Abstract: An adjustable carpentry trim gage includes a scribing block adjustably attached to a guide block. The guide block includes a guide surface, adapted to be placed against a jamb. The scribing block includes a scribing surface along which a scribing instrument, such as a pencil or an awl, can be drawn to mark guidelines on the jamb, to facilitate installation of a casing on the jamb. The position of the guide block with respect to the scribing block is adjustable to allow the position of the scribing surface on the scribing block, with respect to the guide surface on the guide block, to be set in such a manner that the scribing surface will be placed to indicate a desired reveal on the jamb, when the guide surface is bearing against the jamb. The scribing surface extends beyond the maximum reveal setting of the gage, in a direction parallel to the face of the jamb against which the guide surface is bearing, to facilitate making intersecting guidelines indicating corners of the casing.

Abstract: The invention is an improved, hand-held, adjustable, graduated marking gauge and scribe for carpentry and related activities. It is used to mark work-pieces at a given distance from an adjacent edge or intersecting surface such as is encountered when fitting cabinets or trim to uneven wall surfaces, or in the spiling of boat planking or the marking of cut-outs relative to an edge. The device consists of a main body, upon which are marked scales and which is bent and formed at one end to create an edge follower and a corner follower and upon which is mounted a sliding and stoppable instrument holder which holds marking, cutting or other instruments, inserted therein, in an adjustable fashion. The displacement of the centre-line of the marking instrument relative to the edge follower or the corner follower is read on the scales at the corresponding cursor edge of the instrument holder.

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: A device and method for marking or scratching a ceramic tile, to be laid adjacent to a boundary surface is presented. This tile is subsequently cut according to the mark generated by the device. In the first embodiment, said tile is placed upside down between a backup member and an etching member of the apparatus, both connected to a support member resembling a clamp. Said members place pressure on the said edge tile, while said tile is held in place with one hand of the user. The tile is consequently etched when the device is slid across the tile, and along the edge of an adjacent laid tile via a sliding means be constructed to engage the surface below the laid tiles. In the second embodiment, the apparatus resembles a marker with an angled marking point. On one end an adjustable guide wheel is attached and optionally, on the opposite end, a sliding means is attached. It operates in principle as the first embodiment.

Abstract: A cutting assembly is slidably mounted on a T-Square. The T-Square may include a scale having multiple indicia for measured cutting based on the size of the wallboard sheet being cut. The cutting assembly is mounted on a slider which may be clamped at measured positions along the arm of the T-Square. The cutting assembly includes oppositely disposed knife blades which are slidably mounted in a housing and spring loaded on opposite sides of a pivot mount such that when not in use the cutting assembly is urged to level and rests with the two knife blades retracted. As the housing is rotated so as to lower one end, the corresponding knife blade extends from the housing to engage with and score or cut the surface of the wallboard material. The cutting tool may be rotated in the opposite direction to thereby extend from the housing the other blade of the pair of oppositely disposed knife blades.

Abstract: A unitary guide tool that provides a guide for measuring and marking a work piece when moved along an edge thereof, the guide tool being in the form of a generally rectangular offset or stepped bar of material having a thicker section forming a stepped side for engaging the edge of a work piece in a first disposition and engaging a measuring tape dispensing housing in another disposition, the block being slidable along an edge of the work piece and having a longer dimension extending generally perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A paper abutted ruler is provided which can easily be moved on the surface of a surface plate and can simply and accurately be positioned in place. The paper abutted ruler is constructed such that magnet bases rotatably supported at their one ends to a bottom portion of a ruler body and having magnets affixed to lower surfaces of the magnet bases are disposed in the ruler body at opposite-side positions spaced in the ruler longitudinal direction, and the magnet bases are rotated in a direction to tilt upward in interlock with depression of an attraction release button disposed nearly at the center of the ruler body. By depressing the attraction release button to rotate the magnet bases in the direction to tilt upward, the magnet bases are held in a state forming a predetermined angle relative to the surface of the surface plate.

Abstract: A marking system that may be configured to achieve a variety of marking devices. The marking system includes a main body member and a plurality of downwardly directed marking members.

