The Best Carpentry Squares
Our Review Process
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Our Picks For The Top Carpentry Squares
This 6-inch carpentry square is a must-have tool for all those in the woodworking trade. It's constructed using a durable aluminum and features both inside and outside scales. As an added bonus, you can remove the fence on this tool to draw a circle when needed.
Strong and ReliableWith this carpentry square, you'll be able to quickly identify 30 and 45-degree angles.
You won't need additional squares when you opt for this 6-inch carpentry square. That's because this tool has an extendable arm that folds out to 12 inches. Since the square is made from a solid aluminum, you can also count on it standing up to the test of time.
Corrosion Resistant The laser-etched markings on this carpentry square make it easy to read.
This carpentry square is easy to use, with gradations for marking common, jack, hip and valley rafters. It also makes square cuts and marks angles. The multi-faceted tool features a try square, miter square, saw guide, line scriber and protractor.
The Guide You NeedYou’ll want to have this handy 5-in-1 speed square along for every job you work on.
This best-selling 12-inch combination square features a rust-proof stainless steel blade, a cast zinc body and black precision-etched scales. It works well for gauging depths, transferring angles, and marking angles accurately.
For a Precision EdgeUse this sturdy carpentry square for precise 90° and 45° marking and angle transfers.
This aluminum carpentry square is made from durable, high-quality aluminum and is graduated with highly visible 16ths on both of its sides. It's designed to be highly accurate and visible and comes in different lengths from 12 to 36 inches long.
Get Accurate, Professional WorkProfessionals will appreciate the value and quality of this high-quality, graduated T-square.
Buying Guide
Carpentry squares are a great tool for anyone who needs to lay out and mark patterns in frames, stairways and roofs. They can also be used as straightedges to determine how linear and flat surfaces are.
These tools are also referred to as rafter squares, roofing squares and flat squares. You can find carpentry squares that are designed to fit in your pocket and ones that are made to work with different surfaces such as wood or brick.
They are generally made from aluminum or steel and are shaped like the letter “L.” Though the standard size is 24 inches by 16 inches, they can also be found in other sizes. The longer part is called the blade, and the shorter part is the tongue; these join at the heel.
You’ll find many different types of squares, often specialized for certain jobs. A combination square, for example, can mark lines at 45 degrees, 90 degrees and 135 degrees and includes an adjustable slide ruler. Tri-squares do not have the adjustable rule, so they look like flat steel blades that are riveted at 90° to wooden handles. Drywall squares, speed squares, and many others also exist.
The measuring dimensions are stamped onto the surface and vary by the purpose the tool is designed for. Most carpentry squares are calibrated in inches and fractions of inches; look for ones that are clearly stamped and easy to read.
What to Look For
- If you work outside, shop for carpentry squares with anti-glare coatings.
- Aluminum is water-resistant and does not rust like steel.
- Some of these squares come with accessories, like manuals that can instruct you on how to use them properly.
- Some squares are multi-use tools that include the square along with many other useful parts. These can be very convenient and save you money.
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