How I square a building (Part 2) Mike Haduck, Footer & Block

How I square a building using Old School techniques, All my videos are my ways and ideas, I always suggest anyone doing any type of work to consult professional help. www.amazon.com...

[@chrismeehan8996]

Love the old school common sense Mike . Thanks for the video .

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Chris, Mike

[@lightningdriver81]

One of the best construction tips I’ve ever seen. Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@arkansas1336]

With the old school ways and new technologies, a building should never be out of square as you can use one system to double check the other system. Sir, keep teaching and passing along your knowledge!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks 13, mike

[@akoznasovajusername]

Mike, all of your 80.000. subscribers are gonna build a very large stone statue of you in Pennsylvania one day to show a gratitude for sharing your knowledge with the world!!

[@doloresm7396]

I strongly agree!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Dino, not me, I am just passing along what I learned from the old timers, thank you, Mike

[@adampark6889]

You are the best Mike! Love the old school methods and love the way you explain things simply

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Adam, I appreciate it, mike

[@dukeman7595]

I like the plywood square way and diagonal measurement way of doing it. I built my two additions on my house that way. I used a water level I made from a hose and a glass bottle to find level for an above ground swinging pool, same as the Egyptians did, very accurate level as water always seeks it's own level.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joseph, I agree, It works, mike

[@freshimpactco.8698]

I love it.... Patience, care and attention, nothing beats it EVER. After comparison of the high tech world of concrete solutions to a very simple basic old school method I was quietly chuckling to myself. For all the fancy ways we can dream up something so basic and simple then turn it into a complicated and expensive way to do the same thing 😂🤣😆👍🏻 Mike's my number 1 go to mason guy all the time. He might not own some high tech equipment but he doesn't need to, real experts don't need to prove themselves, they are the humble quiet ones with bits of plywood, cardboard cutouts and plumb lines lol 😂😅 Sorry Mike for tooting your horn for you, God knows you won't do it so I will mate. 👍🏻😊🙏🏼

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks for the kind words fresh, I appreciate it, Mike

[@T.E.P..]

These tailgate reviews you do on all the vids ... one of my favorite things you do with the vids. It's an absolute delight and a HUGE education. Thanks always Mike!! hope your week is going perfectly and the Muses are inspiring music in your heart and soul

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Thor, I have fun making the videos, but there are a lot of great masons out there, thanks Mike

[@johndillian1018]

Looks at the laser "some how it reads it", lol. I love you Mike!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, Mike

[@johnwargo8990]

Great video Mike. I use both old and new school techniques. But I mostly rely on my construction master calculator for finding diagonals. You can use feet and inches down to 1/64" if necessary. Keep the videos coming !!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks John, mike

[@CForged]

So good Mike! Priceless old school 🏫

[@suep4530]

I like that... one computer blames the other for a mistake lol!! I had an instructor who used to say KISS.. keep it simple stupid. Often the old ways are the best.!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Sue, your right, Mike

[@spanzek]

Another great video Mike! Good job! I agree, the only true way to square is measure and string it out.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Scott, I agree, Mike

[@kevinryan3241]

Appreciate all your great knowledge!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@williamlister5662]

You are awesome mike. Thank you so much for passing on your wisdom!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks william, mike

[@BillWalters77]

Thanks for the video Mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bill, mike

[@poopnapkin]

Thank you Mike. God bless you for sharing your wisdom and your faith...

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks poopnapkin, I appreciate it, mike

[@bladimirorellama9955]

I love this man so much.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, I wish all the wimmin would think that way, lol mike

[@creerornocreer5103]

Simple !! Thank you Mike, brilliant, simple and lot of common sense.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Javier, I appreciate it, mike

[@doloresm7396]

Don't think I'll be squaring a building anytime soon but if someone is willing to share his knowledge you take it and treasure it. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dolores, who knows you may be building a castle some day, happy 4th, mike

[@doloresm7396]

@@MikeHaduck Oh, if only I was building a castle! Hope you're having a safe, happy 4th.