Abstract: A finger guide for use in measuring, marking, scribing, cutting and similar operations common to the field of construction. The device assists in performing these operations on an object such as a board or piece of drywall. The finger guide has a top guide which is laid on the top surface of an object, and a perpendicular edge guide which abuts an edge of the object. The edge guide includes an index finger hole which allows the user to slip the device on his or her index finger and “wear” it like a ring. The top guide opens into a tape trough positioned to receive and hold a length of metal tape from a conventional tape measure. The top guide also includes reference marks used for measuring. Other features allow the device to be used as a saw guide in conjunction with a conventional circular saw.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a retractable tape measure is provided which functions as a finger guard and a measurement index either fixed or moveably attached to the tape storage case or measurement tape. A measurement index or scoring feature is provided to insure accurate and repeatable measurements directed perpendicularly to the direction of tape extension.

Abstract: This description, together with the objects of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantage is in the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated at least one preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A guide for assisting in marking a measurement and/or scoring a sheet of drywall, paneling or other planar building material has a bore for receiving a pencil or other marker and has a slot for receiving a scoring blade therethrough. The guide may have a support for maintaining the pencil, marker or a knife having a scoring blade, in a steady relationship with the surface to be scored or marked. The guide may have a curvature or curvatures for cooperating with the pencil, marker or knife. The guide may also have an attaching structure, such as a flange or slot, to attach the guide to a measuring device, including a retractable carpenter's tape, combination square or other rule.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: Novel measuring and cutting apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base member, an elongated member having an attachment end coupled to the base member and at least one straight edge adapted to extend over a workpiece, and a measuring arm. The measuring arm includes a first leg slideably coupled at right angles to the elongated member, and a second leg extending from the first leg and adapted to extend over the workpiece, the measuring arm defining a distance between the straight edge and the second leg. The apparatus allows accurate, repeated measurement when the straightedge is angled, and also allows access to the entire length of the straightedge for drawing or cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking and scoring a work object has a first member having a first and second side. A flange is connected to a second side of the first member. A second member has a first edge and a second edge. The second member is connected to extend perpendicularly from the first member. The first edge has a plurality of crenulations extending therealong for receiving an instrument. The flange of the first member is positioned against an edge of a work object and the instrument is positioned between adjacent ones of the plurality of crenulations and against the work object. When the first member is moved along the edge of the work object, the instrument is caused to mark or score the work object along a line parallel to the work object.

Abstract: A utility box template, for installing a utility box in a building wall or ceiling formed of a framework of studs overlaid by covering material, which comprises a one-piece, unitary plate including a locator portion and a guide portion. A stud finder, for locating the studs, is mounted in the locator portion. A cutting guide, for guiding a cutting device for cutting an installation opening in the covering material, is mounted in the guide portion.

Abstract: A hand held device for making measured markings. The device comprises a body having a bottom and a side surface with a butting surface connected to the body having a flat face perpendicular to the body to slidably butt against an edge of a work piece. A plurality of spaced guiding wells adjacent the side surface may receive a marking instrument point. The guiding wells simultaneously provide measurement and guidance for the marking instrument while the butting surface is slid along the edge of a work piece. A telescoping member having a flat top edge provides adjustable guidance for marking instrument as well. Reference markings on the telescoping member mark distance from the edge of the telescoping member to the butting surface. A fixing means may adjustably fix the relationship between the telescoping member and the body. The telescoping member is extendable to distance shown by the reference markings.

Abstract: A hand held device for making measured markings. The device comprises a body having a bottom and a side surface with a butting surface connected to the body having a flat face perpendicular to the body to slidably butt against an edge of a work piece. A plurality of spaced guiding wells adjacent the side surface may receive a marking instrument point. The guiding wells simultaneously provide measurement and guidance for the marking instrument while the butting surface is slid along the edge of a work piece. A telescoping member having a flat top edge provides adjustable guidance for marking instrument as well. Reference markings on the telescoping member mark distance from the edge of the telescoping member to the butting surface. A fixing means may adjustably fix the relationship between the telescoping member and the body. The telescoping member is extendable to distance shown by the reference markings.

Abstract: A guide for cutting or marking a piece of fabric or other laminate material has a movable stop that may attach to the guide using static attraction. The stop may be repositioned for cutting or marking different sized pieces. The assembled stop and guide may be placed over the edge of the fabric so that the stop engages the edge in a repeatable and reliable manner. The guide may be a rectangular polycarbonate ruler while the stop is a rectangular strip of polyvinylchloride sheet. Other embodiments may use different shaped guides and stops to achieve different shapes of the cut or marked fabric.

