- The tape measure aids in the planning and layout of wall framingtape measure image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
During the rough carpentry phase of construction, wall framing gives a structure its initial shape---a skeleton of boards begins to suggest the form of a building. With a few essential tools, the do-it-yourselfer can participate in the excitement of raising a building's walls. Necessary wall framing tools include measuring tools, layout tools, cutting tools and fastening tools. Learn about the types of wall framing tools, compile a set of your own and prepare to achieve professional results. - The tape measure allows a carpenter to plan the size and height of walls prior to building. Once wall dimensions are determined, the tape measure transfers dimensions from blueprints or plans onto framing lumber to indicate the position of cuts. The modern tape measure appears as a roughly square-shaped, plastic or metal case. The case contains a coiled metal tape. Marks printed across the tape's surface indicate increments of measurement, such as inches or centimeters. The tape is spring loaded and, when pulled from its case by its clip or "tang", it retracts to its original position.
- The framing square appears as a triangular chunk of metal. This layout tool allows carpenters to draw lines for cuts and mark the position of connections, such as where studs connect to top and bottom plates. Two sides of the tools meet at a 90-degree angle; the third meets the other two at a 45-degree angle. A lip protruding from the tool's top allows a carpenter to latch it onto a board's edge. Once hanging onto a board, the tool allows its user to draw lines perpendicularly across the board's face---these lines may indicate the position of stud connections or crosscuts.
- A circular saw on top of sawhorsesconstruction tools, saw image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
The circular saw is the preferred on-site cutting tool of the framing carpenter. This tool employs an electric motor to spin its sharp-toothed, circular blade. The circular saw's blade is activated by a trigger mounted to a pistol grip. The tool is lightweight, portable and capable of reducing both the length and width of all common framing lumber. - The specially designed framing hammer offers a manual method of driving nails and connecting wall framing members. The framing hammer's heavy head and long handle increase its striking power. The tool's broad face is etched with crosshatch marks or covered in points to increase its grip upon contact with nail heads.
- A carpenter fastens lumber using a nail gunconstruction worker, carpenter image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
The nail gun propels framing fasteners with pneumatic force supplied by air compressor. The nail gun operates like a pistol---its tip is pressed against a board, trigger pulled and a nail shoots through the lumber beneath. Nail guns accept plastic bound strips of nails. Fully loaded, a nail gun often shoots up to 20 nails in rapid succession.
