5 Techniques We Wish We Knew In The Beginning || Dr Decks

[@lindamay9218]

Hooked Tab: At the end of every tape measure is a metal hooked tab that performs the important function of preventing the tape from disappearing inside the housing, but that isn't all it does. When you need to make an outside measurement, you can hook the tab over an edge so you can stretch the tape. If you're making an inside measurement, the loosely fitting tab slides toward the tape, which is calibrated to allow for its width. It's important to protect the tab when retracting the tape to prevent it from bending; keep your finger on the tape housing when you release the stop and let the tab strike your finger instead of the housing.

[@para-cad_llc]

The amount of play in the hook is the exact thickness of the hook. It’s designed to make pulling or bumping accurate.

[@drdecks]

Agreed. Our verbiage was off in this video.

[@LeahsSoccerJourney]

@@drdecks the verbiage wasn't off. He was just wrong.

[@raymondlong4596]

Confused by your tape hook comment. The hook moves intentionally so you get an accurate measurement when pulling or pushing. It makes up for the the thickness of the hook. Thanks. Just trying to help. Not criticizing!

[@BrentLagerman]

think he's saying you can do a push measurement when figuring out how long to make a beam, then forget you did that, and do a pull to actually measure the boards making your measurement 1/16 off, not sure how that would compound 16 times though I think you'd always be 1/16th off every time

[@adambaxter4085]

The idea of the hook moving is that the thickness of the hook is equal to how much the hook moves. This “should” give the same measurement whether you are pulling or pushing. I say “should” as I’ve seen 5 different brand new measuring tapes gives 5 different measurements. Ideally you should use the same measuring tape to measure and then mark, however this isn’t really feasible in a situation with a team calling out measurements unless you plan to toss a tape back and forth. I suspect Dr Decks team know how to work well together and efficiently and speak the same construction language, inevitably giving accuracy.

[@levelseven9841]

The hook moves to compensate for the thickness of the hook. So whether you push or pull, it's still accurate. Don't subtract 1/16. Subtracting 16/16 is -1". What we always do, when we're doing something that has to be precise. We pull our tape measures side by side to make sure they read the same. And either you a different tape measure or compensate the difference

[@levelseven9841]

But I do burn an inch all the time, but usually burn 10"

[@johnevans6172]

The hook is 1/16 thick for a reason. This was well thought out... not sure why Drdecks doesn't know this.

[@gregorilopez]

I worked with a finish Carpenter that burned 10 in. He said it was easier to add 10 inches to the dimension than one inch so you didn't get confused by that one inch differential..... Seem to work well for him and I've tried it as well...👍

[@murphythemenace3307]

I'm definitely doing this from now on

[@jakee8704]

Same

[@jakee8704]

He said 10 is best but always whole 5, 2, 10

[@houseblacksmithing9836]

The give in the hook is approximately the width of the hook, that way when you push it into a measurement it will be the same as when you hook and pull a measurement. Its supposed to be there.

[@TheSirPotato]

Here's a good one don't leave rookies unsupervised, I learned this the hard way, my boss learned this the hard way, and a local roofing company learned this the really hard way

[@Retrobots]

You guys are very likable - you helped me finish my homes deck redo - Thank you kindly!

[@MarkSmithamsw]

I own a remodeling company and your tips and advise are incredible. I would like to see a vid on framing species selection. From the videos the wood you are using doesn’t look like the broomsticks we get.thanks

[@olbabybeard]

He mentioned in another video that they use pressure treated hemlock and said it's just what is common in the Northwest

[@DecksNJ]

Love the honesty on using the wrong screw tip size, after a long distance haul of our bodies... Been there, done that, to the same end... a trip back to the truck for the correct size. :D

[@edwingonzalez6128]

I have always used the " Burning the Inch " method. Great tip.

[@connorfitzpatrick8924]

The metal thingy on the tape measure is for i.d. and o.d measurements... inside diameter and outside diameter depending on if u push or pull

[@tonyd4346]

Your decks are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!! Primo skills brother!

[@PhilippinesScam]

spray paint the bits, it makes it easier to know which bit it is. Harbor freights kits for sockets come in colors because its a good idea.

[@douglasmichel6361]

With the end thingy on the rulers, although I agree they wear out and can become sloppy, they are made to move the distance the thingy is thick, which typically is 1/16”. We’ll compare rulers side by side so all hooks are moving the same and dimensions from one ruler to the next is the same. But for sure burn an inch in critical spots. We’ll also use lasers or take two short sticks side by side, slide them to fill an opening and then pinch clamp them together and we’ll take the measurements off it or use it as a pattern (if applicable). Great work guys, wish I was on the west coast to join the your crew.

[@drdecks]

Understood. Our verbiage was off on this video. Thamls

[@benborsa8266]

Hadn't heard it called "Burn an Inch". I'm definitely adopting that term. 🤘

[@jakee8704]

Thanks for the vid 👍👍

[@bruceoronte8696]

Correcto Mr. Raymond, but when a tape is thrown around on the job, the tip tends to get bent therefore changing the measure. If it curves under-shorter on the pull. If bent outward then the measure is longer on the push. In finish we all, measure the same board every morning to check this so we are all measuring the same distance...ie... Cutter vs Installer

[@richardmckrell4899]

The play in the end piece of a tape is there by design so measurements are the same using or not using the hook end. It's hard to believe you guys didn't or still don't know this.

