Set Trusses Solo
This jig makes it possible to install roof trusses by yourself.
I’m in the process of building a workshop and needed a way to install trusses by myself, so I made this saddle jig out of scrap 2x4s. I attached two vertical boards to a bottom board, spaced about 1-3 ⁄ 4 in. apart, and supported them with angle braces. To use the jig, I install hurricane connectors to the face of the double top plates, then line up the saddle jig opening with the opening in the hurricane connector and temporarily secure the jig to the top of the plate with screws. I then lower the truss into the saddle.
Once the truss is held upright, I can climb down and secure the other side. To finish, I simply remove the screws holding the jig in place, lift up the truss slightly to slide the jig out, and finish fastening the truss to the bracket and top plate. It works perfectly, and I would suggest using a jig like this to anyone working alone. However, I would not recommend this method for really long trusses or trusses with a very steep pitch, and I would not attempt it on a really windy day.
—Dave Leclair, Rushville, N.Y.
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller.
From Fine Homebuilding #317
