Going straight.

• Position: 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...