What tool is commonly used by carpenters to lay out the position of siding courses at corners and openings?

The story pole is a very effective tool used by carpenters to establish the layout of siding courses, especially at corners and openings. It is a vertical wooden strip or board marked with specific measurements that represent the distances between the various elements of a structure, such as the heights of windows, doors, and the spacing of siding courses. By utilizing a story pole, carpenters can ensure consistent and accurate placements of siding, leading to a professional-looking finish.

This method eliminates the potential for errors that can arise from repeated measuring and marking directly on the wall. Instead, the story pole serves as a reference, allowing for quick and precise layouts throughout the project. Additionally, it can be used to communicate measurements clearly on the job site without the ambiguity that might come from verbal instructions.

In contrast, other tools such as levels, framing squares, and measuring tapes each serve specific purposes. While levels are essential for checking horizontal and vertical alignments, framing squares are primarily used for ensuring right angles and for layout work in framing. Measuring tapes are important for obtaining dimensions but do not provide the same efficiency and clarity for repeated layout tasks as a story pole does.