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

Product Information

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. Cut. After you mark the line, you can cut it with any power tool. If it's a 45 degree cut, you can use the speed square as a guide for the base of the saw to keep it moving in a straight line.

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. Okay, now that we've discussed the physical characteristics of a speed square, let's talk about the ways to use it! How to use a speed square to mark a straight line Speed squares are vital for carpenters, woodworkers, and DIYers. They are incredibly simple to use and affordable. However, they can come with various features, which can make it challenging to choose the best one for you. Out of all those we reviewed, the Johnson Level & Tool RAS-1 Rafter Angle Square was the best overall. It is accurately crafted, and the numbers are pretty easy to read. Overall, this speed square should serve you well for several years.Reviewers appreciate that this speed square is laser engraved, making the markings durable. One customer wrote “I really like the fine etching on this, as the smaller your measurements are, the more precise your work, and less chances of inaccuracy and problems down the road.” Others like the lightness of the aluminum. Another customer summed up with “I highly recommend this product to all trades in the industry.” In the example below, I'm marking a 15 degree cut at the bottom of the board for a 2x4 bench. The pivot point is lined up with the end of the 90 degree line, and the speed square is tilted until the edge of the board is lined up with the 15 degree mark. How to Use a Rafter Square to Find Roof Pitch To get the most accurate markings, place your pencil tip on your measurement, then slide the speed square up to your pencil. Then draw a scribe mark across the board so you can easily see where to cut! If you're trying to build a roof of any kind, whether it is a shed, a house, or a barn, you'll need to mark and cut the appropriate angles to establish the roof pitch.

After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to place the speed square in your essential DIY toolbox. Parts of a Speed Square You also don’t want the speed square to get rusty or wear down due to the weather. This can warp it and make some of the measurements unreadable. Once again, a rusty square is not going to be very useful.

My Top Recommended Speed Squares

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. When you're making a long rip cut, there's little room for error! Thankfully, the speed square can help you draw a super straight line to follow with your saw.Here's how:

Made in the USA from decent gauge aluminium alloy, they’re lightweight, rigid, and thankfully non-reflective. You get the full range of roof pitches, angles, and hip values etched and then inked onto the surface of the metal, so you know they’re not going to rub off. 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 The material a speed square is made out of will have a direct effect on its durability. These versatile tools get used a lot, so they take a lot of wear and tear. They can wear down and become unreadable after only moderate usage if made of low-quality materials. 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.” 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.Place your pencil in the notch. Once you've determined the correct measurement, you can place your pencil within the appropriate notch. The speed square is like the Swiss Army knife of measurement. There's a lot you can do with one once you know what all those markings are for!

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.Now you can use your circular saw or jigsaw to cut down the waste side of your line! How to Use a Speed Square for Angles The speed square is a small triangular measurement tool that allows you to mark straight lines, find angles, and determine pitch. The term “Speed Square” is trademarked by Swanson Tool Co., Inc. and it is commonly referred to as a triangle square, carpenter's square and rafter square. Material.Most speed squares are built from aluminum or durable plastic to withstand drops while staying perfectly square. 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!