Review: Tooley Park Scribes – FineWoodworking

During my days as a cabinet installer, I have tried countless tools and techniques for scribing. In any given installation, there will be multiple materials in multiple orientations, which can make it hard for a single tool to do the job. There will never be one scribe to rule them all, but versatility reigns supreme in the limited space of the site toolkit.

This scribe from Tooley Park is compact and easy to adjust, and its pivoting tool holder and the no-slip knurled knobs make it a step above the rest. I’m impressed by the range of scribes available in Tooley Park and the level of customization they offer.

There is a tool holder for every marking device you could imagine, carpenters’ pencils, permanent markers, and even your favorite bright green mechanical pencil. What really jumped out at me, that I will be ordering for future scribes, is the drag-free bearing base that glides over finished walls without leaving a scuff, which will keep you in the painter’s good graces.

This tool really shines with the addition of the chair maker’s marking wheel, which, out of the box, is razor sharp and can be swapped out in seconds, giving you a scored line instead of a mark. The scored line is my go-to when scribing colored lacquer, or if you are a follower of the blue-tape movement (although I prefer purple tape). Using the wheel creates a crisp, drag-free line to cut directly to.

At first, it feels a little awkward setting the angle for the wheel using the hex wrench, but you will be thankful for the extra torque when your scribe doesn’t wander.

—Owen Madden is the assistant editor.

$50 for Deluxe Scriber
$31 for Chair Maker’s Marking Wheel Holder
tooleypark.com

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