5 Best Speed Squares For Woodworking In 2023

Most Precise And Convenient Square

Milwaukee 7″ Magnetic Rafter Square

Editor’s Rating: 5.0/5.0
Milwaukee 7-Inch Magnetic Speed Square
  • High-visibility markings that are laser etched
  • Reinforced and high-strength frame
  • 1″ Cutout Props Pipe

Most Durable And Accurate

Swanson Speed Square

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5.0
Swanson Speed Square
  • The most trusted brand
  • Made of highly durable material
  • Gives you the most accurate measurements
  • Black-filled matte gradations

Most Sturdy, Low Glare And Easy-To-Read

WORKPRO Rafter Square and Combination Square Tool Set

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0
WorkPro Square Tool Set
  • Aluminum Alloy Die-casting material
  • Stainless steel ruler
  • Scriber mark
  • Screw with Spring

Want to take your carpentry skills to a whole new level? Then check out the best speed squares available that can prove to be the ideal hand tool for your carpentry work.

If you are a carpenter or a woodworker by profession, then you must have had an idea of how important the best speed squares for your needs can be.

So, make the best decision concerning the purchase of the best speed square available after reading this buying guide for the best speed square among the wide variety of speed squares.

Swanson speed square is perfect as it will not only help you mark, determine or measure the angles, but it will also help you to be more precise and accurate in your work.
If you want a speed square that is sturdy enough to use for rough usages, then go for the WorkPro one.
If you prioritize convenience and accuracy over budget, then Milwaukee 7-inch square as it is the best option.

The Best Speed Square Options To Invest In

Milwaukee 7 In. Magnetic Rafter Square

Milwaukee 7 In. Magnetic Rafter Square
Editor’s Rating: 5/5

This 7-inch magnetic speed square comes with a stronger and highly durable plastic speed square frame that will not break even if you work under vulnerable circumstances.

Since this comes with a magnetic layout, it will provide you with a secure grasp on different sorts of materials when you are trying to take measurements.

The laser markings on this square will provide you with better visibility while you are focusing on your job.

The scriber lines are defined starting from 1 inch to 6 inches, and it will provide you with an easy and precise measurement calculation experience.

It also comes with 1-inch square cuts that will let you cross-cut easily. So, it is one of the best speed squares for woodworking, for sure.

Pros

  • Accurate rip lumber
  • Highly durable

Cons

  • Might be received in a cut-open package

Verdict

I felt that it is a highly versatile square, and the layout will provide you with accurate measurements.  Also, the frame is highly durable, and you don’t have to worry about unnecessary breakage.


Swanson Tool Co S0101

Swanson Tool Co S0101
Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The speed square is sized at 7 inches, and it was first invented by the company founder Albert Swanson

This speed square’s only made of a highly durable material like heavy gauge aerospace aluminum alloy, but also the black-filled gradation marks will help you to use your pencil in a free manner and mark the desired area with much precision.

Also, this, one of the best speed squares also incorporates five different tools that will take your crafting skills to a whole new level. There are 5 tools, and they are a try square, a miter square, a saw guide, a line scriber, and a protractor.

You can get the perfect measurements, and the saw guide will help you to be accurate when making straight cuts or measuring the 45 degrees and 90-degree angles.

The protractor will also help you to measure the half-disc or full circles, and the line scriber will help you to create a sharp and clear line to start with.

Pros

  • Easy to use 
  • The speed square may make your tasks easier
  • Multiple gradations

Cons

  • Full of hieroglyphs

Verdict

First of all, it has been in the market for quite a long time, since 1925. It will provide you with long-term benefits and accurate results. In one go, you will get all the necessary equipment that you might need while creating your masterpiece. 

So if you are in search of the best speed squares set that will help you to be more precise in your measurements, then you can go for this one. But, the speed square isn’t ideal if you need to refer to hieroglyphs while working. So, choose the best speed square wisely!


WorkPro Rafter Square and Combination Square Tool Set

WORKPRO Rafter Square and Combination Square Tool Set
Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

This aluminum speed square is also highly durable for the aluminum alloy that is used for making this.

But the most important part is that the combination ruler is made of zinc alloy, and also, the triangle square ruler is made of stainless steel to get the perfect matte finish and long-lasting.

The most important reason to buy this is its clearly identifiable scale and markings. The features are usually low glare, and the protective powder coating will help the scale remain identifiable for a long time.

It also comes with a 12-inch speed square made of stainless steel ruler so that you can be efficient at measuring the length of your wood piece in woodworking projects, and the three types of scale values include 1/16 inch, 1/32 inch, and 1 mm

The lipped fence is perfect for measuring the straight or angled line that can be proportional to the edge of the wood piece. The user-friendly and easy-to-read levels and the metal scriber are aligned at the side of the speed square.

Pros

  • Multiple graduations
  • Durable
  • Long Lasting
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Ruler markings at each end are cut off

Verdict

The markings of these best speed squares have been done in a way that will stay at their place for a longer period so that you can use them in the long future as well, and you can work more precisely with this one, I feel. Also, the square set is a 7-inch rafter square which is the perfect size for working and also will include the features of try square miter square, protractor, and framing squares.


Dewalt DWHT03132 Premium Rafter Square

Dewalt DWHT03132 Premium Rafter Square
Editor’s Rating: 4.75/5

This item weighs at 1 pound only, but it comes in two different sizes one is 7 inches, and the other is 12 inches large speed square.

The speed square is made of aluminum, and the extra thick body of this steel speed square will provide you with long service. You can also use the square layout tool as a heavy-duty one.

