WO2019036807A1

WO2019036807A1 - Magnetic steel framing and construction tools, methods and combinations

Info

Publication number: WO2019036807A1
Application number: PCT/CA2018/051013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albert DOMOSLAI; Peter Domoslai; Bryce Borgel
Original assignee: Tezyzy Inc.
Priority date: 2017-08-22
Filing date: 2018-08-22
Publication date: 2019-02-28
Also published as: CA2976939A1

Abstract

Various steel framing tools are disclosed, that use magnets to achieve various functions. A stud spacing tool or jig adheres by magnet to a stud track or stud. A lifting pole with magnets is provided to raise and position a ceiling or wall top stud track. A magnetic beam square is provided to square beam used in a drop ceiling. A magnetic expansion joint tool is provided.

Description

MAGNETIC STEEL FRAMING AND CONSTRUCTION TOOLS, METHODS AND

COMBINATIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This document relates to magnetic steel framing and construction tools, methods, and combinations.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various tools may be used during steel frame and ancillary forms of construction.

Framing tools exist with magnets to affix the square to a metal surface. Steel tracks are lifted manually into place against a ceiling or positioned on a ground surface to receive a plurality of metal wall studs. Drywall or other paneling is secured over the frame. Expansion joints are incorporated between adjacent drywall panels by measuring the width or using a plywood spacer prior to secure the panels in place relative to one another. A drop ceiling may be installed above the metal wall frame using conventional squares, clamps, and measuring tools.

SUMMARY

[0003] A metal-stud spacing tool is disclosed comprising: a body; opposed metal-stud- contacting parts at respective ends of the body and spaced to, in use, separate a pair of metal-studs within a metal-stud track, by a pre-determined on-center installation separation distance; and a metal-stud-or- metal-stud-track-adhering magnet mounted to the body.

[0004] A metal-stud spacing tool is disclosed comprising: a body; opposed stud-contacting surfaces that are defined by the body and spaced to, in use, separate a pair of studs by a pre-determined separation distance; and a magnet positioned on the body to adhere the body to a stud track or one of the pair of studs.

[0005] A combination is disclosed comprising: a metal-stud track; a first metal-stud secured in the metal-stud track; a second metal-stud positioned in the metal-stud track; and a metal-stud spacing tool with the metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnet adhered to one or more of the first metal-stud, the second metal-stud, or the metal-stud track, with the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts contacting the first metal-stud and the second metal-stud to space the first metal-stud and the second metal-stud by the pre-determined on-center installation separation distance.

[0006] A method is disclosed comprising: securing a first metal-stud in a metal-stud-track; positioning a metal-stud spacing tool within or on the metal-stud track with a first part of the metal-stud spacing tool in contact with a web of the first metal-stud, such that a magnet on the metal-stud spacing tool adheres the metal-stud spacing tool to one or both the metal-stud track or first metal-stud; and positioning a second metal-stud in contact against a second part of the metal-stud spacing tool to space the first metal-stud and the second metal-stud apart by a pre-determined on-center installation separation distance.

[0007] A metal-stud track positioning tool is disclosed comprising: an elongate body; and a plurality of magnets mounted to, and spaced at various longitudinal positions along, the elongate body for adhering the metal-stud track positioning tool to a metal-stud track in use.

[0008] A combination is disclosed comprising: a metal-stud track positioning tool and a metal- stud track adhered to the plurality of magnets of the metal-stud track positioning tool.

[0009] A method is disclosed comprising: mounting a metal-stud track to a magnet mounted to an elongate body; positioning the metal-stud track adjacent a working surface using a handle extended from the elongate body; and securing the metal-stud track to the working surface.

[0010] A drop ceiling beam square is disclosed comprising: a first blade; a second blade perpendicular to the first blade; and a drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnet.

[0011] A combination is disclosed comprising: a main beam with a main beam flange and a main beam stem; a cross tee contacting the main beam and having a cross tee flange and a cross tee stem; and a drop ceiling beam square with the first blade contacting the main beam and the second blade contacting the cross tee to square the main beam and the cross tee with the drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnet securing the drop ceiling beam square to one or both the main beam and the cross tee.

[0012] A method is disclosed comprising: mounting a square to a main beam of a drop ceiling using a magnet, such that a first blade of the square contacts the main beam tee; and positioning a cross tee against a second blade of the square, with the second blade oriented perpendicular to the first blade to square the cross tee relative to the main beam.

[0013] A wall panel expansion joint spacing tool is disclosed comprising: a handle part; a spacer part extended from the handle part and having a cross-sectional profile defined by opposed wall-panel- contacting surfaces that are spaced to, in use, separate a pair of wall panels by a pre-determined expansion joint distance; and a magnet on the spacer part.

[0014] A combination is disclosed comprising: a metal wall frame member; a pair of dry wall panels in contact with the metal wall frame member adjacent one another within a common plane; and the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 75 - 84 adhered by the magnet to the metal wall frame member, with the spacer part contacting and separating respective edges of the pair of drywall panels to define an expansion joint between the pair of drywall panels.

[0015] A method is disclosed comprising: mounting a spacer part of an expansion joint spacing tool to a metal wall frame using a magnet; positioning a pair of drywall panels within a common plane and on either side of the spacer part, such that respective edges of the pair of drywall panels abut opposed sides of the spacer part to define an expansion joint between the respective edges; and securing the pair of drywall panels in position relative to one another and the metal wall frame. [0016] In various embodiments, there may be included any one or more of the following features: The body is formed of a sheet of material. The sheet of material is sheet metal. The metal-stud- or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnet is mounted on a tab that is bent out of the sheet of material. The tab comprises a plurality of tabs; and the metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnet comprises a plurality of metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnets each mounted on a respective tab of the plurality of tabs. The metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnet comprises a metal-stud-adhering magnet. The metal-stud-adhering magnet forms one of the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts. The metal-stud-adhering magnet comprises a plurality of metal-stud-adhering magnets. The metal-stud-or- metal-stud-track-adhering magnet comprises a metal-stud-track-adhering magnet. A metal-stud-track- contacting part on a lateral side of the body between the respective ends. The metal-stud-track-contacting part comprises a metal-stud-track-flange-edge-contacting surface. The metal-stud-track-contacting part comprises a metal-stud-track-flange-face-contacting surface. The metal-stud-track-flange-face-contacting surface comprises a metal-stud-track-flange-inside-face-contacting surface. The metal-stud-or-metal-stud- track-adhering magnet defines the metal-stud-track-flange-inside-face-contacting surface. The metal-stud- track-contacting part and the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts form a metal-stud-square. The metal- stud-track-contacting part defines a stud-contacting plane that is perpendicular to respective track- contacting planes defined by the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts. The opposed metal-stud-contacting parts are metal-stud-track-web-contacting parts. The respective ends face away from each other and are terminal ends of the body that define a maximum axial length of the body therebetween. Each of the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts comprise a metal-stud-web-contacting finger sized and positioned to fit, in use, within an internal cavity defined between opposed flanges and a web of either of the pair of metal-studs. The body comprises a metal-stud-track -opposed-pair-of-flange-edges-bridging part. One of the respective ends is located on the metal-stud-track-opposed-pair-of-flange-edges-bridging part. The body comprises a metal-stud-track-single-flange-edge cantilever part that in use contacts a metal-stud- track-flange-edge and extends partially across an interior cavity defined by opposed flanges and web of the metal-stud-track. One of the respective ends is located on the metal-stud-track -flange-edge cantilever part. The body comprises an intermediate part whose ends mount the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts, with the intermediate part being laterally offset from a metal-stud-track axis defined by the respective ends to define, with the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts, an equipment-inside-the-wall- frame receiving bight. The intermediate part and opposed metal-stud-contacting parts collectively form a C-shaped inside edge profile. The pre -determined on-center installation separation distance is twelve inches, sixteen inches, or twenty -four inches or greater. The metal-stud spacing tool comprises a metal- stud-track-contacting part on a lateral side of the body between the respective ends, and the metal-stud spacing tool has a first configuration where a base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, a first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, a second opposed metal- stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts a first flange of the metal-stud track. The metal-stud spacing tool has a second configuration where the base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal- stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts a second flange of the metal-stud track. The metal- stud spacing tool has a third configuration where a top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal- stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts the first flange of the metal-stud track. The metal-stud spacing tool has a fourth configuration where the top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud- contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts the second flange of the metal-stud track. In the first configuration, the second configuration, third configuration and fourth configuration, the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts an outside face of a respective one of the first flange and the second flange. The metal-stud spacing tool has a fifth configuration where the base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal- stud-track-contacting part contacts an inside face of the first flange. The metal-stud spacing tool has a sixth configuration where the base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud- contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts an inside face of the second flange. The metal-stud spacing tool has a seventh configuration where the top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal- stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts the inside face of the first flange of the metal-stud track. The metal-stud spacing tool has an eighth configuration where the top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal- stud-track-contacting part contacts the inside face of the second flange of the metal-stud track. Securing the second metal-stud to the metal-stud track. The magnet comprises: a first magnet that adheres to the metal-stud track; and a second magnet that adheres to the first metal-stud or the second metal-stud. A handle extended from the elongate body. The handle comprises a pole. A handle connector part mounted to or defined by the elongate body. The handle connector part comprises a threaded handle-receiving bore. The plurality of magnets is mounted to a face of the elongate body. The plurality of magnets collectively define a metal-stud-track-contacting plane. The plurality of magnets and elongate body are structured to fit, in use, at least partially within an interior cavity defined between a web and opposed side flanges of a metal-stud track. The plurality of magnets is structured to adhere to an inside face of the web of the metal-stud track in use. The plurality of magnets is positioned on respective feet of a plurality of feet mounted to or forming part of the elongate body. The elongate body comprises a beam that defines a longitudinal axis of the metal-stud track positioning tool, with the plurality of feet extended laterally relative to the beam. The elongate body and plurality of feet are formed from a sheet of material, with the plurality of feet defined by tabs bent out from the sheet of material. The tabs are bent laterally outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The beam comprises a channel beam. The plurality of magnets comprises plural sets of two or more magnets, with the plural sets each located at respective longitudinal positions along the elongate body. Each of the plural sets of two or more magnets comprises first and second magnets spaced in opposite respective lateral directions from a plane defined parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body. For each set of two or more magnets: one of the first and second magnets comprises a relatively weak magnet; the other of the first and second magnets comprises a relatively strong magnet; and in which the location of the relatively strong magnet as one of the first and second magnet and the relatively weak magnet as the other of the first and second magnet alternates across adjacent pairs of sets of two or more magnets. The elongate body has a length, defined along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, of four feet or more. The working surface comprises a ceiling. The working surface comprises a top of a wall frame. Securing comprises applying a fastener through the metal-stud track into the working surface. After securing the metal-stud track, disconnecting the elongate body and magnet from the metal-stud track. Adhering further comprises inserting the elongate body and magnet into an interior cavity defined between a web and opposed side flanges of the metal-stud track. The first blade has a first-beam-flange-contacting part; and the second blade has a second-beam-flange- contacting part. The first-beam-flange-contacting part comprises a first-beam-flange-face-contacting part and a first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder; and the second-beam-flange-contacting part comprises a second-beam-flange-face-contacting part and a second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder. A first rail that defines the first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder; and a second rail that defines the second- beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder; and in which the first rail and second rail both extend out of a first face or a second face of the drop ceiling beam square. The first blade and the second blade are collectively formed from a sheet of material; and the first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder and the second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder are defined by tabs that are bent out from the sheet of material relative to the first blade or the second blade, respectively. The drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnet comprises: a first magnet that defines the first-beam-flange-face-contacting part; and a second magnet that defines the second-beam-flange-face-contacting part. The first blade has a first-beam-stem- contacting part; and the second blade has a second-beam-stem-contacting part. An outer edge, which is collectively defined by the first-beam-stem-contacting part and the second-beam-stem-contacting part, defines an L-shaped profile. The drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnet comprises a plurality of drop- ceiling-beam-adhering magnets, with one or more of the plurality of drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnets being mounted on the first blade and one or more of the plurality of drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnets being mounted on the second blade. An outer corner junction between the first blade and the second is indented. An arm, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam-contacting-tip of the arm relative to the first blade or second blade, along an arm axis that is parallel to an axis of the first blade or second blade. The arm is mounted to slide relative to the first blade or the second blade. A second magnet located on or adjacent the beam-contacting-tip of the arm. The arm comprises: a first arm, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam -contacting-tip of the first arm relative to the first blade, along a first arm axis that is parallel to an axis of the first blade; and a second arm, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam-contacting-tip of the second arm relative to the second blade, along a second arm axis that is parallel to an axis of the second blade. The spacer part comprises a beam. The cross-sectional profile is rectangular and extends with uniform shape at least part way along a longitudinal expansion joint axis of the beam. A wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part between the handle part and the spacer part. The wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part comprises a plate that defines a wall-panel-front- surface-contacting plane that is parallel to a longitudinal expansion joint axis of the spacer part. The wall- panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part extends in opposed lateral directions on either side of the spacer part. The wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part defines fastener guide passages that extend from an external face to a wall-panel-front-surface-contacting face of the wall-panel-front-surface- contacting-flange part. The magnet comprises a plurality of magnets spaced in a longitudinal direction along the spacer part. The cross-sectional profile is defined collectively by a spacer part tip and the opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces, and the magnet is located on the spacer part tip. The handle part comprises a U-shaped hand grip whose ends are connected to the spacer part. Securing further comprises inserting fasteners through one or both of the pair of dry wall panels and into the metal wall frame.

