Archive for the 'Marking' Category

Take Some Of The Guesswork Out Of Drywall

Wednesday, January 30th, 2008
blindmark.jpg

To cut a hole in drywall for an electrical box, you measure X, then measure Y, transfer those to the drywall, and cut out as needed with a saw or rotary cutter.  It’s simple in theory — but in practice there’s a lot of room for error, especially if you’re a DIYer for whom this isn’t your regular job. The Blind Mark Electrical Cutout Tool system, with its two-part magnetic template, takes out the guesswork and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

(more…)

Get Centered With A Transfer Punch

Thursday, December 20th, 2007
Grizzly Transfer Punch

A transfer punch fits snugly in an existing hole and precisely transfers the center of the hole to another surface when you strike it. You could just use a pencil to mark the hole; but then the holes don’t always align perfectly, which can be a huge PITA.  When your holes absolutely, positively have to line up, grab a transfer punch set.

Because they’re designed to precisely fit in the hole, these punches are straight along the entire length, not tapered like most punches. This set from Grizzly includes 28 4-7/8″ long punches for hole sizes ranging from 3/32″ to 1/2″ by increments of 1/64.”  The punches are slightly undersized so as not to bind in the holes.

You can get the Grizzly set or one like it for about $11 at many tool shops.

Transfer Punch Set [Grizzly]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Dealmonger: Sample Irwin’s New Chalks For Free

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007
Irwin's New Chalk

Want to try the new Irwin Straight Line chalks you’ve seen us write about? Visit the link below to get free samples of Irwin’s Dust-Off Marking Chalk or their Permanent Staining Marking Chalk. (Just don’t let your kid get at it.)

There’s no expiration date, but if you read the fine print the offer is only available while supplies last. Who knows how much chalk Irwin set aside for sampling, so if you want a free sample better fill out their form now.

Free Chalk [Manfacturer]

Related Posts:

Preview: The Angle Snap

Tuesday, October 16th, 2007
Marketing Picture of Angle Snap

C. H. Hanson, manufacturer of the Chalk Hog, now offers something called the Angle Snap — a chalk line jig designed to simplify complex layout on sheet goods like plywood, sheet rock, or OSB. With built in positive stops for fast placement on edges and corners, it works with any standard chalk line to mark angles simply and accurately.

(more…)

Now Available: Irwin Dust-Off Chalk

Friday, October 12th, 2007
2007-10-09_224812.jpg

Remember Irwin’s new marking chalk we previewed a while back? At least one of the four variants is now on shelves: the “dust-off” variety. Irwin claims that this chalk, intended for short-term indoor use, easily wipes away with a rag.

(more…)

Bend The Rules

Friday, October 5th, 2007
Bend Rules from Incra

It’s easy to introduce error when you’re transferring measurements from a board face to its side — even when you use a square. But with Bend Rules from Incra, you don’t have to worry about introducing any error when transferring measurements because their rule wraps around the edge of the board. Their rules also feature corner slots that extend to both the face and the edge of the board so you can mark both sides simultaneously.

(more…)

Trim Gauge: Lots Of Functionality In A Small Package

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007
Trim Gauge

At first glance the Trim Gauge looks like a simple tool for repetitive measurements, but after a little reading, I was floored at the sheer number of applications for this tiny little tool. You can, for example, lock it in place to set the reveal of windows and door trim, adjust height of power tools, or transfer measurements. Unlock the thumbscrew and it’s a depth gauge, too. And it also features horizontal and vertical spirit levels (integrated into the back side) so you can check for level and plumb. Collapsing to four inches long, this multi-function tool fits easily in a tool pouch or pocket.

(more…)

The Perfect Butt (Joint)

Monday, October 1st, 2007
Perfect Butt profile scriber in use

Searching for this tool on the internet might land you at sites that could generate marital strife, but finding it is worth the risk. Unfortunate name aside, the M.Power Perfect Butt profile scriber will accurately scribe any piece where you desire a gap-less butt joint.

For instance, while installing your brand new counter top you discover an unsightly gap left at one wall. Simply trace the scriber along the counter top with the scribe’s wheel following the contour of the wall. This will create a perfect profile on the counter to to follow when cutting.

(more…)

A Multi-Tool For Cabinet Makers

Thursday, September 6th, 2007

CabJack_TM.jpg

It’s refreshing to see a multi-tool that doesn’t try to be all things to all people.  Instead, the Cabinet Jack focuses specifically on cabinet making needs, assisting in tasks like cleaning up hinge mortises and ease edges.  Carrying the ‘Jack in your pocket might save you a walk to dig out a corner chisel, plane, marking knife, or some other unitasker.

(more…)

A Space Pen for the Handyman

Thursday, August 30th, 2007
Contractor Tool Space Pen

The Fisher Space Pen is well known for its ability to write in zero-g environments as well underwater and on nearly any surface.  But Fisher also offers a pressurized pen with the handyman in mind: the Multi-Purpose Contractor Tool Space Pen.  It’s a rugged multitasker that does a lot more than that pencil nub you carry ‘round in your pocket.

(more…)