Purchase here at ACME TOOLs for $370.00: Noco BOOST X 12V Jump Starter 4250Amp

Don’t let a dead battery leave you dead in the water, or on land for that matter. No one has time to waste waiting for someone to come and jump start your battery. Now within seconds you have the ability to get back on the road, or water.

The Noco Boost HD Ultrasafe Jump Starter is compact but still packs a punch with 4250 amps. The heavy duty charger will charge 10.0 liter gas engines and 8.0 liter diesel engines. It’s also ideal for watercraft and that Sunday cruiser of a riding mower. Small enough to store in your glove box, motorcycle saddle bag or under your truck seats, this jump pack weighs only 7lbs.

The GB70 comes partially charged out of the box and needs to be fully charged prior to use. Connect the GB70 using the included USB Charge Cable to the USB IN port. It can also be recharged from any USB powered port, like an AC adapter, car charger, laptop and more.  There is a 4 bar power indicator light: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% full charge.

Attempt to start the vehicle. Most vehicles will start immediately, while some may require the GB70 to remain connected for up to 30 seconds before starting. If the vehicle does not start, wait 20–30 seconds before trying again. Do not perform more than five (5) consecutive jump-start attempts within a 15-minute period. Allow the GB70 to rest for 15 minutes before attempting to jump-start the vehicle again.

Night time operations are never ideal and are not an issue with Noco Boost HD Ultrasafe Jump Starter. The pack comes with a 500 lumen LED light, making working under the hood easier and requires one less thing, a flashlight.

The Noco jump pack puts out 60w of charging capabilities. This is perfect for top offs on your personal devices like phones, tablets, watches and job site flashlights.

The jump pack can be charged on the go in the truck, van or car by using the USB-C charging cord. When completely empty, the Noco jump pack will take a little over 2 and half hours to fully charge. In a hurry, but completely empty, in just 5 minutes you will have enough power to get your battery going.

The Noco Boost HD Ultrasafe Jump Starter comes with the following items. The Ultrasafe Jumper pack, the USB-C charging cord and the jumper cable clamps. These items all sit nicely in a microfiber storage bag. The Noco Boost comes with a 1 year warranty.

The Noco Boost HD Ultrasafe Jump Starter is like a fire extinguisher in our opinion. It’s something you hope you never need, but sure glad you have when you do! Like a tool battery, the key is always making sure you have it charged up and ready. Make the Noco Boost HD Ultrasafe Jump Starter part of your maintenance inventory and be ready to jump start something.

The post Noco Boost HD Ultrasafe Jump Starter first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Serious bleeding can occur on construction sites, in workshops, and around power tools and equipment. Having emergency medical supplies available is an important part of jobsite safety.

The Aero RapidStop Bleed Control Kit contains supplies intended for managing severe bleeding and other traumatic injuries until emergency medical personnel arrive. The kit is stored in a plastic gasket case designed to help protect the contents from weather and damage.

What’s Included in the RapidStop Kit

The kit contains the following items:

• RapidStop Tourniquet Responder
• Large nitrile gloves
• Thermal blanket
• Vented chest seal dressing
• 4-inch hemorrhage control bandage
• Emergency trauma shears
• Permanent marker
• Plastic gasket case
• RapidStop Tourniquet

Purchase Kit Here | ACME Tools

The Rapid stop Bleed Control Kit sells for approximately $62.00 at ACME Tools here:.  Rapid Stop Bleed Control Kit

RapidStop Tourniquet

If you or someone on your crew cuts themselves bad, real bad, you have only 3-4 minutes [less with children] to stop the blood loss. Keeping a tourniquet on the job site may save someones life.

A catastrophic bleed in an adult could easily cause a 40% loss of their blood volume, if this happens, your body will go into shock, which is a failure of your circulatory system. Pretty much equates to a BAD DAY – and will result in death if untreated.

The RapidStop Tourniquet is designed to control severe bleeding from an arm or leg. The manufacturer lists single-handed application as one of its features.

A tourniquet must be applied correctly to be effective. Anyone responsible for workplace emergency equipment should receive appropriate bleeding-control training and become familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions before an emergency occurs.

