Best Precision Square
Swanson Speed Square
- Pocket-sized
- Accurate
- 5 different uses
Best Combination Square
Irwin Combination Square
- Precise while measuring angles
- Made of stainless steel
- Rustproof
Best Try Square
Crown Tools 6-Inch Pioneer Try Square
- Lightweight
- Etched markings
- Easy to use
Are you sick and tired of buying low-quality woodworking squares?
After all, with so many options at the hardware store, making a good-enough choice can be a laborious and confusing task.
After a vigorous assessment, we have delineated the best woodworking square, along with accurate measurement information for you to make the desirable choice.
And with so many “great” options, comes the great responsibility of choosing the right one. Fortunately, our team tried out most of the woodworking squares.
We tried and tested each one for different uses. A woodworking square is also known as a carpenter’s square.
What Are The Types Of Squares Used In Woodworking?
There are many different types of woodworking squares carpenters must have. Here are the 5 best woodworking squares available for woodwork:
Try Square
Also commonly known as the tri-square. This square is mostly utilized to measure 90-degree angles. This tool helps in ensuring two objects are square, and in relation to one another.
Usually, this tool is made up of a metal blade and a handle or stock made up of wood. Try square is an essential square used in woodworking.
The word “try” in square comes from trying the surface to check the straightness of the surface corresponding to the adjacent angle.
This is the best square to have in your tool kit if you are just beginning with woodworking.
Speed Square
The speed square or the rafter square is a triangle-shaped tool. Even though the name “Speed Square” is trademarked by the company Swanson Tool, these types of woodworking square tools are still typically known as the same.
This tool offers woodworkers multi-purpose uses at once. This includes a ruler, T-edge, and an angle marker. There are multiple uses for a speed square in most projects.
Determining the right angles and marking on boards for cutting a speed square is an important instrument.
Framing Square
This is an L-shaped woodworking square that’s larger than a try square. It helps in making the edges and corners more symmetrical and keeps the angles accurate.
This tool can be used for a lot of projects, from DIY projects to professional work.
Combination Square
This tool is a combination of two tools: a ruler and an attached anvil. This anvil comes with a straight side, and the angled side is known as the shoulder.
The tool is used to draw out accurate perpendicular lines, and to hold angles to transfer measurements with ease.
Double Square
The double square is used to measure 90-degree angles in sets. Much like the name, the double square, the head has two sides.
The double square can only be used to measure a 90-degree angle and not 45 like a combination of square blades.
This tool comes in handy when using saw blades, to measure consistent lines, and check squares.
10 Best Woodworking Squares – Our Top Picks
Swanson Speed Square – Best precision woodworking square
Features
- Size: 7 inches
- Material: Aluminum
Swanson speed square is designed using the classic OG woodworking square design.
Anyone doing woodwork for a long time can tell nothing can really go wrong with this traditional tool.
The best part about the Swanson speed square is that it can be used for 5 different functions for a woodworker. These functions include:
- Try square
- Milter square
- Saw guide
- Line scriber
- Protector
Pros
- Pocket-sized
- Accurate
- 5 different uses
Cons
- Rounded corners
- Rough edges
Verdict
The square comes with a slot for an adjustable locking pin and has ¼ – inch notches. The tool is super handy and so durable, that you will not have to buy one for a very very very… long time. You can use this tool to do your 90 and 45 degrees on the go.
Irwin Combination Square – Best combination square
Features
- Size: 12 inches
- Material: A blend of stainless steel and zinc
The Irwin steel combination square is a rust-proof stainless steel woodworking square.
It is one of the best woodworking squares for the money.
The precise 12-inch combination square makes the perfect choice for marking and measurements, and also as a gauge for transferring measurements.
With the stainless steel and the combination of the metals, there is no chance of the measurement markings fading over a long period of time.
Pros
- Precise measuring tool angles
- Made of stainless steel
- Rust proof
Cons
- Markings could be more readable
Verdict
Our team was impressed that the square comes with metric units as well as imperial units. We also think that this square is a must-have for every wood workshop. Safe to say, the Irwin combination square did not disappoint at all.
