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The Best Speed Squares
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Best speed square two pack - Swanson SW1201K 7" & Big 12" Speed Square Layout Tool Kit[ SAVE 34% ]
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Best speed square two pack option - Opopark Two Pack Rafter Square 12 inch and 7 inch Imperial Carpenter Squares[ CHECK PRICE ]
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Best speed square and combination square pack - Swanson Speed Square and Combination Square Value Pack[ SAVE 16% ]
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Best roofing square with matte black finish - DeWalt DWHT46031 Aluminium 7-Inch Premium Rafter Square[ CHECK PRICE ]
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Best speed square with metric scale - Dashuaige 7-Inch Blue Triangle Ruler with Metric Markings[ CHECK PRICE ]
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Best 12" roofing square with metric scale - Hinmay 12-Inch Rafter Square[ SAVE 5% ]
Speed Square Reviews
1. Swanson SW1201K 7" & Big 12" Speed Square Layout Tool Kit[ SAVE 34% ]
Best speed square two pack
- Rather than shelling out for two separate speed squares, this multipack gives you both the 7” and 12” squares together. You won’t need to buy another speed square again.
- The aluminium alloy used in the construction of these two squares is excellent. It’s thick enough to add strength without being heavy and is machined at a proper 90° angle.
- Once you’ve learned the secrets of the Swanson “blue book”, you can get an incredible amount done with just a speed square. It might even replace your combi square.
- At this price, this is a set more suited to professionals rather than DIYers. If all you want is to make quick 90° cuts across timber with a circular saw, save your money and go for a basic square.
- If, like me, you’re used to working in metric, you might struggle with a Swanson. Made in the US for the American market, you only get Imperial measurements.
- Number of Items
- 2
- Size
- 7" / 12"
- Construction
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial or Metric
- Imperial
- Combination Square Included
- No
- Build Quality
- 5
- Ease of Use
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4
Having one of these layout tools is like carrying a specially designed building calculator in your pocket. But having two is just brilliant. The Swanson SW1201K two pack of 7″ and 12″ speed squares is all you’ll ever need to set out roof pitches, find angles, and make accurate and quick straight cuts in timber.
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.
These speed squares have tons of uses, but one of my favourites is made easier with this version. There are scribing notches cut into the perpendicular side, meaning you can mark perfectly parallel lines on the workpiece. The only slight issue is that they’re all in Imperial measurements because they’re American. Otherwise, these are incredibly useful measuring tools, and the pack includes the legendary Swanson “blue book” as well.
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2. Opopark Two Pack Rafter Square 12 inch and 7 inch Imperial Carpenter Squares
Best speed square two pack option
- You’ll never be stuck for a speed square if you buy a two pack. The 12-Inch is a bit unwieldy for small pieces of timber, so having the 7-Inch as well is just a bonus!
- The white markings on a matte black background are easy to read.
- Opopark have included a handy set of conversion tables on both speed squares. You don’t need to look up common rafter conversions or imperial to metric measurements anywhere else.
- The white markings look great now, but I doubt they will last for as long as the heavily stamped ones on the Swanson set. They’ll probably scratch off over time.
- Some users have complained about casting marks and rough edges on these speed squares. You might need to run some sandpaper over the edges before the first use.
- Number of Items
- 2
- Size
- 7" / 12"
- Construction
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial or Metric
- Imperial
- Combination Square Included
- No
- Build Quality
- 4
- Ease of Use
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
Specialising in tools, accessories, and other clever things, Opopark have put together a mighty pair of squares. You get a two-pack consisting of one 12 Inch and one 7 Inch speed square. It means you’ve got one for smaller bits of timber, and a full-size one for laying out roof trusses and stairs.
Constructed from an aluminium alloy, both these squares are identical in design. You can scribe, angle find and guide a circular saw across timbers. There’s plenty more you can do with a bit of practice as well. For the money, this is an excellent pair of squares that should last for years.
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3. Swanson Speed Square and Combination Square Value Pack[ SAVE 16% ]
Best speed square and combination square pack
- For the money, this is a brilliant value square kit. With a bit of practise, you could measure out and cut anything you like! Learning to use both these tools will improve your skills.
- Compared with the Opopark or Dashuaige speed squares, these markings will never rub off. They’re deeply stamped into the aluminium and will last forever.
