Made in the USA from decent gauge aluminium alloy, they’re lightweight, rigid, and thankfully non-reflective. You get the full range of roof pitches, angles, and hip values etched and then inked onto the surface of the metal, so you know they’re not going to rub off. This aluminum speed square is popular among reviewers, with one person writing that it “draws a clean, straight line and with the extra extension up to a foot.” It’s a perfect tool not only for roofing, but for wood laminate floors as well. Instead of flipping the square to match the first line, you can “just fold down the extension” for a single clean line. https://youtu.be/4ENeDhNf0Jo Video can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: How to find Roof pitch or slope (https://youtu.be/4ENeDhNf0Jo) A speed square is actually a triangle! It needs to be light, durable and accurate. Only the highest grades of aerospace aluminium alloys are used to make the best speed squares. Speed Square Dimensions

The Empire Laser Etched Aluminum Rafter Squarecomes in a bright shade of blue, with high visibility permanent laser engraved markings. The extruded aluminum body is more sturdy than die-cast, and it won’t corrode or rust. The rafter square has convenient conversion tables, and precision scribe notches help guide the pencil when marking. The heel is 15% wider than average for a steady hold on material. Speed triangles are used as a combination square, try square and framing square in one. A roofing square is used to mark out cuts for rafters or any angle between 0 and 90°. You can also scribe lines and use the square to guide a saw across a board. Speed Squares UsersLip or Fence.The speed square lip allows you to brace it against the side of the board, ensuring you get a firm hold and a straight line.

Reviewers appreciate that this speed square is laser engraved, making the markings durable. One customer wrote “I really like the fine etching on this, as the smaller your measurements are, the more precise your work, and less chances of inaccuracy and problems down the road.” Others like the lightness of the aluminum. Another customer summed up with “I highly recommend this product to all trades in the industry.”In this example, I needed to cut curves on the ends of these cornhole board legs so they can pivot in the corner of the frame. This will allow the legs to collapse for easier storage. Common Pitch.Joists use several common angles, and these are listed in a cutout within the speed square. Using your pivot point, you can align these internal "common pitches" with your project. Now you can use your circular saw or jigsaw to cut down the waste side of your line! How to Use a Speed Square for Angles

You’ll never know how you got by without a speed square once you’ve tried it out. Speed Square Construction Speed squares come in a variety of sizes and materials, allowing users to choose between a lightweight or heavy duty speed square. No matter what size or material though, the speed square is an essential tool to have in any toolbox. Framing squares are used by carpenters, metalworkers, engineers, hobbyists, DIYers and roofers. Conclusion Most speed squares are pretty accurate, but the average homeowner does not need absolute perfection for every project. However, detailed work requires accurate tools. For example, most woodworking requires complete accuracy. Readability Scribe the line. Holding the lip of the speed square tight against the board, slide it along the edge of the board with the pencil in place, marking the cut line.Find the pivot point. With the lip of the speed square against the edge of the board, the pivot point will be the notch where the straight edge meets the lip.Draw a straight line from the pivot point to the other side of the board. To get the most accurate markings, place your pencil tip on your measurement, then slide the speed square up to your pencil. Then draw a scribe mark across the board so you can easily see where to cut! One customer wrote that they use it for tile work, wood trimming and other everyday tasks. They appreciate that it’s lighter and easier to handle than the metal square they used previously. Another reviewer who chose to build their own furniture explained that “this tool has been invaluable for marking lines for cross cuts, using as a saw guide for my jigsaw, and a handful of random applications.”

If you're trying to build a roof of any kind, whether it is a shed, a house, or a barn, you'll need to mark and cut the appropriate angles to establish the roof pitch. Look at the hypotenuse (the long edge of the triangle). There will be marked degrees from 0 to 90.Choose the one that matches the angle you want to find. Hammer a small nail into the center of the circle, and place a pencil in the appropriate scribe notch. Rotate the speed square on the nail to draw a curved line! When you're making a long rip cut, there's little room for error! Thankfully, the speed square can help you draw a super straight line to follow with your saw.Here's how:So this triangular tool, which is called a square (even though it's not a square shape), can draw circles too? Yup! For anyone who is on a limited project budget, the Hyper Tough Framing Rafter Squareis a solid option that will barely make a dent in your overhead. This speed square can also be used as a protractor and tri-meter. It can find both angle and pitch, as well as squaring up lumber. The embossed markings are fade-proof, and included on both sides, making it convenient for both left- and right-handed use. Here is a list of the top speed squares, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best speed square for your needs.