Abstract: A scribe and a method of using the scribe to mark a cutting guide on one conduit, while also using a second conduit as a guide, is disclosed. The scribe includes a pivot which rests on the outer surface on one conduit. The scribe also includes a scribe element which engages the outer surface of the one conduit. The scribe is moved along the outer surfaces of the two conduits and makes a mark on the one conduit that precisely follows the shape and size of the second conduit. The one conduit is cut along the mark and the second conduit will precisely and accurately fit to the one conduit. A method of coupling two conduits using this scribe is also disclose.

Abstract: Novel measuring and cutting apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base member, an elongated member having an attachment end coupled to the base member and at least one straight edge adapted to extend over a workpiece, and a measuring arm. The measuring arm includes a first leg slideably coupled at right angles to the elongated member, and a second leg extending from the first leg and adapted to extend over the workpiece, the measuring arm defining a distance between the straight edge and the second leg. The apparatus allows accurate, repeated measurement when the straightedge is angled, and also allows access to the entire length of the straightedge for drawing or cutting.

Abstract: The builder's square aids in cutting sheet material, such as full sheets of plywood, and in particular reduces the time required for cutting. The square comprises a short leg and a long leg connected in an L-shape. The short leg is of greater height than the long leg so that it can bear against one edge of the sheet of plywood to be cut. There is a clamping member at the distal end of the long leg so that the square can be clamped to the plywood. The builder's square also provides improved accuracy and safety for the user.

Abstract: A novel guide is disclosed for fixing to a cutting tool for cutting a piece of sheet material having a plurality of fiducial lines marked thereon. The guide has a set of alignment marks and a plurality of measurement scales associated with the alignment marks. Each measurement scale corresponds to at least one of the fiducial lines, such that when one of the alignment marks is aligned with a particular fiducial line, the measurement scale corresponding to the particular fiducial line indicates the distance of the blade of the cutting tool from an edge of the sheet material. Particular embodiments of the guide include a flat portion attached to the front of the cutting tool, or alternately, a laser guide rotatably fixed to the front of the cutting tool. Novel methods for cutting a predetermined distance from an edge of a piece of sheet material using the guides of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A handheld circular saw incorporating an improved rip guide is illustrated which guarantees accurate cuts in the ripping of sheet workpieces. The guide is precisely clamped to the upper surface of a foot assembly of the circular saw. A guide member is slidably movable along the longitudinal length of a bar section of the guide and securely locked in a desired position where it assures that a workpiece can be cut to a precise width desired, as a result of the accuracy of alignment of a flat surface of the guide member which is precisely parallel to the plane of the circular saw blade, that is then moved flush along an edge of the workpiece being ripped.

Abstract: A variable tread and rise router template for cutting mortises in stair stringers to receive stair treads and risers which is generally triangular in shape having truncated corners and planar in configuration and a tread slot and a riser slot joining the tread slot at a right angle. The template body cuts complementary stringers, routing a first stringer, flipping the generally planar body from one working surface to its opposite working surface, and routing the other stringer. The template body has registration points slidably mounted within the template body to extend downward from the planar body when working from either working surface and a clamp assembly, each positioned to correspond with a corner portion of the template body. The registration assemblies are adjustable to determine tread and riser. The clamp assembly may be released and tightened at another desired stringer position to make the next mortise.

Abstract: An adjustable portable power tool guide having a base plate, a base plate cutting edge to define a cut line, an adjustable tool guide rail for guiding a portable power tool cutter adjacent to the cutting edge, and an adjustable control bar that defines a reliable and predetermined angle between the cutting edge and the control bar.

Abstract: The invention is an improved, hand-held, adjustable, graduated marking gauge and scribe for carpentry and related activities. It is used to mark work-pieces at a given distance from an adjacent edge or intersecting surface such as is encountered when fitting cabinets or trim to uneven wall surfaces, or in the spiling of boat planking or the marking of cut-outs relative to an edge. The device consists of a main body, upon which are etched scales and which is bent and formed at one end to create an edge follower and a corner follower and upon which is mounted a sliding and fixable instrument holder which holds marking, cutting or other instruments, inserted therein, in an adjustable fashion. The displacement of the centre-line of the marking instrument relative to the edge follower or the corner follower is read on the scales at the corresponding side of the instrument holder.

Abstract: A framing square for marking transverse, gable, hip/valley cut lines on a large standard sheathing panel includes an elongated rectangular scale with a transverse T-bar handle of equal width having transverse guide surfaces terminating a pivot point at the lateral ends thereof. The scale includes a first set of pitch angle lines for establishing gable cuts extending across the width of the panel and a second set of pitch angle lines for establishing hip/valley cuts. A series of holes are formed in the scale for attaching the scale to the panel at a select radius from a marker carried by the handle for establishing circular cuts.