Fasteners are inserted through fastener guide passages in the expansion joint spacing tool. The expansion joint spacing tool comprises a flange part that extends on opposed sides of the spacer part to contact respective front faces of both of the pair of drywall panels. After securing, withdrawing the expansion joint spacing tool from the expansion joint. The body has a top face and a base face, and the tab is oriented perpendicular to the top face and base face. The magnet is mounted to adhere to the metal-stud track in use.

[0017] These and other aspects of the device and method are set out in the claims, which are incorporated here by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures, in which like reference characters denote like elements, by way of example, and in which:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a metal-stud spacing tool.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1.

[0022] Fig. 4A is a plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1 positioned in a first configuration on a track and between two studs, with the position of a column and a utility conduit shown in dashed lines, and with metal-studs shown in a first orientation (solid lines) and a second orientation (dashed lines).

[0023] Fig. 4B is a plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1 positioned in a second configuration on a track and between two studs, and with metal-studs shown in a first orientation (solid lines) and a second orientation (dashed lines).

[0024] Fig. 5 is an end elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1 positioned in the configuration of Fig. 4A (track shown in solid lines) and in the configuration of Fig. 4B (track shown in dashed lines), with the metal-studs omitted for clarity.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1 positioned in a third configuration on a track and between two studs, and with metal-studs shown in a first orientation (solid lines) and a second orientation (dashed lines).

[0026] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1 positioned in a third configuration on a track and between two studs, and with metal-studs shown in a first orientation (solid lines) and a second orientation (dashed lines).

[0027] Fig. 8 is a bottom plan of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 1 positioned in a fourth configuration on a track and between two studs, and with metal-studs shown in a first orientation (solid lines) and a second orientation (dashed lines).

[0028] Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a metal-stud spacing tool.

[0029] Fig. 10 is a top plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 9.

[0030] Fig. 11 is an end elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 9.

[0031] Fig. 12 is a side elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 9.

[0032] Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 9 positioned on a track, and adjacent a stud.

[0033] Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a metal-stud spacing tool.

[0034] Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 14.

[0035] Fig. 16 is an end elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 14.

[0036] Fig. 17 is a side elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 14.

[0037] Fig. 18 is a top perspective view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 14 positioned on a track, and between two studs, within a wall frame that is being constructed.

[0038] Fig. 19 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a metal-stud spacing tool.

[0039] Fig. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 19.

[0040] Fig. 21 is a top plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 19 positioned on a track, and between two studs, and with metal-studs shown in a first orientation (solid lines) and a second orientation (dashed lines).

[0041] Fig. 22 is an end elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 19.

[0042] Fig. 23 is a side elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 19. [0043] Fig. 24 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a metal-stud spacing tool.

[0044] Fig. 25 is a bottom perspective view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 24.

[0045] Fig. 26 is a top plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 24 positioned on a track, and between two studs.

[0046] Fig. 27 is an end elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 24.

[0047] Fig. 28 is a side elevation view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 24.

[0048] Fig. 29 is a first top perspective view of another embodiment of a metal-stud spacing tool.

[0049] Fig. 30 is a second top perspective view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 29.

[0050] Fig. 31 is a bottom perspective view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 29.

[0051 ] Fig. 32 is a top plan view of the metal-stud spacing tool of Fig. 29 positioned on a track, and between first and second studs, with an initial position of the second stud shown in dashed lines to illustrate a method of stud installation.

[0052] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of an end of a metal-stud track positioning tool mounted to a track.

[0053] Fig. 33 A is a side elevation view of the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fog. 33.

[0054] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the metal-stud track positioning tool and track of Fig. 33.

[0055] Fig. 35 is a top plan view of the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fig. 33.

[0056] Fig. 36 is a bottom plan view of the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fig. 33.

[0057] Fig. 37 is a side elevation view of a method of mounting a track to a ceiling using the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fig. 33.

[0058] Fig. 38 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a metal-stud track positioning tool with a pole.

[0059] Fig. 39 is a bottom plan view of the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fig. 38.

[0060] Fig. 40 is an end elevation view of the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fig. 38.

[0061] Fig. 41 is a side elevation view of the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fig. 38.

[0062] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a metal-stud track positioning tool.

[0063] Fig. 43 is a bottom plan view of the metal-stud track positioning tool of Fig. 42.

[0064] Fig. 44 is a top plan view of a drop ceiling beam square positioned on a drop ceiling T- bar framework, with magnets and rail stems in dashed lines to indicate that such components are located on a base face of the square shown.

[0065] Fig. 45 is a section view taken along the 45-45 section lines of Fig. 44.

[0066] Fig. 46 is a side elevation view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 44 illustrating the relatively long blade. [0067] Fig. 47 is a side elevation view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 44 illustrating the relatively short blade.

[0068] Fig. 48 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a drop ceiling beam square.

[0069] Fig. 49 is a top perspective view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 48.

[0070] Fig. 50 is a bottom plan view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 48.

[0071] Fig. 51 is an end elevation view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 48 illustrating the relatively short blade.

[0072] Fig. 52 is a side elevation view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 48 illustrating the relatively long blade.

[0073] Fig. 53 is a bottom perspective of another embodiment of a drop ceiling beam square.

[0074] Fig. 54 is a top perspective view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 53.

[0075] Fig. 55 is a bottom plan view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 53.

[0076] Fig. 56 is an end elevation view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 53 illustrating the relatively short blade.

[0077] Fig. 57 is a side elevation view of the drop ceiling beam square of Fig. 53 illustrating the relatively long blade.

[0078] Fig. 58 is a top perspective view of a wall panel expansion joint spacing tool.

[0079] Fig. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of Fig.

58.

[0080] Fig. 60 is a side elevation view of the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of Fig. 58.

[0081] Fig. 61 is a section elevation view illustrating the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of Fig. 58 being used to separate adjacent dry wall panels in a panel mounting operation.

[0082] Fig. 62 is a top plan view of the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of Fig. 58 positioned between two drywall panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Immaterial modifications may be made to the embodiments described here without departing from what is covered by the claims.

[0084] In construction, framing is the fitting together of structural members to produce a rigid structural web or network upon which panels and other elements may be secured to produce finished walls, ceilings, and floors. Framing materials may be wood, steel, or other suitable materials. Building framing can be divided into heavy -frame construction and light frame construction, and metal or wood frame members may be used with either category.

[0085] Wall frame members include vertical and horizontal members, which are assembled to produce exterior walls and interior walls, in both load-bearing and non-bearing configurations. Vertical frame members, referred to as studs or columns, wall plates and lintels (headers), may serve as a nailing base for panels and other wall covering materials, and may support upper floor platforms and walls. Horizontal frame members, referred to as beams, may underlie and overlie the bottom and top ends of each stud to secure the studs in place. Frame members may also be used to assembled non-vertical walls, platforms, ceilings, and other parts of a building. Framing members may be made of various materials, such as wood or steel beams. Wood members are typically connected with fastener nails or screws while steel beams may be connected with fastener nails, screws, or nuts and bolts.

[0086] Steel frame members may have a suitable structure, such as a box-, round-, I- or C- channel-shaped beam. Rectangular (box), round, or other hollow tubular sections of steel may be filled with material, such as concrete. I-beams may be formed by a central web whose ends connect to a pair of plates that each extend as flanges on both sides of the web to provide I-shape. C-channel-shaped beam or stud may be formed by web whose ends mount a pair of flanges. Steel beams may be connected to columns with threaded fasteners, such as screws or bolts, and rivets.

[0087] Referring to Fig. 13, in the commercial and residential construction industry in which metal framing members are used to form a building's framing structure, the framing members may comprise metal-stud 16, which are secured to one or more channel tracks 14. The track 14 may be a C- shaped beam, which is oriented horizontally in the construction of a building, while the stud 16 may also be a C-shaped beam, which is oriented vertically in the structure. An interior cavity 14D of the track 14 may be defined by a web 14A and opposed side walls, legs, or flanges 14B of the track 14. The interior cavity 14D of the track 14 may receive an end 16E of the stud, with fasteners such as screws being inserted through the flanges 14B of the track 14 in order to secure the stud 16 to the track 14. The assembled framing structure formed by the assembled stud and track may be used to form walls, half walls or partitions, soffit, platforms, roofs, ceilings, and other structures.

[0088] Frame installers ensure that studs and tracks are properly aligned, oriented, and positioned, relative to each other, the building's foundation, the vertical, and the horizontal. However, due to the manner in which the studs and tracks are assembled, a conventional L-shaped carpenter square may be difficult to use when aligning and orienting framing members. A conventional square must be held or clamped in place to function, thus increasing installation time or personnel requirements. Use of a square must not interfere with access to the fasteners used to secure the stud to the track. The position of the stud and/or track may change while the fasteners are being driven, meaning that re-measurements may need to be made after assembly and, when required, errors corrected by partially disassembling, repositioning and re-assembling the stud and track. Other installation methods may be used such as using a measuring device to manually mark out the locations of each stud in a wall frame. Use of a conventional square and/or measuring device contributes a substantial amount of time to a conventional wall frame assembly method, and due to imprecision of such methods, still requires additional time and energy spent on quality control measures such as re-measuring and re-assembly in some cases. [0089] The dimension of a room may be established with horizontal track that is anchored to the floor and in some cases ceiling as well to outline each room. The vertical studs are arranged in the tracks, usually spaced 16" apart, and fastened at the top and bottom ends to the ceiling and base track, respectively. The typical profiles used in residential construction are the C-shape stud and track, and a variety of other profiles. Framing members are generally produced in a thickness of 12 to 25 gauge, although other gauges may be used. A wall finish, such as drywall, may be anchored to the two flange sides of the stud, which varies from 1-1/4" to 3" thick, with the width of web ranging from 1-5/8" to 14", although other dimensions may be used. Various sections may be removed from the web to provide access for electrical wiring.

