Transfer Precise Shapes with the Contour Gauge

Recently I gave my bathroom a DIY make-over.  I was on a tight budget but I wanted to make certain it got the most bang for my buck. On my renovation to-do list was:

BATHROOM RENOVATION TO-DO LIST

- install new flooring
- vanity, mirror, sink
- light fixture
- window
- toilet
- shower head, faucet
- bead board
- paint

The tub and tile were in decent shape, so I kept them. We managed to remove the old materials without any problem. Now it was time to install the flooring. Since I was doing this myself, I had no clue what the best approach would be to easily and precisely cut the tile. I had to cut around the molding, toilet, vanity and my awkward angled tub. This was starting to look like a DIY nightmare...but was it?

Lucky for me, I have a handyman friend who listened to my dilemma, was quick to tell me about a tool that is now my absolute go to DIY treasure in my toolbox. Drum roll…the Contour Gauge.

This simple but amazing tool is designed to transfer precise curves and irregular shapes. All you have to do is press the comb side of the tool against a surface and each tooth on the comb will adjust to the point of contact, thus creating a wave of pins curved to form a traceable line. Well, that was simple and (dare I say it) actually fun to use!

There are metal contour gauges and plastic contour gauges (sometimes called profile combs, profile gauges or shape duplicators). Since the metal wires are smaller in diameter, the metal contour gauges may offer more accurate tracing but may not be as durable as the plastic gauges since the teeth are more inclined to bend/dislodge. For my purposes, I initially decided on purchasing the metal gauge since I was sold on metal giving me the most precise impression but then decided to purchase both since they are super cheap on Amazon. General Tools offers two different contour gauge sizes, the 10” Plastic Contour Gauge and the 6” Metal Contour Gauge. What if you are duplicating larger shapes? Combine two gauges. Problem solved!

My professed tile cutting nightmare turned into quite the opposite. I found myself pressing the contour gauge up against molding, pipes and columns. Also, it can be used not only on tile but laminate, engineered wood, solid wood and vinyl flooring.

Thanks to my handyman friend from saving me from a tile cutting headache. Hope this post (and video!) serves as your DIY handyman friend and you add the contour gauge to your toolbox before you start your next DIY home improvement project!

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