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[edit] Marking Tools

[edit] Pencils

There are various grades of pencils. In a range of soft 8B to very hard 9H.

• Dark, heavy lines are drawn with High "B" numbered pencils.
• Fine, light lines are drawn with High "H" numbered pencils.
• F and HB are in the middle range.
• General useage is HB, F or 2H in carpentry.

[edit] Chalk Line

Chalk line tools are used to mark straight lines, generally over long distances. A chalk line may also be referred to as a "chalk box", as this is also descriptive of the hand tools!

[edit] Description

Most chalk line tools consist of a string, usually with a hook on one end, that is wound around a spindle that is inside a box or container that contains powdered chalk of various colors. Colors of chalk that are generally available, but not limited to, are blue (most common), red, yellow and orange.

[edit] Use

To use a chalk line, the free end of the string (usually with a hook) is pulled from the box. The free end is then either hooked onto an object, such as the edge of a board or a nail, or is held by an assistant. The container end of the chalk line is then taken to the other end of the object to be marked. Both ends of the sting are then placed over pre-measured marks and pulled taut. The string is pulled away from the object to be marked and released, transferring a chalk line from the string to the object. This may be repeated several times to mark additional lines before the string must be returned to the box to have additional chalk applied to it. Note that care must be taken when snapping lines - if the stringline is pulled away in a direction not perpendicular to the face of the object, the snapped line will curve. Also, snapping across a hump or dip may cause distortions in the desired line. Snapping lines in wet weather can be problematic. In the worst conditions you can replace the cotton line with twisted nylon of the same dimension and then use concrete dye (powder) instead of chalk, adding water to the box,mixing and draining excess. Then flick excess dye from string before snapping and quickly lifting the line from the surface. Puddles should be swept away before using this method.

[edit] Scratch Awl

[edit] Description

A scratch awl is basically a metal pointer with a handle.

[edit] Use

A scratch awl is used for marking on materials which do not readily take pencil or chalk marks. A line is scratched into the material with the awl. Another common use is to make a small indentation into which a nail or screw is placed, or a drill bit aligned prior to predrilling a properly aimed hole for the nail or screw.

[edit] With cardboard

When signs or other structures are to be built by wiring together sections of cardboard, one may use the awl to create holes at the right positions on fitting pieces of cardboard prior to placing them together, or fit the pieces together first and make the first hole just prior to wiring.

[edit] Additional Information

Wikipedia Woodworking Measuring and Marking Tools - more information on marking tools.