Brian McCarthy

Brian McCarthy is a builder in Stow, Ma.

How to Frame Walls Plumb and Straight
When carpenters use consistent and efficient methods for framing a house, it makes the entire build go much more smoothly.
Labor-Saving Laser
The PLS 480 and Red System kit is a crew favorite in the field
Hitachi’s NR83A5 Framing Nailer
This battle-tested nailer still nails it.
DeWalt’s 60v Saw Is Not Quite Ready for Production Framing
A very nice piece of gear that would serve many carpenters well. But not in a production-framing environment.
Tool Test: Impact Drivers
Three testers conduct isolated reviews of each brand’s 18v cordless tool
NR90A3 Framing Nailer
The Hitachi NR90A3 Framing Nailer handles 2-in. to 3-1⁄2-in. full-round-head, plastic-collated stick nails
DWE-357
The variable-speed trigger lets you control the 1-1⁄8-in. blade
Compact Chalk Reel
This slimmed-down chalk reel measures 4 in. long and 2 in. wide, and it’s 2 in. thick at its widest point (the handle)
Boral TruExterior Trim
This engineered-trim option is a blend of bio-based polymers and coal-combustion byproducts.
D55040 Quadraport Air-Hose Splitter
The DeWalt D55040 Quadraport air-hose splitter has the ability to run lines at different pressures

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