[@darrenharlow3016]

I could listen to you all day mike I am not a builder but your knowledge is very interesting and thanks for sharing it with us

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Darren, I appreciate it, mike

[@clifbrewster8822]

Thanks Mike I need all the help I can get and use and trust that it's right . thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Clif, mike

[@garyd250]

Good job Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks again Gary, mike

[@lendavidhart9710]

You are right! I saw an old square made out of 2x6 it was in a book, the book was carpentry by Townsend, i just looked it up, a Mason's square. I made one sbour a week ago to lay post locations for wooden step i redid it worked great, i told my brother about it, he said i had way too much time on my hands, (wise ass). Thanks for posting, you have great content.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Len, mike

[@FAFOSanders]

I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos keep doing what you’re doing!🧱

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Re, I appreciate it, Mike

[@lashellbrown8502]

Love your videos

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike

[@h.b2029]

Excellent. Very helpful. Thanks. God bless.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi HB, thanks Mike

[@davidjackson5318]

Fantastic mate, I’m old school

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks David, mike

[@mdsloads]

Wow wish I had all your experience and knowledge, good job sir

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike, I am just passing on what I learned from the old timers , thanks mike

[@markdwyer100]

Love the ply square I bought a Stanley one about 10 year ago never let me down

[@psidvicious]

@ mark dwyer - Believe it or not, a steel or aluminum framing square can actually get ‘out of square’. And if it’s old enough, it probably is. Essential Craftsman has a video on YT on how to square it back up. (without using a grinder)

[@markdwyer100]

@@psidvicious thanks for the tip must check that

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks mark, mike

[@psidvicious]

@ mark dwyer - It’s at about ~11:50 into the video. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGK2ZY2MfamWb6M

[@saviotoronto358]

I'm going to have to watch this one again

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Savio, mike

[@kevinryan3241]

Great video!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks again, Mike

[@tykellerman6384]

That works great Mike I still use a water level with a garden hose it never goes out of calibration for foundation work

[@MikeHaduck]

Very true Ty and the batteries never go dead, thanks, Mike

[@mikegibb3331]

THANKS MIKE

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike, Mike

[@ernieforrest7218]

Mike, as you know the most important thing is that the job gets finished properly. There is as they say more than one way to skin a cat, and so long as the final result works out well is all thats important. The advantage of using batter boards is that they remain in place and only require running string lines by the various trades or users. They are used by the excavator to assure the proper dig depth, and that the excavation allows for proper placement of the footing and walls. Once the excavation is complete the footing crew runs the string lines and just drops a plumbob for the corner locations. When the masons show up, same thing, run the string lines drop a plumbob, and drive a nail in the footer for the corner location. Once the excavation and foundation work is complete the batter boards are no longer needed and can be removed. But, the important thing is that you dont have multible people making important decisions, you have only one . And there is no need to have a supervisor present during the various processes to keep things under control, thats what the batter boards are for. I was the layout man for our company. We built hundreds of houses during the years we were in business, and i layed out every one of them. I used a very good surveyor quality transit/level. We insisted on having the property corners properly marked prior to our arrival. We also required a plot plan of the property showing the exact location of the house. That would as a rule be required anyway in order to secure a building permit. With the property corners marked, and the house located on the plot plan, we took full responsibility from that point. And we never had a single issue of any kind with any of them we built. By using a tape i would establish just one exact corner location of the house, drive a stake in the ground and drive a nail in the top part way. I would than set my transit up over that stake with a plumbob exactly over the nail. I would then by using a tape establish another corner, lets say the opposite corner of the front basement wall and drive a nail in top of that stake also. I would line the transit up on that nail, then turn a 90 degree and set another stake with another nail. Then another 90 and another stake with another nail. This method would give 3 of the 4 main corners, and the 4th would be established by taping from those 3. After all the corners were established we would run lines from the nails and do a corner to corner check for square with a tape same as you do. We always set the stakes 10 feet out from the actual corners to allow working room for the excavator. All the rest of the stakeout for establishing any offsets etc. was done by using a tape and measuring from the established corners. There would be a stake and a nail at the exact location for every corner of the building when the stakeout was complete. The transit would be left setup in the same location thruout and used as a level for the whole process. When i retired, the lazers were just starting to become popular. They were only used as leveling devices, and for that purpose they worked well since they only required one man to use them as opposed to 2 men with the transit type levels. Our framing crew and concrete crews had the transit type levels. We never got into the lazers, but some of the subs we used had and used them. Im sure that today they have made many improvements on them, allowing for a wider range of use. With GPS being used today the type of transit i used has become obsolete for surveying purposes. Today a survey crew can be just one man, whereas years back it would be at least 3. But the big question is is the world better off, and is our life any better than when we started out? I personally dont think so, except for the area of health care, and for that we can all be very thankfull. But i could very easily go back to driving my 51 Ford pickup and be just as happy. Provided i could get the damned thing air conditioned. lol Have a great day Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ernie, Mike

