Shop-Made-Pinch-Rods Published November 29, 2012 at 390 × 186 in Ian Kirby Woodworking Design: Squaring Up Measurements with Tape Measure or Pinch Rods Pinch rods can be made quickly and easily on the table saw from scrap lumber, the ones Ian Kirby used were 3/8″ x 1″ x 26″ and about 60 degrees, but it’s useful to have several sizes on-hand.