Crown Tools 6-Inch Pioneer Try Square – Best try square
Features
- Size: 6 inches
- Material: A blend of bamboo, brass, and steel
The Crown Pioneer Try Square is hands down the best tool if you work mostly with a saw.
Using woodworking try square you can draw precise 90-degree lines and even set the saw blade angles.
It is made up of bamboo, brass, and steel, making it a super high-quality product, that you can reach out for everyday use.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Etched markings
Cons
- Bamboo handle
Verdict
With this square, you can say goodbye to digital angle gauges to set your saw angles. The 1/8 brass rub plate provides a tolerance of 0.01mm per 10mm of blade segment. You can measure accurate angles on this try-square because the markings are accurate to the core.
Swanson TC130 6-Inch Combination Square
Features
- Size: 6 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel, Die-cast zinc
Swanson is known for their precision square and its “rough” durability.
This square is made up of stainless steel and zinc blend body.
It comes with a high graduation range of 1/16 inches. And our team left no stone unturned to prove it wrong. But were we successful?
The answer is: at least we tried. Our team described the Swanson TC130 6-Inch Combination Square as “deadly accurate” and the truth is you may lose it way before it might break.
Pros
- Precision-etched graduation
- Durable zinc-cast body
Cons
- A little hard to read
Verdict
The only thing our team could find to complain about was the slightly rough edges. The TC130 Square is even much lighter and more accurate than most combination squares we tested.
Swanson Framing Wizard
Features
- Size: 18 inches
- Material: Aluminum
The Swanson framing square is probably the best folding square you can get for your workshop. It is compact and lightweight.
And much like the Swanson speed square, the Swanson framing wizard square can also be used for multi-purposes.
Useful as:
- Framing square
- Miter square
- Try square
- Saw guide
- Angle finder
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Precise marking
- Feels strong
Cons
- One of the 4 scales is metric
Verdict
Being foldable makes it an easy replacement for 2-foot squares because of the portability. The adjustability and the sliding tab are why our team decided this square deserves a spot on this list.
Johnson’s Johnny Square
Features
- Size: 12 inches
- Material: Aluminum
If you want a square that is easy to read, then get your hands on Johnson’s Johnny square.
The square contains a coating of specialized glaze to prevent glare. And the etched scales and markings are also especially easy-to-read.
The things you can do with a Johnny square are endless. This is a must-have tool for all workshops.
Pros
- Highly durable
- EZ-read laser etched
- Low-glare
Cons
- Not scratch resistant
- Non-durable paint
Verdict
The edges on Johnson’s Johnny Square are machined by CNC which provides high accuracy. The level square even includes a thick edge for an easy saw guide. Made up of aluminum, our team high-recommends this square because of its durability and reasonable price.
Milwaukee 7-Inch Magnetic Speed Square
Features
- Size: 7 inches
- Material: Blended plastic
It looks like any other woodworking square mentioned above. But what makes it stand out from the rest of the products are the three rare-earth magnets.
Now, doesn’t that sound cool?
Milwaukee may not be the best on this list, but it is definitely unlike any other tool we came across. The markings on this square are laser-etched, meaning no chance of fading over time.
Pros
- Suitable for DIY projects
- Highly visible markings
Cons
- Magnets may not always work
- Not as durable as metal-made squares
Verdict
Because of its versatile size, this makes a great option for using as a saw guide for 90- and 45-degree crosscuts. If you are very much into DIY projects then the Milwaukee magnetic speed square will be worth your every penny.
iGaging Double Square Set
Features
- Size: Small Square – 4 Inches, Larger Square – 6 Inches
- Material: Stainless Steel
iGaging double square set makes up for a very affordable and economical choice.
The package contains two units of different-sized double squares, along with a padded storage case.
The large-sized precision double square even comes with a built-in bubble level for utmost convenience. Our team found this square to be quite handy and suitable for multiple uses.
