I’ve found that a framing square with stair gauges is a good tool for doing layout on wall plates. I clip the gauges on the long blade of the square, as shown in the drawing. The gauges easily align the blade along the edge of the plates, so that I don’t have to worry about the blade getting cockeyed while I do my layouts.
Will Milne, San Francisco, CA
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #27
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
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Stabila Extendable Plate to Plate Level
This level raises the bar for accuracy and quality. The extensions are designed to contact and plumb from bottom to top plates, avoiding studs that may be bowed.
Sledge Hammer
Used to tap walls or sheathing into position, we all this the “persuader” on the job site. This is a demo model, so it can survive the job site and the back of the truck — a true must-have.
11" Nail Puller
Pulling nails is a part of framing, so this tool is always on our belts — the cats paw makes the job easy, plus the company donates to veterans.