[0090] Metal-Stud Spacing Tools

[0091] Wall stud spacing distances are typically measured on-center and are mandated by jurisdiction. The spacing between studs is typically sixteen inches on center for home exterior and interior walls depending on designed loading requirements. In an office suite, the spacing may be larger, for example 24 inches on center, for all walls except for elevator and staircase wells.

[0092] Referring to Figs. 4A and 4B, a metal-stud spacing tool 10 is illustrated comprising a body 12, opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2, and a metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track- adhering magnet 24. Referring to Fig. 4A, the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2 may be at respective ends 12D and 12E of the body 12. Parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2 may be spaced to, in use, separate a pair of metal-studs, for example a first metal-stud 16 and a second metal-stud 18, which are positioned and/or secured within a metal-stud track 14, by a pre-determined on-center installation separation distance 15. The metal-stud spacing tool 10 may be positioned within or on (for example straddling) the metal-stud track 14 with a first part 12Q-1, for example a first-metal-stud-contacting-edge 12G-1 of a finger 12G, of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 in contact with the first metal-stud 16, for example a web 16A of stud 16, such that magnet 24 adheres and anchors the metal-stud spacing tool 10 to one or both the metal-stud track 14 or first metal-stud 16. The second metal-stud 18 may be loosely positioned in the metal-stud track 14 and placed into contact with a second part 12Q-2, for example a second-metal-stud-contacting-edge 12H-1 of finger 12H of the metal-stud spacing tool 10, to space the first metal-stud 16 and the second metal-stud 18 apart by a the pre-determined on-center installation separation distance 15. The magnet 24 may be mounted to the body 12. The pre-determined on-center installation separation distance 15 may refer to a separation between respective central longitudinal axes of adjacent studs and be a suitable distance, for example twelve inches, sixteen inches, or twenty-four inches or greater as may be mandated by jurisdiction.

[0093] In one version of the method, the first metal-stud 16 is anchored securely into the track

14, for example using a fastener (not shown), the spacing tool 10 is then fitted into the track 14 and against the stud 16, the second metal-stud 18 is positioned loosely in place against the tool 10 as shown, and the second metal-stud 18 is then anchored securely in the track 14, for example using a fastener (not shown). In some cases no measurement or distance marking steps are required to denote the location of the stud 18 prior to installation, as the tool 10 provides a repeatable and reliable method of ensuring that the studs 16 and 18 are properly spaced. The magnet or magnets 24 may be of a sufficient strength, construction, and orientation to anchor the tool 10 in place against the stud 16 and/or track 14 to hold the tool 10 in place even if the track 14 is a ceiling-mounted track that faces downward. The use of the magnet 24 thus reduces installation time and frees up a user's hands, which may otherwise be used to hold a conventional spacing tool in place, allowing the user to use his or her hands to install the second metal-stud 18 instead.

[0094] Referring to Figs. 4A-B, the magnet 24 may have a structure suitable for adhering to and in some cases contacting the metal-stud, such as one or both of metal-studs 16 and 18. The metal-stud- adhering magnet may comprise a plurality of metal-stud-adhering magnets, such as magnets 24H.

Magnets (not shown) may be provided on the other part, namely finger 12G. The magnet, such as magnets 24H, may form one of the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts, in this case part 12Q-2. In other cases, the magnet or magnets 24H may adhere to stud 16 or 18 with an intermediate part in between, such as a plastic cover to shield the two from direct contact while still permitting magnetic attraction therebetween.

[0095] Referring to Figs. 4A-4B and 5-6, the magnet 24 may have a structure suitable for adhering to and in some cases contacting the metal-stud track 14. Referring to Fig. 4A, a metal-stud- track-adhering magnet 24 may comprise a plurality of magnets 24, for example magnets 24K-1, 24K-2, 24K-3, and 24K-4. In some Figures such as Figs. 1-2, reference numeral 24K refers to any one of magnets 24K-1, 2, 3, or 4. The magnets 24K-1, 24K-2, 24K-3, and 24K-4 may define respective track- contacting planes 32K-1, 32K-2, 32K-3, and 32K-4.

[0096] Referring to Figs. 1-3, 4A-4B, and 5-8, the body 12 may be formed of a sheet of material, for example sheet metal. The body 12 may be made of a sheet of material sufficiently thick to form a rigid plate. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the magnet or magnets, such as magnets 24H and 24K may be located on a tab or respective tabs, such as tabs 46H and 46K that is or are bent out of the sheet of material. Each tab may be bent a suitable degree, such as ninety degrees or more relative to a plane defined by the plate or sheet body 12, to direct the corresponding magnet 24 to the side or end of the body 12 to grip a vertical surface such as a flange or web of track 14 or stud 16 in use. Tabs may be formed by a suitable method, such as being machined out of a block used to produce the tool 10, or by bending from the plane of the sheet using a suitable machine. Tabs may be used for purposes other than mounting magnets, for example in the case of strengthening ridge or tab 30, which provides anti-bending rigidity and structure to body 12.

[0097] Referring to Figs. 4A-4B and 5-6, as above, metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a structure suitable for contacting the metal-stud track 14, for example to align and square the tool 10 relative to the track 14. Referring to Fig 4B, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may comprise a metal-stud- track-contacting part 48 on a lateral side 50 of the body 12 between respective ends, for example a first end 12D and a second end 12E. Referring to Figs. 4A-B and 5, the metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may be an edge of the body 12 such as inside or outside edges 12K-3 and 12K-4, respectively, a tab such as tab 46K, a magnet such as magnets 24K-1-4, or another suitable structure. The metal-stud-track- contacting part 48, in the example shown magnets 24K-1-4, may define a stud-contacting plane, such as respective planes 32K1-4, which is or are perpendicular to respective stud-contacting planes 52G and 52H defined by the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2, respectively.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 5, the metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may have a structure suitable for contacting a face, for example one or more of inside and outside faces 14B-1 and 14B-2, of a flange of opposed flanges 14B of the metal-stud track 14. The metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may comprise a metal-stud-track-flange-face-contacting surface. The metal-stud-track-flange-face-contacting surface may comprise a metal-stud-track-flange-inside-face-contacting surface 56, for example defined by magnets 24K-1 and 24K-2 in the example shown. By contrast, magnets 24K-3 and 24K-4 or one of them may define a metal-stud-track -flange-outside-face-contacting surface 57. The metal-stud-track-flange-face- contacting surface or surfaces 56 and 57 may be defined by one or more rails that are mounted on the body 12. Although pairs of magnet 24K-1 and 24K-4 and 24K-2 and 24K-3 are mounted on respective tabs, in some cases each pair may be mounted on the same tab, for example if magnets 24K-1 and 24K-4 were mounted on the same tab and faced in opposing directions.

[0099] Referring to Figs. 4B and 5, the metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may have a structure suitable for contacting upon a metal-stud-track-flange-edge 14B-3, to saddle or seat upon the edge. Referring to Fig. 5, the metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may comprise a metal-stud-track-flange-edge- contacting shelf or surface 60. The metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may form a seat that sits and rests upon a metal-stud-track-flange-edge 14B-3. Referring to Figs. 5 and 7, depending on the configuration used, a top face 12A or a base face 12B of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may rest upon the metal-stud- track-flange-edge 14B-3 during use. By contacting the track 14, for example using one or more of surfaces 56, 57, or 60, tool 10 may align itself to square the tool 10 and the corresponding stud or studs 16 or 18 in track 14. For example, surface 60 may act to prevent rotation about a metal-stud track axis 12X defined by the tool 10, while surface 56 or 57 may act to prevent rotation about an axis (not shown) perpendicular to the axis 12X. The metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 and the opposed metal-stud- contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2 may collectively form a metal-stud-square.

[00100] Referring to Figs. 4A-4B and 5-8, the body 12 may have a structure suitable for contacting one or both of the opposed flanges 14B of the metal-stud track 14. Referring to Fig. 4A, the body 12 may comprise a metal-stud-track-opposed-pair-of -flange-edges-bridging or bridge part 121. One of the respective ends 12D and 12E, in this case end 12E, may be defined on the bridging part 121. One or more magnets 24H may be mounted to the bridging part 121, for example adjacent end 12E. The bridging part 121 may act to stabilize and square the tool 10 against rotation about a metal-stud track axis 12X defined by the tool 10. [00101] Referring to Fig. 4A, the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2 may have structures suitable for contacting one or more of a web 16A of the first metal-stud 16 and a web 18A of the second metal-stud 18. The opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2 may thus form metal-stud-web-contacting parts as shown. The respective ends 12D and 12E, of body 12, may face away from each other and may form terminal ends of the body 12 that define a maximum axial length 12C of the body 12 therebetween. Each of the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2 may comprise a metal-stud-track-web-contacting finger, such as fingers 12G and 12H, which are sized and positioned to fit, in use, within an internal cavity 16D defined between opposed flanges 16B and a web 16A of the first metal-stud 16 or an internal cavity 18D defined between opposed flanges 18B and a web 18A of the second metal-stud 18. In the example shown each finger 12G and 12H has a sufficiently narrow width 12G-2 and 12H-2, respectively, relatively to a track width 14G, such that both fingers 12G and 12H are capable of fitting within either interior cavity 16D or 18D regardless of configuration selected. In the example shown, studs 16 and 18 are oriented in the same direction, such that fingers 12G and 12H contact an inside face 18A-1 of stud 18, and an outside face 16A-1 of stud 16, without reaching around to contact flanges 16B, 18B, or curled lips 16C or 18C of studs 16 or 18, respectively.

[00102] Referring to Fig. 4 A, the body 12 may comprise a metal-stud-track-single-flange-edge cantilever part 12J that in use contacts one of the metal-stud-track-flange-edges 14B-3 and extends partially across an interior cavity 14D defined by the opposed flanges 14B and a web 14A of the metal- stud-track 14. One of the respective ends 12D and 12E may be located on the metal-stud-track-flange - edge cantilever part 12J. A cantilever part 12J may act to form a mount for stud contacting part or finger 12H, without obstructing any components located along or adjacent the opposite flange edge 14B-3.

