Abstract: A combined square leveling for combing multiple construction tools into a single device includes a framer's square for measuring angles during construction. A tape measure is retractably positioned within the framer's square and the tape measure is urgeable outwardly from the framer's square for measuring distance. The tape measure is biased to retract into the framer's square. A bubble level is coupled to the framer's square to determine if a surface is level. A laser level is slidably coupled to the framer's square to emit a beam of light to establish a reference point on a distal object.

Abstract: Example item alignment tools for aligning items on a shelf are described. The item alignment tools include an elongated planar body defining a proximal end, a distal end, a bottom straight edge, a top edge, and first and second opposing sides extending between the bottom straight edge and the top edge. The item alignment tools include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the elongated planar body. The item alignment tools include a wrap positioned over and covering at least a portion of the bottom straight edge of the elongated planar body to provide a protective layer for sliding along a surface of a shelf to facilitate alignment of items on the shelf.

Abstract: A measuring jig including a body, the body defining a substantially elongated recess delimited by a recess first side surface, a recess first edge surface extending from the recess first side surface, a recess second edge surface extending from the recess first side surface, the recess first and second edge surfaces extending in a substantially laterally opposed and substantially parallel relationship relative to each other, and a recess mitered end surface extending from the recess first side surface and between the recess first and second edge surfaces, the recess mitered end surface being mitered relative to the recess first and second edge surfaces, the body further defining a tape measure mount for mounting at least part of a tape measure thereto so that a tape measure first end is substantially in register with the recess first edge surface adjacent the recess mitered end surface.

Abstract: A multi-purpose squaring and leveling tool comprising a generally trapezoidal body, angled corners, and leveling inserts. The tool may be used for tradesman, pipe fitters, and home carpenters as a means of setting joints and other construction or repair. The shape of the tool allows for the squaring and leveling of joints around obstacles which may present barriers to traditional squaring tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a masonry block. The apparatus includes a body part that is at least substantially planar, has a perimeter, has a front surface and an opposed rear surface. The apparatus also includes a ¼ block stop part extending from the front surface and a ½ block stop part extending from the rear surface, the body part being dimensioned and the stop parts being positioned and dimensioned such that, when the body part is operatively positioned in a first configuration with the ¼ block stop part abutting the block, the perimeter of the body part can be used to mark the block for a ¼ block cut and when the body part is operatively positioned in a second configuration with the ½ block stop part abutting the block, the perimeter of the body part can be used to mark the block for a ½ block cut.

Abstract: Wall systems according to certain embodiments of the present invention provide a means for finishing interior walls such as basement walls. In certain embodiments of the present invention, wall panels offer several options for light switches, plug outlets, cable outlets, communication box outlets and the like. In other embodiments of the present invention, wall panels are provided with a means for eliminating or reducing the need for taping and filling that is used in conventional drywall finishing.

Abstract: A footer square apparatus may be used to measuring a building foundation and may include a footer square body, a first guide line, a second guide line, a third guide line, a corner marking, and at least one angle marking. The first guide line and second guide line may be perpendicular, and the third guide line may form a 45° angle with the first guide line and second guide line. The at least one angle marking may identify an angle as measured between a line from the corner marking to the angle marking and at least one of the first guide line, the second guide line, and the third guide line.

Abstract: A deck building assist tool includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. A first line is coextensive with the first edge and a second line is coextensive with the second edge. The first and second lines intersect each other and are orientated perpendicular with respect to each other. A spacing plate extends downwardly from the bottom side. A plane of the spacing plate is orientated parallel to the second line and is positionable between adjacent planks to indicate correct spacing between the adjacent planks. The panel has a pair of openings therein. The spacing plate has a front edge directed forward and spaced from the first edge. The front edge is spaced from the first edge to correctly position the openings over a joist.

Abstract: Notepad accessory for use with a hand tool such as a carpenter's rafter angle square having a generally planar body with an opening between major surfaces on opposite sides of the body. The notepad comprises a pair of generally planar members of greater lateral extent than the opening, a writing surface on one side of each of the generally planar members, and means engagable through the opening for securing the two members together on opposite sides of the body with the writing surfaces facing away from the tool.

Abstract: A framing square may be used with wood or metal framing material. The framing square may be designed to exactly fit the size of the framing material, so as not to overhand off a side of the framing material. The framing square may, for example, allow for use when laying out door and window openings when the frame is laying down.

Abstract: The kit described herein may include a first measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the element. The kit may further include a second measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the second element. In one embodiment, the measuring element is substantially rectangular, has an internal opening and it includes at least a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis. In another embodiment, the measuring element comprises an “L” shape having a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis, wherein each axis has a length of more than 150 cm.

