Milwaukee Metric Rafter Square

Product Information

First off, they are precision built with accurate frames. A speed square is only as good as its squareness and its ability to mark 45-degree angles. All speed squares that made our shortlist were square out of the box. For a few dollars more you can get aluminum speed squares. These will literally last you a lifetime. Swanson made the original, but Irwin makes one that is excellent for poor eyesight or dark conditions. The beautiful Milwaukee rafter square is extremely accurate, and they also make a 4 -1/2” trim square that I especially like when using 2x4s. Many companies make a 12” model. I use this size most often as a saw guide—more on that later. This part will go through the numerous factors to consider while selecting the optimal speed square for you. 1. Accuracy The hip valley cut top cuts, seat cuts, common top cuts, protractors, and guidelines for scribing notches at 1/4″ intervals for a total length of 2 1/4 inches are all included in this speed square.

Speed squares can be used to measure the pitch of a roof and to lay out angles from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. Features offered A 0.7 mechanical pencil, a tube of lead, and a plastic container for convenient organizing and storage are all included in the iGaging speed square bundle. Speed squares are typically made of either plastic or aluminum. The plastic ones are lightweight and give you high visibility. They just don’t last as long as the aluminum ones. The plastic speed squares are non-marring and ideal for use on painted surfaces like siding. There are a variety of sizes on our list of top speed squares, including the Igaging 4 inch square, the regular 7-inch square, and the Swanson 12″ speed square, measured along the hypotenuse side of the speed square triangle. These obviously come in a variety of sizes and are tailored to match individual requirements. The Taiwanese CH Hanson 03060 speed square distinguishes out with its three bubble vails, which help to the tool’s accuracy while leveling, plumbing, and determining roof pitches.When looking to acquire a speed square, this is one of the most critical elements to consider. Among the best speed squares examined, aluminum and plastic are the most prevalent material kinds available. Both the 7 inch and 4-inch squares have guidelines that may be used to draw straight lines parallel to each other at 1/8 inch intervals. The diamond-shaped cut-out on the square is a unique feature you could utilize to square any line drawn on the board so that a perfect 90-degree line may be drawn from the line to the board’s edge.

The speed square is especially important in roof building for determining roof pitch and cutting an exact seat into the rafter to match the double plate of the wall. It also comes with common and hip value scales that are very beneficial for rafter construction. That’s why a speed square is also called a rafter square.

Milwaukee Systems

This squaring, measuring, and marking tool is created in the United States and has an accuracy of 0.05. It weighs only a few ounces and has a diamond cut only on the 7-inch square. The Swanson tool Co., Inc is a 2-in-1 speed square that comes in 7 and 12-inch sizes and is built of a heavy-gauge aerospace aluminum alloy with a non-glare matte surface for easy reading in any light.

In my opinion, perhaps the single most important use of the speed square is helping you make straight cuts. To use a speed square as a saw guide, start by marking the line you intend to cut across a board at either 90 or 45 degrees. Now put your saw so the teeth of the blade are lined up with the cut line. Hold the speed square against the saw’s shoe as a fence as shown in the photo. Make sure you keep your space between the saw blade and the cut line consistent. A plastic speed square may be durable, but it isn’t as durable or wear-resistant as its metal counterparts. Using a plumb bob with a rafter square as a level. When the string is at 45 degrees, the bottom of the square is level Other Markings on a Speed Square 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. 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.Framing squares are used by carpenters, metalworkers, engineers, hobbyists, DIYers and roofers. Conclusion In short, the Empire level E2994, Milwaukee MLSQ070, and Swanson tool SW1201K are the top three choices of the best speed squares. They are sturdy, incredibly accurate with flawlessly squared edges, and flawlessly squared edges.

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. Suppose you prefer the aluminum alloy speed square. In that case, you can make your choice among the Empire level E2994, Swanson tool COS0101 7-inch speed square, iGaging bench square, 45-degree aluminum alloy angle ruler, Dewalt DWHT46031 rafter square, CH Hanson 03000 square, SwansonHanson tool COS107 Big 12-inch speed square, and the credence EX6 2-in-1 extendable layout tool. 3. Graduation Visibility This Dewalt speed square also has a glossy surface that makes it simple to wipe clean plus corrosion and wear resistance. It contains a half-diamond cut-out and guidelines that allow notches to be scribed at 1/4-inch intervals for a total of 2 1/2 inches.Made in the United States, this is a fantastic brand with consistent results. The Milwaukee MLSQ070 speed square is composed of finely machined extruded aluminum with a robust anodized finish and permanent laser engraved graduations. We suggest investing in an aluminum speed square since they are powerful, durable, and long-lasting. You’ll never know how you got by without a speed square once you’ve tried it out. Speed Square Construction The two most critical visibility issues among the tools we looked at are whether they are laser etched or printed, and whether they have strong contrast or not. By now you may be asking yourself, “why do I have to do this math?” Good news! When cutting boards, you don’t. The angles on a speed square match up with the angles on your miter saw—which are also based on 0 degrees being vertical. Therefore, a 30-degree cut on the miter saw is simply a 30-degree line on the speed square. Make your mark, then make your cut. 3. How to Make Straight Cuts Using a Speed Square as a Guide