Framing Tools 13 in 1 Framing Stud Layout Tool Framing Spacing Tool, Precision Framing Jig 12/14/16/18/20/24 Wall Stud Framing Tool

I should preface this by stating that my experience with framing is strictly DIY/non-professional (adding walls for a home office being a prime example). For me, the process of measuring 16"OC, getting everything lined up, and then verifying the results takes up the majority of the time I spend building. Any tool or strategy that can reduce this time-cost is most welcome and appreciated. With that in mind, I bought some corner clamps, which at least saved me some of the re-checking business (and helped me to produce more consistent angles), but still required ample measurement. Still, it seemed like a major win for me.And then I discovered this Wdwlbsm [sic] Framing / Stud Layout / Framing Spacing / Precision Framing Jig (lots of names in the product description page). It makes the process so much smoother for me. I configure it so it's set up for 16"OC, put my studs in place, screw them in, and move on to the next. Zero measurement required, in some circumstances, and checking my work is a simple matter of picking up the tool and shifting it down the line, stud to stud, verifying that they're all 16"OC.Packaging: it arrived in a sturdy-enough box (a passable container for keeping to store the tool), tightly wrapped in plastic (preventing damage during shipping), and with the thumb screws stowed in a pouch.Included: the tool has three pieces to it -- two corner angle pieces and a straight bar to which the corner pieces are screwed. There are 8 total thumb screws, which provide ample security for the corner pieces where they attach to the straight bar.Materials: the thumb screws provide a sturdy purchase for the corner pieces, screwing snugly through the pieces and into the straight bar. The metal is sturdy and durable, and is produced with a textured surface to it, which is a real benefit when pushing down on the studs to keep them from shifting away from one another while screwing into them. The edges of the pieces are smoothed enough that you needn't fear cutting yourself on it. It is heavy enough to do its job, but light enough to be carried and moved with one hand (though its weight distribution makes trying to toss it to somebody a terrible idea 😱).Ease of Use: it is super easy to integrate this into your routine. It makes the worker easier, of better quality, and quicker.Versatility: as a baseline, it does what it claims. Beyond that, it presents some additional possibilities for use. Though the channels through which the studs are meant to pass are strictly molded to fit 2-bys, this makes them perfectly suitable for working with things other than 2x4s (it works well with 2 x 3s, for example). It does not, however, work with different thicknesses other than nominal 2" -- at least, not without some modification.Overall: for my purposes, thing thing has been a blessing. I'm glad to have ordered it.

This tool comes in a plain brown cardboard box. One end of my box had been mangled and re-taped before I got it, but if you get yours intact, the box seems decent for storage.The long piece of the tool was tightly shrinkwrapped, successfully preventing any of the three pieces from scratching each other. The eight thumbscrews come in a small ziplock bag.I chose this tool over several other designs of stud layout tools because this is by far the most versatile one I've seen. The competing products can only do one, two, or three different spacings with one unit. This one can adapt to a total of 13 different spacings, in continuous 1-inch increments from 12 to 24 inches. The small triangular notches make it easy to find the most commonly used spacings such as 16 inches.The dimensions are accurate to hold 1.5-inch-thick ("2-by" nominal) wood at 90-degree angles at the desired spacing. Like a previous reviewer did, I hope to make spacers to be able to adapt it for use with thinner non-stud use too. (This would be a nice accessory for the manufacturer to add.)The black coating feels durable, with a slightly grippy texture to it. The metal under the coating is standard magnetic steel; hopefully that coating will be as durable as it seems, because if it does scratch, the metal will rust. Some of the competing products are made of aluminum or stainless steel, which would've been nicer to not have to ever worry about the possibility of rust.The thumbscrews to hold the three components together are usable, but adding a screwdriver recess in the top of them for an alternate method of turning would've been nice. (I'd suggest a dual-function recess, a combination of slotted/flat and Phillips/cross, for broader compatibility.) There's not much space between the thumbscrews, and even with my small fingers, it was awkward to get the last few turns tightened.

I must say I was really excited when I saw this, could solve a lot of issues with other versions out there and save money / space needing a bunch of different sized ones... unfortunately this fell short!! I don't even plan on using it for anything.The main bar doesn't have screw threads the pins just rest inside the holes, the 2 brackets have screw threads... you can reverse the positioning of how they intended you to use it by placing the brackets on the inside of the bar so you put the pins though the bar then screwed into the brackets to make it hold itself together, but then both studs won't be flush with the top or bottom plate by the depth of the bracket. Making that setup useless for framing.... if you put it together the way they intended the pins can't actually hold it together tho, you would have to reposition the bracket and make sure you set it up correctly on every stud wich defeats the entire purpose of what this does.. depending on the length your using you can't even pick it up without it falling apart.There also isn't a handle Making it hard to reposition in general.My advice would be don't buy this!!My advice for the manufacturer,.. you have a brilliant idea and your really close to making it work but you really didn't, looks like something that worked out beautifully in the mind and on paper, solid works etc... but once gravity got thrown in the mix it fell opart,.. literally...Redesign the main bar to have matching screw threads an add a handle. I would suggest making the pins handles slightly smaller as well because it's hard to get the 4th one in place. Or just switch to a 3 pin design instead :•Continue sending 8 pins tho so we actually have a spare.Maybe for the ones you already made you can get away with adding a magnetic strip on the back side of the bracket to keep it in place better but it wouldn't be a good long term solution.I really hope you take some of that advice, I would love to see this become a standard tool for every framer out there,. But it isn't ready yet..

I like it for the adjustable use