Wall Framing Layout Tools

• A carpenter uses a builder's square to lay out perpendicular lines across a beam's face.carpenter image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  To successfully build according to blueprints and to create sturdy structures, carpenters mark precise measurements with layout tools. Layout tools not only allow a carpenter to designate the position of cuts and holes, but also specify the final position of walls and their relation to floor joists, rafters and other framing members. A comprehensive set of wall framing layout tools includes tools that draw both angled and straight lines across boards, floors and ceilings. Become familiar with carpentry layout tools and choose the right tools for your framing project.
  
  

Builder's Square

• The builder's square, also called the carpenter's square, is an L shaped piece of metal. Its sides intersect at a precise 90 degree angle, allowing a carpenter lay out perpendicular lines. Once walls are raised, carpenters may use this tool to determine if walls meet at a right angle---a characteristic referred to as "square". The long and thick side of the tool, called the blade, typically measures 2 by 24-inches. The shorter and thinner side of the tool, referred to as the tongue, typically measures 1 1/2 by 16-inches. Marks across the tool's face indicate increments of measurement, such as inches or centimeters. Many of these tools feature common carpentry angles and equations printed across their face.
  
  

Framing Square

• The framing square, sometimes called the rafter square, is a triangular piece of metal. Two sides of the triangle meet a 90 degree angle, while the third side runs at a 45 degree angle to the other two. The top of the tool features a lip which catches onto the edge of boards. Attached to a board, the tool quickly lays out both perpendicular and 45 degree angle in relation to the board's edge. Cuts running across a board and perpendicular to its edge are called "crosscuts"---these cuts reduce a board's length and are the most common cuts created during modern wall framing. The framing square presents a speedy and accurate method of marking the position of cuts and connections on dimensional framing lumber.
  
  

Chalk Snap Line

• The chalk snap line is a tear-drop shaped case about the size of a palm. The case's interior contains a coiled string line and a portion of powdered chalk. A clip at the string's end, called a tang, allows a framing carpenter to pull the chalk-soaked string from its casing. The string is placed between two distant points, pulled taut and snapped against the surface---the chalk leaves a long, straight mark across floors, walls and ceilings. Prior to framing, a carpenter uses the snap line to designate the intended position of walls and other framing members---the chalk snap line replicates the blueprint's framing plan on the actual building surface.