Johnson Level & Tool 60-275 Deck Mate, Deck Board Spacing Tool, Orange, 1 Level

It is certainly up to the task. I've built two decks so far using this tool and it worked perfectly keeping boards neatly spaced. A few times it got pinned between boards but came out with ease. Its been hit multiple times with a rubber hammer during use and pinched between boards needing a framing hammer to pry out and did not break. I fully recommend this product.

The deck board spacing gauge worked great on spacing my deck boards. They are rugged and they proved to be invaluable in lining up deck boards, particularly on long 16 ft boards which had a curve to them. The bright yellow color was easy to spot and was an added plus. They offer 1/8 th inch or 3/16 th inch spacing, which is in line with what is recommended for laying deck boards. I believe they are superior to the other smaller spacers, including the wedge shaped ones offered by other manufacturers. I highly recommend them.

When the boards are evenly spaced and the screws are lined up like soldiers-on-parade, the overall look of the deck is upgraded to 'impressive and delightful'! I drilled out the holes on the Deck Mate to be big enough to let the screw heads pass through. Simplified things and speeded up the use of the Deck Mate. I suggest everyone using screws to do the same. This is a fantastic product which I highly recommend! If you are using screws or nails through the tops of the deck boards (instead of hidden fasteners) at least make sure the lines of screws or nails are straight and evenly spaced.... the Deck Mate makes it easy to do so.

I had purchased one of these items years ago when I was building a deck. When I started putting down the boards for my latest deck I wanted to get a second Deckmate Deck Plank Gauge. I looked locally and no one carried them. I was already familiar with the product so I knew what I wanted. I ordered two through Amazon, just in case needed three total. I should have ordered three. I'm using ten foot lumber for the deck boards and I could use one more. The tool works great. It does exactly what it says it it will do. I have also used it to build a 5' Cedar privacy fence for my parents in law. One side has a 1/8" spacer and the other is a 3/16" spacer. With wood decking as with wood fencing if the boards are warped you can switch spacers very easy to keep the boards lined up. If you need to really clamp down on the spacer in lining up the boards you can still remove the Spacing Gauge. It stays slightly elevated off the work so it's easy to pry it out if you have to. Overall this is the most handy tool I have found for spacing either deck boards or privacy fencing.

Solid and well made spacers. Easy to use and when you’re building a deck you want something substantial in your hands and rough and tough and these will last. I bought three to build a large deck and was pleased with them.