I Never Thought I’d Have Gadget Lust for a Tape Measure, however Here We Are

It’s not usually {that a} building device can elicit the identical stage of gadget lust as one thing like a brand new flagship smartphone does, however the T1 Tomahawk is a tape measure stuffed with clever digital upgrades that makes me wish to line up exterior a Home Depot the day it goes on sale.

REEKON Tools isn’t as recognizable identify because the likes of Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita on the subject of skilled building instruments, however with its second product en route, that might change. The model’s first digital device, the M1 Caliber, arrived two years in the past and was designed to make it a lot simpler to measure lengths of lumber on a desk noticed. The M1 used a rotating wheel to make measurements as a chunk of lumber was pulled via a noticed, with the outcomes displayed on an easy-to-read display.

The model’s new T1 Tomahawk takes that very same expertise and makes it transportable within the type of a tool that may make measurements within the trickiest spots. The T1 nonetheless depends on a 25-foot lengthy retractable steel ruler marked with imperial measurements, however because it’s prolonged and retracted, the gap is repeatedly displayed on a high-contrast OLED display that may be switched to metric measurements as wanted. For carpenters who don’t have a pencil helpful to jot down a measurement, the T1 can retailer a number of of them on the push of a button. The notes are then displayed in a scrollable checklist on an digital paper display on the facet. (It’s not specified whether or not it’s from E Ink or one other producer.)

Quite probably essentially the most helpful improve on the T1 Tomahawk is a inexperienced laser that extends 3.5-inches outwards from both facet of the ruler, making it simpler to take measurements of issues the T1 can’t be simply positioned proper up towards. Other options embrace the flexibility to include the size of the T1 itself when making inside measurements, sharing and storing recorded measurements via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone app, a pencil holder for making minimize marks, the flexibility to zero out the show for making a number of measurements with out having to continuously reposition the T1, and a swappable USB-C rechargeable battery good for round 15 hours of use.

As with the M1 Caliber earlier than it, REEKON Tools is utilizing a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to make the T1 Tomahawk out there for pre-order. To date, the marketing campaign has raised $1.14 million over its $10,000 funding aim, and the present most cost-effective technique to pre-order one is to make a $199 pledge, with supply anticipated nearer to December. The full retail pricing is anticipated to be nearer to $260 so backing this Kickstarter may doubtlessly prevent fairly a couple of dollars, however in a time when provide chain points are making it onerous for even the most important electronics makers to get merchandise out the door in a well timed style, it’s most likely a wise thought to be ready for potential delays right here, even with REEKON Tools having already efficiently Kickstarted the same product.