Salt City Steel Home of the PICKET MASTER ® PRO
Handmade in South Salt Lake, Utah USA
Spring is Here: Quit Wasting Time and Get Your Shop in Gear
The frost is finally off the ground, and if your shop is anything like ours, the phone is starting to ring off the hook. Spring is the season when projects pile up fast. Whether you’re a professional welder, a builder framing out the neighborhood, or a homeowner finally getting to that backyard fence, there is no room for "slow" in the busy season.
If you aren't prepared, you’re leaving money on the floor. Here’s how to tighten up the ship and get moving.
1. Stop Tripping Over Your Own Feet
Efficiency starts with a clean floor and a serviced machine. You don't want a $5 part or a tangled lead to stop a $5,000 job.
Service the Iron: Blow the dust out of your welders, check your tips, and make sure your saws have fresh blades.
The "Someday" Pile: We all have that scrap pile that’s "too good to throw away." If it’s been sitting there for two years, it’s not stock—it’s an obstacle. Clear it out and make room for the new growth coming through the door.
Inventory Check: If you have to leave the shop to buy hardware or gas in the middle of a build, you just lost your profit for the hour. Stock up now.
2. The Silent Profit Killer: Manual Layout
In this industry, welding and building are the fun parts. The math is what kills us. Pulling a tape measure, marking centers, and then realizing you’re a quarter-inch off at the end of a 20-foot run is enough to make any grown man want to throw a hammer.
Whether you’re a pro fabricator or a weekend warrior, "guesstimation" isn't a strategy. It’s a liability.
3. Work Smarter with the Picket Master® Pro
We didn't build the Picket Master® Pro just to have another tool on the bench. We built it because "pulling a tape" is the slowest way to get a job done.
If you are doing railings, gates, or fencing, you need to stop doing $50-an-hour math on jobs that should be moving out the door. The Picket Master Pro (in 3, 7, and 12-point versions) is how you win your time back:
Dead-On Accuracy: Expand the tool to your opening, and your centers are locked in. No calculators, no mistakes.
Saves Real Money: Every time you miscalculate a layout, you’re burning material and time. This tool pays for itself on the very first job.
For Everyone: This isn't just for the big shops. Builders and homeowners use it to get professional, perfectly spaced results on any project without the headache.
4. Don't Just Work Hard—Work Efficiently
Growth doesn't mean working more hours; it means getting more done in the hours you have. When you streamline your layout and prep your shop, you can take on more projects and finish them to a higher standard.
This spring, don't let the layout hold you back. Get your hands on a tool that works as hard as you do.
Gear Up for the Rush. Stop fighting the math and start finishing the build. Check out the layout tools that actually make sense for the shop floor.
FAQ
What is the Picket Master® Pro?
It's a professional-grade, equal-spacing layout tool that eliminates math and manual measuring for pickets, balusters, and repetitive marks, turning a complex layout job into a fast, accurate mark-and-go task.
What is the simplest way to use the tool?
Adjust the tool to your desired distance, lock the thumb screws down tight, and mark every point. Every space will be identical.
Does it work with Metric measurements?
Yes. The tool's function is division, not explicit measurement. You set the desired physical gap (Metric or Imperial) between the points, lock it, and it divides the space perfectly.
Which model should I buy: 12-Point, 7-Point, or the 3-Point?
For the most versatility, buy The Full Monty Bundle (all three). The 12-Point handles the largest jobs, and the 3-Point is a dedicated center-finding tool.
How does the Picket Master® Pro eliminate math?
It uses a mechanical linkage design that automatically divides the distance you set into equal segments. You lock the screws, and you've locked in the perfect, precise spacing—no calculators or complex fractions needed.
Does this tool save time and prevent material waste?
Yes. Your layout is perfect the first time, preventing the need to recut or re-weld misaligned pieces. Less waste directly leads to higher efficiency and increased profit.
Why is my spacing inconsistent when I open the tool?
The high-precision linkage must be opened using two hands, pulling on both ends simultaneously. Trying to open it one-handed will cause the mechanism to bind or skew slightly.
Do I need to account for the picket material width?
Yes, absolutely. The tool marks the center of the space between pickets. You must subtract the material width (e.g., 1/2 inch bar) from your total run before setting your spacing on the tool.
How do I handle very large railings (longer than the tool)?
Work in halves or sections. Lay out one half of the panel, then move the tool and mark the next section, using the calculated center point to ensure the entire length is consistent.
How does the tool help me pass the final inspection?
Building codes require strict, consistent spacing (e.g., the 4-inch rule). The Picket Master® Pro eliminates the risk of a single point being out of compliance, saving you costly re-work and ensuring a smooth final inspection.
What is the minimum/maximum spacing?
The 12-Point model can be set from as small as 1/2 inch up to approximately 6 1/2 inches between points, covering all common building code requirements.
Why is the picket master® Pro better than a cheaper expanding ruler?
Unlike cheap gauges with riveted, warping linkages, the Picket Master® Pro is crafted from laser-cut stainless steel. It’s engineered to lock down rigidly, ensuring reliable, code-compliant precision on every mark.
How do I handle railings that don't divide evenly?
Find the true center of the rail first and mark outward from there. This ensures any minor spacing variance is split equally between the two ends, keeping the final product visually balanced.
Can I use the tool for non-railing projects?
Absolutely. It's an equal spacing layout tool trusted by welders, woodworkers, and DIYers for anything requiring repetition or finding the center.
Where is the Picket Master® Pro made?
Every tool is meticulously handcrafted in South Salt Lake, Utah, USA, ensuring high-quality, American-made craftsmanship.
Can I use the Picket Master® Pro on wood or aluminum?
Yes, it works flawlessly on wood, metal, and plastic. For softer materials, use a sharp pencil or fine marker to dot the marks made by the tool's precision points.
What is the recommended maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is required. We recommend an occasional cleaning with a light solvent and applying a single drop of light machine oil to the pivot points to keep the action smooth.
How should I store the tool?
Always collapse the tool and use the custom-made protective case it ships with. This protects the precision points from being damaged by other tools in your box. We also offer kaizen CNC cut foam inserts for Milwaukee pack-out cases.
What about international shipping, duties, and taxes?
We ship worldwide, but the international purchaser is responsible for all additional costs, including local duties, import taxes, customs clearance fees, and VAT required by the destination country.
Can I get bigger wing nuts or other parts if they get damaged?
Yes. We sell extra-large thumb nuts and other parts directly through our website. The tool is designed to be fully repairable, ensuring that a simple bent tip doesn't put your tool out of commission.
What are the limitations for custom laser engraving?
We can engrave logos or text onto the stainless steel. The engraving is typically limited to the blades that don't have existing logos or markings.
Is there any professional training or a user manual available for advanced techniques?
Yes. While the tool is intuitive, we offer tutorial videos on our website and social media.
Is the Picket Master® Pro durable enough for a busy fabrication shop?
Yes. It is constructed from laser-cut stainless steel, making it highly resistant to corrosion, shop chemicals, weld spatter, and daily abuse. It's built to be a reliable, lifelong tool.
Will this tool help me win arguments with my coworker about who gets to do the layout?
Absolutely. The Picket Master® Pro is so fast and accurate that it eliminates all arguments. Instead of fighting over the calculator and tape measure, you’ll just hear: “Hey, thanks for leaving me the easy job. I’m already done.”