What do you guys think is the best way to check for square in a situation like a replacement window install?
I know you’re supposed to measure diagonally from corner to corner – but usually the lower corners of my windows sit down below the original/existing interior sill. So I like to measure diagonally from corner to corner inside the frame.
My issue is that butting the end of the tape into the corner can’t be that accurate and “cutting an inch” (or measuring from the 1 inch mark instead of butting the tape into the corner) gets tough to do on large windows when you’re by yourself.
Would I be better off using a 3-4-5 method?
Any other techniques / advice?
Replies
You can rip some 1X or ply into two thin strips, butt the ends on one diagonal, mark it, flip it to the other side, butt it and see if the marks line up. There's a little sliding clamp thing you can buy from Rockler to make a sliding "story stick." Works great for building cabs and it should work for windows, etc.
I check for square by looking at the reveals. If the sash fits the frame, then all is well.
Otherwise just use a framing square.
butting the end of the tape into the corner can't be that accurate
That depends on if you want to get the actual measurement, or just compare teh two diagonals. As long as you butt the tape to the corner the same way both times, the dimension will accurately show the variation of the diagonals.
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Right.And the new, stiff tape measures that are out now make it a lot easier. I remember when 1" wide tapes first came out -- that was a big deal!Now even 1” tapes feel wimpy to me -- I currently use a Fat Max, and like the way it stays stiff in those “push” applications like squaring up, getting inside dimensions, etc.AitchKay
Use a square. equal diags can still be a paralellagram.
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Trapezoid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trapazoid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallelogram
which one has eq. diags?Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
I got nothing. Hikers been trapped.Edited 2/9/2009 9:03 am ET by Dam_inspector
Edited 2/9/2009 9:05 am ET by Dam_inspector
The only time a parallelogram can have equal diagonals is when it is a square or a rectangle.
A trapezoid can equal diagonals if the "bottom" edge is equally longer than the top edge on both sides. I would draw picture but posting pics is beyond my skill set.
Top 10 units
__________
________________
Bottom 16 units, 3unit on each side of the top . The diagonals are the same, but not square.
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Neither I believe, all Wiki said was a parallelogram diagonals intersected. Note the single hash on one dia and double on the other. A square is a parallelogram though.
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Right.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
I stand corrected, well, not actually, my back is still crooked. LOL
Need to not do math and geometry before the coffee kicks in.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Hiker's right -- the trapazoid has (or at least can have) equal diagnonals. But with a window one assumes that opposite sides are equal length, so you can't have a trapazoid.
People do get burned, eg, laying out a foundation with the equal diagonals technique, if they don't take equal care to assure opposite sides equal.
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
If your rough sill is a little long or short you get a trapezoid. Have you found that yet?
Have a good day
Cliffy
I assumed the issue was about squaring up a factory window. If the window's a trapezoid out of the factory you're buying from the wrong factory.
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. -John Kenneth Galbraith
I assumed he was refering to the window opening. Right on about the wrong factory.
Have a good day
Cliffy
Nice one
CHave a good day
Cliffy
Replacement windows are the easiest.... slightly open the sash (top or bottom) just enough to see a sliver of light between the sash and frame. then, use your eye to make sure that sliver is even across.
Furthermore, the window openings are typically pretty square in the first place.... and replacement windows are a bit forgiving even when they are not perfectly square.
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do you have a true frameing square?
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