[@lazarevic95]

Another great video mike

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ethan, Mike

[@daveylad2]

Thank you Mike for another great vid. One thing to bear in mind with some the new technology lasers levels etc is, if they get knocked about in the back of the van or somebody drops it (and says nothing) they can go out of calibration and you wouldn’t know. Checking with your methods would pick it up. 👍 Top job Mike as always. On a side note, I think someone should tell the Stabila guy he needs to remove his sunglasses when talking to potential customers, eye contact is important if he wants to be trusted. I suppose he could always get a job working for ‘Honest Mike’ 😂

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks David, very true, lol. , Mike

[@d46512]

Dead reckoning uses time and distance traveled from a previous reference point. Your giant sized square does not rely on any references and is the opposite of dead reckoning. Would like to hear more stories from your time in the Navy. Regards from Kevin in Ottawa

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Kevin, mike

[@wmsbbg6624]

awesome mike

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks. mike

[@suttoncoldfield9318]

My career was in CAD (Computer Aided Draughting). My brother wanted to lay a loose gravel back drive, covering quite an area of non-rectangular and non-uniform shape. So we measured up the shape by measuring from point to point. I draughted up the shape and the computer did its sums and said we'll need this number of cubic yards of gravel. However, before we rang in the order, I insisted we get a 100 foot tape and at least just mark out the approximate shape as a number of simple rectangles and add up. Otherwise our order would be based solely on the CAD result, 'and that never goes wrong'. Both methods said we needed 15 and a bit cubic yards. So we ordered 17.

[@MikeHaduck]

Good idea, thanks Mike

[@steve-nr3gn]

Thanks for the info, Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks steve, mike

[@aviterdit525]

I've poured and built many a footing for garages or houses joking about square and level with my workmate, "we'll fix it on the wall plate" we say. Then built the block and brick walls, still joking about square and levels! " we'll fix it on the wall plate. A truss joiner once said the walls were out 5mm! The client rang up to complain. We used it as an advertisement for our ability. Nice upload mike, was that square board your fathers and your fathers fathers. Looks well used.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Avit, your right, very old still works, good story, thanks mike

[@frankdatank2529]

Hey I'm a third generation swimming pool builder and you made the hole already lol ready for forms and rebar lol and then plumbing and inspection lol for gunite

[@psidvicious]

It’s important to note that, just bcz you have equal diagonal measurements, does not mean it’s square. The only way to know what the diagonal measurement is suppose to be is by using the formula - A²+B²=C² - It doesn’t have to be a 3-4-5 or 6-8-10 triangle. The formula works for any numbers you plug into it. It doesn’t get much ‘older school’ than the Pythagorean Theorem.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks psidvicious, Mike

[@daveylad2]

@psidvicious Could you elaborate on the possible situation where the diagonals are equal but the corners are out of square please? I can’t see how that can be possible Unless you’re referring to the persons doing the setting are not holding the tape measure tight, in which case the diagonals are not equal. I’m not being disrespectful just interested to know exactly what you mean.