Steps for Applying A Tourniquet

1. Applying a Tourniquet One-handed
2. Insert the tourniquet “loop” over the injured limb.
3. Position the tourniquet 2-3” above the bleeding site directly to the skin.*
4. Pull band tightly as tight as you can.
5. Fasten the Velcro  back on itself all the way around the band, but not over the rod clips.
6. Band should be tight enough that tips of three (3) fingers cannot be slid between the band and the limb.
7. Twist the rod until bleeding has stopped.
8. Secure the rod inside the tourniquet. Clip to lock it in place
9. Route the band between the clips and over the rod.
10. Secure rod and band with TIME strap.
11. Check for bleeding. If bleeding is not controlled, consider additional tightening or applying a second tourniquet side-by-side to the first.
12. Record time of application.
13. If you cant be sure where the bleeding is coming from based on the situation, the tourniquet can be effectively applied over clothing as high on the arm or leg as possible.
14. The tourniquet can not be applied over solid objects within the clothing. [phones, wallets, tools, etc]
15. Once on – leave it on.

Additional Trauma Supplies

The kit includes

• 4-inch hemorrhage control bandage for wound care
• 1 vented chest seal dressing intended for certain penetrating chest injuries.
• 2 Nitrile gloves .
• Trauma shears can be used to cut clothing to expose an injury,
• A thermal blanket to  help reduce heat loss.
• A permanent marker can be used to record the time a tourniquet was applied.

Case and Storage

The kit comes in a plastic gasket sealed  case designed to help protect the contents from environmental exposure. For jobsite use, we recommend storing it in a location that is easy to identify and access.

Check the kit periodically for damaged packaging, missing supplies, and expired items where applicable. Replace anything that has been used or is no longer suitable for use.

Jobsite Use

A bleed control kit may be appropriate for construction sites, workshops, service vehicles, and other workplaces where traumatic injuries are possible. I ended up padding additional items to this kit and placed it inside my work truck.

The kit should be part of a broader emergency plan that includes calling 911, assigning responsibility for emergency response, and providing appropriate first-aid and bleeding-control training.

The post Aero RapidStop Bleed Control Kit first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

ACME Tool Purchase Link Here: Milwaukee M12 Underhood Light – Model 2125-20

When working under the hood of a vehicle, whether it be for work or leisure, having the right lighting is important.  The M12 underhood light is designed to put bright LEDs exactly where you need them so you are not wasting time looking for the right bolt, nut, or connector.  It cuts the need for power cords and/or holding that small flashlight in your mouth to free up your hands.

Milwaukee’s M12 Underhood light is made from sturdy aircraft aluminum for the most rugged work environments. The frame is expandable from 47″ up to 78″, fitting a wide variety of cars and trucks. Another nice feature is that the light comes detached from the expandable frame for independent use.

The hooks at the end are made with Milwaukee’s patented Finshguard protection, offering long-lasting protection from scratches against your vehicle’s finish.

Additionally, Milwaukee provides a large gripping surface for better underhood positioning, allowing you to get the right light in the right spot.

The Underhood light has 2 settings: High and Low. When paired with a standard XC 5.0 M12 battery, users will get an estimated 8hrs of runtime on low and 4hrs of runtime on high. High output will offer 1350 lumens, and low output will shine around 600 lumens. Coupled with the length of the light, these lumens project a broad illumination of your work area, rather than small beams of light from a flashlight.

Cordless tool advantages are everywhere. They are on every job site in every profession. One of the key advantages of this cordless light is the elimination of the cord having to hang down and rub up against the front quarter panel of the vehicle you are working on. Not to mention the trip hazard it prevents. Anyone who has spent time working on vehicles knows the annoyances of cords, hoses, and cables on the ground.

Not only made for working under the hoods of vehicles, but I also find that the M12 Underhood light works perfectly for additional outside lighting. Remodeling or emergency work does not stop when the sun goes down.  I used the light to provide area illumination off the Magnum rack of my F150 pickup truck during a recent service call at night. The light was secured to my rack in the same fashion as it secures to the hood and I was able to rotate the light to the best angle to illuminate my workspace. When I was done, I moved the light onto the top of my toolbox and had great coverage while i was cleaning and reorganizing my tools.