The graduations and the markings are done in highly contrasting colors. The edges are sharp and can be easily placed on the surface without creating any gaps. The larger base of these speed squares will help you to get a better grip on different types of material.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty
  • Compact design
  • Better grip

Cons

  • It might be a bit expensive

Verdict

I loved using it as it is extremely easier to work with since I could clearly read the markings without putting much effort. But, since the seven-inch speed square is the ideal tool to work with, I will be recommending you use that only.

Also, with it, you can draw the lines and take accurate measures. Considering all the advantages that you can get, it will be a wise decision if you invest in these heavy-duty speed squares.


IRWIN Tools Rafter Square

IRWIN Tools Rafter Square
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The premium rafter square, which is one of the best speed squares, is made with permanent deep stampings and markings. The high-contrast markings add an extra layer of ease and convenience while you work.

The speed square comes with multiple scales starting from one by eight to sixteen inches. Other feature of this speed square includes different functional features like a table, brace, and octagonal scales to help you in measuring the board properly. 

Pros

  • Highly professional
  • Accurate measurement ranges
  • Yellow marking

Cons

  • The plate might not sit rightly

Verdict

I feel that the different ranges of measurements of this rafter angle square will help you get the most accurate results. The yellow contrasting marks on the blue background made the process of deciphering data really easier for me.

I will definitely recommend using it if you want a long-term solution and do not have a knack for exploring cheaper alternatives, available on the market, and it is one of the best speed squares that you can buy for regular usage.


How To Decide If You Have The Best Speed Squares?

Before you start your journey to find the best speed squares for your requirements, it is important that you have a basic idea of what features an ideal speed square should have.

There are a few specifications that you can look for in a speed square:

Consider the Structure of the Square

Carpentry is all about making accurate measurements, and marking the 45-degree angles is of utmost importance for a carpenter.

That is why it is important that you verify that the frame of the speed squarer is very accurate.

Look for the squareness, as it is going to help you mark the 45-degree angle in a much more precise way.

Consider the In-Between Gap

The next thing that you should look for is the space between the scribing lines, as it will help you to draw a line with your pencil in between.

Markings

Also, you should check out if the best speed squares have high contrast and high visibility markings. 

Carpenters need to draw and mark their angles under different lighting conditions, and that is why it is extremely important to have the perfect set of speed squares that have high visibility markings.

Edges Lying Flat on The Surface

Most importantly, the speed squares must have very precise and sharp edges so that they can lay flat on the board.

If it is not perfectly square at the edges and it’s a bit rounded, then it will be difficult for you to mark lines with your pencil.

How To Select The Right Speed Square Size?

There are multiple options that you can choose from, but you need to consider your personal requirements and check out the best speed squares reviews before you purchase one of the different types of speed squares.

You need to look for a 7-inch aluminum speed square as it won’t be too big or too small for your work, and you can perfectly mark the lines.

Look for a speed square that is sized at 2*4 and 2*6 lumber which will be perfect for measuring before you cross-cut.

The advantage of investing in 7-inch best-speed squares available on the market is that you can take it easily to your job site.

Since 12-inch ones are also common, you shouldn’t invest in one that is too long for you to move around freely. Even if you create a DIY speed square, you should go for the 7-inch aluminum alloy speed square.

Reasons To Choose The Best Speed Square

One of the most important tools a woodworker or carpenter would utilize is the best speed squares since it is the primary requirement.

Speed Squares: The Basic Idea

Speed squares are often triangle-shaped hand tools for accurate measurements at a glance and marking precise angles and degrees, particularly 90-degree and 45-degree lines so that carpenters can create flawless woodwork.

The Scientific Mechanism and Work with Precision

The speed squares are thoughtfully constructed, and for every 1.4 inches, there are regular scribe slits that will properly align across the corners and length of the workpiece.

Since carpentry and other types of woodworking demand minute and precise dimensions, this information helps the carpenters be more precise and in-depth when creating the artwork.

However, the equation might be incorrect without the ideal set of speed squares if the angles and degrees are not measured correctly. So, to produce stunning artwork, it is crucial that you identify the ideal set of speed squares.

FAQs – Best Speed Square

What size speed square should you get?

There are multiple options to choose from when it comes to getting a speed square for your work.

But the experts suggest that you should at least go for a 12-inch long speed square because they are highly versatile than the smaller speed squares and durable. Also, the additional features will make the work of the speed squares measuring process easier for you.

The speed square would also help you to measure the 45 and 90-degree angles, but you can also go for a 7-inch one if you often spend your working hours outside of your home because they are easier to carry around.

Which is the best speed square?

There are various options available in the market. But you should always go for the one which will fit your individual needs and preference.
Always go for a stronger one that will be durable for a longer period of time, and the size should be according to user convenience.
If you work at home, it is better to invest in a 12-inch speed square, and if you work outside, a 7-inch one will be the ideal tool for you.

Should you buy a speed square?

If you prefer working with different types of materials and creating DIY stuff by scribing, marking, and cutting, then a speed square can provide you with a lot of benefits.
With the help of a speed square, you can get the perfect measurement while you measure the angles or cut down a part of the material in order to create something new.

My Favorite Speed Squares

After considering my needs, I decided to go with the seven-inch one as I thought that it would be the perfect fit for my requirements as these squares are very accurate. But you can also opt for a 12-inch square if that suits your needs.

After I tried each type of metal speed square at different times to identify the best one among these, I came to the conclusion that I need something that is solid, unbreakable, and also falls flat on the surface because it will ensure better measurements.

I personally liked Swanson, and WorkPro speed square tools as both of them are durable, and their edges are quite sharp. Also, the high contrasting markings made it easier for me to have a better reliability experience.

Depending on your individual needs, you can choose any one of these options mentioned in the list of the best speed square, as these are the top 5 speed squares that you can find in the market today!


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