Before the listmoms jump in and remind us all that there are no old tools 
being
discussed in this thread...

16" is very convenient when 24" is your "other standard":

16x3=48
24x2=48

Tends to work out amazingly well when using 4'x8' sheets of drywall, 
sheathing etc.

Later,

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Andrew Stonina" 
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2014 1:06 PM
To: "Old Tools E-Mail List" 
Subject: [OldTools] Re: Why is 16" so important?

> I wonder too if the 16" doesn't have something to do with the walls
> being able to take the weight.  Those of us who live in the northern
> climates get a lot of snow on our roofs in the winter.  Spring snow,
> like we've had the last few days, is wet and heavy.  Like someone
> said, while 12" would give more strength and 24" less strength, 16"
> seems like a good compromise.  Just my 2 cents.
>
> Andrew
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