Layout Framing Tools

Tape Measure

• An accurate tape measure is essential to framing. A tape measure transfers dimensions from blueprints or plans to building surfaces, such as walls and floors. Additionally, a tape measure marks the locations of cuts, fasteners and joints on lumber and other framing materials. The modern tape measure consists of a thin, flexible strip of metal coiled within a plastic or metal case. Marks across the surface of the tape indicate units of measurement, such as centimeters or inches. For precision building, carpenters ensure their tape displays small units of measurements, often as tiny as 1/64 inch.

Carpenter's Square

• A traditional and iconic carpentry tool, the carpenter's square appears to be a simple L-shaped piece of metal. However, the carpenter's square allows the carpenter to lay out complex angles and lines, create marks across building materials and gauge the position of surfaces. One side of the square is long and thick and the other is thin and short. The sides meet a 90-degree angle, allowing the carpenter to use the tool to draw perpendicular lines and gauge perpendicular planes. Markings across the square's surface indicate units of measurement and outline important carpentry calculation, such as slope ratios for building rafters.

Framing Square

• The framing square, often referred to by the proprietary name Speed Square, is a triangular piece of metal. The triangle consists of one 90-degree angle and two 45-degree angles, so the tool can be used to gauge and layout both 90- and 45-degree angles. Additionally, markings across the tool's body indicate some of the more unusual angles used in building rafters. A lip protrudes from one of the tool's sides, allowing the carpentry to speedily attach it to the edge of framing materials, such as lumber and sheet goods.

Spirit Level

• The level and its modern counterpart, the laser level, gauge the position of horizontal and vertical surfaces relative to the earth's true horizon. The primary component of the spirit level is a small, liquid-filled vial. The vial contains a single air bubble, which strives for equilibrium as the vial twists and turns. The traditional spirit level places this vial at the end and center of wooden, plastic or metal bar. A carpenter places the bar upon a surface, such as a floor or wall, and reads the bubble's position to determine if a surface is truly horizontal or vertical. When the bubble reads level, the carpenter lays out a mark. The laser level relieves the carpenter of reading a vial; this tool detects levelness and displays the results by displaying an infrared beam a wall, floor or ceiling.