I was watching an episode of New Yankee Workshop this past weekend, and Norm was building a little garden/utility shed. He framed and sheated the walls before lifting them into place, but when the walls were upright, he used this really cool little hinged tool to pull the plates into position.
It was metal, and had a sharp end that was driven into the bottom plate, then another part of the tool was driven into the subfloor – he pulled back on the handle and moved the wall until it lined up with his chalkline – it was very cool. He mentioend that it was an old tool, and that he didn’t know where he got it.
I’m wondering if anybody else saw that episode of the show, or knows (from my awful description) what I’m talking about?
Justin Fink – FHB Editorial
Replies
I saw that episode as well. The tool was kind of like a small version of a cant hook, except the pointed ends stuck straight down at the ends.
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Edited 4/3/2006 9:39 am ET by Stuart
Yeah, that looks similar Stuart - I'm not a framer, so I didn't know if the tool was common, but Norm's description made it sound like it was somewhat uncommon. Either way, seemed really neat to me, and I want one!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
I wonder if Lee Valley or someone like that would put one in production?
I could make something like that out of a leaf spring.
Norm's name is Abram, Mr. Finks. (:-)
Really? Well I'll be...Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Just wanted to give you an opportunity to edit. One of the neatest signs I ever saw in an office was "Greater urge hath no man than to correct (scratched out), rewrite (scratched out), modify (scratched out), ... another man's writing".
I was going to say you could probably build one out of bar stock.
Webby
Edited 4/3/2006 10:15 am ET by webby
This is one version of a Wall puller .......for some reason I thought Proctor made 'em too (showed up about the same time as our wall jacks) but couldn't find the puller on their site.
I've got an old one laying around somewhere..... probably "loaned out"
That looks pretty darn close to what Norm used Tom, thanks for finding it! Anybody use this tool? Is it pretty common or no?Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
The tool is called a peevee. They are surprisingly uncommon in my experience, but for a framer they are extremely useful.
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The first framing job I ever had was with a guy who used all sorts of specialized products- Proctor wall jacks and wall braces, peevee's, etc. He had been around since the 50's, I think and had pretty much seen it all.
Anyways, if you frame often, and prefer to sheathe your walls on the deck, get a peevee.
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
The peevee appears to be the one we used, ours was the smaller version and lacked the red handle. (got it used)
For the most part, we nudged plates to the line with a sledge ..... but the puller came in quite handy for drawing-in areas where a sledge would not work on sheathed walls.
Handy for tweaking deck boards too. We'd tape the swing arm to the handle, tap the point of the handle into a deck joist and "levered" bowed decking into alignment.
Thanks for the picture. I was having difficulty imagining what the mystery tool looked like or how it would work.Of course, here in the west, where we build mostly on slab, I guess we'd have to shoot a piece of wood to the concrete floor with a ramset to provide something to stick the main spike into. Does it come in a suction cup version? :)BruceT
I just came across a tool that is a close cousin of the Little Pee-Vee that Vaughn started making. They are calling it a BowJakâ„¢ board straightener. Unlike the pee-vee which will pull boards this tool pushes boards. It also has a lock of sorts to hold the board in position after force is applied to the handle Although they show it being used for deck boards I have all ready dreamed up several other framing applications for it.
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Folks around Seattle can buy one at Hardwick's back by the axes along with Qual-Craft's Big Pee-Vee and Little Pee-Vee.
Justin, I have one hanging in my basement. It's damned useful for tweaking walls. It's called the Li'l Peavy, and no framer should be without one. Jim Blodgett turned me onto them years ago.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
I knew you guys would help me out, thanks a million! Reminds me why I love this forum so damn much!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Yup, PeeVee's rock. I've got three or four of them in various sizes. That blue Trojan one that was posted is a POS in my opinion. The bend too easy. The Qual-Craft brand "PeeVee" and "Lil Pee Vee" are nicely made tools. Great for sucking things together that don't want to budge.View Image
I've got one of the Li'l Peevees that I bought when I was framing houses years ago. THe more experienced guys laughed at it, but after a couple of days I noticed one of them had borrowed it from my truck to pull a plate in.
Funny, the next week, 2 other guys had them on the site.
I love this forum so damn much!
Mr. Fink, That will be a warning, two demerits (Two because your admin), and no dinner tonight.
;)
Edited 4/3/2006 8:11 pm ET by CAGIV
Tell you what CAG, you agree not to tell on me, and I won't give you a strike for using an inappropriate word in this last post. "D*mn" is just not acceptable, but I'm willing to let it slide this time bud ;)Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
That was mighty kind of you Justin.... letting Neil off the hook like that. View Image
look here... under peavey, cant hook or log hand toolshttp://store.baileys-online.com/cgi-bin/baileys/subcat?mv_session_id=IWNywp4m&area_id=76
I think we can work something out, but I think I should get a second freeby becaus I'm not administration?
;)
I'll see what I can dig up from my reject tools & materials pile over here...I think I had a promotional coffee mug or foam hammer or something...Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
still no free hats hunh?
They have boxes of them at fests. Come get one.
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
I'm to anti-social for that
Reality is I don't have the time this year to go up.
That's cool.
Wop bop a loo bop a lop bam boom!
I love a good new tool, but my better half says I've reached my limit for the month/year,I guess I'll stick to my sledge hammer for moving walls.
Proctar did use to make them.
Still got the one my dad bought about 40 years ago.
Terry
http://www.trojantools.com/wallpuller/index.htm
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"he...never charged nothing for his preaching, and it was worth it, too" - Mark Twain
Edited 4/3/2006 2:42 pm by Huck
I like the big peavys (in big blurry pix too)
Man, thems sum big fuzzy peaveys!
Yep - I love the big ones too. Just the thing for tweaking logs as they're laid down to make walls in a log home. Just use the hook on the top tongue then the straight part on the wall under some scrap. You can really put a lot of torque on it and not leave any marks.
I think you need to get a smaller one, Art.You done went and turned the whole world sideways with that first one !!About the red one... Is that the new electric peavey ?
Nothing can be said so well that it cannot be misunderstood.
When my father couldn't find them to purchase anywhere ( Mid 70's) he had a set of two made out of bar stock by a local welder.
Very useful tool. Still have one around here somewhere.
http://americanladders.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16323&cat=280&page=1