When disconnecting the light from the frame, you’re able to use the light as a standalone. You have the option to hang the light by the metal hook that stores it out of the way when not in use. it. You can also just use the free-standing light as a light saber when you have some free time!

If you spend your work days or even your free time under the hood of a vehicle, the Milwaukee M12 Underhood light is a must-have. Having a work area that is properly lit not only provides better sight, but it also creates a safer work environment.  Eliminating the mess of cords and the old flashlight-in-your-mouth trick, the M12 Underhood Light will certainly brighten your day, pun intended.

The Milwaukee M12 Underhood Light can be purchased at ACME Tool for $219.00 with the link provided in the top heading.

The post Milwaukee M12 Underhood Light first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

ACME Purchase Link Here: Wiha 32Pc Mini Ratcheting Bit Set Model 76889 and Wiha 32pc GoBox Security Bit Set

Wiha is known for its specialty in precision fastening solutions. The Wiha 32pc Ratcheting and Bit Set Model 76889 and the GoBox Security Bit Set offer an assortment of bits to provide the versatility to handle a vast range of fastening applications.

Wiha 76889 Kit Components

The following bits are offered in the 32-piece Mini Ratcheting and Bit Set.

Screenshot

Philips Sizes: #1, #2, #3
Square Sizes: #1, #2, #3
Torx Sizes: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40
Hex Metric Sizes: 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm
Hex Inch Sizes: 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″
Pozidriv Sizes: #1, #2, #3
1/4″ hex to 1/4″ square adapter
72 Tooth Ratchet
Bit Holder/ Extension

Wiha 74958 Kit Components

The following bits are offered in the 32-piece GoBox Security Bit Set.

Security Hex Sizes:2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32
Security Torx Sizes: T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40
Philips Sizes: #0, #1, #2
Slotted: 3.5mm, 5.5mm
Spanner Sizes: #4, #6, 8#, #10
72 Tooth Ratchet
Bit Holder/ Extension

The Wiha 32-piece bit sets are extremely compact and come in a durable metal case for great protection. This small case offers a blow-molded bit holder for secure storage. This case fits in your pocket for quick repairs, your tool pouch/tool bag for when you need a bit, or your tool cart with our power tools, so you always have the right bit for the right job, in the right place!

Screenshot

All of Wiha’s bits are precision-machined for tighter tolerances to avoid cam-outs due to wobbling and avoid damaging the fasteners.

The set comes with a 1/4″ x 3.5″ bit ratchet. The ratchet has a rapid thumb action lever, giving the operator fast rotation changes. The ratchet has 72 teeth and a 5-degree arc. Users can get into tight workspaces and still have room to ratchet.

The GoBox set comes with a 1/4″x 2-5/8″ magnetic bit holder. This magnetic bit holder offers a secure grip and has a quick bit release at the bottom, eliminating the bit coming out at the end of fastening.

Having the right bit for the right application without having to comb through loose bits or several bit sets has been key for us.  These bits are small, allowing tight access.  For anyone who does automotive work, these tight spots are very frequent and cumbersome.

Having a good quality bit set is important not only for us doing automotive work, but for anyone who is doing fastening or loosening fasteners. Cheap bits break, rusted fasteners strip, and round out Hex or Torx fasteners under high torque. The saying is “Buy once, cry once” when it comes to expensive tools or accessories, but these Wiha bits are under $40, and certainly are cheaper than your additional time and labor when you don’t have the right bit for the right application.

The Wiha Mini Ratcheting and BitSet is a must for my tool cart. Working on several types of automotive tasks has proven to me that having the right bit for the right fastener is important.  Time is money.

To purchase these Bit Sets, here are the links from ACME Tools at the top of this article.