Abstract: An apparatus for hanging an object from a wall comprises a generally triangular-shaped frame having a horizontal portion, a vertical portion and cross-member between the vertical and horizontal portions. The vertical portion is configured for attachment to a wall stud. The horizontal portion defines an elongate slot that extends a substantial length of the horizontal portion. A hook member is slideably coupled to the slot and is configured to support a weight of an object suspended therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to products and methods for leveling, plumbing, squaring and a frame to a structure during its attachment.

Abstract: A construction layout and angle measurement tool includes opposite working sides having unique indicia for establishing angles from side edges or corners of building materials. When used with a reference line, and when attached to the workpiece, the tool allows site layout and evaluation by only one person. The tool may be mounted on vertical, horizontal, and inclined workpieces. Angles are determined and evaluated directly with the tool while avoiding mathematical computation.

Abstract: A carpenter's square includes a triangular base having first and second sides joined to form a right angle. A first elongated slot is disposed within the base parallel to a third side thereof; and a pin is selectively positionable along the length of the slot. The pin provides a mechanism for fixing the base in a specific orientation relative to an edge of an object when the pin is in a locked position within the slot.

Abstract: A tile saw guide apparatus comprising a right-angle triangle shaped guide body and an attachment structure. The right-angle triangle shaped guide body includes a tile receiving space accessible through a first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A first tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to the first non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. A second tile engaging edge defining the tile receiving space extends substantially perpendicular to a second non-hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is fixedly attached to the right-angle triangle shaped guide body. The attachment structure is configured for fixedly securing the guide body to a table of a tile saw and extends across the hypotenuse edge of the right-angle triangle shaped guide body.

Abstract: A hand tool of a substantially hexagonal shape to facilitate a variety of tasks, such as pipefitting, is provided wherein the tool includes two 90-degree internal angles formed by the intersection of the sides of the tool. At least one slot is provided along and in the perimeter of the tool. Planar or geometric tools are selectively secured within the at least one slot.

Abstract: A carpenter's square includes a triangular base having first and second sides joined to form a right angle. A first elongated slot is disposed within the base parallel to a third side thereof; and a pin is selectively positionable along the length of the slot. The pin provides a mechanism for fixing the base in a specific orientation relative to an edge of an object when the pin is in a locked position within the slot.

Abstract: A construction layout and angle measurement tool includes opposite working sides having unique indicia for establishing angles from side edges or corners of building materials. When used with a reference line, and when attached to the workpiece, the tool allows site layout and evaluation by only one person. The tool may be mounted on vertical, horizontal, and inclined workpieces. Angles are determined and evaluated directly with the tool while avoiding mathematical computation.

Abstract: A hand tool of a substantially hexagonal shape to facilitate a variety of tasks, such as pipefitting, is provided wherein the tool includes two 90-degree internal angles formed by the intersection of the sides of the tool. At least one slot is provided along and in the perimeter of the tool. Planar or geometric tools are selectively secured within the at least one slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination tool for use by an individual workman, without resorting to assistance by another workman, for laying out horizontal and plumb lines in a confined space, such as that found in a shower stall, bathtub enclosure, or fireplace. The invention has a body in the shape of an isosceles triangle. Centrally positioned referencing levels align with the centerlines of each leg of the triangle. The referencing levels are duplicated in order to provide better accuracy of measurement. The tool is of sufficient thickness to allow the removable attachment of a chalk line clip to one of two blunted ends of the tool so that a single workman can extend and snap chalk lines on a surface of interest. A tiler may use the tool of the present invention to practice an inventive technique of laying tile in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Abstract: An elongated construction workpiece having a viewable surface and adapted to be cut to a measured length or width at a work site, wherein the workpiece is provided on a viewable surface adjacent one or more of its edges with linear measure markings whereby a desired length or width of the workpiece can be cut utilizing only the markings thereon with no need for a tape measure or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring linear distances comprising a wheel to be rolled along a surface to be measured, wherein the wheel comprises a plurality of incremental line markers to facilitate measurement of selected intervals, and wherein the wheel is maintained within a housing dimensioned and configured to measure sizes and angles most often encountered during framing.

Abstract: A construction layout and angle measurement tool includes opposite working sides having unique indicia for establishing angles from side edges or corners of building materials. When used with a reference line, and when attached to the workpiece, the tool allows site layout and evaluation by only one person. The tool may be mounted on vertical, horizontal, and inclined workpieces. Angles are determined and evaluated directly with the tool while avoiding mathematical computation.

