Instead of using a pipe-clamp arrangement to align deck boards, as in Gregory Tolman’s Decking persuader, I use a brick tong. The stationary end of the tong can be wedged between two nailed deck boards and the pivoting end can be used to bring a board in, or, if the anchoring end is moved back one board width, to push it out. This takes less time than screwing and unscrewing the pipe clamp.
Because you need one hand to hold the tong handle, it helps to start the nail before pulling on the board. You may also want to drill a couple of new holes in the tong’s adjustment bar to get the spacing right.
—Phil Cyr, Dudley, MA
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #62
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I've had a brick tong for years and this never occurred to me. Brilliant idea.