Tool Chart

What you don’t see is the physics that keep your home from collapsing. On most homes, people think there’s nothing but rafters and then shingles … Read more

When you look at a steel beam, it’s an I-shape. It is made off metal. But that metal can cost a lot if you choose … Read more

A rafter and a ceiling joist may look alike, but these two structural component differ greatly, and mistaking one for the other will result in … Read more

Hardware store lumber aisles are confusing. The wood all appears to be identical, yet it’s priced different with varying grades. You notice Stud grade, Select … Read more

The point is, if you buy a piece of plywood from the lumber yard and the tag reads one half inch, you know you’re in … Read more

Look at it. See the rings and grain of what was once wood. Feel its odd heaviness in your hand. Notice how hard it is, … Read more

Going into a lumber yard is a bit like walking in a maze. Every aisle seems to look the same. There are piles of wood … Read more

Now you’re left with a hole where a load bearing wall existed, and you want to find out how much wood can support it? No … Read more

Maybe you get all excited and tug a lovely quilt out of machine. It is as if you have pulled a crumpled potato chip off … Read more

If you’ve ever faced a bolt that doesn’t want to move but instead clicks in resistance and then abruptly gives, you’ve seen one side of … Read more

So what’s wrong? The problem is the gauge system is backwards! It is an old-school relic. Under there own numbering system, a larger number mean … Read more

If you’re looking at a pile of steel shapes wondering whether you really need something so heavy for your closet divider, that’s a familiar frustration. … Read more

“You’ve got this hunk of steel that is all gray and hefty looking; there’s another hunk just like it. You ask yourself, “How do I … Read more

It is solid. When you pick up piece of steel, it feels solid. You think you know what it will do for you. Often times … Read more