I use a modified pipe clamp to bring adjacent framing members into alignment. As shown in the drawing, I welded a 3/8-in. steel plate to the stationary head and the sliding foot on one of my clamps. The larger bearing surface makes it easy to bring studs, top plates, trimmers, and other framing materials that may be warped into the same plane before nailing them together.
Mike Nathan, Hailey, ID
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #76
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
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Stabila Extendable Plate to Plate Level
This level raises the bar for accuracy and quality. The extensions are designed to contact and plumb from bottom to top plates, avoiding studs that may be bowed.
Protective Eyewear
Eye protection is a must, and these are designed for comfort so you can can wear them all day long without pain or fatigue.
Portable Wall Jack
Raise walls safely with the Guardian wall jack — we’ve personally seen small teams raise large walls with these devices, and they work great.