Abstract: A block positioning tool includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member attached together such that a L-shaped frame is formed. The frame has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The first and second elongated members each have a slot therein extending through the upper and bottom surfaces. Each of the first and second elongated members has an associated attached end and a free end. A plurality of position indicators is attached to and selectively moveable along a length of the slots. A primary anchor is attached to a bottom surface of the attached end. Each of a plurality of secondary anchors is attached to one of the position indicators and positioned adjacent to the bottom surface. Each of the secondary anchors and the primary anchor is removably positionable into depressions extending into an upper surface of pier blocks.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for spacing and aligning flutes to be routed in a workpiece is disclosed. The system includes a flute-spacing jig with spaced alignment holes, a workpiece aligner, and a fence guide. Additionally, the system can include a T-square with adjustable stop-blocks.

Abstract: A siding installation tool is provided comprising a main body portion including a spacing flange. The spacing flange includes a hook member disposed to hang the tool from a top edge of a first siding panel and a seat member disposed to receive the bottom edge of a second siding panel, wherein the flange portion is sized to provide a partial overlap of the first siding panel by the second siding panel when the tool is attached to the first siding panel by the hook member and the second siding panel is seated in the seat. The tool also includes measuring means located on the tool.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a builder's measuring and marking tool is provided. The tool comprises a planar member having a right triangle configuration, including a first side edge, a second side edge extending normal to the first side edge, and a third side edge intersecting the first and second side edges to form a hypotenuse of the right triangle configuration. The tool also comprises an elongated aperture spaced apart inwardly from the third side edge and bounded by at least one straight edge parallel to the third side edge, and first hip and valley marking indicia formed along the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture. In addition, the tool comprises an aperture having a first inner side edge parallel to the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture and second hip and valley marking indicia formed along the first inner side edge.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a builder's measuring and marking tool is provided. The tool comprises a planar member having a right triangle configuration, including a first side edge, a second side edge extending normal to the first side edge, and a third side edge intersecting the first and second side edges to form a hypotenuse of the right triangle configuration. The tool also comprises an elongated aperture spaced apart inwardly from the third side edge and bounded by at least one straight edge parallel to the third side edge, and first hip and valley marking indicia formed along the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture. In addition, the tool comprises an aperture having a first inner side edge parallel to the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture and second hip and valley marking indicia formed along the first inner side edge.

Abstract: A single tool for facilitating any or all of marking, scoring or cutting building materials, for example, planar building materials, including drywall, sheetrock, plywood, paneling, siding, insulation board and laminates, includes a head that receives a body. The head includes lateral sides that extend beyond the body, each of these sides typically having at least two wheels. The body includes an edge, oriented perpendicular to both the head and the plane formed by the tangents of the lowest points of the wheels. This edge includes notches at intervals along it, for receiving instrumentation for the aforementioned marking, scoring or cutting of planar building materials.

Abstract: A support for steps, having the shape of a triangular corner plate to be installed one after the other along a stringer. The sides of this support are reinforced, horizontally and vertically by a 90 degree fold, to fix the steps and risers. The ends are wider and possess a number of fixing holes to provide more stability when fixed against a stringer. The horizontal side is ended by a projecting horizontal rule. The wide part of the vertical side is flanked by vertical graduations. The horizontal rule is set against a stringer at a desired step run and the vertical graduations are set against the stringer at a desired step rise. The horizontal rule overlaps the vertical graduations of the preceding support.

Abstract: A rafter tool and method includes a rafter square portion, a base portion, an extension member, an L-bar and a support bracket. The extension member, such as a string, may be wrapped within the base portion during storage of the rafter tool and can be extended between two points for laying out a rafter board. The square portion may be integrally attached to the base portion and is used for providing angular and distance measurements. The L-bar and support bracket can also be stored within the base portion and are used when laying out rafters. The method includes using a floor surface, a stud wall, or a building to lay out the rafter boards.

Abstract: A measurement or marking tool such as a roofer's square having a right triangular configuration'including a first straight edge having an abutment ledge therealong'a second straight edge extending at a right angle to the first straight edge, and a third straight edge forming the hypotenuse extending between the first and second straight edges'a linear measurement scale along the second straight edge and a diamond shaped aperture adjacent to the second straight edge located at a distance of three and a half inches from the intersection of the first and second straight edges'having a configuration and dimension to snugly receive the elongated lead point of a carpenter's pencil in such diamond shaped aperture to mark on a work piece such as a piece of lumber on which the tool or roofer's square is placed.

