Measuring Hack - Robin's Trade Tricks

[@aspex100]

As a carpenter myself this 'hack' is commonly referred to as a 'story pole/story stick' and is an invaluable (and more importantly reliable) method for transferring measurements.I think it's fantastic that you are sharing such methods but am also somewhat simultaneously alarmed that it highlights that certain techniques such as this, and for example the '3-4-5' method, seem to be somewhat elusive knowledge in today's trades.It never ceases to amaze me as to how many tradesmen I encounter on a daily basis that have no idea of the very fundamentals of making something 'Square,Plumb and True', something which techniques such as these are the very foundation of.I am in my 30's and the son of a bricklayer, who's father was a builder so maybe I'm somewhat biased and have had the benefit of being exposed to such techniques from experienced tradesman, but I consider them not to be 'trade secrets' or 'hacks' but simply essential knowledge to get the job done correctly and efficiently. The amount of 'Builders' who can't set-out a square is actually pretty insane.Greetings from South London and keep up thee good work!

[@danielkvottrup]

3-4-5 aka. Pythagoras Theorem! Such an invaluable tool to have!

[@duncanmacleod7283]

@@danielkvottrup Wrong way around methinks; Pythagoras Theorem; aka 3-4-5. Other most common Pythagorean Triples are (6, 8,10), (5, 12, 13), (9, 12, 15). Indeed there are an infinite number of Pythagorean Triples, so little chance of being stuck for a solution.

[@JimiJo]

I was a Tiler for a decade a lifetime ago Rabin, I must say I Love your consideration of other trades. Top Bloke.

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Excellent tutorial on the use of sticks...So much easier than jotting down measurements and trying to re-map them in your head. Thanks for sharing.👍

[@MrSammyse]

I love the artistic snowman... And with the back light, very atmospheric!

[@lennykelly9952]

Great tip Robin,I knew an old Carpenter who always measured by a piece of stick he said it never lied and he was deadly accurate.

[@danielmiller2977]

We call those story boards here in the states. Your the best! Thanks for the great tips! I've learned a lot from you and I have been doing this for a long time.

[@jamesturley4067]

Excellent channel well done Robin especially for the clear instructions. I was able to use your video on internal door fitting to great effect. Thanks.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Thanks Robin, these measuring tricks videos are really useful.

[@9720miller]

What a great video. Skill builder is like a free college to learn new skills. After watching Roger install the Abacus Bathroom from scratch I had the confidence and knowledge to give it a go myself, it turned out perfect. As I tiler I never really had the confidence to do the joinery side of things, but after watching the video a few times I felt I could do it and did.

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks Lee Watching that video a few times takes some doing. I am really glad that it turned out so well. I believe the attitude and skill you bring to one trade can get you a long way in another. It will take longer than someone who does it day in day out but the speed is far less important than having a job you are happy with. Sadly when you get someone in to do the job it is not always a happy outcome.

[@9720miller]

Skill Builder not wrong there at all. I have seen some hellish thing going into Re tiling people’s bathrooms, why people don’t tank showers is beyond me, that’s the most common problem I see, tiles straight onto plaster board in a shower enclosure.

[@jimcraiggeezer]

All apprentices should subscribe to this channel... They will learn a lot.

[@thomascoyne157]

Handy tip 👌👍 will be starting bathroom to in large it and fit a walk in shower once I find the right shower tray.

[@superlazy3355]

Mr clev has had his head planed! Looking good sir!

[@casperme6552]

I think for that wall you've donee it the best way, but one other way of doing it- Set your laser to the centre of the cutout, pipe etc. Then put your board into position. You then have a perfect centre line projected onto your board, which as long as you have set your laser correctly (and haven't kicked it whilst putting the board into place😖), cannot be wrong. Mark the laser point with a marker, and you're done. This doesn't work as well if you have pipes sticking out of the wall, I use it for marking electrical cutouts etc. Even after 30 years (this year) of sparkying, I still can't use a tape measure to save my life😖 Thanks for the great videos👍

[@JohnDoe-jx2oq]

Man Robin does some rely precise work. You're hard pressed to find any trades in my area that seem to care anymore.

