Combination Square with 2 levels/bubble vials

[A&P mechanic]

Hi GJ,

Does anyone make a 12 inch combination square with (2) levels/bubble vials?

I saw one a combo square a while back in a thread here with (2) bubble vials but cannot find it anymore. I did an internet search but it looks like nobody makes that type anymore. I have a Craftsman combination square with (1) bubble vial, I was using it today up on a ladder and thought it would be nice if it had a 2nd bubble vial 90 degrees apart. Thanks!

 

[RTM]

The Starrett #16 double protractor and the #439 combination tool on the next page are two quick wins, if you can find them used.

Starrett Tools 50th Anniversary : Catalog No. 25 : L. S. Starrett Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

388 p., illus., 18.7 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

I don't think #16s are still offered . The 439 is a heavy beast, not sure if want to use it up a ladder for too long

 

[neophyte]

One of the major points of a combination square, is that the head can be removed, and the face of the square head used for leveling flat surfaces, and with the square blade installed, the square blade can be used for determining plumb on vertical surfaces.

 

[A&P mechanic]

The Starrett #16 double protractor and the #439 combination tool on the next page are two quick wins, if you can find them used.

Starrett Tools 50th Anniversary : Catalog No. 25 : L. S. Starrett Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

388 p., illus., 18.7 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

I don't think #16s are still offered . The 439 is a heavy beast, not sure if want to use it up a ladder for too long

I have never that Starrett double protractor before and that style combination tool but that's looks useful. I only have a normal styple Craftsman square.

One of the major points of a combination square, is that the head can be removed, and the face of the square head used for leveling flat surfaces, and with the square blade installed, the square blade can be used for determining plumb on vertical surfaces.

Wow, that makes so much sense and I will remember this! haha I'm so used to going and grabbing my torpedo level.

I found a picture online of another older Starrett "Builders Square and Protector No. 4" that has (2) bubble vials also but it's big at 24 inches. I wonder if anyone makes something similar that's 12 inches with (2) bubble vials? I have never seen this Starrett tool before but it looks like the blade might move up and down to resemble a normal combination square.

Thanks for the replies guys!

 

[RTM]

I found a picture online of another older Starrett "Builders Square and Protector No. 4" that has (2) bubble vials also but it's big at 24 inches. I wonder if anyone makes something similar that's 12 inches with (2) bubble vials? I have never seen this Starrett tool before but it looks like the blade might move up and down to resemble a normal combination square.

That pic is the same tool I linked to in post #2, I think. Starrett #4 is either a screw pitch gauge, or the marking on the rule.

The 12, 18, & 24" rules are all interchangeable.

 

[Lwel9226]

The 12, 18, & 24" rules are all interchangeable.

There is a 36in. blade that fits also.....

LynnW

 

[KnurledNut]

@A&P mechanic
Vintage Stanley No. 22 combination square is what you’re after.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266257756522

 

[RTM]

@A&P mechanic
Vintage Stanley No. 22 combination square is what you’re after.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266257756522

Could only find a Starrett #22 listed as a drill tip guide, even after reading your link twice. Third time it sunk in.

Here is the story from Walter's guide to the #22 STANLEY square.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Measuring/i-wph8BM4/2/NFgf58QhCsPV7SjHKst3HRp7z5bdzKH5ML5s6whCK/X2/PXL_20240722_163817277-X2.jpg

 

[A&P mechanic]

There is a 36in. blade that fits also.....

LynnW

That is a long blade in a square!

@A&P mechanic
Vintage Stanley No. 22 combination square is what you’re after.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266257756522

Wow! This is exactly what I am looking for. I like this type of combination square.

Do any manufacturers make anything new like the Stanley #22 square?

I would like to get a Stanley #22 square or if another manufacturer makes a new one that’s similar with the (2) vials, I would go with the new square because the bubble vials would be easy to see when new. The Craftsman square would then be my back up.

I did an internet search about replacing the vials if I bought a used Stanley #22. I read the vials are usually installed with RTV and it is tedious to get them perfectly aligned, so I do not plan on replacing any vials.

Could only find a Starrett #22 listed as a drill tip guide, even after reading your link twice. Third time it sunk in.

Here is the story from Walter's guide to the #22 STANLEY square.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Measuring/i-wph8BM4/2/NFgf58QhCsPV7SjHKst3HRp7z5bdzKH5ML5s6whCK/X2/PXL_20240722_163817277-X2.jpg

Neat story, those squares have withstood the test of time 1936 > 1974. It is interesting that this combination square with the (2) bubble vials is titled as a drill tip guide.

 

[RTM]

titled as a drill tip guide.

That was me confusing Starrett and Stanley, different numbering systems.

 

[Lwel9226]

That is a long blade in a square!

I have the 36in. blade and do not use very often because it is cumbersome in most situations.... the 18 gets used a lot more....
and sometimes the 24 when needed....

LynnW

 

[KnurledNut]

“26 VIEWS IN THE LAST 24 HOURS”

That eBay listing I linked has gotten some hits. The seller must be wondering why the interest all the sudden.


Edit: Up to 36 views in the last 24 hours...just saying!

 

[RTM]

“26 VIEWS IN THE LAST 24 HOURS”

That eBay listing I linked has gotten some hits. The seller must be wondering why the interest all the sudden.

I love it when we can blow up their hit count like that, and then no one buys it.

Maybe someone will get an offer…

 

[A&P mechanic]

2024 - 1974 = 50 years.

Do you know of anyone else that makes a combination square similar to the Stanley #22 with (2) vials?
I would rather not get used since the bubble vials would be 50 years old.

 

[A&P mechanic]

I have the 36in. blade and do not use very often because it is cumbersome in most situations.... the 18 gets used a lot more....
and sometimes the 24 when needed....

LynnW

Hmm maybe I will pick up an 18 inch or longer blade someday, thanks for the idea.

 

[Lwel9226]

Hmm maybe I will pick up an 18 inch or longer blade someday, thanks for the idea.

The 12in. is still by farr the most used...

LynnW

 

[RTM]

I did an internet search about replacing the vials if I bought a used Stanley #22. I read the vials are usually installed with RTV and it is tedious to get them perfectly aligned, so I do not plan on replacing any vials

Back in the day, vials were seated in something like plaster of Paris in the bigger wooden levels, allowing some fine tuning before it sets.

RTV is probably a very modern fix, IMO.

With your potential square being 50-70 years old, I’d go the old way. Of course, i’d do that if I replaced a new vial too.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Thanks for all the replies guys!