[@psidvicious]

@ David Kennaugh - Sure. If I could draw a sketch, you would recognize it immediately, but I can’t, so I’ll try to explain. Say you need a 10’x10’x4” conc pad. You cut (2) 2x4s 10’ long and (2) 10’-3” to create your forms. The 10’-3” pieces overlap the 10’ pcs at the corners to create a 10’x10’ inside dimension. Let’s say, in a momentary lapse of concentration, the wrong board was overlapped on one end. Now you have an isosceles trapezoid. One end is 10’, the opposite end is 9’-9” and the 2 sides are 10’-1.5”. Not realizing the error, you pull your diagonals until you get equal dimensions and assume it is correct (without knowing what the diagonal of a 10x10 pad should truly be). Using the formula, you would know that the correct diagonal measurement can only be 14’-1 11/16”. In this oversimplified example, Mikes plywood square would have absolutely caught the problem, IF, you had checked more than 1 corner. Things can get infinitely more complicated in the field. So the point being, if you know the formula, you can ‘square yourself’ in virtually any situation. Sorry for the length. 🤜🤛

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks mike

[@daveylad2]

@psidvicious Thank you for that great explanation 👍. I get it now. Much appreciated 🤜🤛 David

[@paulsautocm]

Love it.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul, Mike

[@warrengraham7461]

Think of all the videos Mike could have made if KZbin was around in his hay day.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Warren, I wish I had a camera back then, thanks Mike

[@MrGurushit]

You’ve got my attention

[@lendavidhart9710]

Your right Mike 3,4,5 method is hard.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Len, mike

[@gibsonbuilds4841]

Trench footings are the worst for layout. Holding two levels, strings,tape measure, pencil and a cut nail. Then once you find your spot... there's a big 3/4" concrete stone in the exact spot u r driving the nail. HORRIBLE....LOL

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Gibson, I hear you, mike

[@AttyMonroe]

Great video.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Taylor, mike

[@autobahnnolimit6397]

I’m inspired! Thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Autobahn, mike

[@hillwalker8741]

I've redone many buildings totally out of square - basically gut and rebuild - so far I've never had the slightest problem - square isn't necessary - the walls go up fine - and just a little thinking on the roof - for the sub-floor square to two opposite walls and work out to the other sides

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Trail Guy, as long as it works, thanks mike

[@christiaanelhorst2355]

So if I'm understanding correctly is that what you're telling us is that overreliance on modern technology is a fool's erand, for without them you are lost at sea without recourse. With old school you calculate with tools that can be remade without too much hassle, in almost every scenario, as long as you have the know-how to do so.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Christian, New stuff is confusing unless you use it everyday, the old school square is a good check and it doesn’t need batteries, lol. Mike

[@illestofdemall13]

@@MikeHaduck The tape measure doesn't need calibration, either. Lol

[@diamoneglass2136]

Stabila 💪🏽🤷🏽🔥🔥🔥

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@mauriliourrieta3909]

Than you sir

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks mauilio,, Mike

[@joedominick7517]

Mike, Horse sense, by Hard Knocks.Love your videos!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joe, I appreciate it mike

[@Eman85515]

Thank you Mike 🥀🌼🥀

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Eman, mike

[@TalksWithRyan]

I got a 4ft x 2ft aluminum drywall T square I use it all the time

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ryan, mike

[@chadmyers4432]

I carry a plywood big boy square on my ladder rack - leave it at home and you’ll need it!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Chad, mike

[@bigears4426]

I used a laser to shoot levels on a wall for tiles , it wasn't accurate the owner said it was calibrated so i held my 1200 level on the marks to show him , then i used the old water level perfect , expensive isn't always better

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Big Ears, I agree, mike

[@RockinBarBRanch]

This is understandable to me every thing else is confusing!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@nultari1]

It’s hip to be square! I spent so many years in math learning trigonometry and now in my civil engineering classes most examples are simple 3-4-5 triangles

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Nultari, I always say anything that works, mike

[@paulrosebrock]

Reminds me of home-Buffalo NY

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul, mike

[@fordguyfordguy]

Hey Mike -in the 6:21 vicinity where you are showing the building original foundation - what goes between the new block and the building? gravel or fill? Thank you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Andrew, usually fill, after it has weight on it, gravel will let the water run through too easily and into the basement, butd everything depends on w j.g at you are doing, Thanks mike

