(https://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g73/Lovett1/Joisttweaker2.jpg)
I had a 2x4 ceiling joist that was warped; well actually twisted. With one end secured and square the other end was twisted maybe 20 degrees. I tried hooking a hammer over the top to twist it back straight, but the handle wasn't long enough to get enough leverage.
So, I notched a 3' piece of scrap 2x4 (I've got plenty of scrap) and put a drywall screw in to hold it to the joist. Straightening out that joist with one hand and running in screws to hold it in place with the other was then a snap. With a lever arm that long I think I could have removed just about any twist in that ceiling joist.
I know they sell commercial tools to do this, but I like making something useful out of scrap I already have in the workshop.
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I have also added two new posts to the blog (address below) that discuss what I've been doing this summer.
Thanks for the pointer, Tony. A good example of saving money by using your head. :)
Nice little [highlight]persuader[/highlight]! :)