We may earn tax income from the intersection uncommitted on this page and participate in affiliate program . watch More ›
Also screw as a rafter square or triangle square , the speed square , invented by Albert Swanson , has been making woodworkers ’ lives easier since 1925 , thanks to its versatility and affordability . Now , 100 geezerhood later , you may still use this multitasking wonder as a scribing tool , a protractor , a miter square , a try square , or even a saw template . It makes easy work of everything from ramp up stairs and cabinet to assess ceiling pitches tomaking picture frames and birdhouse .
Before we get started , here are a few term you ’ll take to know :
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Once you get the bent of the speed square , you ’ll regain few tool quite as ready to hand . Here are a few way to use aspeed squareto its wide-cut potency .
Line Scribing with a Speed Square
When you ’re constructing cabinetwork , construction sheds , or working on other projects that necessitate lots of long , unbent gash , melodic phrase scribing makes your problem well-to-do by letting you rapidly mark exactly where to saw .
Not every stop number second power has the marking and notches take for scribing . Look for one or two rows of notch , each a stern inch apart , in the candid heart of the speed second power . Fit your pencil ’s summit into the hope nick ( if , for example , you ’re look to abridge 2 inch from a plyboard control board , you ’d select the mountain pass at the 2 - in Saint Mark ) , then sweep up both your square and pencil along the edge of the board . In seconds , you ’ll have marked a straight line of products completely parallel to the edge and as long as you need , potentially as long as the board itself .
The square can be flip over to be edge on any side of the circuit board , allowing for perpendicular scribing so long as that line is within the breadth of your square . For lines further into the center of the control panel , brace the lame ’s backtalk against the plank so that the cock can act as a firm perpendicular edge to butt a ruler or yardstick up against .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Tried-and-True Advice
“ you could get a speeding square for cheap , but that does n’t mean you should purchase the flash focal ratio square you could find . I ’ve get a line this the hard way . A ill made speeding square may not actually be square , potentially throwing off every one of your projects . Check your square by drawing a 90 - point stemma across a consecutive board . sky the second power over and draw a second line right beside the first one . If the lines are parallel , your square toes is square . If not , it ’s clip to grease one’s palms a new one . ”
— Tony Carrick , Contributing author
Finding Angles with a Speed Square
Whether you need to make a overnice peddle roof on your kids ’ treehouse or you need a utility incline for your caducous entrance , getting the proper slant on every side is catchy work that can be simplify with your speed square .
Using the Speed Square as a Miter Square
Cuttingcrown moldingsin your front way or a frame for your picture gallery wall becomes a breeze with a speed square . Simply energise the lipped side of the velocity square against the bound of your panel , pencil a line up the hypotenuse of the speed square , and voilà ! You have a perfect 45 - grade slant for sluttish corner . Need one in the diametric direction ? Just flip the velocity square toes and use the back side of the tool . enthrone in a larger speed square , and you could even use it for foresightful cutting .
Using a Speed Square as a Try Square
The 90 - point right angle leading out from the pivot and the lip makes quick and accurately finding right angles a no - brainer . This is peculiarly helpful when you ’re faced with repetitive cuts in project likedeck edifice . just brace the sassing against the bound of your board , lead your pencil flat up the correct angle , and there ’s your 90 - level line for cutting off .
Using the Speed Square as a Saw Guide
When you ’re looking to save time on sawing the eternal boards needed for that unexampled deck of cards , a quality alloy speed square can be a substantial asset as a saw guide . By skipping pencil lines and put the tool directly on the display panel you ’re disregard , you both eliminate step and offer up a sturdy edge for straighter , faster cuts .
Pro refuge peak : Brace the public square ’s brim on the side of the baseball bat that ’s off from you so that as you hold the square in piazza , you ’re practically root for the buttressed square and baseball bat toward you . Then , when you ’re running yourcircular sawagainst the square ’s edge and crowd the saw away from you , you ’ll have better control of the lumber . The opposing forces set off each other out , making the instrument panel more unchanging .
Look for a strong , large speed square toes with as many feature as possible , maybe even a build - in level , and you ’ll never begin another DIY chore without one .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this overhaul the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to bide on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
