Best Speed Square Reviews | Top-Rated Tools We Love To Work With
Contents
- The Best Speed Squares Are:
- 1. Swanson Tool S0101 7-Inch Speed Square Layout Tool
- 2. Empire Level 3990 12-inch Heavy-Duty Magnum Rafter Square
- 3. Stanley Premium Quick Square Layout Tool
- 4. Johnson Level & Tool Johnny Square Professional Aluminum Rafter Square
- Factors To Consider When Buying A Speed Square
- Ease Of Reading
- Scribing Notches
- Durability
- Using a Speed Square as a Saw Guide
- Conclusion
- Sources
"Speed Square" is a Swanson Tool Company trademark for the triangular layout tool Swanson invented in 1925. Other brands call it a rafter square, rafter angle square or triangle square.
One square does the work of several tools: try square, miter square, protractor, line scriber and circular saw guide. Here are four good ones.
OUR TOP PICK
Our pick for the best speed square is the Swanson Tool S0101 7-Inch Speed Square Layout Tool. It is CNC-machined from heavy-gauge aluminum, has deep, easy-to-read markings and is made in the USA.
The Best Speed Squares Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Swanson Tool S0101 7-Inch Speed Square Layout Tool | 1. Swanson Tool S0101 7-Inch Speed Square Layout Tool Top Pick | - Size: 7 inches - Weight: 0.68 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 2. Empire Level 3990 12-inch Heavy-Duty Magnum Rafter Square | 2. Empire Level 3990 12-inch Heavy-Duty Magnum Rafter Square | - Size: 12 inches - Material: Aluminum - Weight: 1.05 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 3. Stanley Premium Quick Square Layout Tool | 3. Stanley Premium Quick Square Layout Tool | - Size: 7 inches - Material: Aluminum - Weight: 4.8 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 4. Johnson Level & Tool Johnny Square Professional Aluminum Rafter Square | 4. Johnson Level & Tool Johnny Square Professional Aluminum Rafter Square | - Size: 7 inches - Material: Extruded Aluminum - Weight: 4.8 ounces | Check Current Price |
1. Swanson Tool S0101 7-Inch Speed Square Layout Tool
Swanson invented the Speed Square, and this 7-inch S0101 is the original. It uses Swanson's One-Number method to mark common, hip and valley rafters from a single pitch number.
Swanson says each square is CNC machined from heavy-gauge aluminum to a true 45 and 90 degree corner, and it is made in the USA. The markings are deep and black-filled, so they stay readable for years.
It replaces a try square, miter square, protractor, line scriber and saw guide, and it fits in a tool belt.
A 1/4-inch scribe bar lets you draw lines parallel to a board edge. The Diamond cutout marks a rafter seat cut in one motion.
It ships with the Blue Book, a pocket reference for roof pitch, rafter lengths and stair stringers. At 0.68 pounds it is a bit heavier and thicker than many rivals, which makes it a sturdier saw guide.
Specs
- Size: 7 inches
- Weight: 0.68 pounds
Pros
- Pocket-sized
- Strong and highly durable
- Inscriptions are legible
- Includes the Blue Book rafter and stair reference
Cons
- Some users said the squareness is not true and the edges tend to be rough
Verdict
Best of the Best: Durable, accurate and easy to read, with markings that will not wear off. It is a great buy for anyone serious about carpentry or woodworking.
2. Empire Level 3990 12-inch Heavy-Duty Magnum Rafter Square
This 12-inch solid aluminum rafter square resists bending, and its size lets you mark across boards up to 12 inches wide, such as stair stringers and wide rafters.
The markings and conversion tables are etched deep, so they will not fade. The thick frame works as a circular saw guide, and an instruction manual is included.
It is larger and heavier than a 7-inch square, so it rides in a toolbox rather than a tool belt.
Specs
- Size: 12 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 1.05 pounds
Pros
- Highly durable, thanks to its aluminum build
- You do not need to buy an extra saw guide
- Instructional manual is very helpful
- Marks boards up to 12 inches wide
Cons
- Edges are really sharp
Verdict
Excellent Durability: A heavy-duty square that stands up to drops on the job site. Get it if you regularly lay out stairs or wide rafters.
3. Stanley Premium Quick Square Layout Tool
This Stanley layout tool has a dark body with high-contrast graduations that are easy to read in low light.
The aluminum body doubles as a saw guide and a 0 to 90 degree protractor. It is light, compact and inexpensive.
It lacks scribe notches, so for marking rip lines you will need a combination square or a tape and pencil.
Specs
- Size: 7 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Super lightweight and compact
- You can use it in place of several measuring tools
- Edges are really straight
Cons
- Does not come with scribe notches
Verdict
Great Readability: The high-contrast markings make this tool easy to read. Get it if you want a fairly priced, readable square with a nice size and weight.
It has all the features you need in a reliable basic layout tool. However, it is lacking in some more advanced features that professional contractors might look for. This tool is better used by hobbyists.
4. Johnson Level & Tool Johnny Square Professional Aluminum Rafter Square
This solid aluminum square has CNC-machined edges and a thick lip that works as a saw guide. The protractor scale is etched, and it has scribing notches.
One of its best features is its EZ-Read finish that was engineered by Johnson Level to ensure excellent readability. It protects the tool from glare and diffuses light in order to make the markings crisp and readable even when using it out in the sun. It also has better friction to keep the tool in place.
The CNC-machined edges help it hold an accurate 90 degrees, but check any new square against a known square before you trust it.
The markings are laser-etched with good contrast against the body, and conversion information is printed on the tool. Durability is on par with the others.
Specs
- Size: 7 inches
- Material: Extruded Aluminum
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
Pros
- CNC-machined edges
- Very easy to read
- Aluminum construction for longevity
- Comes with scribing notches to help you make rips
Cons
- Some users said the edges are not as deep as they would have wanted it to be.
Verdict
Great Accuracy: Machined edges and a glare-reducing finish make it accurate and easy to read.
There is a nice contrast between the laser etchings and the body, so you can use this even when working outside in broad daylight.
The price is great as well. It will not break the bank. Both professionals and DIY enthusiasts will find this tool a great addition to their woodworking arsenal.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Speed Square
Ease Of Reading
Ease of reading comes first, since you will check the markings constantly. High contrast and an anti-glare finish help outdoors.
Deep, filled or stamped markings outlast thin surface etching.
Scribing Notches
Scribe notches or a scribe bar let you slide a pencil along a board edge to draw a line parallel to it, which is handy for rip cuts. If you rip boards often, pick a square that has them.
Durability
Speed squares are made of aluminum, steel or plastic. Aluminum is the most common: light, rigid and rust-free.
Plastic squares are cheap and light but can crack if dropped, and a saw blade can nick one when you use it as a guide.
Using a Speed Square as a Saw Guide
You can cut 45 and 90-degree angles using the square as a guide. Hold the square's lip firmly against the edge of the board, set the saw shoe against the square, and keep your hand on top of the square, well away from the blade's path.
Family Handyman notes the method works better, and more safely, for right-handed users when the saw's motor is to the right of the blade. Clamp the work so it cannot shift.
Conclusion
The clear winner for the best speed square is the Swanson Tool S0101 7-Inch Speed Square Layout Tool because it is accurate, easy to read, durable, and lightweight.
Sources
- Speed Square 7 in. (S0101), Swanson Tool Co.
- How to Use a Speed Square, Family Handyman
