Speed Square Recommendations

[bulletpruf]

Fellas -

Need a speed square or two for general carpentry work. Had some notes from an older post here where someone recommended Swanson speed squares, but in steel. Think he said get 8" and 12". Not having any luck finding steel speed squares; any recommendations on what and where to buy?

Or should I just go with aluminum? I prefer to go with something durable, if possible.

Thanks!

Scott

 

[Mark in Indiana]

About 6 months ago, I picked up an aluminum one, on sale from a big box builders supply store, free after rebate. I had never used one before, so I looked up some you-tube videos for instruction and tried mine out. Seems to work fine and makes consistent measurements. I'd be afraid of the plastic ones warping, and steel ones are heavier & rust. I'm sure that there more informed answers that will arise. IMO: The aluminum one suits my needs.

 

[Zrexxer]

AFAIK there's no such thing as a steel Swanson Speed Square. They come in aluminum or plastic. The only steel ones I've seen are cheap knockoffs of Swanson.

I've been using Swanson aluminum speed squares for decades and never had any reason to wish they were made out of something else.

 

[fivespdcat]

The aluminum are the way to go. While I have never had issues with warping on the plastic ones, I do have tendency to step on then...

 

[dutchgray]

I like the blue Empire aluminium ones myself, but that is probably because its what I can get here, they are so cheap once they get a bit beat up just get another. I use mine most days at work for something.

 

[zkling]

For general carpentry as in circular saw guide for quick 2x cuts? Swanson speed square all the way. Now if you are getting into finish cabinet style work, in the shop a machinist type square with ground edges is nice, but certainly not something you want to drop on the concrete or run over with a circular saw.

 

[woodstockva]

I have the Laser Etched aluminum ones made by Empire (sold at Home Depot) & they work great.....really easy to read & very lightweight. The numbers really "pop" versus using a cast aluminum or plastic one that is all the same color.

 

[dr_clyde]

My dad, who has built things his whole life, always bought the Swanson or Johnson aluminum squares for carpentry work. The plastic ones will break if you step on them in the sand or drop a 4x4 on them or similar.

The nice aluminum ones are cheap anyways, so why bother with the hassle of a plastic one?

 

[Caman]

I have the aluminum Empire Magnums in 7 and 12 inch and they are pretty awesome.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007A29UC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YSAX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[d.mcfarland]

Even the aluminum Craftsman ones are like $5 and work perfectly well.

Don't go plastic and in my opinion, the steel ones have markings that aren't accurate because of the size of the marking.

 

['sallgood]

Lets review their real purpose

 

[spike99250]

The tile guys like the plastic ones, the aluminum ones can leak marks on tile.

 

[spasticone]

Even the aluminum Craftsman ones are like $5 and work perfectly well.

Don't go plastic and in my opinion, the steel ones have markings that aren't accurate because of the size of the marking.

My craftsman speed square was on sale for $5 too. It's crazy nice for the money and far nicer than my stanley.

 

[Burgerkong]

Lets review their real purpose

I thought it was an alternative to a dinner bell triangle?

 

[bulletpruf]

Thanks for all the input. I picked up a 7" and 12" aluminum Swanson.

Scott

 

[Jeremy77]

Great choice, the Swanson's come with the great little "Blue Book" as well. Be sure to keep it handy, amazing what you can do with that square using the formulas in the booklet.

 

[PelicanPines]

Swanson here too. Alum... used to eat their tv dinners in the 60's. Sorry... yes their little book is way useful too. I also have a cheap plastic oversized one from hd. They both serve their purpose.