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Flexometre
An essential tool for both�beginners and professionals. A flexible metal measuring rule of varying lengths is hidden inside plastic or metal casing. After use, it slips back into its casing. A lip allows you to hold the rule while you measure and mark. It is very useful for measuring planks of wood to mark down where to cut and it can also be used to measure walls or floors in masonry work. It is used by placing the lip of the rule at the start of the length to be measured, extending the rule and measuring. A decent one should be at least 3 metres long.

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Carpenter's rule
This is usually made of wood, although they are now also found in hard plastic. Divided into parts, the tool bends over itself taking up little space. To use it with precision, you need to extend it fully. It is used to mark one or more cutting points and to signal with hard edges. It is also used in masonry work. The most common ones are 1 to 2 metres long.

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Set square
A metallic rule joined at an angle of 90� (right angle) to another thicker piece that aids attachment to the piece of wood. To mark the angle you need to bring the square to the wood and mark the cutting line with a pencil. Varieties of the set square are the mitre square, to measure angles of� 45�, and the false square, which allows you to trace diverse angles.

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Gauge
A traditional carpenter's tool, the gauge is basically made up of an arm, a steel point with which to mark at one end and a guide or head at the other. It allows you to draw perfect cutting patterns parallel to the edge of straight piece of wood. After having fixed the width of the guide, it is then passed over the edge of the wood and the steel point will mark the line using slight pressure.

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Spirit level and plumb line
Two or more bubbles indicate that a surface is perfectly level horizontally, vertically or at a certain angle, depending on the model. Made of wood or metal, the levels are placed on roofs, floors or walls to check what is required. The bubble should be located exactly halfway between the two indicating marks. If this is not the case, then the position must be adjusted. As it has flat edges it can also be used to check if a piece of wood is warped or not simply by placing it on top. The plumb line measures whether the object is vertical or not. The steel piece enables the cord to measure perfectly whether the object is vertical or not. Then you only need to trace a line on to the wall or piece of furniture with a pencil.