Taking the twist out of a stud

Issue 107

I was going to buy one of those new tools made for gripping 2x framing lumber when I realized that I had just what I needed in my tool kit — a big pair of Channel Locks, or what my Dad calls water-pump pliers. Adjust the pliers to fit the thickness of a 2x. Nail one edge of the stud to the layout line, twist it with the pliers and then nail it off. I use a nail gun for most framing, so I’ve got a free hand. But this trick will also work for hand-nailing. Just start the nail first. These pliers come in sizes large enough to grip a 4x.

Larry Gould, East Otis, MA

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Taking the twist out of a stud

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