[00103] Referring to Fig. 4 A, the body 12 may have a structure suitable for avoiding or accommodating in-the-wall equipment, such as a column 20 or conduit 22, positioned on or adjacent the metal-stud track 14. The body 12 may comprise an intermediate part 12R whose ends 12R-1 and 12R-2 may mount the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2. The intermediate part 12R may be laterally offset from a metal-stud-track axis 14F defined by the respective ends 12D and 12E of body 12 to define, with the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2, an equipment-inside-the-wall- frame receiving bight 64. The intermediate part 12R and the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts 12Q-1 and 12Q-2 may collectively form a C-shaped inside edge 12K-3 profile, which in use reaches around components or equipment within cavity 14D of track 14 in use, to square off and correctly space studs 16 and 18 that are separated by otherwise intervening components. A column 20 or cable / power conduit 22 may take up all or a substantial portion of the width 14G of track 14. In some cases intermediate part 12R is located entirely outside of a wall volume defined vertically above the track 14, for example if intermediate part 12R mounts or defines a track contacting part that contacts only the outside face 14B-2 of the track flange 14B. Referring to Fig. 6, in other configurations, such as possible to use where no intervening equipment is present, the tool 10 may be positioned with intermediate part 12R inside the wall volume defined vertically above the track 14 as shown. [00104] Referring to Fig. 4 A, the finger 12G may have a suitable width 12G-2 and a suitable axial length 12G-3. The finger 12H may have a width 12H-2 and an axial length 12H-3. The metal-stud-track- opposed-pair-of-flange-edges-bridging part 121 may have a width 121-1. The intermediate part 12R may have an axial length 12K-2.

[00105] Referring to Figs. 4A-B, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may be structured to achieve a stud-spacing and in some cases stud-squaring function in plural configurations. The metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have at least two configurations. Referring to Figs. 2 and 4A, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a first configuration where the base face 12B (Fig. 2) of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 faces the metal-stud track 14 (top faces 12A up as shown). A first opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-1 may contact the first metal-stud 16, and a second opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-2 may contact the second metal-stud 18. The metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may contact a first flange 14B' of the metal-stud track 14.

[00106] Referring to Figs. 2 and 4B, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a second configuration where the tool 10 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first configuration about an axis 12Z perpendicular to the axis 12X of tool 10. In the second configuration the base face 12B (Fig. 2) of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may still face the metal-stud track 14. However, the first opposed metal-stud- contacting part 12Q-1 contacts the second metal-stud 18, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-2 contacts the first metal-stud 16, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 contacts a second flange 14B" of the metal-stud track 14.

[00107] Referring to Figs. 1 and 7, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a third configuration.

The top face 12A of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may face the metal-stud track 14, with the base face 12B facing up, if the tool 10 of Fig. 4A were rotated about an axis 12Y perpendicular to axes 12X and 12Z. The first opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-1 may contact the first metal-stud 16, and the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-2 may contact the second metal-stud 18. The metal-stud- track-contacting part 48 may contact the first flange 14B' of the metal-stud track 14.

[00108] Referring to Figs. 1 and 8, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a fourth configuration where the top face 12A (Fig. 1) of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 faces the metal-stud track 14. The first opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-1 may contact the second metal-stud 18, and the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-2 may contact the first metal-stud 16. The metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may contact the second flange 14B" of the metal-stud track 14.

[00109] Referring to Figs. 4A-4B and 5-8, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have two or more rows of track-contacting magnets 24. Referring to Figs. 6 and 8, in the first configuration, the second configuration, third configuration and fourth configuration, the respective rows of magnets, acting as the metal-stud-track-contacting part 48, may contact the outside face 14B-2 of a respective one of the first flange 14B' and the second flange 14B". [00110] The metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have additional configurations. Referring to Fig. 6, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a fifth configuration. The base face 12B of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may face the metal-stud track 14. The first opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-1 may contact the first metal-stud 16, and the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-2 may contact the second metal-stud 18. The metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may contact an inside face 14B-1 of the first flange 14B'. Relative to the first configuration shown in Fig. 4A, the configuration of Fig. 6 illustrates the tool 10 translated laterally inward into the wall volume defined vertically above the track 14.

[00111] Referring to Fig. 4B, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a sixth configuration as can be envisioned by translating the tool 10 toward the bottom of the page from the configuration shown. In such a configuration, the base face 12B of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 faces the metal-stud track 14, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-1 contacts the second metal-stud 18, and the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-2 contacts the first metal-stud 16. The metal-stud-track- contacting part 48 may contact an outside face 14B-2 of the second flange 14B".

[00112] Referring to Fig. 8, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may a seventh configuration, which can be envisioned by translating the tool 10 toward the top of the page. The top face 12A of the metal- stud spacing tool 10 faces the metal-stud track 14, and the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-1 contacts the second metal-stud 16. The second opposed metal-stud-contacting part 12Q-2 may contact the second metal-stud 18, and the metal-stud-track -contacting part 48 may contact the inside face 14B-1 of the first flange 14B' of the metal-stud track 14.

[00113] Referring to Fig. 7, the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have an eighth configuration, which may be envisioned by translating the tool 10 toward the bottom of the page shown. The top face 12A of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may face the metal-stud track 14, the first opposed metal-stud- contacting part 12Q-1 may contact the second metal-stud 18 and the second opposed metal-stud- contacting part 12Q-2 may contact the first metal-stud 16. The metal-stud-track-contacting part 48 may contact the inside face 14B-1 of the second flange 14B" of the metal-stud track 14. Tool 10 may have other features, such as a finger or other aperture 28 to facilitate manipulation or storage of tool 10 if for the latter the tool 10 was hung on a pin on a wall surface when not in use.

[00114] Referring to Figs. 4A-B and 7-8, other configurations may be possible. With the ability to reverse the orientation of the studs 16 and 18 in the track 14, the tool 10 illustrated may have 16 configurations possible. Other configurations are possible. Referring to Figs. 9-18, two embodiments are illustrated with only the ability to contact the inside face of the track flanges 14B. Referring to Figs. 9-13, the tool 10 illustrated has a plurality of perforations 40 to reduce the weight and bulk of tool 10.

Referring to Fig. 10, the tabs 12K-5 may be separated by distances 36A-36C. An inside edge 12K-3 may be inset from tabs 46K by a lateral distances 38A-C. The finger 12G of the metal-stud spacing tool 10 and the inside edge 12K-3 may be separated by a lateral gap 44, to permit a range of lateral translation to be accommodated by tool 10 while still performing a squaring and spacing function. The finger 12H and the inside edge 12K-3 may be separated by a lateral gap 42 that is relatively smaller than gap 44.

[00115] Referring to Figs. 14-18, the tool 10 illustrated has scalloped or indented inner and outer edges 12K-3 and 12K-4, with indents or slots sized to accommodate the fingers of a user for ease of manipulation of tool 10. Referring to Figs. 19-23 a further embodiment is illustrated similar to Figs. 9-18 in inside flange 14B only contact, albeit lacking a finger 12H. Instead of finger 12H, the embodiment shown has bridge part 121 that contacts edges or lips 16C or 18C of studs 16 or 18, respectively. The metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have other features, such as a handle hole 26, for example to facilitate manual manipulation and/or positioning of the metal-stud spacing tool 10.

[00116] Referring to Figs. 24-32, two additional embodiments are illustrated lacking fingers 21H, and with a finger 12G that is not oriented to enter the cavity 16D or 18D of either stud 16 or 18. Referring to Figs. 25-28, in one embodiment the metal-stud spacing tool 10 may have a top wall or rail 12M, a base rail or wall 12N. A peripheral flange 120 may be positioned between the top wall or rail 12M and the base wall or rail 12N, and a second finger 12P may be connected to and spaced from the finger 12G to define a stud flange edge receiving gap 12W. The second finger 12P may define a width 12P-2. Finger 12P may be spaced a sufficient lateral distance (width 12P-2) from a plane defined by an outer edge 12K- 4 of flange 120 to permit lateral translation toward the top of the page to move the finger 12P into the cavity 16D defined by stud 16. Magnets 24 may be positioned on opposed faces of the top rail 12M (and in some cases the base rail 12N), for example with separation distance 12K-6 between the magnets.

[00117] Metal-Stud Track Positioning Tools

[00118] A steel frame wall includes both a floor track and an upper or ceiling track, which may or may not be installed after the floor track is installed. On the floor, the location of the wall is laid out and marked, the floor track is fastened to the floor, and the position of the ceiling track is determined, for example using a plumb bob, a level held against a steel stud, and/or a spirit level. When using a laser level, the laser level may be placed on the bottom, middle of the track and turned on to shine a vertical laser up to the wall. When using a plumb bob, the bob string is attached to the top of the wall and the bob is allowed to come to a rest at the plumb line on the bottom of the floor. When using two spirit levels pressed together, one level may be extended to the ceiling and the other to the floor, making sure that both levels are plumb, and thereafter the plumb line on the floor or ceiling is marked.

[00119] Once plumb is established, the track may be attached to the ceiling, for example using a drill and screwdriver. On a finished ceiling where the track runs perpendicular to the joists, the ceiling track may be fastened to the underlying joists with self-tapping dry wall screws. If the track runs parallel to the joists, the ceiling track may be fastened to the ceiling with drywall anchors. Track corners may be overlapped by flattening the first track's side flange or notching the side flange to permit the overlapping track to slide into place. On long, straight runs, adjoining tracks may have six inches or more of overlap. After the floor and ceiling tracks are installed, the studs may be inserted in the tracks and twisted in place until they are square. In some cases the ceiling track may not be secured to the ceiling at all, for example if the wall terminates at a level where a drop ceiling is or will be installed below the actual ceiling.

[00120] Ceiling track positioning may be accomplished via various methods. In some cases several individuals cooperate to lift, position, and secure the track in place, for example using ladders if necessary. In the case of tall walls in large homes or commercial buildings, a lift may be used, such as a scissor lift, to position the track in place. Track positioning on a scissor or bucket lift may be challenging due to the limited range of movement of the user in the bucket, and as a result the track may be difficult to maneuver and secure, and in some cases may be accidentally dropped. Several individuals may accompany the track in the bucket in order to assist. Such lifts are often rented out by the hour or day, and can represent a substantial portion of the cost of the wall frame installation.

[00121] Referring to Figs. 34-43, several metal-stud track positioning tools 100 are illustrated comprising an elongate body 102 and a plurality of magnets 24. Referring to Figs. 34, 36, and 37, the plurality of magnets 24 may be mounted to, and spaced at various longitudinal positions along, the elongate body 102 for adhering or mounting a metal-stud track 14 to the metal-stud track positioning tool 100 in use. Referring to Figs. 34 and 36, the elongate body 102 may define a longitudinal axis 102E, with the magnets 24 being located at various longitudinal positions relative to axis 102E. An initial stage of a method of use may involve mounting a metal-stud track 14 to one or more magnets of a plurality of magnets 24. Referring to Fig. 37, once the track 14 is mounted to the tool 100, the metal-stud track 14 may be positioned, for example lifted in an upward direction 116, adjacent a working surface 124, for example comprising a ceiling 118, a wall, or a top of a wall (such as if positioned on one or more studs 16), using a handle 112 extended from the elongate body 102.

[00122] Referring to Fig. 37, the metal-stud track 14 may be secured to the working surface 124 via a suitable method. Securing the metal-stud track 14 to the working surface 124 may comprise applying a fastener, for example a screw 122, through the metal-stud track 14 into the working surface 124. Screw 122 may be applied using a screwdriver, a drill 120, or another suitable tool. Track 14 may be secured at plural points along the track 14. After securing the metal-stud track 14 to the working surface 124, the elongate body 102 and the plurality of magnets 24 may be disconnected from the metal-stud track 14, for example by pulling the metal-stud track positioning tool 100 in a downward direction 117 to break the magnet-metal connection.

