How to Scribe a Large Line Around a Hole

A scribe line is used when installing a section of material, often wood, that sits flush against another piece of material that contains an uneven or scalloped surface. It serves as a guide during the cutting process. Cutting along a scribe line ensures the piece will rest flush against the surface to which it is attached. A compass is normally used to draw a circular scribe line, but to mark a scribe line around a hole, use a squaring tool.

Measuring tape
Pencil
2 nails
Hammer
Squaring tool

Instructions

- 1
  Hold a measuring tape across the middle of the hole. Make two dots with a pencil to mark the diameter of the circle you want to scribe.
- 2
  Drive two nails into the holes with a hammer. Don't drive the nails all the way; leave about 1 inch of the body protruding from the surface.
- 3
  Position a squaring tool against the outside edges of the nails so the "V" faces the middle of the hole. Position your pencil against the inside edge of the corner on the squaring tool.
- 4
  Move the squaring tool from one nail to the other while holding the pencil against the surface. Touch the squaring tool to the outside edges of the nails the whole time. As you move the squaring tool, the pencil will draw a circle.

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