Pros
- Laser engraved markings
- Two tools for the price of one
Cons
- The spring can be tricky
- Recheck required after measuring
Verdict
The blades on these squares come with hardened satin chrome plating to ensure high durability. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and practical square, the iGaging double square set will tick all the boxes. After all, when it comes to woodworking squares, more is never less.
WorkPro Square Tool Set
Features
- Size: speed square – 7 inches, combination – 12 inches
- Material: Aluminum
After working on tons of woodwork projects, our team agrees, it is always feasible to purchase a combination of squares.
This is because woodwork involves various different jobs from measuring to leveling to cutting. And all of this cannot simply be done using one single square.
This is where WorkPro Square Tool Set comes in. Our team was definitely impressed by the quality that comes with the low price.
Pros
- Comes with an anti-glare coating
- Highly multi-purpose
- Has an in-built leveler
Cons
- Bit costly
Verdict
The strong aluminum speed square offers a low-glare marking for a super clear reading. And the combination square comes with a detachable anvil, along with a bubble level.
After trying and testing, we highly recommend WorkPro Square Tool Set if you want to stay under budget, and want something worth your money.
Swanson TS152 Try Square
Features
- Size: 8-inch try square
- Material: Stainless steel, hardwood
If you want to find a try square that is simple, accurate, and will be there with you for years, Swanson TS152 is the one for you.
The blade is made with stainless steel, which is lightweight and is marked with 1/8s and 1/16 on each side.
Pros
- Useful for a lot of things
- Made of durable material including hardwood
Cons
- Poorly designed on the wooden part
Verdict
It is useful for a number of tasks including measuring, marking, and checking squareness. Our team testifies “with this try square, measuring angles can never go wrong”.
The hardwood handle and the stainless steel will remain intact even after abiding usage. And believe us when we say, this try square is worth more than what you pay.
What Does A Square Do In Woodworking?
A square is one of the most important tools in woodworking. You can even say it is the carpenter’s right hand while working on a project.
From measuring angles to drawing a straight line, there is nothing these squares can’t do. Here are the uses of woodworking squares.
Measuring Angles
Precision and accuracy are what everyone needs when working on a woodwork project. It is highly important to check the correctness of the angles as a wrong measurement can ruin the whole project.
Drawing Straight Lines
Straight lines are a vitally important part of any woodworking project. From cutting to drilling holes, these lines are the backbone while working for any professional.
Leveling
Leveling is also an important part of a carpenter’s project. Because gravity is such a significant force that directly affects the durability and functionality of any project. Leveling makes sure the project will stand strong regardless of its shape and size.
FAQs – Best Woodworking Square
What is the best tool for squaring a line across a board?
The speed square. It has got to be one of the most useful yet little-used gadgets in your toolbox. It is majorly used for drawing straight lines across the surface of the boards.
What is the most accurate woodworking square?
According to our team, the Swanson speed square and the Irwin combination square are the most accurate woodworking project squares.
What tools do professional carpenters use?
Professional carpenters use many different tools including hammers, measuring tape, chalk, carpenter’s pencil, carpenter square, woodworking squares, and levelers. These were just some of the most important tools used by carpenters.
What is the difference between a combination square and a try square?
The most evident difference between a combination and a try square is that the combination square has a wooden head that can be moved along the blade. Whereas this head on a try square is fixed on the beam at a position of a 90-degree angle.
What are the two most common uses for a try square?
The focal use of a try square in woodworking is for marking and measuring. The tool can be used to measure the accuracy of a 90-degree angle on an adjoining surface.
Time To Go And Grab Your Woodworking Square
Now that you know the top-rated woodworking squares, it is time to add them to your tool kit.
According to our team, the best woodworking squares would be the Swanson try square and the Irwin combination square. It is because of the durability, accuracy, and convenience that come with them.
So, head over on the internet and order as per your needs. Do let us know your thoughts on the best woodworking square. Remember to always “measure twice, cut once.” Thank you for reading.
Hi! I’m Anthony. I have been doing a lot of DIY stuff. I am passionate about helping others learn about DIY and tools. I hope my website will help people save money by teaching them to do their own DIY projects. Thanks for reading!