[@tomsmith9048]

You can find good tradesmen really good ones we just charge more than people are willing to pay and the lower the income a house has their not willing to pay for good materials ect

[@JohnDoe-jx2oq]

@@tomsmith9048 I know Tom, getting people to pay is a big issuue. I constantly hear "I just want it like Mike Holmes would do it" but with no apparent concept that it has to be paid for.

[@tomsmith9048]

@@JohnDoe-jx2oq for me its trying to get them to understand that good jobs need quality materials and take time to get the required results

[@harveysmith100]

Brilliant tip. Thanks Robin

[@pauldunne9437]

Might give that elements boards a shot when i do my bathroom at the end of the year. Very tidy job

[@SkillBuilder]

Robin is a convert. He had to use it first.

[@pauldunne9437]

@@SkillBuilder looks a lot easier to cut than the hardie backer that i just done my fathers bathroom in. I have now watched your past videos on other projects. Definitely using it when i do my bathroom

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Simple but very effective 👌🏼. Very satisfying when you pushed the board home and it was all snug 👌🏼🧱👍🏼

[@SkillBuilder]

Did you catch him making excuses in case it went wrong. Covered himself

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Skill Builder 😂😂. Golden rule in the building trade ..... Always have an excuse ready 😳😂🧱👍🏽

[@liamjh8167]

Great techniques mate, you can tell you take a lot of pride in your work 👍🏻. Unfortunately though in this country PRESSURE dictates standards, we are obsessed with DEADLINES on building sites, so the majority of tradesman who are good would do a great job if they had the time but they haven’t! I worked in Switzerland for a while an they don’t allow price work in the building games because they don’t want a rushed finish, I wish the uk was the same.

[@jamiegibson1010]

Liam. You should work in Australia. The volume builders are absolutely rubbish. It's an embarrassment to the trade teachers and those who take pride in their work. Their so called supervisors are expected to look after up to 30 builds at a time. Owners are now having to pay private building inspectors to supervise their build because of the low standard. I'm getting out of the trade, carpentry, because of it.

[@pordie1883]

My lecturer said to me "the best way to measure is not to measure" we were all abit like "huh ? That makes no sense" but after being on the job more I now realise he was right haha

[@geraldjean8501]

Excellent thanks 👍.

[@andybrace4983]

Great work yet again Robin

[@davehunter6920]

flipping impressive mate

[@arfurfoxhaike]

Hi Robin, can you please tell me, if a problem arises with any of the components behind the Elements backer board sheet that you have just installed, does it mean that the whole lot including tiles will have to be removed to gain access for any kind of repair or attention. i.e. leaking or malfunction of the cistern, waste ,water valves etc ?

[@samprior9127]

The cistern is designed to be maintained by entry from behind the button cover

[@george5022]

ingenious, absolutely brill, thanks Robin

[@vdub8481]

Nice work robin

[@mickmorgan5104]

I call this method RODDING , cheers Robin, TOP BLOKE, your top man on roofing, TAKE CARE and STAY SAFE, cheers Mick. love your videos.

[@xsbxsbxsb]

Hi Robin, have you looked at coloured (refill) pencil leads for the Pica-Dry Markers? They fit in other pens too if the diameter is right. I love the yellow for marking darker boards.

[@johnyearsley7970]

Thank you Robin excellent video. What laser do you use as a recommendation. Scottish John.

[@christopherkennedy314]

Great tip. Love SkillBuilder content😉

[@AnatikEbok]

“All I use is a couple bits of timber....” brings out the laser... smh

[@samprior9127]

🤣

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

I use a cheap self-levelling laser I bought in Lidls... as a DIYr, I find it invaluable for all sorts of jobs... marking plasterboard stud positions is a favourite... Oh yeah... €30 ... if ya can't afford that, you have bigger problems.. 🙄

[@bonym371]

....the laser!😂

[@richardsedorski1206]

Well done you are some man BRILL.

