The scope of the job mostly determines the size you choose. When dealing with big lumbers, such as 2 by 8 and up, the larger square comes in helpful since its size makes it easier to set up layout frames and transfer measurements from one lumber to the next. Since they normally come with a layout bar, they’re also great for laying out rafters, stairways, angles, and birds mouth joints.

First off, they are precision built with accurate frames. A speed square is only as good as its squareness and its ability to mark 45-degree angles. All speed squares that made our shortlist were square out of the box. Because the Crescent 2-in-1 speed square is only 8.8 ounces in weight, it’s easy to carry in aprons or on work surfaces. It contains laser-etched graduations and guidelines for scribing parallel lines every 1/4 inches. This Dewalt speed square also has a glossy surface that makes it simple to wipe clean plus corrosion and wear resistance. It contains a half-diamond cut-out and guidelines that allow notches to be scribed at 1/4-inch intervals for a total of 2 1/2 inches.When looking to acquire a speed square, this is one of the most critical elements to consider. Among the best speed squares examined, aluminum and plastic are the most prevalent material kinds available. One significant factor of readability is how durable the etching is. The last thing you want is for the numbers to wear off, making it completely unusable. Durability The Irwin 1794464 is a 7-inch aluminum speed square produced in China. It’s built of a robust rust-proof metal with deep marking for easy reading and visibility, much like many other speed squares.

Because of the accurate laser etching along the length of the speed square’s base, it may be used as a ruler. The material a speed square is made out of will have a direct effect on its durability. These versatile tools get used a lot, so they take a lot of wear and tear. They can wear down and become unreadable after only moderate usage if made of low-quality materials. The speed square is available in a variety of scales, including 1/8, 1/10, 1/12, and 1/16 scales. It’s silver in hue and barely 8.8 ounces in weight.The layout bar on this speed square is really exceptional. When dealing with out-of-square corners or constructing stair stringers, the layout bar is a must-have tool. The Swanson tool Co., Inc is a 2-in-1 speed square that comes in 7 and 12-inch sizes and is built of a heavy-gauge aerospace aluminum alloy with a non-glare matte surface for easy reading in any light. But recesses aren’t required for accurate measurements. Speed squares with precise edges, versus rounded edges that don’t lay 100% flat on a board, are a handy feature. It’s easy to mark precise and consistent lines when you can butt your pencil directly onto the edge of your speed square where it meets the work surface. Squares with rounded edges will lead to inconsistently-marked lines, depending on the angle you hold your pencil. Size options For a few dollars more you can get aluminum speed squares. These will literally last you a lifetime. Swanson made the original, but Irwin makes one that is excellent for poor eyesight or dark conditions. The beautiful Milwaukee rafter square is extremely accurate, and they also make a 4 -1/2” trim square that I especially like when using 2x4s. Many companies make a 12” model. I use this size most often as a saw guide—more on that later. A Hanson speed square, marking pencil, bag, and technical reference to roof framing are included in a set from the proper provider.

The two most critical visibility issues among the tools we looked at are whether they are laser etched or printed, and whether they have strong contrast or not. The hip valley cut top cuts, seat cuts, common top cuts, protractors, and guidelines for scribing notches at 1/4″ intervals for a total length of 2 1/4 inches are all included in this speed square. Do not bother calling it a speed square if it cannot square at 90 degrees or measure accurate length. 2. Material Because its pivot adjusts to 0.5 degrees by the distance between each degree mark, angular measurements with this Hanson speed square are more precise. You may use this tool to precisely measure any angle, pitch, or elevation, as well as determine if a line is plumb or level.You’ll never know how you got by without a speed square once you’ve tried it out. Speed Square Construction You also don’t want the speed square to get rusty or wear down due to the weather. This can warp it and make some of the measurements unreadable. Once again, a rusty square is not going to be very useful. Both the 7 inch and 4-inch squares have guidelines that may be used to draw straight lines parallel to each other at 1/8 inch intervals. Framing squares are used by carpenters, metalworkers, engineers, hobbyists, DIYers and roofers. Conclusion