What makes a good speed square?

A: According to experts, the best size will be a 12-inch speed square. The reason behind this is its versatility and durability. It will provide you 45 and 90-degree angles. It can also be used as a ruler and help in measuring angles precisely without any mistake.

How do you choose a speed square?





To choose the best speed square, look for one that’s lightweight, durable, and clearly marked for fast and easy use. Material (often plastic or metal), color, and price point can be a factor as well.

What is the most important point on a speed square?

On the long side of the triangle are numbered degree markers that are all relative to the normal 90-degree line that you would draw with the square. The other important mark is at the point of the triangle across from the long side.

What kind of triangle is a speed square?

right triangle

Despite the word “square” in the name, a speed square is actually a right triangle with a perfectly 90 degree (square) edge and two 45 degree corners. It can also be referred to as a rafter square, triangle square, steel square, carpenter square, or framing square.

What is a standard size speed square?





The speed square is available in two sizes. The smaller size is seven inches on a side (the hypotenuse is just under ten inches), while the larger version is twelve by twelve by seventeen inches (actually, for sticklers who know the Pythagorean Theorem, the precise measurement is 16.97 inches).

What is the best rafter square?

The 10 Best Speed Squares – Reviews 2022

  1. Johnson Level & Tool Rafter Angle Square – Best Overall. …
  2. Swanson Tool S0101 7-inch Speed Square – Best Value. …
  3. DEWALT Aluminum Rafter Square – Premium Choice. …
  4. VINCA ARLS-12 Aluminum Rafter Carpenter Square. …
  5. Empire Level Heavy-Duty Magnum Rafter Square. …
  6. IRWIN Tools 1794463 Rafter Square.

How do you use a speed square angle?

Find your desired angle along the hypotenuse—for instance, if you want to mark a 30-degree angle, perfectly align the 30-degree tick mark with the edge of your board—then hold the square firmly in place, and draw your 30-degree line along the edge of the speed square that is opposite the angle readings and also …

Why is a speed square called a speed square?

Carpenters use it to make basic measurements and mark lines on dimensional lumber, and as a saw guide for short 45 and 90 degree cuts. The term “speed square” is a genericised trademark based on those owned by Swanson Tool Company which first manufactured and sold the tool.

Do I need a speed square?



When making crosscuts along shorter widths of stock, a speed square makes a great fence with which to guide a hand held circular saw. Just use the square to mark the cut line, and then a guide line the same distance of the blade to the shoe plate’s edge. If making a rip cut, use the scribing technique above.

How do you use a 12 inch speed square?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We will use the 12 inch high visibility speed square. It makes a very nice 90 degree marking. And then you just slide it over to use it as a guide for your circular.

What is the diamond cut out on a speed square?

Squaring Lines



The Swanson Speed Square has a diamond cutout along the ruler that allows you to square lines and make sure they’re perfect. That diamond cutout can be used to make a notch, or a birdsmouth, for rafter work.

How do you cut a speed square seat?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Put that on the edge of my rafter. And then square. Up the speed square to the heel cut mark i made. Then i can mark that straight line. And that will be my seat.

How do you use a speed square Rafter?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So if you want to make an angle you're going to set the square at that pivot point and just rock it till the desired angle. So let's say we want to do 30 degrees i'm going to pivot.

How do you mark a seat cut?

Mark the seat cut along the hypotenuse side of the tool [3]. Place the square with its fence on the top edge of the lumber. Make a mark at the desired pitch on the Common Top Cuts table [1]. Pivot the tool until its square side lines up with the mark [2], and scribe a line [3].