed hanging pin into the wall through the open center of the device allows you to work hands-free and avoid the typical tool-juggling act such chores usually entail. A target cone adapter, also included, extends the laser rule up to 50 feet in either direction, if needed. The same versatile tool can detect studs through walls up to three-quarters of an inch thick, eliminating much of the danger of what you're hanging pulling out of the wall.

The Bulls Eye, which operates with a nine-volt alkaline battery, sells for a suggested $69.99 at department and hardware stores and mass merchandisers. It comes in a zippered nylon case designed with foam cutouts to hold the tool securely in place, has rubber molded nonslip grips, and is lightweight to avoid fatigue when utilizing it.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group