6/9

What’s the best chalk color for outdoor projects?

“Choose your marking chalk color based on two things,” says Lisa Hunter of Irwin Tools. “First, think about what sort of permanency you need. How long will the chalk lines be exposed to the elements? Second, decide what color will give the best contrast on the surface.”

Marking chalk permanency ratings run on a scale of 0 to 4 (look for the rating on the chalk container). Carpenters who work on a variety of projects should generally carry two colors—red and blue—in separate chalk boxes. Use blue when you need a chalk line that will disappear, like when you are shingling a roof. The blue chalk will wash right off after the first rain. Red, on the other hand, is much more permanent- use it on a roof and it might take years for it to disappear. But if you’re laying out walls and you want the lines to stay there even if it rains, red chalk is the way to go.

Bonus tip: if you’re snapping lines on a blue painted wall, consider using violet or white chalk. The chalk will stand out and then dust right off the wall with no residue.

7/9

Measuring tools for ‘southpaws’

It’s estimated that ten percent of people in the world are left-handed, but it can seem like 99 percent of tools are made for people with dominant right hands. Well, lefties, here you go. You can pull out this Right-to-Left Read Retractable Left-Handed Tape Measure and read numbers while measuring just as easily as right-handers do.

8/9

Time-saving triangle

This giant triangle is perfect for installing paver patios and driveways because it allows users to quickly and accurately chalk square layout lines. You could do the same thing using the 3-4-5 triangle method, but this is faster. Just align the chalk line with the edge of the triangle and snap the line. The A-Square folding triangle even folds so that it takes up less room in your truck or trailer.