Straightening Crooked Lumber

Building built-up girders, headers and beams can be a nuisance if the components aren’t straight. The drawing shows a simple way to use a hammer and a 16d nail to lever a pair of diverging sticks back into line. Drive the nail as far as possible into the low piece, leaving enough of its shank exposed to get the hammer claws under its head. Then use the high piece as the fulcrum as you start to withdraw the nail. The high piece should come into alignment, allowing you to spike the pieces together properly. You can also use this method to align wayward joists to their rim joist. You could also align crooked boards with a bar clamp, but if you’ve already got your hammer and nails in your tool belt, this is probably the easiest and quickest way to get the job done.

Jeff Fosbre, Dunellen, NJ

Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller

From Fine Homebuilding #70

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Flashing Boot Repair

Prolonged exposure to the sun and weather can compromise the rubber gasket on standard vent flashing. Use this to quickly and permanently fix failed seals or to help protect the gasket in new-construction applications.

Buy at Amazon

Fall Protection

With a 50-ft safety line and a hinged, reusable anchor, this complete safety harness kit allows you to easily protect yourself while working comfortably and efficiently.

Buy at Amazon

Roof Jacks

All-steel construction makes these roof brackets durable and long lasting, and their adjustability allows you to create a flat, safe standing surface on most any pitched roof.

Buy at Amazon