- If you need to make multiple cuts in timber and they need to be straight across, you can’t beat the Swanson speed square. It’s tough, easy to handle, and gives 90° every time.
- The combination square contains a miniature spirit level. You can find and mark perpendicular lines anywhere you want, with a little bit of practise.
- Forgotten your pencil? Don’t worry, you can unscrew the little brass knurled knob on the anvil part of the combination square. It holds a scribing tool that works in a pinch.
- There’s a good chance that unless you’re an absolute novice carpenter, you’ll already own a combination square. You probably don’t need to buy a two pack if that’s the case.
- Some users have complained about the finish on the edges of the speed square. Seeing as Swanson do everything in house, it’s a bit disappointing if they go out with rough edges.
- Compared with the high contrast finish on the Dashuaige speed square, the drab aluminium finish isn’t as easy to see in all lights.
- Number of Items
- 2
- Size
- 6"
- Construction
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial or Metric
- Imperial
- Combination Square Included
- Yes
- Build Quality
- 5
- Ease of Use
- 5
- Value for Money
- 5
The original speed square kings, Swanson, invented the tool back in 1925 and have been proudly making them ever since. Manufactured in the USA, this value pack speed square and combination square is everything you need to cut things just the way you want them!
Supplied with the legendary Swanson Blue Book, this is an all-in-one roofing kit. You can learn how to cut rafters to length and all the tricks of their famous speed square. No competent carpenter would be without a combination square either. Useful for measuring, checking things are 90° or 45°, scribing or even as a spirit level, they’re a vital part of a decent toolkit.
This is a great set of tools for a beginner or even an experienced carpenter. There’s everything you need to get working, so long as you’ve got a sharp pencil!
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4. DeWalt DWHT46031 Aluminium 7-Inch Premium Rafter Square
Best roofing square with matte black finish
- Thanks to the wide base, it’s easy to hold the square tight against timbers. It’s one of the best speed squares for cross cutting with a circular saw.
- I like the sharp contrast of the white markings on a black background. Luckily, they’re not printed on either. The markings are cast into the square, and then filled with paint.
- Some users have complained that their squares have been shipped with defects. It’s worth holding your new square up to a reliably straight source before putting it to work.
- Other users have found the white markings are too wide on the degree measurements. If they’re too wide, they can’t be accurate enough for precise angles.
- Compared with the Swanson speed squares, the DeWalt doesn’t come with a notch in the pivot corner. This notch is essential for making accurate angle measurements.
- Number of Items
- 1
- Size
- 7"
- Construction
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial or Metric
- Imperial
- Combination Square Included
- No
- Build Quality
- 5
- Ease of Use
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4
Easily one of the most loved power tool brands in the world, DeWalt have legions of fans and make some serious kit. The DWHT46031 rafter square doesn’t disappoint. It’s extremely robust and comes with a matte black finish that should keep down any glare.
Manufactured with an extra-wide base to keep it more stable, you can scribe along the length of timbers in ¼” gradations using the cut-in notches. The black finish doesn’t just help to stop any glare, it also shows up the numbers in extremely high contrast.
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5. Dashuaige 7-Inch Blue Triangle Ruler with Metric Markings
Best speed square with metric scale
- The blue finish on this square makes it easy to find in your tool bag. Compared with the Swanson’s dull finish it’s bright and a cinch to spot.
- For most users in the UK and across Europe, metric measurements are a lot more common. Compared with the DeWalt DWHT46031, you’re not forced to use Imperial scales.
- If you’re struggling with common rafter conversions, Dashuaige have included a handy chart on one side. It should remove a lot of the guesswork from laying out rafters.
- Some users have complained that this triangle ruler isn’t square. Always check any measuring tools against a known and trustworthy source before use.
- Compared with the Swanson speed squares, this triangle doesn’t have a notch on the pivot corner. It’s not going to keep the most accurate angled lines without one.
- The numbers and other markings aren’t stamped into the metal surface. After using this square for a while, it’s likely the numbers will be impossible to read!
- Number of Items
- 1
- Size
- 7"
- Construction
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial or Metric
- Metric
- Combination Square Included
- No
- Build Quality
- 4
- Ease of Use
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
With an interesting range of clever gadgets, Dashuaige have also made an incredibly useful speed square for us metric users. It features everything you’d need for making layouts, but without the added head-scratching of converting from Imperial measurements.