The post Wiha Precision Bit Sets first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

If you install hardwood floors, build custom cabinets, or run interior trim, wood movement is your biggest liability. Install stock before it properly acclimates to the house, and you’re coming back six months later to fix buckled floors, crowned baseboards, or open miter joints on a fireplace mantel.

Callbacks cost you time, eat your profit, and ding your reputation.

For years, the standard testing wood with a moisture meter using sharp metal pins into your lumber. That works fine on framing, but poke two holes into the face of a high-end walnut cabinet door or pre-finished white oak floor and your client is going to notice.

The Future Is Pinless Moisture Meter

Wagner Orion 930 Dual Depth Pinless Moisture Meter delivers the speed and accuracy we need without marking up our pre-finished stock.

Purchase Wagner Orion 930 Moisture Meter at ACME TOOLS Here

Wagner Orion 930 | Specifications

• Sensor Type: Pinless (electromagnetic wave)
• Measurement Depths: 1/4″ shallow and 3/4″ deep
• Moisture Range: 4.0% to 32.0% MC
• Specific Gravity (SG) Range: 0.20 to 1.0 (covers softwoods, domestic/exotic hardwoods, plywood, OSB, and MDF)
• Sensor Pad Size: 2.0″ x 2.5″
• Calibration: Includes field calibration block
• Warranty: 7 years

Wagner Orion 930 | Features

Most pinless meters only read to one fixed depth. The 930 lets you switch between 1/4″ and 3/4″ depth modes with a single button press.

1/4″ Mode: This is what you want for thin veneers, 1/2″ cabinet backs, and thin molding. If you use a deep reader on 3/8″ stock, the signal punches right through the wood and reads the workbench, plywood subfloor, or metal sawhorse underneath—giving you a completely false reading.

3/4″ Mode: Use this on 4/4 and 5/4 stock, standard 3/4″ hardwood flooring, and 2x material.

PRO TIP: When testing loose boards in 3/4″ mode, always lift the board off your work table or take your reading over open air. If the board rests flat on concrete or steel, the meter reads the table, not the lumber.

Skipping Surface Condensation

Lumber sitting in a cold trailer overnight often gets surface dew when you bring it inside a heated house. Wagner built this meter to measure the core of the board in 3/4″ mode rather than tripping on surface dampness. It ignores that light condensation on top so you get an honest look at what the wood actually holds inside.

Calibrate It Right on the Tailgate

All meters eventually drift out of calibration from drops, temperature swings, and regular jobsite abuse. With most meters, when the numbers look fishy, you have to pack the tool up, pay for shipping, and wait weeks for the factory to certify it.

The Orion 930 comes with a small calibration block in the case. Put the meter on the block, run the quick calibration cycle, and you’re verified in about 30 seconds. That means zero downtime and no second-guessing your readings on a critical floor install.

Dialing in the Species

A piece of white pine and a piece of dense Brazilian cherry have totally different densities. If your meter doesn’t account for that, your numbers are useless. The 930 lets you dial in the specific gravity from 0.20 to 1.0. Wagner includes a quick-reference card in the case, so you can set it for oak, maple, framing lumber, or even engineered sheet goods like MDF and subfloor OSB.

It reads cleanly down to 4.0%. For interior finish work in cold Northeast winters where indoor air dries down to 6% or 7% equilibrium moisture content, you need a meter that stays accurate in that low single-digit window.

Durability

The meter comes wrapped in a heavy rubber drop boot that protects the edges and corners from bench tumbles. The kit also includes a hard plastic case that holds the meter, the calibration block, and the species cheat sheet. Wagner backs it with a 7-year warranty, which shows they built it for working contractors, not occasional hobbyists.

Cost

The Wagner Orion 930 moisture meter has a pricier upfront cost than a more than a basic hardware-store pin meter. Costs are approximately $525 online at ACME TOOLS

Room for Improvement

The only real operational drawback is the sensor pad itself. It needs full, flat contact with the wood. If you’re trying to measure a narrow 1-1/2″ face or an intricate crown molding profile, the edges of the pad overhang into empty air, which skews the reading. For wide planks, stiles, rails, and flat stock it works great, but for tight profiles, a pin meter is still handy to keep in reserve.