Abstract: An angle measuring tool for use in combination with a standard framing square, the saddle protractor having means for aligning a standard framing square with the angle measuring tool. Various incremental indicia on both sides of the saddle protractor depict angular measurements as measured from a pivot point on the saddle protractor. Pivot points on the saddle protractor also allow the saddle protractor to be used as a miter layout device to scribe various cutting angles on material having angular cuts.

Abstract: A squaring tool formed of a flat piece of rigid material having a primary “L” configuration, including a first horizontal blade and a first vertical tongue, said first horizontal blade and said first vertical tongue lying in a common plane and intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. A secondary “L” shaped form is included having a second horizontal blade and a second vertical tongue, with the second horizontal blade and the second vertical tongue also lying in a common plane and also intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. The second horizontal blade extends from an inside edge of the first vertical tongue such that all blades and tongues lie in a common plane and the second horizontal blade is parallel to and spaced below the first horizontal blade, and the second vertical tongue is parallel to and spaced from the first vertical tongue.

Abstract: An angle measuring tool for us in combination with a standard framing square. A saddle protractor having a plurality of alignment tabs is engaged with a standard framing square by placing the saddle protractor in fact to face contact with the framing square and in alignment with the alignment tabs. Various incremental indicia on both sides of the saddle protractor depict angular measurements as measured from a pivot point on the saddle protractor. Other alignment tabs and pivot points on the saddle protractor also allow the saddle protractor to be used as a miter layout device to scribe various cutting angles on material having angular cuts.

Abstract: An angle measuring tool for us in combination with a standard framing square. A saddle protractor having a plurality of alignment tabs is engaged with a standard framing square by placing the saddle protractor in fact to face contact with the framing square and in alignment with the alignment tabs. Various incremental indicia on both sides of the saddle protractor depict angular measurements as measured from a pivot point on the saddle protractor. Other alignment tabs and pivot points on the saddle protractor also allow the saddle protractor to be used as a miter layout device to scribe various cutting angles on material having angular cuts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining scale in captured images is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rectangular and generally flat frame device for determining scale in captured image. The frame has measurement indicia located along the inside edges and alignment markers located along the outside edges. The preferred embodiment has one measurement scale on two sides of the frame with an origin located at the corner between them and a different scale on the remaining two sides with an origin located at the opposite interior angle of the frame. A method of using the frame in conjunction with a digital camera and a computer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable tool for laying out and marking predetermined angular layout lines on a work surface. The tool is comprised of a first leg (202), second leg (204), and hypotenuse leg (206) which are assembled by the user such that the intersection of the first and second leg form the desired angle as defined by the hypotenuse (206). The general shape of the assembled tool will normally be a triangle. Each leg of the tool can consist of a single leg portion (or member), or alternatively, each leg can be made up of more than one leg portion. The ends of each leg are fitted with a fastening mechanism (214) for connecting the leg portions together. The tool can be made to various sizes by the addition and deletion of leg portions. Additionally, the tool can be disassembled to facilitate compact transport to subsequent work sites.

Abstract: A squaring tool formed of a flat piece of rigid material having a primary “L” configuration, including a first horizontal blade and a first vertical tongue, said first horizontal blade and said first vertical tongue lying in a common plane and intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. A secondary “L” shaped form is included having a second horizontal blade and a second vertical tongue, with the second horizontal blade and the second vertical tongue also lying in a common plane and also intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. The second horizontal blade extends from an inside edge of the first vertical tongue such that all blades and tongues lie in a common plane and the second horizontal blade is parallel to and spaced below the first horizontal blade, and the second vertical tongue is parallel to and spaced from the first vertical tongue.

Abstract: A multi-purpose framing square for 2× dimensional lumber includes an elongate rectangular body with a width of 2× dimensional lumber and an L-shaped crossbar centrally attached at one end. The inner edge of the crossbar establishes a pivot point for rotating the body relative to the lumber. The outer edges of the body include longitudinal scales. The inner edges include radial lines referenced to the pivot points for establishing conventional pitches. A table is provided on the faces for establishing the rafter lengths for various roof pitches.

Abstract: A small, hand-held tool enables rapid and repetitive placement of window and door casing. The tool is formed from three distinctive, generally rectangular layers. The center, sandwiched layer extends beyond the outer two layers by an amount equal to the desired offset or reveal of the casing. An extension protrudes diagonally from one side of the center layer and forms a one hundred and thirty-five degree angle with an adjacent side. This extension enables the tool holder to accurately place the corners of each casing strip, after the strips have been cut at the normal diagonal forty-five degree angle. A hole through the center of each of the layers provides for easy and solid grasping and manipulation. Scribe marks may also be provided, to more readily assist the tool user to mark, measure or visually discriminate various distances and geometries. Additional alternative features are further described in the disclosure.