[@800Viffer]

Does it matter if it has been uploaded before. Nobody is forced to watch it all the way through (again) I for one think it is ingenious. There may be experienced DiYers or professional tradesmen who knew but not everyone will. Well done Robin. Ignore the whingers

[@rodgerq]

Like the proverbial glove 👌

[@cyberphox1]

Attention to detail 👍👍

[@handle1196]

Do you need these boards for a shower even if its being used with the 8x4 waterproof shower sheets?

[@SkillBuilder]

No you don't have to have them if the shower walls are watertight

[@marknadin770]

Hi Robin what laser level would you recomend for a diyer cheers not to much.

[@danthechippie4439]

Very nice video as always. What type of board are you using and do those washers set flush after fixing the board to the stud?

[@SkillBuilder]

Elements board from Abacus and you can drive the screws in to dish the washers if you like.

[@mickspencer4171]

Brilliant tip, I wish my DIY looked like that lol.

[@tomrolfe3702]

Hi Robin, Bosch do a multi drill bit that goes through wood, masonary and steel now. T.hey are excellent and would solve you problem if the shower support fixings clashed with your board fixings

[@KC08RAS]

Don't need a tape measure but need a fucking laser level. Lol that was funny.

[@SaintCoemgen]

I just dab on some transfer chalk to the surface of the longest producing hardware, place the panel against the straight wall where it will be affixed, then tap the panel slightly to transfer the mark, cut out, and repeat for the next longest producing hardware. At each step the existing cutouts help align the next cutout position.

[@SkillBuilder]

Nice tip

[@bradjones5266]

Is transfer chalk powdered chalk or something else? Is there a brand name you use? Thank you🙏

[@SaintCoemgen]

@@bradjones5266 I use standard construction grade chalk used in "snap lines". Put into a small bag made from porous cloth. And dab onto the fixture. Press the wall to it. This method is actually a centuries old method of doing a transfer. Hope this helps.

[@bradjones5266]

Saint Coemgen thanks for your reply. I will try it. Just what I was looking for. Thank you😊

[@smokingcheeba420]

I always did this using wood glue. Its what I had in my belt

[@mikelacey9384]

I hate you "Butler" -- every time it's spot on -- nice job and more learning

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Your glasses work then! 😂😂 Spot on 👍👍👍👍

[@robertbamford8266]

Pride! Well deserved.

[@Trevor_Austin]

I have a little question - You have fitted isolators to the sink supply pipes. How will anybody get to them now that you have enclosed them in the cavity behind the walling?

[@SkillBuilder]

There is access from the boiler room

[@QuinnEdwards1]

Houdini. Would also love to see the plumber’s face!

[@archiebob11]

20 👎 ? Thanks for sharing these great tips 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@paul1982100]

Good video thanks for upload

[@loocstac]

Looks really smart and neat, almost a shame to cover it up with the tiles. What is the reason to stick the board to the timber with mastic.

[@ukconstruction]

belt and braces!!!

[@SkillBuilder]

You don't have to use the mastic. Having screws and washers allows timber studs to shrink without pulling the board around.

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Nice job.....what type of board are you using?

[@ukconstruction]

It's called elements board from Abacus Manufacturing

[@Smartsparky]

Like this idea.

[@FishingMadDad]

Great tips

[@philnash1643]

The pieces of wood are called story sticks.

[@eb5ua]

Good job!

[@aerial_camera_video_imaging]

Thank you

[@rocket1949]

That’s impressive. Thanks.

[@bigmonkey999888]

Hi Robin, what is the board called please? Forgive my ignorance Steve

[@SkillBuilder]

Elements board from Abacus bathrooms. We have lots of bathroom installation videos where it is used.

