Accurate measuring and marking is especially important when doing woodwork. The professional's rule is to measure twice, then mark, then double check. Inaccuracies may lead, at best, to a lot of time spent in adaptation later, or at worst may necessitate buying more timber. Tools need to be looked after with care and stored in a dry place or they may become faulty. Check their accuracy regularly.
1. Marking Gauge, 2. Combination gauge, 3. Spirit level, 4. Carpenter's, 5. Metre rule, 6. Try square, 7. Folding rule, 8. Marking knife, 9. Plumb bob, 10. Steel tape, 11. Combination square.
Measuring tools
Retractable steel tape, Available with metric measurements only or with metric and imperial, this is an accurate (usually to within 1mm) and widely used measuring tool. A 3m (10ft) rule is generally the most useful length and a thumb lock and top sight are both handy.
Metre rule, These rigid rules can be of wood, metal or plastic and give metric or imperial measurements. Lengths longer than 1m (3ft) cannot be measured accurately.
Folding rule, Traditionally made of boxwood, folding rules are more portable than straight rules. They are also available in metal and plastic. Lengths are from 300mm (12in) to 2m (6ft 6in). The most commonly used length is 120 cm (4ft).
Metre rule, These rigid rules can be of wood, metal or plastic and give metric or imperial measurements. Lengths longer than 1m (3ft) cannot be measured accurately.
Folding rule, Traditionally made of boxwood, folding rules are more portable than straight rules. They are also available in metal and plastic. Lengths are from 300mm (12in) to 2m (6ft 6in). The most commonly used length is 120 cm (4ft).
For measuring angles
Try square, Used for marking square ends on a length of wood, for marking other right angles and for checking their accuracy, a try square has a steel blade and a wood, steel of plastic stock and both internal and external edges form a 90° angle. They come in sizes from 150mm (6in) to 300mm (12in).
Combination square, This can be used for measuring and checking right angles and 45° mitres; it can also check the depth of mortises.
Mitre block, Used for making mitres across small pieces of wood, a mitre block is L-shaped and has two slots, one at 45° and one at 90°. The wood is placed in the L and one of the slots is used to guide the saw.
Combination square, This can be used for measuring and checking right angles and 45° mitres; it can also check the depth of mortises.
Mitre block, Used for making mitres across small pieces of wood, a mitre block is L-shaped and has two slots, one at 45° and one at 90°. The wood is placed in the L and one of the slots is used to guide the saw.
Marking tools
Carpenter's pencil, A chisel-shapes pencil is easier to use against a rule than an ordinary pencil but the letter is adequate for making.Marking knife, A special marking knife with an angled steel blade is more accurate then a pencil.
Marking gauge, Use to mark lines parallel to the edge or end of timber or board, a marking gauge has a steel point close to the end of the stem and s sliding stock that can be locked with a screw on the side at the required distance from the point.
Mortise gauge, This has two pins, one of which can be moved up and down then set to the required spacing for marking mortises and tenons.
Combination gauge, This combines both the above operations.
Levelling tools
Spirit level, Used to check that a surface is level, the longer the spirit level the more accurate is will be over a distance. Lengths range from 75mm (3in) to 2m (6ft 6in).Plumb bob, A tool used for accurate alignment of verticals, this consists of a brass or steel weight which is attached to a line and hung from a pin or nail.
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