Abstract: A tool for determining the perpendicular of the face of a pipe flange relative to the outside diameter of the pipe to which the flange is being attached. The tool being a 90 degree framing square with a lateral or oblique leg portion. The lateral or oblique leg allows the square to be placed on edge with a first leg of the square parallel and in contact with the face of a pipe flange and a second leg at 90 degrees to the first leg extending beyond the pipe flange parallel to and in contact with the outer diameter of the pipe to be joined to the flange. Indicia is provided inscribed on the face of the squaring tool adjacent the contact edges to provide quick reference to the flange size and for use in various other construction layout measurements.

Abstract: A drywall marking and scoring guide tool having a generally T shape that includes a U-shaped top channel to slidably engage the edge of a drywall sheet, the top channel having a perpendicular stem extending from the channel and incorporating a plurality of guide apertures incrementally spaced along the stem's length. The guide apertures to receive a marking or scoring device so as the guide is drawn down the length of a drywall sheet the surface of the sheet is scored or marked.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling the routing of wide grooves and rabbets onto the sides, edges, or ends of boards, using a hand-held router. The apparatus comprises a main body platform with a pair of fence feet mounted on the underside. The fence feet act as guide fences, supporting feet, or both, to guide the router over the workpiece to obtain the desired cut. Calibration reference points on the main body platform and on the fence feet allow the fence feet to be adjusted quickly and accurately for various widths of grooves and rabbets, and for a number of different router bit sizes. The operating height of the main body platform may be adjusted by adding fence feet soles and spacers onto the bottom of the fence feet.

Abstract: A combination square and bending tool (10, 210 or 310) is described. The tool has a first leg (12, 212 or 312) and a second leg (14, 214 or 314) with the first leg having a bending portion. The bending portion includes a plate (16 and 18 and 316 and 318) mounted on the first leg and parallel and spaced apart from the first leg to create a slot (20, 220 and 320). To bend metal, the metal is inserted into the slot and the tool is rotated using the second leg to provide leverage.

Abstract: A bull nose corner marking apparatus includes a body having a first section and a second section joined perpendicularly relative to one another for placing about an outside corner of a wall. The first section and second section define an internal area corresponding to the shape of a bull nose corner end molding piece. Through utilization of the marking apparatus, proper markings can quickly be made on an outside corner of a wall. In addition, a bull nose corner end molding piece can be quickly measured and marked for completing the construction of a bull nose corner molding location.

Abstract: A multipurpose square (20A) (20B) which performs and simplifies many of the tasks previously accomplished by the use of multiple tools including the framing square, try square, combination square, layout square, and protractor. The square includes indicia in calibrated scales for rafter, angle, and linear measurements. The square has a profile which facilitates the rapid marking of layouts for various standard dimensional construction materials as well as marking cuts for stair stringers and bond timbers. The square is configured to allow it to be "holstered" or carried in the pockets of standard tool aprons so as to be readily accessible to the tradesman.

Abstract: A tool for aligning vinyl corner posts during installation has a flat, generally L-shaped body member. The body member is formed from first and second leg portions which meet in a 90.degree. angle. An aperture is formed in the interior edge of the body member which is symmetrically disposed with respect to the 90.degree. angle for receiving a vinyl corner post. To use the tool, the vinyl corner post is pushed into the aperture where it fits snugly. The assembly is then pressed against the corner of the building, and the flat interior edges of the legs of the body member are pressed against the sides of the house to align the corner post to the building. The corner post is then nailed into position, while sliding the tool on the corner post to maintain the proper orientation along the entire length of the post.

Abstract: A saw guide is provided for use with a hand held circular power saw thereby enabling a user to selectively cut either a 90 or 45 degree cut through a construction member such as a 2.times.4. The saw guide is adapted to be used with either a 2.times.4, 2.times.6, 2.times.8, 2.times.10, or a 2.times.12. The saw guide has a first saw guide edge, a second saw guide edge and a wood guide edge. The saw guide also has two adjustable pencil guide edges which are internal to the saw guide. The pencil guide edges are situated so that they are parallel to the first and second saw guide edges. The pencil guide edges are movably mounted within the saw guide so that they can be adjusted so to the width of a given power saw's foot. This allows the user to automatically account for this foot width when using the saw guide to cut a desired length of construction member. The saw guide also is designed to allow the user to easily clamp it to a board. Thus, the user does not have to use one hand to keep the saw guide in place.