My old framing square let me down on a deck job last week

I've been using the same Stanley framing square for close to 15 years. Pulled it out to lay out some joist spacing on a deck in Columbus, and the numbers were worn clean off on one edge. Didn't catch it until I had already cut 4 joists 2 inches short. Had to run to the lumber yard at 7am for a new square and re-cut everything. Anyone else ever have a tool just wear out on you mid-job like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

wyatt_shah8520d ago

Life's full of those little oversights that end up costing you time and cash.

emery87920d ago

Are we really acting like worn-off numbers is the tool's fault? You had 15 years to look at that thing, and you didn't notice the edge was blank before you started cutting? That's on you, not the square. I get being annoyed about wasting wood, but blaming the tool for a problem you could have caught in 10 seconds is a stretch. Sounds like a lesson in checking your gear before you start a job, not a reason to trash a square.

abby1896h ago

My first thought was like @wyatt_shah85 said, it happens and costs time. But honest, I used to roll my eyes at guys blaming their tools too, then my speed square's numbers faded on a hot job last summer and I cut a bunch of rafters wrong. That changed my mind real quick.