[00123] Referring to Figs. 37-38, the metal-stud track positioning tool 100 may have a structure suitable for positioning the metal-stud track 14 in a remote fashion, for example into a position that is inaccessible by the user in the present location of the user who is practicing the method. The metal-stud track positioning tool 100 may comprise a handle 112, for example comprising an elongate handle such as a pole, extended from the elongate body 102. The length of the handle 112 may be a suitable length, such as two, five, ten or more meters, or any other suitable dimension longer or shorter. Referring to Fig. 37, handle 112 may comprise a user end 112B, which may be opposed to a tool or threaded end 112A, for example to permit a user 114 to remotely grip, manipulate, and/or lift the elongate body 102 in an upward direction 116. The pole may have a suitable cross-sectional shape such as that of a cylinder, a rectangle, or other geometric and other shapes. The handle 12 may be adjustable in length, for example by a telescopic or other mechanism such as that used in a conventional painter's pole.

[00124] Referring to Figs. 34-35, and 37, the handle 112 may be connected to the elongate body

102 via a suitable part or mechanism. The metal-stud track positioning tool 100 may comprise a handle connector part 110 mounted to or defined by the elongate body 102. Referring to Figs. 34-35, the handle connector part 110 may comprise a threaded handle-receiving bore 11 OA. Referring to Fig. 37, the handle 112 may comprise a threaded end 112 A, for example shaped to permit the handle 112 to be rotated or screwed into the threaded handle-receiving bore 110A. The handle 112 may comprise a painter's pole, for example a telescopic painter's pole, having a threaded pin end for engaging a universal size of threaded box, which is formed by bore 110A. Referring to Fig. 34, the handle connector part 110 may be secured to the body 102 by a suitable mechanism, such as by adhesive, welds, rivets, or by passing fasteners into body 102 through one or more holes 111 in the handle connector part 110.

[00125] Referring to Figs. 34 and 36-37, the plurality of magnets 24 may be positioned at a location suitable for connecting the elongate body 102 and the metal-stud track 14 to one another.

Referring to Fig. 36, the plurality of magnets 24 may be mounted to a face, for example a base face 102D, of the elongate body 102. In some cases face 102D is opposite a top face 102C (Fig. 35), with both faces 102C and 102D running parallel to an axis 102E of the body 102. Referring to Fig. 33A, the plurality of magnets 24 may collectively define a metal-stud-track-contacting plane 126. Referring to Figs. 34 and 37, one or more of the plurality of magnets 24 and the elongate body 102 may be structured to fit, in use, at least partially within an interior cavity 14D defined between a track body or web 14A and opposed side flanges 14B of the metal-stud track 14. The plurality of magnets 24 may be structured to adhere to an inside face 14A-1 of the web 14A of the metal-stud track 14 in use, for example during and/or following insertion of the elongate body 102 and plurality of magnets 24 into the interior cavity 14D. In other cases the magnet or magnets 24 may adhere to the web 14A, the inner or outside faces of the side flanges 14B, or one or more of the preceding, of the track 14.

[00126] Referring to Figs. 33-34 and 37, the elongate body 102 may have a length suitable for stably manipulating and controlling the position of the metal-stud track 14. Referring to Fig. 37, the elongate body 102 may have a length 100A, defined along a longitudinal axis 102E of the elongate body 102, of two feet or longer or shorter, for example four feet or longer. The elongate body 102 may extend a suitable proportion, for example thirty, fifty, seventy, or more or less, percent of an axial length 14H of the metal-stud track 14. The length 100A of the elongate body 102 may be equal to a length 100A of the metal-stud track positioning tool 100 in some cases. In other cases the length 100A is significantly shorter than the length 14H of the track 14, for example if length 100 A is one or two feet long and the track 14 is six feet long or longer. The body 102 may include gradations or other measurement indicators to permit a user to measure distance on the track 13. [00127] Referring to Fig. 36, the plurality of magnets 24 may comprise plural sets of two or more magnets, for example plural magnet sets 24J-1, 24J-2, 24J-3, and 24J-4, with the plural sets 24J each located at respective longitudinal positions 102G, for example longitudinal positions 102G-1, 102G-2, 102G-3, and 102G-4, along the elongate body 102. Referring to Fig. 36, each of the plural sets of two or more magnets may comprise first and second magnets, spaced in opposite respective lateral directions 24L from a plane 130 (Fig. 36) defined through and parallel to a longitudinal axis 102E (Fig. 37), and perpendicular to base face 102D, of the elongate body 102. For each plural set of two or more magnets, one of the first and second magnets may comprise a relatively weak magnet 24B, and the other of the first and second magnets may comprise a relatively strong magnet 24 A. The location of the relatively strong magnet 24A as one of the first and second magnets and the relatively weak magnet 24B as the other of the first and second magnets may alternate across adjacent pairs of plural sets of two or more magnets for example as shown. Alternation of relatively weak and strong magnets in such a fashion may reduce the strength required to separate the tool 100 and track 14 by tilting the tool 100 relative to the track 14 about the axis 102E.

[00128] Referring to Fig. 33, the elongate body 102 and tool 100 may have a suitable structure.

The body 102 may be formed of one or more structural box beams 102 A, or other shapes of beams, with or without a top plate 102B mounted to the structural box beams 102A. The structural box beams 102 A may define an elongate-body-base-face 102D. The top plate 102B may define an elongate-body-top-face 102C opposed to face 102D.

[00129] Referring to Figs. 36 and 39, the plurality of magnets 24 may be positioned on respective feet of a plurality of feet 104 mounted to or forming part of the elongate body 102. Referring to Figs. 33 A and 34, the elongate body 102 may comprise a beam or beams that define a longitudinal axis 102E of the metal-stud track positioning tool 100, with the plurality of feet 104 extended laterally relative to the beam 102H, for example in lateral-feet-directions 104E. Referring to Figs. 33 and 34, each foot of the plurality of feet 104 may have one or more of a foot-top-face 104 A, and a base face 104B, and may define an axial length 104C. Referring to Fig. 33, the feet 104 may mount to the elongate body 102 by a suitable method, such as by passing fasteners 106 though one or more holes 107 in the elongate body 102, with such holes 107 aligning with corresponding holes (not shown) in feet 104. The magnets 24 may mount to the feet 104 by a suitable method such as by passing fasteners 108 through one or more holes 109 in feet 104. Suitable fasteners 108 may comprise screw, or bolts 108A and nuts 108B. The plurality of feet 104 may form structural cross members. Feet 104 may be spaced apart a distance commensurate or corresponding with a predetermined fastener spacing distance, such as sixteen inches on-center, to facilitate the insertion of fasteners at suitable distances into the track 14 to secure the track 14 to the working surface.

[00130] Referring to Figs. 38-41, a further embodiment of a track lift tool 100 is illustrated. The elongate body 102 and the plurality of feet 104 may be formed from a sheet of material, for example steel. The plurality of feet 104 may be defined by tabs 104D that are bent out from the sheet of material, for example bent relative to side walls 1021 of body 102 (Fig. 40). Referring to Fig. 40, the tabs 104D may be bent laterally outward relative to a longitudinal axis 102E of the elongate body 102. The beam 102H may form a channel beam 102 J.

[00131] Referring to Figs. 38-39, the handle connector part 110 may mount to the body 102 by a suitable mechanism. The body 102 may comprise a rigid plate 113, for example to facilitate mounting of the handle connector part 110 to the elongate body 102 via respective connector-part-plate holes 1 IOC and 113C, through which fasteners (not shown) may be passed. The respective connector-part-plate holes 1 IOC and 113C may comprise respective sets of two or more holes, for example 6 holes, with the holes of the connector-part-plate holes 113C positioned after assembly to align with the holes of the connector- part-plate holes 1 IOC positioned to align with one another. The handle connector part 110 may comprise strengthening ridges or brace plates 110B to improve torque and translational transfer of force through handle 112 into body 102 during use. Referring to Fig. 40, a body end 110D of connector part 110 may fit within a corresponding slot 102K in top face 102C of body 102.

[00132] Referring to Figs. 42 and 43, a further embodiment of a metal-stud track positioning tool

100 is illustrated. The body 102 and feet 104 may be molded or otherwise formed from a single piece of material. In the example shown, the handle connector part 110A is also formed from the same single piece of material. In some cases the tools 100 may be rated to lift 350 pounds or more, although a typical track 14 may weigh only 20 pounds. Fasteners may be inserted to secure the track 14 to the working surface using a suitable method, such as a remote fastener or nail insertion device or gun, which may be operated from a floor surface in the room.

[00133] Drop Ceiling Beam Square

[00134] A drop ceiling is a secondary ceiling, hung below the main structural ceiling in a room of a building. A drop ceiling may also be referred to as a dropped ceiling, T-bar ceiling, false ceiling, suspended ceiling, grid ceiling, drop in ceiling, drop out ceiling, or ceiling tile ceiling, and is a staple of modern construction and architecture in both residential and commercial applications. A typical drop ceiling comprises a grid-work of metal channels in the shape of an upside-down T or L (tee or L beams, respectively), suspended on wires from the overhead structural ceiling structure. Beams are laid out as a series of spaced, parallel runners, with cross beams connecting runners, and all beams secured perpendicular to one another. Defining the peripheral edges of the drop ceiling runners may have tee or L shapes, depending on a variety of factors. Beams snap together to form a regularly spaced pattern of cells. The primary grid types are standard 1" (15/16" face), slimline (9/16" grid), and concealed grid. Runner, wall moulds (usually L-shaped), and cross beams are assembled manually, using measuring devices and squares, by users on step or other ladders, and by using manual clamps to secure the beams together prior to securing same together. Once the beam framework is assembled, panels are cut to size if required, for example for non-standard-sized cells required to accommodate various fixtures such as vents and ductwork. Into each cell is inserted a lightweight ceiling tile or panel, which drops into the grid and rests upon the respective flanges of each tee and L beam.

[00135] Referring to Figs. 44-47, a drop ceiling beam square 200 is illustrated comprising a body

202 with a first blade 202-1 and a second blade 202-2, and a drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnet 24D. Referring to Fig. 44, the first and second blades may be oriented perpendicular to one another. One of the blades, in this case blade 202-1 may be relatively shorter than the other blade, in this case blade 202-2, with the shorter blade 202-1 being optionally referred to as a tongue. The arrangement of blade 202-1 as tongue may be reversed so the blade 202-2 forms a tongue. The magnet 24D may adhere the drop ceiling beam square 200 to a drop ceiling beam 209 in use. Thus, the magnet 24D or magnets may have a sufficient strength and be oriented in a sufficient orientation to retain the square in place against the effects of gravity while positioned above the ground in a developing drop ceiling beam network.

[00136] Referring to Fig. 44, in use the drop ceiling beam square 200 may be mounted to a main beam, such as main beam 210, which may be formed as an L or tee (shown), of a drop ceiling 220 using the magnet 24D. The first blade 202-1 of the drop ceiling beam square 200 may contact the main beam 210 as shown. A cross beam 212, such as a tee as shown may be positioned against a second blade 202-2 of the drop ceiling beam square 200 to square the cross beam 212 relative to the main beam 210. The main beam 210 may have a main beam flange 210B and a main beam stem 210A. The cross beam 212 in use contacts the main beam 210 and may have a cross beam flange 212B and a cross beam stem 212A. The first blade 202-1 may contact the main beam 210 and the second blade 202-2 may contact the cross beam 212 to square the main beam 210 and the cross beam 212 with the magnet 24D securing the drop ceiling beam square 200 to one or both the main beam 210 and the cross beam 212 in use. The use of the magnet 24D assists to hold the beams in place without falling and without being held by a user, thus freeing up the hands of the user to work on other related tasks such as securing the abutting beams together.

