Abstract: A tool for sizing a workspace includes a first link with a link body and a tool element. The tool includes a second link connected to the first link, where the second link is capable of rotation or translation with respect to the first link, and where the first link and the second link are selectively securable relative to each other. The tool includes a third link connected to the second link, where the third link is capable of rotation or translation with respect to the second link, and where the second link and the third link are selectively securable relative to each other.

Abstract: An angle adjustable tread holding bracket comprising a first bracket member having a first triangular shaped body member including a first opening; and a second bracket member rotationally attached to the first bracket member via a pin hinge member, wherein the second bracket member includes a second triangular shaped body member having a U-shaped slot allowing the first triangular shaped body member of the first bracket member to be inserted into the U-shaped slot enabling the angle of the tread holding bracket to be adjusted, wherein the second triangular shaped body member includes an arcuate groove and a second opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a stair layout template that reduces the opportunity for errors when constructing a set of stairs. Embodiments also provide a method for using the template to construct a set of stairs. The template indicates to the builder where a particular set of marks are to be made on the insides (the sides where the tread modules are attached) of both stringers. These marks include the cut marks for the bottom and top ends of the stringers and the “screw set points” that indicate where the tread modules will be attached to the stringers. The template is reversible, with the mirrored markings on both sides, so that the process for one stringer is the mirror image of the other stringer.

Abstract: A tool for use when laying out lines on stair stringers or roof rafters along which cuts are to be made. The step and rafter tool includes a framing square, an angle bracket and two carriage bolts with washers and wingnuts. Each leg of the framing square has a longitudinal slot which is about 90% of the length of the leg. The angle bracket has two central longitudinal slots in the first flange, each of which is about 40% of the length of the angle bracket. The angle bracket is positioned against the framing square so that two carriage bolts are place within holes formed by the overlapping slots of the bracket and square with washers and wingnuts assembled therein. With the wingnuts loose, the angle bracket can be positioned wherever is desired with respect to the framing square and then the wingnuts are tightened.

Abstract: A square with longitudinal slots in the angular arms, a rule having a longitudinal slot, and two clamping screws for securing the rule in various angular positions on the arms of the square, so that the scale may be shifted on the square to establish a number of angles, and be maintained at its adjusted position. Spirit levels are provided on each of the square arms and on the rule. The square arms and rule are thick thereby providing saw guides. The square arms are each marked with measuring scales as well as with markers for twelve inch or sixteen inch center layouts. The rule is marked with a plurality of degrees for common pitch lines and hip and valley pitch lines.

Abstract: Easy Stairs is an L-shaped device having a diagonal sliding rod attached to the two sides. Connectors with locking devices allow the diagonal rod to firmly affix to the sides at various locations. To use Easy Stairs, a user adjusts the diagonal rod along the edge of a stringer. When it is in the correct position for the proper size stair, the lock lever is activated. A line can then be drawn on the inside edge of the device on both sides, forming the shape of the stair. The same stair size is then repeated as many times as is necessary to make a staircase of appropriate size.

Abstract: A tool for holding a framing square has a body with a pair of spaced longitudinal slots accommodating the flat legs of the framing square. Clamping devices mounted on the body clamp the body on the legs of the framing square to fix the position of the framing square on the body.

Abstract: An adjustable square assembly has a framing square with orthogonal limbs, slide fittings for mounting on the respective limbs with an adjustable angle blade therebetween and a tri-square blade and body for adjustable mounting on one of the limbs so that the tri-square blade is in parallel with the other limb of the framing square. One limb of the framing square has a single groove which cooperates with one of the slide carriers as a means whereby the carrier can be adjustably clamped in place through a locking screw on the carrier. The other limb is wider and has a pair of grooves so that the other limb can take the slide carrier in one of the grooves and the framing square body in the other groove. All the parts are reversible so that the slide carriers can be mounted on either limb of the framing square and can operate either along the inner and outer edges of the respective limbs.