The makers of the Ultra Square claim
that it can reduce plate layout time by
half. They may be right: Marking a
plate for studs and joists is a breeze
with this tool. Just clip your tape measure
to the extended edge guide, and
hook the end of the tape over the end
of the plate. Then pull the tape and
the square as a unit along the plate.
The slots in the square are configured
so that the 3/4-inch on-center correction
is done automatically. The square
measures 41/2 inches across, so you
can mark up to three adjacent studs
at once. That comes in handy when
laying out window openings and wall
corners. The Ultra