[00137] Referring to Fig. 44, the first blade 202-1 and the second blade 202-2 may have structures suitable for contacting suitable parts of the main beam 210 and the cross beam 212. The first blade 202-1 may have a first-beam-flange-contacting part 202H and the second blade 202-2 may have a second-beam- flange -contacting part 2021. The first-beam-flange-contacting part 202H may comprise a first-beam- flange -face -contacting part 202H-1, such as defined by magnets 24D-2 (Figs. 45, 46, 47). The second- beam-flange-contacting part 2021 may comprise a second-beam-flange-face-contacting part 2021-1, such as defined by magnets 24D-1 (Figs. 46-47). The first-beam-flange-contacting part 202H may comprise a first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder 202H-2. The second-beam-flange-contacting part 2021 may comprise a second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder 2021-2.

[00138] Referring to Fig. 44, the first blade 202-1 may comprise a first outer flange 202A and a first inner flange 202C. The second blade 202-2 may comprise a second outer flange 202B and a second inner flange 202D. The first outer flange 202A may define a first-outer-flange -outside-edge 202A-1. Referring to Fig. 45, the second outer flange 202B may comprise a second-outer-flange-outside-edge 202B-3. The second outer flange 202B may define a second-outer-flange-base-face 202B-2 and a second- outer-flange-top-face 202B-3. Referring to Fig. 44, the first outer flange 202 A may define a first-outer- flange-base-face 202A-2 and a first-outer-flange-top-face 202A-3. Either or both of base faces 202A-2 and 202B-2 may contact beams 212 and 214, respectively, directly or through magnets 24D-1 and 24D-2, respectively. Each base face and top face may be considered a first face or a second face, interchangeably.

[00139] Referring to Fig. 44, the drop ceiling beam square 200 may have a structure suitable for contacting one or more of main-beam-side-flange-side-edge 210B-3 and the flange-side-edge 212B-3. The drop ceiling beam square 200 may comprise a first rail 204A that defines a first-beam-flange-edge- contacting shoulder 202H-2 and a second rail 204B that defines the second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder 2021-2. Referring to Fig. 45, the first rail 204A and the second rail 204B may both extend out of a first face 202L or a second face 202M (shown) of the drop ceiling Beam square 200. Referring to Fig. 44, the first rail 204A may define a first-rail -outer-face 204A-1 and a first-rail-inner-face 204A-2. The second rail 204B may define a second-rail -inner-face 204B-1 and a second-rail-outer-face 204B-2.

[00140] Referring to Fig. 44, the magnet 24D may have a structure suitable for adhering to one or more of the main beam 210 and the cross beam 212. Referring to Figs. 45-47, the magnet 24D may comprise a plurality of magnets 24D. Referring to Fig. 47, one or more of the plurality of magnets 24D-1 may be mounted on the first blade 202-1. Referring to Fig. 46, one or more of the plurality of magnets 24D-1 may be mounted on the second blade 202-2. The magnets 24D-1 and D-2 or some or all of them may define a flange contacting plane 206. In some cases a single magnet 24D-1 and a single magnet 24D- 2 may be used, and in some cases a single magnet may be used instead of plural magnets on square 200.

[00141] Referring to Fig. 44, the magnet 24D may contact one or more of the main beam 210 and the cross beam 212. Referring to Figs. 46-47, the magnet 24D may comprise a first magnet 24D-1 that defines the first-beam -flange-face-contacting part 2021-1, and a second magnet 24D-2 that defines the second-beam-flange-face-contacting part 202H-1. In other embodiments magnets may adhere to beams with intermediate, non-magnetic parts in between, such as a protective lining or cover.

[00142] Referring to Fig. 44 the blades may contact the stems of the respective beams in use. The first blade 202-1 may have a first-beam-stem -contacting part, in this case edge 202A-1. The second blade 202-2 may have a second-beam-stem-contacting part, in this case edge 202B-1. The main beam stem 210A may have a main-bean-stem-first-face 210A-1 and a main-beam-stem-second-face 210A-2.

Referring to Fig. 45, the cross tee stem 212A may have a cross-tee-stem-inside-face 212A-1 and outside- face 212A-2. The cross tee flange 212B may have a cross-tee-flange-top-face 212B-1, a cross-tee-flange- base-face 212B-2, and a cross-tee-flange-side-edge 212B-3. Each beam may be hung from a structural ceiling, for example by connecting hanger wire or rope to a stem tip 212C.

[00143] The stem-contacting parts may contact the first or second faces 210A-1 or 210A-2. In some cases each blade or one of them may contact the respective beam at three points - stem, flange face, and flange edge as shown. In other cases, only one or two contact points may be used for each beam. However, providing at least two contact points acts to improve the squaring effect when the square 200 abuts the beam. In some cases parts of the square 200 are adjustable, for example to adjust a width of the blade to adjust the position of the edge 202B-1 or 202 A- 1 depending on the width of a corresponding beam flange.

[00144] Referring to Fig. 44, the drop ceiling beam square 200 may have a shape suitable for squaring the cross beam 212 relative to the main beam 210. An outer edge, which is collectively defined by edges 202 A- 1 and 202B-1, of the first-beam-stem-contacting part and second beam-steam -contacting parts, respectively, may define an L-shaped profile. An outer corner junction 202O between the first blade 202-1 and the blade 202-2 may be indented, for example forming a beveled corner recess 202G. The beveled corner recess 202G may permit squaring of the cross beam 212 relative to the main beam 210 via the drop ceiling beam square 200 even when adhering or fastening material is located adjacent within the beam-stem-to-beam-stem-corner 226 and the recess 202G.

[00145] Referring to Fig. 44, drop ceiling beam square 200 may have a structure suitable for contacting adjacent parallel beams or runners, for example a second main beam 210" adjacent and spaced from a first main beam 210' (main beam 210). The main beam flange 210B may have main-beam -flange- top-face 210B-1, a main-beam-flange-base-face 210B-2, and a main-beam-side-flange-side-edge 210B-3. The drop ceiling beam square 200 may comprise an arm 214, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam-contacting-tip of the arm relative to the first blade 202-1 or the second blade 202-2, in this case the second blade 202-2, along an arm axis 214C or 214D that is parallel to an axis 224A or 224B of the first blade 202-1 or second blade 202-2, respectively. The arm 214 may be mounted to slide, for example in directions 214E or 214F, relative to the first blade 202-1 or the second blade 202-2. In other cases the arm may advance or retract by other than sliding, for example by swinging out or by being assembled from smaller parts into a greater arm structure.

[00146] Referring to Fig. 44, the drop ceiling beam square 200 may comprise a magnet 24E located on or adjacent the beam -contacting-tip 214G of the arm 214 for contacting the adjacent parallel runner or cross beam. The arm 214 may comprise a first arm 214A, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam -contacting-tip 214G-1 of the first arm 214A relative to the first blade 202-1, along a first arm axis 214C that is parallel to an axis 224A of the first blade 202-1, and a second arm 214B, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam-contacting-tip 214G-2 of the second arm 214B relative to the second blade 202-2, along a second arm axis 214D that is parallel to an axis 224B of the second blade 202-2.

[00147] Referring to Figs. 48-52, another embodiment of a beam square 200 is illustrated. In the example shown the first blade 202-1 and the second blade 202-2 are collectively formed from a sheet of material, for example sheet or plate metal. One or both the first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder, for example rail 204 A, and the second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder, for example rail 204B, may be defined by tabs that are bent out from the sheet of material relative to the first blade 202-1 or the second blade 202-2, respectively.

[00148] Referring to Figs. 53-57, a further embodiment of a beam square 200 is illustrated. The first blade 202-1 and the second blade 202-2 may have respective graduations or scale markings 218A and 218B. Magnets 24D-1 and 24D-2 may be mounted on parts of the sheet of material adjacent the tabs formed by rails 204A and 204B.

[00149] Wall Panel Expansion Joint Spacing Tools

[00150] Dry wall (also known as plasterboard, wallboard, gypsum panel, sheet rock, or gypsum board) is a panel made of calcium sulfate dihydrate with or without additives and normally pressed between a facer and a backer (typically thick sheets of paper). Dry wall is used to make interior walls and ceilings. The plaster in drywall may be mixed with fiber (typically paper and/or fiberglass), plasticizer, foaming agent, and various additives that can decrease mildew, increase fire resistance, and lower water absorption.

[00151] Expansion gaps are spaces left at suitable locations, for example around the perimeter of rooms, against fixed objects such as columns, thresholds, hearths, baseboard, and other stationary items built or secured into the framing structure of a home or other building. Parts of a structure may react to moisture changes in the environment over time, for example at different rates during different seasons of the year. For example expansion may take place during wetter or hotter times of the year, and shrinkage during dryer or colder times of year. Expansion and contraction may lead to cracking and other unsightly conditions in structural parts. Expansion gaps and joints are thus introduced to mitigate the effects of the natural expansion and contraction of the parts of a structure and associated frame over time.

[00152] Drywall, like other structural parts, may expand or contract as a result of variations in temperature, moisture, or both, resulting in movement relative to a wall frame or the greater structure of the building. Such movement may cause unsightly cracking that becomes a cosmetic issue and potentially a functional problem as well if the cracking results in building air leaks. Drywall cracking can occur for other reasons such as building movement, damage, flexing, framing defects, settlement, or frost heaves.

[00153] Drywall movement control joints may be used to address such movement and can take on several forms. A drywall expansion joint product, also referred to as a drywall or plasterboard control joint, may be installed to provide a cosmetically-finished edge and surface that accommodates movement without damage between sections of drywall. Such products are referred to by a variety of names such as drywall expansion joint, drywall control joint, drywall expansion bead, plasterboard control joint, zinc control joints, vinyl plastic control joints for gypboard, and other similar terms. Control joint products may require that framing (wood or metal-studs or equivalent) be installed on either side of the control joint with a suitable gap between them. In floating drywall section methods, drywall movement may be provided for by using floating drywall corner techniques at partition or ceiling abutments. In open gap methods, drywall may be installed leaving a gap between drywall sections, typically by installing a drywall edge finish product on the open ends or edges of the material. Alternatively, the gap may be covered by trim. Expansion joints may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal to horizontal or vertical, and other suitable orientations, on a wall, ceiling, or other surface.

[00154] Referring to Figs. 58-62, a wall panel expansion joint spacing tool 300 is illustrated comprising a handle part 314, a spacer part 302, and a magnet 24C. The spacer part 302 may be extended from the handle part 314. Referring to Fig. 61, the spacer part 302 may have a cross-sectional profile defined by opposed sides or opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces 302A' and 302A" that are spaced to, in use, separate a pair of panels, for example wall panels such as drywall panels 304' and 304" by a pre -determined expansion joint distance 306. Referring to Fig. 59, the spacing-tool-magnet 24C may be positioned at a suitable location on the tool 300, such as on the spacer part 302, for example on a base face 302C of the spacer part 302. The handle part 314 may form part of a head or other suitable structure, for example to facilitate manipulation of wall panel expansion joint spacing tool 300 by a user's hand or hands.