Abstract: A saw guide for guiding hand-held power saws of the type having a moving blade and a parallel guide edge used for cutting sheet and stock material. The saw guide includes a fixed arm of L-shaped cross-section comprising respective horizontal and vertical legs. The horizontal leg rests on the upper surface of the material with the vertical leg extending downwardly to engage an edge of the material. The fixed leg is affixed to the material using a C-clamp which clamps the horizontal leg to the material. An elongate variable angle arm also of L-shaped cross-section comprising respective horizontal and vertical legs is pivotally connected to the fixed arm by an adjustable angle locking assembly. The horizontal leg of the variable angle leg rests on the surface of the material with the vertical leg extending upwardly to form an elongate, straight saw guide surface for guiding the power saw.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a bottom surface and a front surface substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface so that an opening is formed through a lower part of the front surface, a measuring tape strip elastically wound within the housing to become externally released through the opening. A hook having a vertical plate and a horizontal plate extending from a mid line of the inner surface of the vertical plate where the lower surface of the horizontal plate is attachedly layered on the tape strip such that the outer end of the tape strip abuts on the mid line. A support upwardly extends from the upper surface of the horizontal plate to become parallel to the vertical plate.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: The board cutter includes a T-square and a knife. The T-square has a head with a board edge contact surface and a board face contact surface. A long leg of the T-square is attached to the head. A board face contact surface on the bottom of the long leg slides along a board face during use. A slider is slideable along a slot in the long leg and is clamped in any position along the slot. The knife is pivotally connected to the slider for pivotal movement about an axis that is parallel to the slot in the long leg. Penetration of the cutter into a board is controlled manually as the T-square is slid along surfaces of the board.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric hand tool (6) with an electric motor contained in a housing, which drives a chip-removing tool (8). The mounting section (14) of a mounting rail (1) is mounted in a detent locking fashion onto the mounting base (3) of the electric hand tool (6). A carriage-shaped component equipped with a compass point (12) is mounted onto this mounting rail (1) and/or a parallel fence (9, 10) can be adjustably positioned on it.

Abstract: A measuring scriber including a base having a channel. A bar is slidably disposed within the base channel. A jaw is mounted on an end of the bar. A first scribe blade or needle extends from the base, and a second scribe blade or needle extends from the jaw. A pin extends from the jaw for measuring and marking a point on an object on which it is placed. An alignment block is attached to the base and has a straight outer surface for contacting a straight reference edge, and a curved outer surface for contacting a curved reference edge. Thus, a reference point or line can be simultaneously measured and marked in relation to any flat or raised reference edge.

Abstract: A marking and positioning or checking tool for finish carpentry to obtain correct reveals, particularly for wooden trim around windows and doors. The tool of the present invention is a handheld, preferably plastic device that assists carpenters in maintaining the reveals around windows and doors accurate relative to the jambs. To accommodate different jobs, the marking tool has predetermined measuring or marking edges and can be made in differing sizes to meet the specific needs of a particular job. The marking tool is sufficiently compact to readily fit inside a carpenter's pouch.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional measuring tape which typically includes a six-faced housing or casing with a flexible and spring biased measuring tape spirally wound therein, is provided with a pair of straight wings. Each wing is pivoted at one end thereof to one face or surface of the housing by its own pivot pin. Each wing, near its respective pivot pin, is provided with an arcuate set of teeth, as in the form of gear teeth. These two sets of teeth intermesh with each other so that when one wing is rotated about its pivot, the other wing will rotate as well. Upon angular extension of the wings to their open position, they are aligned and form a straight edge. In their closed or nested position, they do not interfere with the usual mode of operation of the tape and casing. Each wing is L-shaped in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional measuring tape which typically includes a six-faced housing or casing with a flexible and spring biased measuring tape spirally wound therein, is provided with a pair of straight wings. Each wing is pivoted at one end thereof to one face or surface of the housing by its own pivot pin. Each wing, near its respective pivot pin, is provided with an arcuate set of teeth, as in the form of gear teeth. These two sets of teeth intermesh with each other so that when one wing is rotated about its pivot, the other wing will rotate as well. Upon angular extension of the wings to their open position, they are aligned and form a straight edge. In their closed or nested position, they do not interfere with the usual mode of operation of the tape and casing. Each wing is L-shaped in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: An adjustable measuring device includes a base having a front end, a rear setting end, opposing sides and a slidably attached slide member having a front marking end, a rear end and opposing sides. A pair of opposing locking elements is attached at the front end of the base for releasably securing the sides of the slide member against the base. One of the locking elements is attached to one of the sides of the base at the front end thereof and the other of the locking elements is attached to the other of the sides of the base at the front end thereof.