Wagner Orin 930 | The Bottom Line

Wood is a living material that moves with every change in relative humidity. If you install floors or build cabinets, guessing moisture content is gambling with your wallet.

The Wagner Orion 930 gives you fast, repeatable numbers without poking holes in expensive stock. The ability to switch between 1/4″ and 3/4″ depths makes it twice as useful on the job, and the included calibration block keeps you from running on bad data. If you don’t need a tool that logs data to an app for commercial paperwork, skip the more expensive 950 and buy the 930. It pays for itself the first time it stops you from installing a wet floor.

The post Wagner Orion 930 Pinless Moisture Meter Review first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Olight ArkPro Ultra vs. Milwaukee 2016R Flashlight Comparison

Today, we’re pitting two modern, flat-profile EDC lights head-to-head to see which deserves a permanent spot in your tool belt: the Olight ArkPro Ultra and the Milwaukee 2016R.  Both lights ditch the classic cylindrical design for a slim, pocketable footprint, but they take very different approaches once you turn them on.

Let’s break down the core specs and pricing:

Price:

The Olight ArkPro Ultra comes in at around $100–$110, while the Milwaukee 2016R sits at a more budget-friendly ~$70.

Size & Weight:

The Olight is slightly more compact at 4.88 inches long and ~4.2 oz, compared to the Milwaukee at 5.27 inches and ~5.0 oz.

Belt Clip:

Both flashlights have belt clips, the Olight has a two-way/pocket clip to allow the flashlight to sit deep in your pocket but its dual-direction design allows it to clip onto the brim of a baseball cap for hands-free headlamp use or secure tightly onto a belt, vest, or backpack webbing. The Milwaukee clip alows the flashlight to sit deeply in your pocket.

Brightness & Beam:

Olight pushes 1,700 flood / 800 spot lumen via dedicated dual emitters. It features a floor light option and a spot with halo option. Milwaukee delivers 1,300 lumen in Boost mode through a single variable flood light beam.

Charging:

Both flashlights have a USB-C port, and a rubberized dust port cover. OLight charging port cover is better designed and seems more durable. OLight charging port cover  is better designed and seems more durable. Olight also can be charged with their magnetic proprietary charger. Both lights have LED indicators for battery light.

Olight Green Laser

UV Light Option |Olight

The Olight ArkPro Ultra additionally features a ZWB2 “Black Glass” filter over the UV emitter. This is a game-changer for inspections: standard UV LEDs can leak visible purple light that washes out contrast, while the ZWB2 filter blocks that unwanted “noise,” making it much easier to spot Weld-On P-68 UV Glow Primer during plumbing inspections.

While the primer appears clear to the naked eye—avoiding the messy purple stains associated with traditional products—it glows a vibrant purple under UV light. This makes it easy to quickly and professionally confirm that the pipe has been properly prepared for a secure bond.

Furthermore, the independent laser button allows you to operate the Class 1 green laser simultaneously with any other light source. That’s a really nice feature!

Green Laser:

Both lights offer a green laser side switch that can be turned on and operated in conjunction with the flashlight.  To the naked eye Olight seems brighter while Milwaukee seems crisper and cleaner.

Durability:

Milwaukee is rated slight more robust at IP67 and a 6-foot drop rating.  Olight brings IPX7 waterproofing, 6-foot drop protection, and an O-Aluminum body for high scratch resistance. When it comes to real-world operation on the jobsite, Milwaukee is way more intuitive and easier to use. There’s no learning curve—just pick it up, hit the button, and you have light. Olight gives you tons of features, but navigating between all the modes takes a little getting used to and I found myself fusing with the selector lever when wanting to turn on the flashlight.

Where that extra complexity pays off on the Olight ArkPro Ultra is raw versatility.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee doubles down on practical trade tools. Beyond simple USB-C charging and robust IP67 dust/water protection, it includes a laser-etched imperial and metric ruler right on the housing. It’s a great touch, though in future versions, I’d love to see Milwaukee take it even further by integrating a small torpedo level bubble and a dual magnet setup on the body to make hands-free layout work even smoother.