[@jrmarsden1496]

Thanks for the tips doc!

[@nicholasmendoza6159]

I use a belt sander instead of a file for the end boards. 120 and very light pressure with the board right after the wheel in the soft spot. If i am being really picky, i break out the palm router.

[@jgalzate93]

would love to see a video explaining how to grade lumber and how you would do it on a jobsite. @Alzatepainting

[@tonyd4346]

FYI - tape measures are constructed that way on purpose. The movement in the hook thingy is the exact width of the hook thingy itself. This way whether you hook or butt you end with the same measurement.

[@drdecks]

Correct. The verbiage was off in this video. Thanks

[@dennissnider3936]

The hook moves the distance of it's thickness of you hook the measurement pull it tight if you are inside or against an object push it but that's why it moves

[@morokeiboethia6749]

It's solidified to me that I will never be so good as to always have what i need in my belt and never have to climb back down the ladder to get it so my only hope is that jet pack technology will improve to a point where climbing up down ladders/scaffolding will no longer be needed b/c thats much more likely to happen than me having good memory.

[@tututalak]

Good tips, as usual - but the tape hook advice seems off. The hook is designed to slide back and forth the same distance as the thickness of the hook so that a push measurement is equal to a pull measurement. If it's getting off, perhaps the rivet is worn in which case it's time for a new tape.

[@jspann4707]

Really enjoy your videos, wish I had found your channel before I started building my deck, which is my first. I believe I heard you describe ss fasteners as soft, I think brittle is a better description as ss is actually pretty hard. Very easy to strip ss fasteners.

[@kbram7363]

You guys are great

[@jeffherman1640]

Love the videos. You made a comment regarding stainless fasteners. The comment was that stainless is soft!! 100% opposite. It is one of the most toughest metal materials available. Work with stainless all the time and it is a “b - - - h” to work against its natural form.

[@tommychong1173]

That the reason why u never drop your tape an if u do take a quick look at the hook to make sure it's not bent also why u should have two tapes at all times, one on u an another one in the ride

[@hzryr61]

When Andy came on, all I heard was, "Good day ah!"

[@bickford52]

Are you rasping the boards where they meet picture framing boards ? I use a palm router and a very tiny round over after I cut my wild boards with my track saw before installing picture frame - and if that’s not what you were doing it for will you please explain - thank you

[@murphythemenace3307]

I'm guessing he's talking about fascia seams...

[@laserbera19]

Awesome channel 👏👍🙌

[@trshuster]

In your opinion, is Azek one of the nicer materials to work with?

[@drdecks]

trshuster yes. IMO, I like to work with it the most.

[@drdecks]

It's the best.

[@jmrowland68]

instead of rasp try orbital with 120

[@jorgeg2475]

Seems like he would be a good boss. Firm but fair.

[@murphythemenace3307]

Try Knockin them deck gauges off with a hammer...it makes it easier to drive and remove those cortex

[@cjpenning]

I work alone, so I don't need all these communication tricks! Never realized how difficult it could be.

[@derekwilliams4616]

Have you all done a bit on cost estimators and design tools? I am doing more and more decks in the Kansas City metro area and would a love a faster and easier way to get bids together.

[@drdecks]

Not really. I do it the more traditional way. Piece by piece

[@derekwilliams4616]

@@drdecks Same. Thanks for the quick response! I especially appreciated your video using the genie. After watching it I put that wisdom to work on a 6x18 at 24 feet long. Originally i was thinking I was going to have to snake a telescoping fork lift into a place it would never have worked. I can't imagine how that would have all come together without the genie! You guys are awesome.

[@morokeiboethia6749]

Never pull hard on a tape (to the point it starts rocking forward). Just pull until it stops and no more

[@onesavedvoice]

As many comments have already pointed out, you’re mistaken about the hook. Hope you guys have figured this out in the past four years.

[@guydesnoyers8417]

Been "burning an inch" for awhile now but now i know what it's called 😏

[@steamenginewatt2712]

I don't burn anything.... I just call it read the middle of my tape. I do the arithmetic as it suits me.....

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

But the hook moves to accommodate the thickness of the hook.

[@drdecks]

Agreed. Verbiage was wrong in video

[@morokeiboethia6749]

And never buy $5 tape measures from Dollar General b/c your good one bit the dust the previous day. They are not worth a penny b/c the printing of the scales is an entire 1/8" off from where it should be

[@klincoln80]

Love the video guys, but “ heighth” Isn’t the word. Just a pet peeve of mine

[@snarecat3441]

That tape hook is “ loose” by the exact same amount as the thickness of the hook so it’s a wash no matter how you measure - butt or hook ,its pre engineered into the tape measure. No need to do anything about it.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

confusing

[@drdecks]

Indeed

[@Delphisteve]

Don't use screws in framing applications unless they are "exterior" spax anchor bolts made with superior tensile strength that your average screws don't have. Also, joist hangers need to be nailed with joist hanger nails! NOT screws!

[@Dutzk]

Strong tie and mitek both have approved screws