Replies

1. 
   JohnT8 | Sep 18, 2006 06:08pm | #1

   Looking at the Amazon feedback, wonder if this is OUR Justin Fink:

    

   28 of 28 people found the following review helpful: View Image Lost without one!, June 18, 2000 Reviewer: Justin Fink (Plymouth, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews The BoWrench is the best decking tool I have ever used because its easy to use, and it doesn't mar joists like other ones. As a contractor that builds a couple of decks a year, this has paid for its self many times over. You can achieve proper gap spacing with out digging through the lumber pile for straight boards(if they exist anymore!). I would highly recommend the BoWrench to any deck builder.

   jt8

   "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success."  --Albert Schweitzer

1. FHB Editor
   JFink | Sep 20, 2006 10:56pm | #7

   Yikes! that ain't me. Looks like I gots some competition!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

   Your Friendly Neighborhood Moderator

2. 
   CAGIV | Sep 18, 2006 06:31pm | #2

   I have one and it does come in handy but it is a tool you can live with out

   I guess the real question is would I replace it if I lost it... probably not.

   

3. 
   Sasquatch | Sep 18, 2006 10:41pm | #3

   It has saved me a lot of frustration because I work alone.  I recommend the I-Joist attachment.

1. 
   BossHog | Sep 21, 2006 02:49pm | #8

   "I recommend the I-Joist attachment."

   Just curious what you'd use an I-joist attachment for...
   John Kruk: "I'm not an athlete. I'm a professional baseball player."

1. 
   Sasquatch | Sep 21, 2006 04:10pm | #10

   Good catch.  I meant the expandable joist gripper.  I find that the wrench is seldom needed on the job, but very handy when I need to move a board and nail at the same time.  About half the time, it seems that I need to press in an area where there is no 1-1/2" gripping point - Murphy's law in action.

4. 
   e2canoe | Sep 20, 2006 02:10am | #4

   I love it!  I installed an Ipe porch two summers ago.  Even with super stiff Ipe the wrench has enough leverage to straighten up to about 1/2" over 8' with one hand.

   Get one!

    

1. 
   ThumbBanger | Sep 20, 2006 03:31am | #5

   I loved the tool as I put down six thousand feet of 2x6 t&g.  But by the end the pivot hole was worn to an oval.

5. 
   Shep | Sep 20, 2006 04:48am | #6

   Its a great tool with a limited use- straightening boards and

   I do a couple of decks a year, and its great for keeping them in line.

   I'll drop 3-4 boards on the joists, and cinch them up, and fasten them down.

   Its got plenty of leverage to close up a 3/4" to 1" gap in cedar or PT over the 4 boards. I usually have to move it a few times over a 16' length to get everything right.

6. 
   Mooney | Sep 21, 2006 03:00pm | #9

   Ive got an earliar brand . Ive had it for years.

   As was mentioned for working alone , its a cheap hand. 12 yr old grandson operates it for me and he likes it .

   Tim

   Memphest 2006

   November 18th

7. 
   jpeeks | Sep 21, 2006 05:43pm | #11

    I just got one, I paid around $50 used it on a job 400sf deck. I laid the deck boards myself..........well worth the 50 bucks at the end of the day.  

8. 
   JohnSprung | Sep 28, 2006 09:10pm | #12

   It looks like the alternative would be to use a scrap block, a C clamp, and a wedge.  That would be slower, but less expensive.  It probably depends on how much deck work you do.

    

    

   -- J.S.

    

1. 
   JohnT8 | Sep 28, 2006 09:18pm | #13

   First use would be for Advantech subfloor.  Instead of sledge and 2x4 to coax them together I'd use the bowrench.

    jt8

   'Grandpa used to say "know your role and shut your hole." '   --Stilletto

1. 
   dieselpig | Sep 28, 2006 10:25pm | #14

   I don't know how much Advantec you've used, but I just want to tell you to be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.  It's nowhere near the struggle that T&G ply can be.  In fact if you're good at it, and know how to stand the sheet on edge, then let it go while your foot drags it into the groove, you will hardly need the sledge at all.  It really goes together nicely.View Image

1. 
   JohnT8 | Sep 28, 2006 10:43pm | #15

   This is my first use of it.  I'd ordered 3/4", but it is really 23/32.  Usually use 3/4" ply (either straight edge or t&g). 

   This is the batch of Advantech that has been...um... seasoning in the project house garage since January.  Noticed the manuf date was October 2005, so it should be just about right when I start nailing it down in a week or two. :)

   [edit] Does a certain side go down?  One side has logo, the other side has span, thickness, etc.

   jt8

   'Grandpa used to say "know your role and shut your hole." '   --Stilletto

   Edited 9/28/2006 3:48 pm by JohnT8

1. 
   netanyahu | Sep 28, 2006 11:25pm | #16

   There should be a stamp on one side that says "this side down"

2. 
   dieselpig | Sep 29, 2006 12:31am | #17

   Now why did you have to go and confuse him?View Image

3. 
   dieselpig | Sep 29, 2006 12:32am | #18

   Logo up, spec stamp down.  The side with the layout right on it.... so if you cut right.... you won't be have any shiners if you follow the layout.  :)View Image

4. 
   dustinf | Sep 29, 2006 12:43am | #19

   View ImageWe change the course of history,everyday people like you and me

5. 
   JohnT8 | Sep 29, 2006 03:29am | #20

   I was probably just having a blind moment, but I'm gonna claim that mine didn't have that stamped on it.  :)

    jt8

   'Grandpa used to say "know your role and shut your hole." '   --Stilletto

6. 
   JohnT8 | Sep 29, 2006 05:50am | #23

   LOL, it does say "this side down".  It isn't as large a print as your pic, but it is in English and Spanish. jt8

   'Grandpa used to say "know your role and shut your hole." '   --Stilletto

9. 
   gb93433 | Sep 29, 2006 03:38am | #21

   I use a Record RECFC 153 Flooring Clamp.

   
10. 
    vintage1 | Sep 29, 2006 04:27am | #22

    John,

    I used to have one of these and really liked it, great for one man jobs.  I had to give it back to my previous employer when I left. 

    A few years ago I replaced it with a Stanley product that is supposed to do the same thing, but I don't like it as well.  The Stanley has a U shaped bracket that fits on the joist, and when the lumber is swollen (almost always) it is too tight of a fit. 

    If I had to buy another one, I would buy the Bow wrench.