Final Thoughts

If you want maximum features, inspection UV tools, and premium scratch resistance, the Olight ArkPro Ultra is a tech-packed option at around $100. But if you want a ~$70 everyday carry light that is way more intuitive, easier to use, robust and built for simple jobsite utility, the Milwaukee 2016R is tough to top.

Which one are you throwing in your pocket? For me I’m reaching for the Milwaukee for the fast simple operation.

Olight ArkPro Ultra vs. Milwaukee 2016R Flashlight Video

The post Flat-Profile Flashlight Showdown: Olight ArkPro Ultra vs. Milwaukee 2016R first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown Deadbolt Lock | A Contractors Take

As a contractor, I see more and more people gravitating toward keyless entry points on their homes and outbuildings.  Keyless entry, like this Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown has shifted from a luxury to a standard.

Homeowners realize keyless access isn’t just about ditching keys, it simplifies daily routines, eliminates lost-key headaches, and gives secure, controlled access to family members.

Homeowners also want keyless convenience, but they also care about classic styling and bulletproof simplicity. Kwikset is targeting that exact sweet spot with their SmartCode 270 Capetown Electronic Deadbolt. It’s an electronic lock offering keyless entry without forcing you to manage Wi-Fi hubs, Bluetooth pairing, or smartphone apps.

Here’s a breakdown of the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown, who it’s actually for, and what to watch out for when installing it:

Specifications and Features | Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

• Grade 2 BHMA Certification: Certified for solid residential security and durability (tested up to 2.5x stronger than basic builder-grade Grade 3 hardware).
• Stand-Alone Keypad Access: Program up to 50 custom user codes, 10 one-time guest codes, and 1 master code directly on the door.
• Auto-Lock Customization: Can be set to automatically lock behind you after 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes.
• Simple DIY Installation: Runs on 4 AA batteries (approx. 1-year battery life). No wiring required—just a Phillips screwdriver.
• SmartKey Security®: Allows you to re-key the cylinder yourself in seconds to match your existing Kwikset house keys.
• Price: $128

Who In Our Audience Wants the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

We see three types of folks that will gravitate toward the Kwikset Smartcode 270.

The Workshop Access:

That’s me, this lock is a home run for a shop access door. When you’re carrying armfuls of lumber, sheets of plywood, or heavy tools out to a truck, you don’t want to dig keys out of work pants and you certainly don’t need app notifications or Wi-Fi alerts every time you step into the shop. At $128, it gives you keyless access and solid security without wasting money on smart features you’ll never use in a workshop.

The “Keep It Simple” Homeowner:

That’s also me, but many OLDER [anti-computer or Ap] people I know. These people want simple keypad access for unloading groceries or letting kids in after school, but explicitly do not want their front door tied to a smartphone app or internet connection.

The Landlord:

Like higher end locks, this lock supports 50 user codes and 10 single-use codes without needing internet access at the property.
You can hand a sub-contractor or helper a code and delete it later directly on the keypad.

What I like about the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

Kwikset hit the nail on the head by designing this lock alongside their Capetown mechanical levers, making it easy to grab a matching lock-and-lever combo pack for a clean, cohesive entry upgrade that looks right. Since there’s no Wi-Fi module built into this unit, you won’t waste time dealing with app connectivity glitches, dropped network signals, or waiting around for firmware updates to download. Best of all, Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown feature is a massive time-saver on the job site or around the homestead—it lets you re-key the new deadbolt to match your existing house or shop key in about 30 seconds, keeping extra keys off your ring and saving you a bundle in locksmith fees.

What’s The Downside on the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

On the downside, you get zero remote access with the ,Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown meaning you can’t lock or unlock the door from your smartphone while away or double-check if you remembered to lock up before calling it a night.
Like most motorized higher-end deadbolts, it’s also sensitive to door alignment—if your door shrinks or swells with seasonal weather changes or your strike plate isn’t lined up dead-center, the motor will strain, throw an error, and bind up.

