Stair gauges look like two small nuts with a bolt
sticking out of the top and attach to framing squares to aid carpenters
while laying out roof rafters, stair stringers and repetitive angles.
The picture below provides you with two stair gauges attached to a
framing square, while laying out a stair stringer.
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The Original Stair Gauge
You're probably not going to believe this, but the original stair gauge
was actually a nut with a slot cut in it, so that it would slide over a
framing square. We had small bolts that went about a third of the way
into the nut that we used to attach it to the framing square.
If you look at stair gauges today, you could easily see how they could
have been made, from of a small nut and bolt. Most stair gauges are made
out of brass and I think the only reason they do that is to give you the
illusion that you're getting something for your money.
Losing Stair Gauges
I've probably bought at least 20 stair gauges and currently have three.
Where did they all go? Let's face it, these tools are small and easy to
lose.
My solution to the problem was to eventually purchase a plastic tool box
that I could store a few of these tools in. Eventually I purchased more
of these plastic boxes and organized my tools.
Stair gauges are relatively inexpensive and can make all the difference
in the world, when laying out a stair stringer. Even if you're only
building one stairway, these little guys are worth the investment.
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