Cool tools

[Andy Engel]

How about we do a thread on tool finds?

I've been using Tajima's Slant 100 (http://www.tajimatool.com/products/layouttools/slant-series/view.php?page=all) to lay out the bottoms of posts for cutting. The Slant 100 measures how many degrees a surface is from level (I also use it to measure the grade of the hills I cycle up - 17 percent is the steepest I've found in my town). Now, maybe you guys are better than me, but the tops of my footings (and then the post bases) generally slope a degree or two from level. Put a square-cut post on a sloping post base, and the post will be out of plumb.

Put the Slant 100 on the post base, dial it in so its bubble reads level, then pick it up and read the angle. If it's only out in one dimension, I make the cut with a 12 in. chopsaw. If it's out in two dimensions, then I use a circ saw, laying out the angles using Swanson layout square.

It's really cool to end up with posts that sit plumb, with about a minute's extra effort on each.

[redwood]

That's a cool tool for the guy who has everything. We spend time trying to get our post bases plumb and assume that they are, or at least close enough that I don't think that there will be a problem.

We usually use Simp. CBSQ's for our bases, their actual standoff base does have some movement. We just plumb up the post, set the screws and go.

[ctdecks]

deck wrecker is a cool tool

[lavrans]

I actually picked up the Ridgid JobMax (http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/JobMax/EN/index.htm). Had a bunch of tight areas to work in, and saw it at the store I never go to. Picked it up because it fit multiple needs in one package- so far I've been pretty happy. Really like the right-angle impact driver head, and the multi-master type head has come in handy.

OK, not a deck, but here's a pick of what I needed it for- note: lots of small places to get into... Seems like I run into similar small spaces on most decks at some point.

[redwood]

I'd like to hear a more thougher review on the jobmax.

A while back, I picked up a 12V B&D right angle auto hammer and returned it within a week. Almost totally useless. I know B&D isn't exactly a pro brand, but the tool was half price and like lavrans, I had a potential immediate use for it. Alas, it didn't work as I had hoped.

Thanks

[thedeckbarn]

I use a laser to level the decks, we set the post in the concrete, cca .60 for all the post i buy.
steve scholl