Manufactured from a quality aluminium alloy, you’re not going to lose this square any time soon thanks to its bright blue finish. The sharply contrasting white markings are also easy to follow. What I like most about this handy tool is that I can use the metric side as a ruler without having to think.
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6. Hinmay 12-Inch Rafter Square[ SAVE 5% ]
Best 12" roofing square with metric scale
- Large size speed squares are incredibly versatile tools. Marking out perpendicular cuts, angle finding, and scribing are just some of the uses, and they’re big enough for full size timbers.
- The high contrast white markings on the black oxide finish are simple to read. Compared with the Swanson tools, it’s easier on the eyes than a dull alloy colour.
- The large size of this square means there’s space for a metric to imperial conversion chart. There’s also a list of common rafter conversions that’ll speed up layout work.
- Some users haven’t been impressed by the quality of the finish on these squares. Some of the edges still have burrs on, and the corners can be sharp
- As useful as the scribing notches are, they seem to correspond with imperial measurements, not metric ones. This square has likely been redesigned for the metric market.
- Big speed squares are ideal for heavy duty applications, but if you want precision, they’re not ideal. These types of measuring devices are better for rough work.
- Number of Items
- 1
- Size
- 12
- Construction
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial or Metric
- Metric
- Combination Square Included
- No
- Build Quality
- 4
- Ease of Use
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
Makers of cutlery, kitchen aids and other useful kit, Hinmay have also created a robust 12-inch rafter square. Coated with a black oxide finish, it’s a big square for marking off cross cuts and angles on big timbers.
Marked in a high-contrast white, it’s easy to read all the numbers on this square. The numbers are marked off in metric on the measurement side as well, which makes it ideal for a lot of users. I really like the notches cut out of the scribing section; it should make rip cuts easy to mark out.
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Harry's Smart Buying Tips
Compare Product Features
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.
Swanson SW1201K 7" & Big 12" Speed Square Layout Tool Kit
- 4.7
- 2
- 7" / 12"
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial
- No
Opopark Two Pack Rafter Square 12 inch and 7 inch Imperial Carpenter Squares
- 4.3
- 2
- 7" / 12"
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial
- No
Swanson Speed Square and Combination Square Value Pack
- 5
- 2
- 6"
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial
- Yes
DeWalt DWHT46031 Aluminium 7-Inch Premium Rafter Square
- 4.7
- 1
- 7"
- Aluminium Alloy
- Imperial
- No
Dashuaige 7-Inch Blue Triangle Ruler with Metric Markings
- 4.3
- 1
- 7"
- Aluminium Alloy
- Metric
- No
Hinmay 12-Inch Rafter Square
- 4.3
- 1
- 12
- Aluminium Alloy
- Metric
- No
How to Choose The Best Speed Square
You’ll never know how you got by without a speed square once you’ve tried it out.
Speed Square Construction
A speed square is actually a triangle! It needs to be light, durable and accurate. Only the highest grades of aerospace aluminium alloys are used to make the best speed squares.
Speed Square Dimensions
Speed Squares (aka roofing squares) come in two main sizes – the standard 12″ framing square or pocket 7″ carpenters square.
Main Features of Speed Squares
The most obvious feature of a speed square is the thick edge, used to make perpendicular cuts quickly. The best speed squares are packed with angle measurements, scribing notches, and rafter-cut angles as well.
Speed Square Uses
Speed triangles are used as a combination square, try square and framing square in one. A roofing square is used to mark out cuts for rafters or any angle between 0 and 90°. You can also scribe lines and use the square to guide a saw across a board.
Speed Squares Users
Framing squares are used by carpenters, metalworkers, engineers, hobbyists, DIYers and roofers.
Conclusion
Having the best speed square in your hand will speed up your work on-site or in the shed because it’s simple to read and easy to use. Speed squares or roofing squares all do a similar job, but the best speed square UK users can get is the original speed square made by Swanson. The S0101 is a brilliant tool.
Speed Square FAQs
Using a speed square is easy. Mastering all the features takes a bit of practice but it will save you time and effort.
To make perpendicular cuts with a circular saw, simply brace the roofing square against the board and use the thick edge as a fence.
To measure angles with your framing square, hold the speed triangle against the board and pivot it on the corner market “pivot” until the numbers on the edge match the degree you want.
To scribe, hold a pencil or marking tool in one of the scribing slots and slide the whole square tool along the board for a straight line.
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