Stringline Wall Layout Tags

A couple of gadgets (that maybe helpful) for those who dabble in construction, DIY or renovation work.  Its not perfect.  However, if you find it helpful or can improve the design…. I'm good with that.     

This is a marking system for stringline uses when laying out your utility pipes, under slab plumbing and electrical conduit.  Helps to ensure utilities are located properly (within wall dimensions) prior to a slab pour.  Can also be used on wood framing subfloor (before or after) to locate walls or identify utility layout problems--prior to putting down the subfloor.  Includes all the common sizes of wall plates you may encounter interior of the home.  2x4, 2x6 and 2x8. In situations where the concrete is already poured and your tasked with framing---the wall layout tags allow you to double check with the plans vs. actually where the plumbers/electricians, HVAC guys ran the underground utilities.  You may discover things move (intentional, accidentally, or nobody can recall…) and now you need go a wall size thicker to contain the discovered error.  House plans can sometimes have undiscovered errors, wrong dimensions, or don't account for the other trades in the design.  Plans are drafted by humans.  Therefore, imperfect if taken as the gospel--could lead to a lot of head scratching if things don't work out on your project.  No moving underground utilities--after the concrete is poured!  Always confirm and double check--is good practice to follow.   

     Some people are Kinesethic learners.  They learn by doing.  Some are visual learners.  They learn by seeing.  

The tags are just a gadget that helps you see, while physically doing--layout for your underground utilities or mechanical rough-ins.   The marked tags are set up for (3) ways of installation.  

1.  Slide them over the string and slide to your mark or point on stringline.  A top window is provided to see your initial mark on the stringline to help line it up to center. 
2.  Once you get it to where you want it.  You can take the string and loop through the ears to lock it in.  Now it won't move on you as you continue pulling measurements.  
3. If you need (wall) to be marked (inline) with a wall center line.  Take the double dovetail retainer, slide it over the top of the string, install your choice of plate width from below string.  Slide to your area of work interest.  Mark or observe accordingly.  
4. Bonus:  You can use the edges of the plate tags to mark for the walls--then snap your chalk line.  They are sized dimensionally for 2x4, 2x6, and 2x8 widths.  
5. Bonus:  A mini tag is included to help visualize where your layout marks are on your stringline.  Old strings get dirty and hard to see often.  This helps to see the mark from a distance and if you don't need the dimensioned plates.  Simply giving you another option.    

If you're a DIY, general contractor, mechanical tradesman--this tool was designed to help you with layout if you're using stringline.  

A few dabs of E6000 or super glue will help lock the parts together.  It doesn't take much.  

Note:  ¼" x 2" Wire Lock Pin for Trailer Coupler:  Can be found at Big Box Hardware store, Farm centers and Amazon.  This keeps the plates all together--in a packaged bundle.  I keep them in my Milwaukee Packout, which is set up exclusively for foundation work and with my mason tools.