[@whuzzzup]

Could you make a video where you talk a bit about your life? For example the Navy stuff was interesting.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi whuzzzup, some day I will but I don’t think I am that interesting yet, thanks mike

[@nospam-hn7xm]

Another fantastic video, Mike! I'm curious, after watching Parts 1 & 2, what is the cost difference between your plywood square and the computer/software/laser devices? Also, what kind of software does your plywood square use? How often do you have to update it? Thanks!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi nospam, good question, I guess I can say the plywood square needs no updating, no batteries and cost is very low, lol. Thanks mike

[@patrickoneill2599]

Mike From an old bricklayer Old square never wrong . Many times tape read wrong . Carpenters old saying what makes a bricklayer Strong back weak mind . Guess who read it wrong ?

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Patrick, Mike

[@zippythechicken]

that would be a skill that I would love to learn.. how to navigate in the middle of the ocean using the stars... think you could square a house with the stars? :o)

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Zippy, I now they are using satellite for property lines, thanks mike

[@zippythechicken]

@@MikeHaduck maybe the Egyptians used the stars to align the pyramids :o)

[@thylacinenv]

Centuries old knowledge beautifully presented. "The stretching of the cord" ceremony depicted on the Temple of Hathor, Dendera, shows you must have Ancient Egyptian blood coursing through your veins...OH sorry, according to the Internet only aliens could have built the pyramids, not from the planet Zog are you Mike?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Nick, Mars, lol, I appreciate it, mike

[@frankdatank2529]

Yes ur right thats how my great grandfather did it my grandfather and father and brother and cousins and uncles lol and we didnt go to college lol

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Frank, your right that’s how they did it, mike

[@tecunumantonatiu4484]

AI computers blaming each other, when a mistakes happen 😃😅

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, Mike

[@frankdatank2529]

What are you working on Mike

[@aaronfurman8208]

It seems that you can square off a simple footer in minutes compared to hours of plugging in data points on that fancy tech lol.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Aaron, very true, Mike

[@frankdatank2529]

There we go its working lol

[@MikeHaduck]

thanks Frank, mike

[@robertbeckler5058]

You're tool box must be big.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Robert, no I just bring it out when I have to, thanks, Mike

[@frankdatank2529]

Addition to a house or what

[@hmax1591]

Sure, technology is good. Just don't bet your life on it. All of those tools are fine, like a calculator, but what happens when the calculator runs out of battery? Then you don't know how to divide or multiply? not good. This is where young people are missing out on really learning, sure, a tool is a good thing to have to make life easier but to replace the old school knowledge with lasers and modern tools? I don't think is a good idea. Like painting by numbers. It may turn out beautiful but are you a painter? No. Certainly can't call yourself an artist. Thanks mike for teaching us the real old school way.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks H, I appreciate it, Mike

[@samash1704]

But Mike, that big piece of wood is such a hassle to carry around! (sarcasm)

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Sam, I appreciate it, mike

[@frankdatank2529]

I got a broke leg so I'm alway on youtube lol or whatever lol

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Frank , those jobs were last years, I actually can’t pick a block up anymore, mike

[@kevangogh]

I've watched your first video on this subject as well and I still think this method of carrying around a big plywood square is ridiculous and unnecessary. Using your method, you don't even really know what the long corner to corner measurements are, all you are doing is trying to make them "the same" in order to make it square. Instead, before you go on site use pythagorean theorem and find out the long diagonal is, it takes all of 5 minutes max to calculate it. Start at one known corner (the building you are building out from), measure out the diagonal, and holding the tape measure taught, with a long nail make an arc into the ground at that spot. Then move along the building to the other known corner, take your tape measure and come out from the building and using the nail, make an arc into the ground and where the first arc intersects with the second arc is the exact corner. Do this for the other corner. No need to look ridiculous carrying around that big plywood square, lol.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Keven, your right about me looking ridiculous carrying it around and especially on them big high faultin big deal jobs, but a lot of people thanked me when I found their mistakes, thanks mike

[@frankdatank2529]

Ur video aint playing lol