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.” 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. 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. Find the scribe line notches. These triangular cutouts are usually located on the inside of the inner triangle, and fit a pencil perfectly.

So this triangular tool, which is called a square (even though it's not a square shape), can draw circles too? Yup! One customer called this tool “the baby brother for trim, molding and cabinet work.” Reviewers appreciate that this speed square is of good construction and material, made in the USA, and easy to read in all light conditions. Another customer commented on the variety of roles this square fills, writing that “you can easily mark out angles, use it as a drilling guide, and more.” Etched markings. On a good quality speed square, all markings are etched into the surface, rather than printed. This ensures that those little lines remain visible and accurate after years of use.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 speed square is a small triangular measurement tool that allows you to mark straight lines, find angles, and determine pitch. The term “Speed Square” is trademarked by Swanson Tool Co., Inc. and it is commonly referred to as a triangle square, carpenter's square and rafter square. We hope our review of the best speed squares has been helpful. For more suppliers of related products, including carpenters' woodworking wood chisels, chipping, pneumatic, and hand chisels, millwrights’ chisels, and diamond point chisels, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

Material.Most speed squares are built from aluminum or durable plastic to withstand drops while staying perfectly square. An angled cut, also known as a miter cut, is often used for trim. Any time you're trying to join boards at a corner without showing the end grain, you may need an angled cut.Whether measuring angles or marking straight lines on dimensional lumber, the speed squareis the tool to get it all done. Also known as a triangle square due to its shape, this tool is an excellent tool for woodworkersand craftspeople, both professionals and hobbyists alike. It plays the role of protractor, saw guide, line scriber, and even precision level. It helps provide accurate measurements and easy rafter seat cuts. Framing squares are used by carpenters, metalworkers, engineers, hobbyists, DIYers and roofers. Conclusion Locate the measurement.The notches coincide with the markings on the ruler on the outside edge. Usually, these notches only go up to 3 ½", which is the standard width of a 2x4.

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 The speed square is known by several other names, including rafter squares, carpenter squares, and triangle squares. It has a variety of convenient uses, but there are a number of different potential features to consider before choosing the one that’s best for the job at hand. Look at the "common."On the inside of the speed square, an area is marked "common." These are the common roof pitch angles. Whatever number in the common area lines up with the roof's edge is the rise in inches. So, if the number is 3, your roof has 3 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run.

My Top Recommended Speed Squares

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: 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. 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 Users 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

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. 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! You’ll never know how you got by without a speed square once you’ve tried it out. Speed Square Construction 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. First, mark your cut line with the speed square. Remember not to cut directly on the line, but rather on the "waste" side so you don't accidentally make your board shorter than you wanted. I like to mark that side with an X.

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. In the example below, I'm marking a 15 degree cut at the bottom of the board for a 2x4 bench. The pivot point is lined up with the end of the 90 degree line, and the speed square is tilted until the edge of the board is lined up with the 15 degree mark. How to Use a Rafter Square to Find Roof Pitch 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. 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 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.