Builder Michael Jones (24) will show his 3Way Tool, an all-in-one builder’s rule, bevel and square launched in April and due for sale from July 1 in hardware stores.
“Last year I spoke to thousands of people who visited my site, many of whom filled out survey forms giving me feedback on the concept and pricing.
“This confirmed a market for the tool and gave me the confidence to push ahead and have my tool made in New Zealand. Now I’ve got a unique tool that can save builders 30 minutes a day on certain jobs and the handyman a lot of frustration.”
Inconvenience launched his idea. “I was working on a house three storeys up, when I realised my bevel and set square were in my van down the road. I knew there had to be another way. If necessity is not the mother of invention, laziness probably is.”
He had a passion for this tool being ‘made in NZ’ because so few builders’ tools are made here. It’s proved hard work, but he’s done it, he says.
At first glance the 3Way Tool might be mistaken for a normal four-fold rule, but as well as ensuring accurate measurement, it has a link arm which slides along one side to accurately measure angles 0-150°.
A locking bolt secures the angle to allow the user to instantly read the exact angle for cutting.
Slots lock in the primary 90° and 45° angles.
As the tool’s inventor and developer, Jones had a passion for finding a new and easier way.
“For a builder like me there is a reward in time and effort in using the 3Way. For the home handyman it makes a
difficult job easy and replaces two tools.”
His tool is version 2.0 of folding rules, and he hopes it will revolutionise the way builders grab angles and measure, making life easier and more productive.
Jones was in the final six months of his apprenticeship in 2010 when he hit on the idea.