You’ll want to make sure your door latches easily and smoothly [no rubbing] before mounting the hardware.
Finally, keep battery dependency in mind: while Kwikset rates the battery life for a full year, cold shop environments or a binding deadbolt will drain those four AA batteries much faster, so it’s smart practice to keep a physical backup key just in case. I personally have a key lockbox hidden in my shed just in case.

Concord Carpenter Overall Thoughts

If you want to ditch physical keys on your front door or workshop without dropping $250+ on complex smart tech, and subscription costs then the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown hits the price point and functionality right on the head. Just ensure your door jamb and strike plate are square during installation, so the deadbolt throws smoothly without grinding the motor.

The post Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown | What Makes It Different first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Osight SE Micro Red Dot Sight  | A Sight For Sore Eyes!

As I get older, my eyesight isn’t quite what it used to be. I’ve always been an iron sight traditionalist—there’s a simplicity to steel sights that I’ve trusted for decades. But as my eyes age, acquiring front-post clarity gets harder, and transitioning to a red dot simply helps me stay on target faster and with far less strain.

When Osight released the original Osight with its magnetic charging hood, I felt it was gimmicky and wasn’t entirely sold on the extra clutter. The new Osight SE, however, strips away the gimmicks and delivers a streamlined, utility-focused, fully enclosed red dot built specifically for micro-compact carry pistols.

A Major Improvement: The Side-Loading Battery Tray

The single biggest operational improvement on the Osight SE is the addition of a side-loading battery tray.

• No Unmounting Required: Changing the battery no longer requires removing the entire optic from the slide, eliminating the hassle of re-zeroing your sight or reapplying thread-locker.
• Standardized Power: It runs on a readily available CR1620 battery rather than proprietary charging accessories.
• Low Power Indication: Built-in visual alerts notify you when battery power is low before it dies.

Key Specifications & Features

• Footprint: Standard Shield RMSc pattern. Drops cleanly onto optics-ready micro-compact slides like the Glock 43X MOS, Sig Sauer P365 series, and Springfield Hellcat.
• Emitter & Construction: Fully sealed system housed in CNC-machined 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum. Protects internal components against dust, moisture, and debris.
• Optics: Features an a spherical glass lens delivering clear, zero-distortion, and parallax-free viewing across a  () window.
• Reticle System: Versatile multi-reticle layout featuring a 2 MOA Dot, a 32 MOA Circle, or a combined Dot-and-Circle reticle.
• Power & Efficiency: Motion-activated sensor (“Shake-Awake”) powers up immediately upon movement and auto-shuts off after 3 minutes of inactivity to extend battery life up to 75,000 hours (in Mode 3 Dot-only mode). Includes 10 brightness settings (8 Daylight / 2 Night Vision).
• Weight & Dimensions: Compact footprint measuring  () and weighing just  ().

Practical Maintenance & Field Usability

The enclosed optical tube keeps debris out while providing an ultra-low deck height for co-witnessing with factory iron sights. A standout practical detail is lens accessibility: unlike traditional open dots or deeply recessed hooded optics that force you to dig around with a Q-tip, the Osight SE’s outer lenses sit flush enough for quick, hassle-free cleaning with a simple wipe of a shirt corner or microfiber cloth.

Area For Improvement

Duty-Level Stress Limits: While rated IPX7 waterproof (1 meter submersion)—making it perfectly suitable for heavy rain, carry sweat, and standard range work—it lacks the extreme drop-test durability required for hard duty abuse.

Price

• MSRP: $199.99
• Included in Box: Optic with CR1620 battery, adjustment tool, cleaning cloth, screw box with multiple screw sets, and user manual.
• Osight SE Purchase link: https://www.olight.com/s/V54A8M

Overall Thoughts

For traditional shooters transitioning into optics to compensate for changing vision, the Osight SE provides a clear, easy-to-pick-up sight picture that is remarkably easy to maintain. The switch to a standard side-loading battery port is a massive win for practicality, offering solid zero retention and real-world value for everyday carry without demanding a $400+ investment.

The post Osight SE Micro Red Dot Sight Review first appeared on Concord Carpenter.