What To Look For in a Combination Square
In this guide we’ll take a look at the best combination squares for the UK market.
We’ve compared dimensions, weight, type of metal used and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Every product we recommend is carefully researched, fact checked and tested where possible. If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission. Learn more.
In this guide we’ll take a look at the best combination squares for the UK market.
We’ve compared dimensions, weight, type of metal used and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
One of the biggest names in tools, Stanley have come up with one of the best adjustable set squares available right now. Proudly made in England, the Stanley Combination Die Cast Square is a sturdy but lightweight die-cast set square tool for marking accurate 90 and 45° angles anywhere along the combination square’s ruler.
The markings along the ruler are in imperial and metric and are well-etched for taking precision measurements. The lock bolt is well-sprung and stops the ruler of the adjustable square from moving, so you can scribe along any length you need. And because this combination square set is bright yellow, you shouldn’t lose it in your toolbox.
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Famous for some of the best locking pliers in the world, US tool brand Irwin know a thing or two about machining the best combination square. Using a die cast zinc body for extra durability, the Irwin Tools Combination Square is an adjustable set square proved by carpenters all over the world.
The black etched scales on the ruler are incredibly sharp and easy to read – it would be the best combination square UK users could get hold of, apart from the fact that this combination square set shows imperial measurements only. If you’re used to working in metric, try out a different adjustable square.
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
The Bahco CS300 combination square is precision machined and has sharp, accurate edges. Premium Swedish tool brand Bahco have produced a quality adjustable set square with a thick stainless steel blade for strength and durability.
The combination square features a die-cast body that is well put together, with an easy-to-read level bubble and a well-knurled adjuster knob that really grips the ruler when you need to scribe along a line. As you’d expect from one of the best combination squares, UK users get accurate measurements, easily readable in metric and imperial scales on both sides of the ruler, but on the opposite side so you don’t have to swap the ruler around.
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Hand tool experts Faithfull have been making faithful tools since 1989 that won’t break the bank. Their CS300 combination square is a great choice for keen DIYers and even professional carpenters that want a decent adjustable square for the right price.
It might not be as refined as some of the best combination squares on our list, but we found it to be accurate to 90 and 45°, and the cast body is sturdy enough for regular use. The stainless steel blade is well etched with imperial and metric measurements, making this a handy set square tool to have around.
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Budget hand tool bosses Rolson are a familiar sight to DIYers that don’t want to overspend but still demand quality. The 50858 combination set square is surprisingly good value when you take a closer look. The etched imperial measurements are well marked out along the ruler and the die cast body feels nice and sturdy.
The brass lock nut and scriber tool look well machined, but what we like the most about this combination square set is that it’s accurate- the body is true to 90 and 45° and it feels like it will stay that way for a long time. This is an excellent quality and super light budget combination square.
Any self-respecting carpenter or woodworker will have the best combination square to hand whenever they tackle a precision job. A versatile bit of kit, you can get a lot done with an adjustable set square.
As with any hand tool, you must strike the balance between durability and weight. Heavy-duty adjustable squares for professional use have hardened steel rulers to make them tough as well as weatherproof. If weight is a big issue, go for an aluminium set square tool. The body needs to be accurate to the tenth of a degree, so expect to find cast iron or zinc.
Although you can get hold of combination set squares in longer or shorter lengths, the most common is the 300 mm, or 12″ combination square.
All the best combination squares come with clearly engraved metric and imperial graduations on both sides of the adjustable square ruler. You can use the lock bolt to adjust the ruler’s position, transforming it into an adjustable square.
Most combination square sets come with a spirit level for making horizontal lines without the need for a straight edge on your workpiece. Other set square tools come with a 45° edge for marking accurate angles, and if you’re short of a pencil there’s a metal scribe tool screwed into the body.
Commonly used by craftspeople, carpenters and metalworkers, adjustable squares can be used to scribe, mitre corners, calculate height and depth, and measure and mark accurately.
With a bit of practice, your adjustable set square will become your go-to marking tool. You adjust the ruler section by undoing the metal knob on the body.
Hold the straight edge of the body against the edge on your workpiece and use the ruler to mark accurate 45° or 90° lines.
You can set the ruler to any measurement and use the included scribe tool or a pencil to scribe accurate parallel lines if you hold it on the end of the ruler and run it along the straight edge of the workpiece.
The adjustable set square tool can be used to measure the depth of a rabbet or step if you set it to the right depth as well.
The Best Speed Squares
Harry DunctonUpdated May 5, 2022
The Best Infrared Thermometers
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
The Best Multimeters
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
The Best Socket Testers
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
The Best Digital Calipers
Harry DunctonUpdated May 21, 2022
The Best Spirit Levels
Harry DunctonUpdated April 29, 2022
The Best Laser Levels
Harry DunctonUpdated May 16, 2022
The Best Stud Finders
Harry DunctonUpdated May 16, 2022
The Best Tape Measures
Harry DunctonUpdated March 15, 2022
The Best Laser Tape Measures For The UK Market
Harry DunctonUpdated April 29, 2022
The Best Moisture Meters for Firewood & Damp Logs
Clive HarrisUpdated April 14, 2022