[@gennadiyberemovich3961]

you are amazing

[@thomaskitchin3517]

Apologies gonna highjack this... Clocked the stack of reisser screws in one of the shots. Currently doing the Pepsi challenge with spax myself 🤣😁. Reisser way cheaper but just find spax that little better - however not sure worth the extra anymore as the reisser also excellent?!

[@barryford7135]

I use a rod that I run round a bathroom to get my tile spacing right.

[@pawandhiman2738]

Hello sir What you call these board Which one you fixed on shower walls?

[@SkillBuilder]

Elements from Abacus. Check out Rubberduck Bathrooms for supplies of the boards and fixings

[@antonoat]

When can you start? lol. Great job. cheers.

[@richardgmale2913]

honestly this might work for wood/ply but for the elements boards just line them up - give them a little "whack" then there in a perfect imprint mark to cut out - takes 2 mins

[@Steve-jh6oz]

Why do you use half inch flexis to the concealed basin mixer mate

[@SkillBuilder]

They are integral. Not great but he has access from the plant room.

[@jordanlamb6102]

I'd of gone for soldered male irons if the flexies are integral

[@identitywithheld1027]

Appreciated

[@xCoolBreezex]

Top notch

[@jimichip]

Good hack, I like it!

[@gennadiyberemovich3961]

there is boys fighting on the streets, and there is martial arts masters. There is a builders, and there is a Builders

[@naz41]

What lazer are you using?

[@hoppy1970]

Is that a full sheet cut in half? 1200 x 1200

[@ukconstruction]

Yes

[@MrFastfreddie19]

Top tips

[@paulsilcox4210]

Do you guys every journey to Wales to work? We suffer from poor quality builders in my home town, gentlemen of your caliber could clean up!

[@SkillBuilder]

We aren't allowed into Wales.

[@shaw4020]

Would fabricator's chalk be any good

[@brianwild4640]

by the time you had moved your lazer I could have drawn that and put all the measurements on my plan lol. looked good tho

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Then from the plan, (produced from your speedy gonzalez measuring) you would have to transfer the measurements to the board. Use a rod, then you dont repeat measurements!

[@brianwild4640]

@@gbwildlifeuk8269 the point was even with measuring twice i would be quicker and I ant even a speedy I know many faster then me

[@kylecroft5807]

This is a great hack lads, cool trick from robin and I’m not having a go but didn’t you post this video about a month ago??? Suppose no harm in re posting but just letting you know🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@SkillBuilder]

Robin put it out on his channel first.

[@alliedfroth]

Did you glue the board to the studs also?

[@SkillBuilder]

You don't need to but he did. They have had a few earthquakes in his area.

[@goatsears]

What happens if you need to change the flush valve?

[@ukconstruction]

The system is fully serviceable from behind the flush plate

[@mikehall6433]

Have I seen this before

[@jackhines3747]

mike hall I’m sure robin first put in on his own channel

[@mikehall6433]

@@jackhines3747 yer I know, trying to be cheeky lol

[@nigelking8514]

Story rod, old as time

[@SkillBuilder]

@@nigelking8514 it is true. Long before tapes there were rods and yardstick.

[@danielbathrooms3595]

What's the back glue you're using?

[@SkillBuilder]

you don't need it

[@ukconstruction]

It's a polymer, i like using this type of adhesive and its sole purpose is to grab the board and hold it while I fix it and flatten out any slight uneven studs etc

[@danielbathrooms3595]

Robin Clevett belt and braces, I’m into it.

[@derekt7606]

One tip get at least one bath with handles ready for old age. 👷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@TheRealFOSFOR]

Using a stick to mark the places to cut is nice and clear... but when you think about it. A measuring tape is exactly like the stick apart from, the tape has all the markings already printed on it. You just have to pick out the right ones... aka write down the numbers you need to use. PS: Sometimes on jobs where I need to remember a specific measurement to transfer to a lot of places, I just mark on the tape itself with a felt tip marker.

