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Handy Framing Tool
This V-Line clamp is the perfect tool for snapping lines on plywood. Just clamp it to your mark on the edge of the plywood and hook the end of your chalk line to it. It even works on super sharp angles. It also has a spot to hook your tape measure on, which is nice when you have to measure over from some spot in the middle of the sheet instead of the end.
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Offset Blocks
When installing blocking on a wall, it’s tempting to snap a line and keep all of the blocks on one plane. But don’t do it. Blocks are easier to install if you stagger them on either side of the line because you can fire the nails almost straight into the ends instead of angling them up or down. And if you think a straight line of blocks looks nicer (for the short time it’s visible), think again. Blocks will rarely be installed perfectly straight, but a staggered line tricks the eye and actually looks more uniform.
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Frame Interior Walls Flush With the Trusses
If an interior wall that runs parallel with roof trusses gets built too high or too low and drywall nailers are placed right on the top of the wall, the drywall on the lid will bend up or down when it’s fastened to the nailers.
One way to avoid this is to run several braces between the trusses 1-1/2-in. above the bottom of the truss. Then install a 2×8 centered where the top of the wall will be built. When you do build the walls, there will be plenty of wood on either side of the 2×8 to nail the drywall to and you can be confident the drywall will stay in plane with the rest of the trusses.
If you live in the North you’re used to installing a vapor barrier on the inner side of the framing. Another benefit of this method is that you can achieve a true “continuous” vapor barrier on the ceiling if you follow these steps:
- Set the trusses
- Install the braces and 2x8s
- Install the vapor barrier on the ceiling
- Build the interior walls