[00155] Referring to Fig. 61, in operation the spacer part 302 may be mounted to a metal wall frame 320, which may comprise a metal-stud track 14 or in other cases a metal-stud 16, using spacing- tool-magnet 24C. The pair of drywall panels 304' and 304' ' may be positioned within a common plane 322 and on either side of the spacer part 302, such that respective edges 305' and 305" of the pair of drywall panels 304' and 304" abut opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces 302A' and 302A" of the spacer part 302 to define an expansion joint 307 between the respective edges 305' and 305". Once the tool 300 is anchored in place to the metal wall frame and the panels 304' and 304" positioned in place, the pair of drywall panels 304' and 304" may be secured in position relative to one another and the metal wall frame 320. Securing of the panels 304' and 304" may be done by a suitable method. For example, a first panel 304' or 304" may initially be secured, for example tacked, to the wall frame prior to anchoring the tool 300 to the wall frame and positioning the second panel 304' or 304". In other cases, both panels 304' and 304" may be loosely positioned prior to anchoring the tool 300. The magnet 24C may be sufficiently strong and oriented such that the tool 300 is retained on the wall frame without further effort by the user, to free up the user's hands to position and secure the panels 304' and 304' ' in place, thus reducing time and effort to install the wall panels with associated expansion gap.

[00156] Referring to Figs. 59-61, the spacer part 302 may have a structure suitable for spacing the drywall panels 304' and 304" relative to one another. Referring to Fig. 59, the spacer part 302 may comprise a beam, for example a rectangular beam 302H, although other shapes of beams may be used. Referring to Figs. 59 and 61, the cross-sectional profile of the spacer part 302 may be rectangular. The profile may extend with uniform shape at least part way, for example all the way between respective axial ends 302E and 302F of spacer part 302, along a longitudinal expansion joint axis 302G defined by the spacer beam 302H. The cross-sectional profile may be defined collectively by a spacer part tip, such as base face 302C, and the opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces 302A' and 302A". The spacing-tool- magnet 24C may be located on the base face 302C, for example directly on base face 302C, or embedded within a slot (not shown) within base face 302C and sitting flush, below, or beyond a plane defined by base face 302C, with or without an intermediate cover material over the external frame-contacting part of the magnet 24C. The spacing-tool-magnet 24C may comprise a plurality of magnets, for example two, four, or other suitable numbers of magnets, spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction 328 along the spacer part 302. A single elongate magnet may be used in other cases rather than or in addition to plural magnets.

[00157] Referring to Figs. 58-61, the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool 300 may comprise a wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part 312 between the handle part 314 and the spacer part 302. Referring to Fig. 61, the wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part 312 may extend on opposed sides, such as opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces 302A' and 302A", of the spacer part 302 to contact respective front faces 330' and 330" of the respective drywall panels 304' and 304". Referring to Fig. 59, the wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part 312 be formed by a plate, plates, or a pair of plates 312E, that each define a wall-panel-front-surface-contacting plane 332 that is parallel to a longitudinal expansion joint axis 302G of the spacer part 302. Referring to Fig. 58, a top bridge plate 312D may overlie the plate 312E and extend between plates 312E at either axial end of the tool 300. Referring to Figs. 59-61, the wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part 312 may extend in opposed lateral directions 336 on either side of the spacer part 302, for example on either side of respective planes 338 (Fig. 61) each defined by the opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces 302A' and 302A" parallel to the longitudinal expansion joint axis 302G of the spacer part 302. The combination of surfaces 302A' and 302A", and parts 312 acts to contact the edges 305' and 305", and front surfaces 330' and 330", respectively, of the drywall panels 304' and 304" to retain and adjust the position of same. In some cases the parts 312 may be advanced or retracted, or made otherwise position adjustable, relative to the spacer part 302 to accommodate different thicknesses of wall paneling.

[00158] Referring to Figs. 61-62, the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool 300 may be secured to one or both of the drywall panels 304' and 304", and/or the metal wall frame 320 via a suitable mechanism. Referring to Fig. 61, securing may comprise inserting fasteners, for example flange-fasteners 318, through one or both of the pair of drywall panels 304' and 304" and into the metal wall frame 320. After anchoring the tool 300 to the metal wall frame, one panel of the pair of drywall panels 304' and 304" may be secured, for example if the other panel is already secured, or both panels of the pair of drywall panels 304' and 304" may be secured, for example if neither panel is secured prior.

[00159] Referring to Fig. 61, the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool 300 may have a structure suitable to accommodate the fastening of the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool 300 to one or both of the drywall panels 304' and 304", and/or the metal wall frame 320. Referring to Figs. 58-59, the wall- panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part 312 may define fastener guide passages 316, for example that extend from a top / external face 312A to a base face such as wall-panel-front-surface-contacting face 312B of the wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part 312. Referring to Figs. 61-62, in use flange- fasteners 318 may be inserted through the fastener guide passages 316 in the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool 300, without securing the tool 300 to the panels 304. Guide passages 316 may be located adjacent, for example within one or two inches of, edges 305' and 305" of panels 304' and 304" in use to facilitate a conventional pattern of fasteners to be used to secure the panels.

[00160] Referring to Fig. 61, after securing the panels 304' and 304" in place, the expansion joint spacing tool 300 may be withdrawn from the expansion joint 307. For example a user may grip the handle 314 and pull in a direction 340 away from the wall frame to remove the spacer part 302 from the join 307 and to break the magnet-wall frame magnetic connection.

[00161] Referring to Fig. 58, the handle part 314 may comprise a suitable hand grip, for example a U-shaped hand grip 314E, whose ends 314D are connected to the spacer part 302, for example via flange parts 312. The U-shaped hand grip 314E may have finger indents 314A that, along with bridge part 312C, define a finger receiving cavity 314B of a sufficient size to fit an adult male and female's hand. Other types of handle shapes may be used, such as a knob, a spool, a J-shaped handle, and others.

Texturing or other relatively high-friction surfaces may be used on handle 314 to improve utility.

[00162] The use of base, top, bottom, left, right, sides, and other relative language is intended to be relative and not restricted to absolute directional language defined with respect to the direction of gravitational acceleration on the earth, as the tools disclosed here may be rotated, turned, and manipulated in any orientation. Magnets may be mounted to exterior surfaces of parts, may be embedded at least partially within slots in the exterior surface of parts, may be enclosed within the part or other parts, may have covers, and may have other suitable features. Magnets include rare earth magnets and other suitable magnets of sufficient strength. Sheet embodiments may be formed by bending and cutting a blank. Tools may be surface treated, for example painted or covered with anti-wear and anti-scratch covering. Opposed may mean facing away from one another, for example diametrically opposed. A square may be a part that contacts two parts to align the two parts to be perpendicular or parallel to one another. Contact between parts may be direct or indirect through intervening parts. A quick-release device may be used to release each or some of the magnets from adherence to a metal surface. For example, in tool 100, a button or other lever on the pole may be actuated to advance a pin or series of pins on the base face of the tool 100 to separate the track from the magnets.

[00163] In the claims, the word "comprising" is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present. The indefinite articles "a" and "an" before a claim feature do not exclude more than one of the feature being present. Each one of the individual features described here may be used in one or more embodiments and is not, by virtue only of being described here, to be construed as essential to all embodiments as defined by the claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A metal-stud spacing tool comprising:

a body;

opposed metal-stud-contacting parts at respective ends of the body and spaced to, in use, separate a pair of metal-studs within a metal-stud track, by a pre -determined on-center installation separation distance; and

a metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnet mounted to the body.

2. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 1 in which the body is formed of a sheet of material.

3. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 2 in which the sheet of material is sheet metal.

4. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 2 - 3 in which the metal-stud-or-metal-stud- track-adhering magnet is mounted on a tab that is bent out of the sheet of material.

5. The stud spacing tool of claim 4 in which:

the tab comprises a plurality of tabs; and

the metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnet comprises a plurality of metal-stud-or-metal- stud-track-adhering magnets each mounted on a respective tab of the plurality of tabs.

6. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 5 in which the metal-stud-or-metal-stud- track-adhering magnet comprises a metal-stud-adhering magnet.

7. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 6 in which the metal-stud-adhering magnet forms one of the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts.

8. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 6 - 7 in which the metal-stud-adhering magnet comprises a plurality of metal-stud-adhering magnets.

9. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of any one of claim 1 - 8 in which the metal-stud-or- metal-stud-track-adhering magnet comprises a metal-stud-track-adhering magnet.

10. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 9 further comprising a metal-stud-track- contacting part on a lateral side of the body between the respective ends.

11. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 10 in which the metal-stud-track-contacting part comprises a metal-stud-track-flange-edge-contacting surface.

12. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 10 - 11 in which the metal-stud-track-contacting part comprises a metal-stud-track-flange -face -contacting surface.

13. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 12 in which the metal-stud-track-flange-face-contacting surface comprises a metal-stud-track-flange-inside-face-contacting surface.

14. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 13 in which the metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track-adhering magnet defines the metal-stud-track-flange-inside-face-contacting surface.

15. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 10 - 14 in which the metal-stud-track-contacting part and the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts form a metal-stud-square.

16. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 10 - 15 in which the metal-stud-track-contacting part defines a stud-contacting plane that is perpendicular to respective track-contacting planes defined by the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts.

17. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 16 in which the opposed metal-stud- contacting parts are metal-stud-track-web-contacting parts.

18. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 17 in which the respective ends face away from each other and are terminal ends of the body that define a maximum axial length of the body therebetween.

19. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 17 - 18 in which each of the opposed metal-stud- contacting parts comprise a metal-stud-web-contacting finger sized and positioned to fit, in use, within an internal cavity defined between opposed flanges and a web of either of the pair of metal-studs.

20. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 19 in which the body comprises a metal-stud- track-opposed-pair-of -flange-edges-bridging part.

21. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 20 in which one of the respective ends is located on the metal-stud-track-opposed-pair-of -flange-edges-bridging part.

22. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 21 in which the body comprises a metal-stud- track-single-flange-edge cantilever part that in use contacts a metal-stud-track-flange -edge and extends partially across an interior cavity defined by opposed flanges and web of the metal-stud-track.

23. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 22 in which one of the respective ends is located on the metal-stud-track-flange-edge cantilever part.

24. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 23 in which the body comprises an intermediate part whose ends mount the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts, with the intermediate part being laterally offset from a metal-stud-track axis defined by the respective ends to define, with the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts, an equipment-inside-the -wall-frame receiving bight.

25. The metal-stud spacing tool of claim 24 in which the intermediate part and opposed metal-stud- contacting parts collectively form a C-shaped inside edge profile.

26. The metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 25 in which the pre-determined on-center installation separation distance is twelve inches, sixteen inches, or twenty -four inches or greater.

27. A combination comprising:

a metal-stud track;

a first metal-stud secured in the metal-stud track;

a second metal-stud positioned in the metal-stud track; and

the metal-stud spacing tool of any one of claim 1 - 26 with the metal-stud-or-metal-stud-track- adhering magnet adhered to one or more of the first metal-stud, the second metal-stud, or the metal-stud track, with the opposed metal-stud-contacting parts contacting the first metal-stud and the second metal- stud to space the first metal-stud and the second metal-stud by the pre-determined on-center installation separation distance.

