Swanson Tool S0107 12-Inch Speed Square Layout Tool with Blue Book

Product Information

Size. Many speed squares are about 6 inches long; however, there are bigger speed squares for larger projects - some with a twelve-inch side or folding extension piece. Aluminum is the best material a speed square can be made out of. It won’t rust and is weather-resistant, and you can use it in various environments. At the same time, it is durable and can withstand most drops. Aluminum doesn’t bend easily in most circumstances, and it is also very lightweight.

Scribe lines.These notches correspond with markings on the ruler edge. Using the notches, you secure your pencil and slide the speed square along the length of the lumber, giving you perfect scribe lines. After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to place the speed square in your essential DIY toolbox. Parts of a Speed Square 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. 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.

The Swanson Speed Trim Squaremay be a smaller version of its well-known predecessor, but that doesn’t make it any less useful. This square has all the conveniences that Swanson products are known for, including the patented 3 ½ inch diamond mark. It has dual reference bases for centering mortises and tenons, and the scribe bar has fade-resistant milled guides for longevity. This, paired with the anti-glare finish, makes it easy to read. 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.

Lip or Fence.The speed square lip allows you to brace it against the side of the board, ensuring you get a firm hold and a straight line.Hammer a small nail into the center of the circle, and place a pencil in the appropriate scribe notch. Rotate the speed square on the nail to draw a curved line! 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.”

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. Framing squares are used by carpenters, metalworkers, engineers, hobbyists, DIYers and roofers. Conclusion Material.Most speed squares are built from aluminum or durable plastic to withstand drops while staying perfectly square. 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 Align the blade of your saw with the waste side of the line, then slide the speed square up to the bottom plate of the saw. Hold the speed square lip firmly against the board while you slide the saw along the straight edge for a perfect cut!Common Pitch.Joists use several common angles, and these are listed in a cutout within the speed square. Using your pivot point, you can align these internal "common pitches" with your project. Place your pencil in the notch. Once you've determined the correct measurement, you can place your pencil within the appropriate notch. Scribe the line. Holding the lip of the speed square tight against the board, slide it along the edge of the board with the pencil in place, marking the cut line. Pivot the speed square. Hold the corner of the square with the pivot point against the edge of the board. Rotate the rest of the square off the board until the degree you want lines up with the same edge as the pivot point. 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.