Abstract: A measuring and scribing device having a “clam shell” housing, having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper end, and having a lower end. Within the housing is mounted a spirally wound alternately forwardly extendable and rearwardly retractable measuring tape. Along the rear wall of the housing is mounted an alternately downwardly extendable and upwardly retractable surface scribing implement. The surface scribing implement is upwardly spring biased to a safe position within the housing. An operative mechanical linkage between a hook end of the measuring tape and a latch for holding the scribing implement in an extended position, allows release of the latch upon retraction of the tape, automatically retracting the surface scribing implement upon retraction of the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure, also called a “tape rule” and a “coilable rule,” includes a coilable rule housing and a retractable measuring blade with a free end that extends out of the housing. A finger-protecting component connected to the housing provides a bearing surface beneath the measuring blade for a person to place against and slide along an edge of a sheet of drywall as the person uses the tape measure in combination with a utility knife or other cutting tool to make a longitudinally extending cut in the sheet of drywall parallel to the edge of the sheet of drywall. The finger-protecting component preferably includes a nail-receiving hole enabling the user to rotatably fix the tape measure at the center of a desired arc with a nail in order to use the tape measure in conjunction with the utility knife for purposes of cutting an arc of a desired radius in a sheet of drywall.

Abstract: A portable saw guide and T-square and method of use where an accurate and straight saw cut is desirable. The T-square saw guide has an alignment arm and a flexible guide arm which can be quickly and accurately secured to a work piece such as a sheet of plywood by a clamping mechanism in order that a worker may use a guide edge of the T-square to accurately maneuver and guide a saw along a desired course despite variations in the surface of the work piece. The guide arm forms a flush linear contact between a surface of the workpiece and the saw guide to compensate for any non planar irregularities such as a bow, sag or warp in the work piece to cause continuous contact between the saw being guided along the guide edge of the T-square to produce a straight cut along the work piece.

Abstract: A siding layout tool includes a body having a first face, a second face and at least one alignment guide. A plurality of holes extend through the body from the first face to the second face. A member is provided having a working end. The member is received in a selected one of the plurality of holes in the body, with the working end extending from the second face. The siding layout tool, as described, permits one handed operation, which leaves the users other hand free.

Abstract: A tile fitting device is provided for use in marking and cutting a loose tile of a predetermined size to be marked to permit it to be laid on a narrow untiled floor space disposed between an upright wall surface and confronting outer edge of a plurality of like laid tile of a predetermined size on a contiguous tiled floor space.

Abstract: A device for measuring and marking lines and points on a steel I-beam includes a rib for contacting the outside of an I-beam flange along a line opposite the center of the beam web, a measuring blade that rests on the beam web and measures distances from the outside of the flange, and a bridge for connecting the measuring blade to the rib in a way in which the measuring blade is held perpendicular to the flange. The device marks I-beams faster and more accurately that was possible using prior art tools and techniques.

Abstract: A marking and positioning or checking tool for finish carpentry to obtain correct reveals, particularly for wooden trim around windows and doors. The tool of the present invention is a handheld, preferably plastic device that assists carpenters in maintaining the reveals around windows and doors accurate relative to the jambs. To accommodate different jobs, the marking tool has predetermined measuring or marking edges and can be made in differing sizes to meet the specific needs of a particular job. The marking tool is sufficiently compact to readily fit inside a carpenter's pouch.

Abstract: A portable saw guide and T-square and method of use where an accurate and straight saw cut is desirable. The T-square saw guide has an alignment arm and a flexible guide arm which can be quickly and accurately secured to a work piece such as a sheet of plywood by a clamping mechanism in order that a worker may use a guide edge of the T-square to accurately maneuver and guide a saw along a desired course despite variations in the surface of the work piece. The guide arm forms a flush linear contact between a surface of the workpiece and the saw guide to compensate for any non planar irregularities such as a bow, sag or warp in the work piece to cause continuous contact between the saw being guided along the guide edge of the T-square to produce a straight cut along the work piece.