Straight, narrow and on the level

Admit it -- laser levels are cool. And not because they level. Because they’re lasers. What man -- see boy, grown up -- hasn’t always wanted a laser?

Of course, there are several laser levels on the market. But Ryobi has come up with a neat little sucker -- literally. Its Air-Grip Laser Level uses a battery-powered vacuum pump to attach itself to any smooth surface. You just turn it on and push it against the wall, and it’s like a barnacle on the boat you’ve always wanted but can’t afford.

Once attached, its 360-degree swiveling head and a lens that turns 90 degrees let you project straight lines up to 40 feet, even around corners.

For irregular surfaces where the suction feature won’t work, the level also comes with push pins or a Velcro attachment, and it can be mounted on a tripod. It has a carrying case big enough for the tool and accessories or a sandwich, whichever is needed.

Use it to put up pictures or wallpaper, lay tile or install anything else that needs to be straight.

For $39.95, and sold exclusively at the Home Depot, it’s good for everything but battling alien invaders.

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Paul Whitefield