As we contemplated additional needs in the contracting trade, we realized that a metal panel was sometimes challenging to mark without a helper and did not always get marked correctly. The Ridge-L9, Ridge-L, and Ridge-LSS series came to mind. These tools allow one person to mark a line on a full panel, up to a 12/12 pitch, and maintain the same angle from panel to panel. Only the long or short measurement is needed to line up the mark for the next panel.

Other methods are to use a board or long level to act as the straightedge, but two people are needed. You put marks at each edge and use a chalk line or a pencil to mark the panel. Many contractors have told us about being off on the line by “only a little bit,” and that ruined the sheet of metal they were using.

Crisp, clean lines and consistency is the secret to having an attractive building. “If you can build my neighbors to look that good, I want you to build one for me also,” music to a contractors’ ears.

The Ridge-L9 is one of our metal roofing tools used for metal panels that have a 9″ rib spacing on them. This is because the bottom of the body is milled to fit over the rib on the metal panel. Additional panel profiles are on the market, and we are working on tools to fill those needs.