20 Marking Hacks Every DIYer Should Know

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Use the Right Marker

We’ve talked a lot about the tools that help us find our marks, but now it’s time to turn our eyes to the things that literally mark our projects. A simple hack to make life easier is to keep a variety of instruments on hand.

Pencils are great for many purposes, but depending on the softness and shade of the lead, they can be too faint to see on some material. Sharpie markers work great and are easy to see, but while they may be tempting to use on surfaces such as drywall, keep in mind that if you plan to paint over the marks, you’ll likely need to seal with a special primer and possibly paint multiple coats in order to cover up those marks. Pens have a nice, narrow line and don’t need to be sharpened, but they can’t take abuse the way a trusty pencil can, and (like a marker) they can’t be easily erased. Lastly, if you are working with a gloss-finish material such as PVC or ceramic tile, consider keeping a grease pencil around so that your marking will be clear and easily removed. For more on marking tile, see How to Make Precision Cuts With a Diamond Tile Saw.

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Plumbs, Bobs and Levels

Learn how to use plumbs, bobs and levels in order to make the most of your marking process. By using these tools effectively, you’ll be able to mark out your project quickly and get to the real work of assembly. And sometimes a simple hack can make things even easier! An inexpensive keychain laser can be modified into a plumb bob with a bit of sturdy string, and just like that, you’re ready to make your mark! For more detail on this topic ,our article, Plumb Bobs and Levels: An Essential Guide is a great place to start.

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Smarter Graph Paper

One of the best ways to make sure you have your design clear, especially if you have to convey your concept to someone else, is to draw it out. But it can be hard to transfer a three-dimensional concept onto a two-dimensional surface, even with graph paper and drawing aides. Luckily, this hack makes the planning stage go much smoother! Isometric drawing pads supplement standard graph paper grids with diagonal lines. This makes it much easier to represent the true form of your project on paper, and you don’t need an art degree to do it.

This product is especially useful when planning out a large or complicated project like a whole house remodel. If you’re in the planning stages, here are 20 helpful tips for planning a successful house Remodel.