[@nathan87]

Yeah, at first glance it does seem like the tape should work just as well, and often there really is nothing wrong with using it. But in other instances a piece of wood is the better choice. The problems with a tape are 1. You can misremember or even misread numbers (particularly if you're trying to remember several at once) 2. You have to hold the tape at one end, so you can't always have your eyes in line with the thing you're marking, resulting in inaccurate measurements 3. The tape is flexible and prone to collapsing - sometimes you end up faffing around trying to keep it straight.

[@beeldhouwerijvanvelzen1533]

I've used that trick for years when copying sculpture and ornaments. It's true, much better than remembering numbers, plus you can transfer multiple measurings at once. Excellent demonstration Robin. I also prefer calipers and compasses over tape measures in many cases, and transparent plastic sheets work fine as well for irregular shapes (see kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWnfGyGirCWldU). Much less room for error. I don't quite remember who taught me that trick, I often think that I found out by myself, but that's probably not true.

[@achr8533]

Like it ✅ nice one, thanks

[@Viktorovic345]

Hi everybody. Old but gold Robin In Germany every good carpenter is using this method ;D I‘m wondering what kind of boards these are? Never seen something like this on my sites.

[@SkillBuilder]

Elements boards from Abacus Bathrooms try Rubberduck Bathrooms for good price

[@vkeshelya]

Once tiled how do you get access to toilet water tank for service ?

[@ukconstruction]

Yes from the flush plate

[@cuttheknot4781]

Robbin starts off saying that he "wants to show you a little tip".

[@Palo-jm7xc]

How come the re-upload?

[@SkillBuilder]

It was on Robin's channel.

[@davidosullivan3432]

Can you do it without the laser..?..

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes just use a spirit level.

[@lewisbullock3349]

Is this a re-upload? seems familiar

[@SkillBuilder]

It went out on Robin's channel but this is a better edit.

[@andrewcockburn412]

Flexi pipes going to be tiled over? Would have been quicker to measure out.

[@southdevonhomes-jonnystand4039]

What makes me laugh is the 43 ppl who don’t like this video, how can you do anything different or better. These haters are just jealous. Great video top work.

[@SkillBuilder]

Tape measure manufacturers hate story sticks

[@herjenderlally4795]

Hopefully in my next life . I will be a Carpenter.

[@r13gbs]

Deja vu

[@tobybeswick36]

You could've hacked it all out and it wouldn't been seen after the tiling, but doing the tricky cuts on the backerboard means it'll pretty much be second nature doing it on the finish pieces like tiles or wood, and you never really struggle like the person who hacked it all out would have done

[@UberAlphaSirus]

Vu ja de!! Only because you said about pencil not showing well. I need to buy china markers again.

[@ruairigoat]

You men have alot of very good content but my god this is a load a co☆k if l ever did see it. The boarding square was a game changer for me lol. Still dropped a like lol

[@UnstoppableTramp]

All you need is two pieces of wood! (And a laser level)

[@brianmcsweeney7441]

nice work. Those buried cisterns are a bad idea.

[@SkillBuilder]

Not so. Have a look at our video on servicing. No tools needed

[@christophergraham1857]

Aka story stick

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Or a rod, which is what he said.

[@christophergraham1857]

@@gbwildlifeuk8269 yes or also known as a story stick depending where you come from

[@tombaker3794]

My "Story Stick" approach is very similar to this, but my story stick is marked off in inches and fractions of an inch.

[@justicecase19]

We call it rods stick where we come from.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

@@christophergraham1857 well where he comes from theyre called rods, cos thats what he said!

[@GripK]

Гибкая подводка за зашитой стеной в плитке...это нормально? И разъемное соединение вообще без доступа. Неужели нельзя жесткой трубой до смесителя дойти? ЖЕСТЬ.