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Snap a Diagonal Chalkline

Chuck Miller, special-issues editor

66 users recommend

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Philip Carpendale of Nelson, British Columbia writes:

If you’ve ever tried to snap a diagonal chalkline across a piece of plywood, you know how frustrating it can be. Past a certain angle, the line’s hook just won’t hang on to the edge of the plywood. To deal with the problem I use a utility knife to make a small nick in the edge of the plywood.  Then I slip the string into the resulting slot. Now the string hangs on while I snap my line.

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Comments (5)

SpeedSnap writes: Philip,

There is a new product from Braun Tools called Speed Snap. The Speed Snap is a revolutionary new product that will change the way you mark long angled chalk lines. Just measure the long or short point, tap the Speed Snap on the mark, hook your chalk line to the Speed Snap, find your angle or roof pitch and snap it. The Speed Snap has been proven to increase productivity and efficiency.

Regards,

Adam

Posted: 1:08 pm on December 16th

Fonzie writes: Hey Phillip - Good tip, hadn't thought of that. It will be especially handy on sheathing.
Posted: 5:28 pm on November 15th

lonrangr writes: As Jeromechazdoes, I also use the spring clamp method as well as using the spring clamp to hold a speed square in place when measuring a piece that has an angle cut to measure from.Clamp the speed square across the piece[e.g. casing with a 45 degree cut]at the short point and then hook your tape measure to the square to pull a measurement from the short point.
Posted: 7:50 pm on November 9th

Jeromechaz writes: I carry a small spring clamp in my apron for snapping diagonal lines on sheets, works well also and has plenty of holding power.
Posted: 9:55 am on November 9th

peter_w writes: Another tip if you do not want to 'nick or mar' your piece (especially a finished edge) is to use the handy man's special weapon - duct tape. A small strip will hold the string to the edge of your piece and can be removed without leaving a mark.

Duct tape makes an excellent "3rd hand" in a pinch.

Cheers
Posted: 8:13 am on November 9th

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