DNB Tools PL200 Stair Wizard

This is probably the most advanced tool of this kind currently available on the market. The tool which I got in Feb of 2014 is labeled as "The Stair Wizard Pro Line II", it is made by DNB Tools in California (not sure how the name "Wheaton tools" came into play in the tool title) and yes, it is a "made in U.S.A." tool. It is made of a significantly darker wood than shown in the image (likely stained to a darker shade). Design-wise, it is exactly the same tool as LJ-3052 tread layout jig (you can Google its manual to learn how the tool works). It is made of hardwood, which comes both with its advantages and disadvantages. The great advantages are that it would not scratch your new treads and risers and that it is light. The disadvantage is that you have to be careful with this tool because it is easier to break than a metal or a plastic tool. I cannot help saying that we so much got used to plastic and industrial metal that it feels unusual and even slightly weird to work with a tool crafted from fine wood. You don't get anything like this in our "made in China" daily world.The plastic storage tube is appropriate for the tool of this size. I've read in one review that it would be good to have a rectangular case that does not roll. While there is some truth to it, at this length it lends itself better to storage in a vertical position. There is also an option of keeping the storage tube with the tool in the cardboard box in which it was shipped.As I said, this appears to be the most advanced tool of this kind in the market. The alternatives to this tool are limited in functionality: there is a "do-it-yourself" kit from the Collins company ("Collins Tool Company Stair Tread Template Set") made of metal (available on Amazon) and its plastic versions for $20 at HD for $35 at Lowes. There is an all-metal WDP Stair Jig from Ampro-online sold only directly from the manufacturer (about the same price as this jig but less functionality), and "Stair Tool" sold directly by TheStairTool company. They all probably work about the same when it comes to measuring width of the stairs and angles, but none of them has built-in functionality to measure depth of the stairs and risers. You need to have this depth (plus additional overhang) in order to correctly transfer measurements taken by the jig to the stair. Note that you measure the depth of the stair from its rounded nosing and not from the back. You need to know this depth in order to position the jig correctly before marking for cutting. With built-in adjustable stops, The Stair Wizard takes out of the game those additional measurements and reduces potential for errors.I also had a chance to get in touch with the customer service. The jig which I received had a minor manufacturing issue: it came with too short 1/2" screws in the spreaders, but with long 3/4" screws in the body. I sent an e-mail to the customer service in the evening and got a call from DNB tools early in the morning next day. They quickly identified the problem as wrong length screws and first suggested to ship me replacement screws, but then called again later that day to tell me that they discussed this issue and can suggest an even faster solution - check if adjustable stop screws are 3/4", and if they are, swap them with screws in the spreaders. This worked and the problem was resolved for the next several days until replacement screws arrived from the manufacturer. Promptness of their response and attention to the customer problem were first class.I read in one of the reviews that screws are threaded directly into the wood. This is not correct. Every screw in the tool which I got goes into a threaded metal insert there is no chance that the screw can get loose over time.Somewhat complained that it is tricky to set adjustable stops to the same length. I cannot see why this would be an issue. You just take a piece of scrap wood of the desired width (within the range allowed by the code) and use it as a spacer to set up stops. This is by far more accurate way of doing it than any marking or ruler.

This tool really works well and is easy to use. The thoughtful flexing hard rubber edge makes it real easy to remove tool out of tight places and flexes right back to the original dimension it was set at. I called DNB Tool and found them to be helpful and knowledgeable. They have been building the Stair wizard for ten years. The original idea came from Mr. Wheaton while he was working on his own stair treads, Mr. Wheaton has retired and no longer is involved.This Tool did pay for itself on the very first staircase I installed. It also helped with window sills, closet shelves and some angled layouts. Everyone I show this tool to wants to get one. So far a few employees have purchased this time saving tool. I did ask about a couple of broken parts that occurred after i dropped it and they sent me replacement parts at very low cost. They also said that tool is designed so certain parts break to save the wood from cracking or splitting when tool falls or is mistreated, sort of like crumple zones in a car, They still asked me not to drop it.All things considered it's worth it and it is made in the USA, Amazon has the cheapest price, (I checked other places) and you can talk to real people.

Remodeling our stairs from Carpet to Hardwood, Of course the walls aren't perfectly square, I sought a tool to help in the measuring and marking of the new treads and risers. I've got 29 steps in my house and tried to do the first 7 steps w/o this tool. This tool works great, cut the time in more than 1/2 for me- took about 4 hours to do the 1st 7 steps w/o tho Stair Wizard, and less than 2 hours for the next 7 with it. Made measuring and marking a breeze.Was about to design something like it myself, when I decided to take the time for an internet search for stair tools. This was the number 1 tool choice and it is worth the price.

I have never installed hardwood on stairs before. This tool made it relatively -- and I emphasize "relatively" easy. Rather than making my own jig, I used this device. One issue I had was that the "wings" have hard plastic edges that are about 12" long. This required me to tape a spacer to the edge since the trim on top of the banister side prevented the wing from laying flush against the riser. I also had a few instances where I forgot to properly tighten the nuts resulting in me losing the measurement. When I was done I resold the tool since I have no more stairs to cover.After the project was completed my wife was thrilled and I've received compliments from everyone who'se seen the stairs.