28. The combination of claim 27 in which the metal-stud spacing tool comprises a metal-stud-track- contacting part on a lateral side of the body between the respective ends, and the metal-stud spacing tool has at least two configurations comprising:

a first configuration where a base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, a first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, a second opposed metal-stud- contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts a first flange of the metal-stud track; and

a second configuration where the base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts a second flange of the metal-stud track.

29. The combination of claim 28 in which the metal-stud spacing tool has at least two additional configurations comprising:

a third configuration where a top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud- contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts the first flange of the metal-stud track; and

a fourth configuration where the top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts the second flange of the metal-stud track.

30. The combination of claim 29 in which, in the first configuration, the second configuration, third configuration and fourth configuration, the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts an outside face of a respective one of the first flange and the second flange, and in which the metal-stud spacing tool has at least four additional configurations:

a fifth configuration where the base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud- contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts an inside face of the first flange; and

a sixth configuration where the base face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts an inside face of the second flange;

a seventh configuration where the top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, the second opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts the inside face of the first flange of the metal-stud track; and

an eighth configuration where the top face of the metal-stud spacing tool faces the metal-stud track, the first opposed metal-stud-contacting part contacts the first metal-stud, the second opposed metal- stud-contacting part contacts the second metal-stud, and the metal-stud-track-contacting part contacts the inside face of the second flange of the metal-stud track.

31. A method comprising :

securing a first metal-stud in a metal-stud-track; positioning a metal-stud spacing tool within or on the metal-stud track with a first part of the metal-stud spacing tool in contact with a web of the first metal-stud, such that a magnet on the metal-stud spacing tool adheres the metal-stud spacing tool to one or both the metal-stud track or first metal-stud; and

positioning a second metal-stud in contact against a second part of the metal-stud spacing tool to space the first metal-stud and the second metal-stud apart by a pre-determined on-center installation separation distance.

32. The method of claim 31 further comprising securing the second metal-stud to the metal-stud track.

33. The method of any one of claim 31 - 32 in which the magnet comprises:

a first magnet that adheres to the metal-stud track; and

a second magnet that adheres to the first metal-stud or the second metal-stud.

34. A metal-stud track positioning tool comprising:

an elongate body; and

a plurality of magnets mounted to, and spaced at various longitudinal positions along, the elongate body for adhering the metal-stud track positioning tool to a metal-stud track in use.

35. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 34 further comprising a handle extended from the elongate body.

36. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 35 in which the handle comprises a pole.

37. The metal-stud track positioning tool of any one of claim 34 - 36 further comprising a handle connector part mounted to or defined by the elongate body.

38. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 37 in which the handle connector part comprises a threaded handle-receiving bore.

39. The metal-stud track positioning tool of any one of claim 34 - 38 in which the plurality of magnets is mounted to a face of the elongate body.

40. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 39 in which the plurality of magnets collectively define a metal-stud-track -contacting plane.

41. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 40 in which the plurality of magnets and elongate body are structured to fit, in use, at least partially within an interior cavity defined between a web and opposed side flanges of a metal-stud track.

42. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 41, in which the plurality of magnets is structured to adhere to an inside face of the web of the metal-stud track in use.

43. The metal-stud track positioning tool of any one of claim 34 - 42 in which the plurality of magnets is positioned on respective feet of a plurality of feet mounted to or forming part of the elongate body.

44. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 43 in which the elongate body comprises a beam that defines a longitudinal axis of the metal-stud track positioning tool, with the plurality of feet extended laterally relative to the beam.

45. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 44 in which the elongate body and plurality of feet are formed from a sheet of material, with the plurality of feet defined by tabs bent out from the sheet of material.

46. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 45 in which the tabs are bent laterally outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

47. The metal-stud track positioning tool of any one of claim 44 - 46 in which the beam comprises a channel beam.

48. The metal-stud track positioning tool of any one of claim 34 - 47 in which the plurality of magnets comprises plural sets of two or more magnets, with the plural sets each located at respective longitudinal positions along the elongate body.

49. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 48 in which each of the plural sets of two or more magnets comprises first and second magnets spaced in opposite respective lateral directions from a plane defined parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

50. The metal-stud track positioning tool of claim 49 in which:

for each set of two or more magnets:

one of the first and second magnets comprises a relatively weak magnet; the other of the first and second magnets comprises a relatively strong magnet; and in which the location of the relatively strong magnet as one of the first and second magnet and the relatively weak magnet as the other of the first and second magnet alternates across adjacent pairs of sets of two or more magnets.

51. The metal-stud track positioning tool of any one of claim 34 - 50 in which the elongate body has a length, defined along a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, of four feet or more.

52. A combination comprising:

the metal-stud track positioning tool of any one of claim 34 - 51; and

a metal-stud track adhered to the plurality of magnets of the metal-stud track positioning tool.

53. A method comprising :

mounting a metal-stud track to a magnet mounted to an elongate body;

positioning the metal-stud track adjacent a working surface using a handle extended from the elongate body; and

securing the metal-stud track to the working surface.

54. The method of claim 53 in which the working surface comprises a ceiling.

55. The method of claim 53 in which the working surface comprises a top of a wall frame.

56. The method of any one of claim 53 - 55 in which securing comprises applying a fastener through the metal-stud track into the working surface.

57. The method of any one of claim 53 - 56 further comprising, after securing the metal-stud track, disconnecting the elongate body and magnet from the metal-stud track.

58. The method of any one of claim 53 - 57 in which adhering further comprises inserting the elongate body and magnet into an interior cavity defined between a web and opposed side flanges of the metal-stud track.

59. A drop ceiling beam square comprising:

a first blade;

a second blade perpendicular to the first blade; and

a drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnet.

60. The drop ceiling beam square of claim 59 in which: the first blade has a first-beam-flange-contacting part; and

the second blade has a second-beam-flange-contacting part.

61. The drop ceiling beam square of claim 60 in which:

the first-beam-flange-contacting part comprises a first-beam-flange-face-contacting part and a first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder; and

the second-beam-flange-contacting part comprises a second-beam-flange-face-contacting part and a second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder.

62. The drop ceiling beam square of claim 61 further comprising:

a first rail that defines the first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder; and

a second rail that defines the second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder; and

in which the first rail and second rail both extend out of a first face or a second face of the drop ceiling beam square.

63. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 61 - 62 in which:

the first blade and the second blade are collectively formed from a sheet of material; and the first-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder and the second-beam-flange-edge-contacting shoulder are defined by tabs that are bent out from the sheet of material relative to the first blade or the second blade, respectively.

64. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 61 - 63 in which the drop-ceiling-beam- adhering magnet comprises:

a first magnet that defines the first-beam-flange-face-contacting part; and

a second magnet that defines the second-beam-flange-face-contacting part.

65. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 60 - 64 in which:

the first blade has a first-beam-stem-contacting part; and

the second blade has a second-beam-stem-contacting part.

66. The drop ceiling beam square of claim 65 in which an outer edge, which is collectively defined by the first-beam-stem-contacting part and the second-beam-stem-contacting part, defines an L-shaped profile.

67. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 59 - 66 in which the drop-ceiling-beam- adhering magnet comprises a plurality of drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnets, with one or more of the plurality of drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnets being mounted on the first blade and one or more of the plurality of drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnets being mounted on the second blade.

68. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 59 - 67 in which an outer corner junction between the first blade and the second is indented.

69. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 59 - 68 further comprising an arm, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam-contacting-tip of the arm relative to the first blade or second blade, along an arm axis that is parallel to an axis of the first blade or second blade.

70. The drop ceiling beam square of claim 69 in which the arm is mounted to slide relative to the first blade or the second blade.

71. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 69 - 70 further comprising a second magnet located on or adjacent the beam -contacting-tip of the arm.

72. The drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 69 - 71 in which the arm comprises:

a first arm, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam-contacting-tip of the first arm relative to the first blade, along a first arm axis that is parallel to an axis of the first blade; and

a second arm, which is adjustable to vary a location of a beam -contacting-tip of the second arm relative to the second blade, along a second arm axis that is parallel to an axis of the second blade.

73. A combination comprising:

a main beam with a main beam flange and a main beam stem;

a cross tee contacting the main beam and having a cross tee flange and a cross tee stem; and the drop ceiling beam square of any one of claim 59 - 72 with the first blade contacting the main beam and the second blade contacting the cross tee to square the main beam and the cross tee with the drop-ceiling-beam-adhering magnet securing the drop ceiling beam square to one or both the main beam and the cross tee.

74. A method comprising:

mounting a square to a main beam of a drop ceiling using a magnet, such that a first blade of the square contacts the main beam tee; and

positioning a cross tee against a second blade of the square, with the second blade oriented perpendicular to the first blade to square the cross tee relative to the main beam.

75. A wall panel expansion j oint spacing tool comprising: a handle part;

a spacer part extended from the handle part and having a cross-sectional profile defined by opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces that are spaced to, in use, separate a pair of wall panels by a predetermined expansion joint distance; and

a magnet on the spacer part.

76. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of claim 75 in which the spacer part comprises a beam.

77. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of claim 76 in which the cross-sectional profile is rectangular and extends with uniform shape at least part way along a longitudinal expansion joint axis of the beam.

78. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 75 - 77 further comprising a wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part between the handle part and the spacer part.

79. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of claim 78 in which the wall -panel-front-surface- contacting-flange part comprises a plate that defines a wall-panel-front-surface-contacting plane that is parallel to a longitudinal expansion joint axis of the spacer part.

80. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 78 - 79 in which the wall-panel- front-surface-contacting-flange part extends in opposed lateral directions on either side of the spacer part.

81. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 78 - 80 in which the wall-panel- front-surface-contacting-flange part defines fastener guide passages that extend from an external face to a wall-panel-front-surface-contacting face of the wall-panel-front-surface-contacting-flange part.

82. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 75 - 81 in which the magnet comprises a plurality of magnets spaced in a longitudinal direction along the spacer part.

83. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 75 - 82 in which the cross- sectional profile is defined collectively by a spacer part tip and the opposed wall-panel-contacting surfaces, and the magnet is located on the spacer part tip.

84. The wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 75 - 83 in which the handle part comprises a U-shaped hand grip whose ends are connected to the spacer part.

85. A combination comprising:

a metal wall frame member;

a pair of drywall panels in contact with the metal wall frame member adjacent one another within a common plane; and

the wall panel expansion joint spacing tool of any one of claim 75 - 84 adhered by the magnet to the metal wall frame member, with the spacer part contacting and separating respective edges of the pair of drywall panels to define an expansion joint between the pair of drywall panels.

86. A method comprising:

mounting a spacer part of an expansion joint spacing tool to a metal wall frame using a magnet; positioning a pair of drywall panels within a common plane and on either side of the spacer part, such that respective edges of the pair of drywall panels abut opposed sides of the spacer part to define an expansion joint between the respective edges; and

securing the pair of drywall panels in position relative to one another and the metal wall frame.

87. The method of claim 86 in which securing further comprises inserting fasteners through one or both of the pair of drywall panels and into the metal wall frame.

88. The method of claim 87 in which fasteners are inserted through fastener guide passages in the expansion joint spacing tool.

89. The method of any one of claim 86 - 88 in which the expansion joint spacing tool comprises a flange part that extends on opposed sides of the spacer part to contact respective front faces of both of the pair of drywall panels.

90. The method of any one of claim 86 - 89 further comprising, after securing, withdrawing the expansion joint spacing tool from the expansion joint.