The Kreg Jig Multi-Mark

[Don Grubish]

Last Thursday I received my Multi-Mark in the mail. I opened my package and pulled out the tool. I couldn't wait to open this thing up and try it out. It's a quick assembly of putting the metal guage slide to the plastic handle and screwing tight the brass knob. The tool allows for 90 degree square, 45 degree angle, and 0 degree straight edge. I was also happy to see that a leveling bubble was included in the plastic handle too. One can always use one of those.

I grew up always seeing my dad use the triangular square when he'd build his projects. When I got married, my brother Dan got me a tool box with some basic tools inside, including the triangular square. I'd cut my teeth to woodworking using this type of square. However, I have to admit, when I'm not using it directly, I'd try and stick it inside my back pocket for later use. The problem with that is, the square doesn't want to sit there very long while I'm walking around the shop/garage. Most times when I'd bend down to view my project, that motion would pop the square out of my pocket with an annoying clang on the cement floor.

I'd try and leave it on the workbench top, but with larger projects, Murphy's Law comes into play. "You're always on the other side of the project when you realize you need your square." The same holds true to measuring tape too, but that's a story for another time. The Kreg Jig Multi-Mark fits a lot better in my back pocket ready for use. Score one for Kreg Tool on that issue.

I examined the construction of the Multi-Mark and found it to be solid. When the screw knob is tightened down, the metal blade DOES NOT move. I wondered if perhaps this might ever loosen over time, but the way the blade sets inside the groove for each degree application, there is no way you can damage this tool. It's locked on tight. I proceeded to use it to mark cut lines for my mitre saw. It works great for that purpose. Multi-Mark scores another point.

I also saw that you can use it for measuring blade height on the table saw. Now, I already own a blade guage I picked up at Menards one day, but that's not a tool I keep in my pocket. It hangs on the pegboard of my workbench. I don't like to keep too many tools on me, so this Multi-Mark takes the place of that tool. The straight on 0 degree slot allows me to quickly measure my blade height, so it now replaces my regular blade guage. Anyone want that thing, dirt cheap?

Next, the Multi-Mark also allows for 45 degree angle marking for door and window molding framework. While I don't see myself needing to do that kind of work any time soon, I do know that if I had this tool when I made my hall tree it would have come in handy. Lord knows there is plenty of 45 degree trim work on that piece. It kind of makes me want to build another one just to try this thing out.

Lastly, it's made by Kreg Tool. It's made with pride. It's made by woodworking folks out of Iowa who know what commitment and guarantee mean. They know it's a good tool or they wouldn't want to bring it to market. They haven't failed me on the Kreg Jig, and I know they won't fail me with this tool. I thought up a quick saying for myself when it comes to Kreg products. "If it's blue, it's for you." Make this tool a part of your collection. You won't regret it. I know I don't.