A Speed Square, sometimes also referred to as a rafter square or triangle square, is a multi-purpose tool used by builders and DIY enthusiasts for a wide range of tasks, primarily in carpentry. Named for its shape and speedy use, it is a right-angled, isosceles triangle tool made from plastic, aluminum, or steel. Serving as a try square, miter square, protractor, line scriber, and saw guide, a speed square is popular due to its compact design and multifunctional nature. From framing and roofing to indoor furniture tasks, its capabilities abound because of the multiple built-in scales and the 90-degree angle.
History and Origin
The Speed Square, also referred to as a rafter square or triangle square, was first introduced to the construction sector in 1925 by Albert Swanson. Swanson, an experienced carpenter, found common carpentry tasks like marking cut lines on rafters quite challenging, which prompted him to invent this efficient tool. Over the years, the Speed Square has become a staple in the toolboxes of professional builders, carpenters, and DIY enthusiasts, due to its adaptability and multi-functionality. It’s amazing to think that nearly a century later, the design has remained largely unchanged, with only minor modifications and the introduction of new materials in some models, a true testament to the effectiveness and functionality of the original design.
Understanding Speed Square
Design and Components of a Speed Square
Pivot
The pivot is a critical component of a speed square. Also known as the heel, it’s the right-angle corner where the two main edges of the speed square meet. The pivot point serves as the starting point for all measurements and angular gauges, and is used for aligning the tool on the edge of the workpiece. Unlike a conventional square, this corner is notched or cut out, which allows it to securely straddle the edge of a board or piece of lumber, establishing a stable reference point for various measurements and angles. It’s this innovative pivot design that adds to the tool’s versatility and ease of use, making it a go-to for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Base
The base of a Speed Square, also generally called the stock or heel, is one of the fundamental components that collectively give this tool its unique, L-shaped form. Generally running along the bottom edge of the square, the base provides a sturdy surface against which materials can be held. It acts as a key point of stability when the Speed Square is used for marking, measuring, or cutting. The base is often wider than the rest of the square and its carefully flattened and straightened design offers users an accurate alignment tool applicable across a variety of carpentry and construction projects. The base of a Speed Square is crucial in establishing a ‘zero point’ or reference line from where measurements and markups commence.
Lip or Fence
The Lip or Fence is an integral feature of the speed square design. This part of the tool is a raised edge running along one side of the square, essentially a ridge along the base. It allows for accurate alignment and stability during usage. When you’re using the speed square to mark a cutting line, the lip or fence is placed against the edge of the wood you’re working on. This secures the speed square and minimizes movement, thereby ensuring the marking or cutting line is as accurate as possible. The lip or fence plays a critical role in the preciseness of your work which shows how thoughtfully the speed square has been designed.
Hypotenuse
The hypotenuse of the speed square is the longest edge of the triangle and runs diagonally between the two shorter sides, the base and the lip. This edge is not just a straight line but acts as a functional element of the tool.
It features a graduation scale that ranges from zero to ninety degrees, which are marked along the edge. This graduated hypotenuse works as a protractor, allowing the user to measure and mark various angles with precision. It is especially useful in tasks such as determining the angle for a miter cut or setting the bevel on a table saw.
The hypotenuse of a speed square also includes tables for mathematical conversions and references for common carpentry tasks. For example, the ‘Common Top Cut’ table can be a guide for determining the angle to cut rafters for specific roof pitches. The hypotenuse is designed to offer a comprehensive set of features that makes a speed square an indispensable tool for carpentry and construction.
Graduated Scales
On every Speed Square, there are numerous markings and graduations called the Graduated Scales. These scales serve as a major component of the tool, facilitating a variety of measurements.
The outer edge of the base is marked with a ruler scale, graduated in inches, subdivided down to sixteenths. This scale is used for measuring the length or width of a material or for marking where cuts need to be made.
The diagonal edge or the hypotenuse of the square contains two scales. The primary is the Common or Degree scale. This is used to measure angles or set the bevel on a saw. The numbers on this scale represent degrees. For example, marking along the 30 on the scale sets an angle of 30 degrees.
The second scale on the Hypotenuse is the Hip/Val scale used for calculating hip and valley angles in roofing.
The middle of the hypotenuse edge has another scale called the Brace scale. It’s used for determining the length of a brace for a given run and rise.
The back of the square contains the Board Foot scale. This is utilized to calculate the volume of lumber required for a project.
These graduated scales on the Speed Square enable quick, accurate measurements and cuts, making it a versatile tool. Its multi-purpose nature makes the Speed Square a favorite among builders, carpenters and DIY enthusiasts.
Different Sizes of Speed Squares Available
Speed squares come in various sizes to cater to different project needs. The most common versions are the 7-inch and 12-inch sizes.
The 7-inch Speed Square is a popular option primarily due to its portability. It’s lightweight and can easily fit in a tool belt or bag, making it perfect for on-the-go measurements. Despite its small size, it retains all the reading and measuring capabilities as the bigger versions.
The 12-inch Speed Square, on the other hand, is much larger, providing a wider base that’s more stable. This size is useful for working with larger pieces of wood where increased stability is required. It offers the same functionalities as the smaller versions but on a larger scale.
There are also medium-sized speed squares, typically around 10 inches, which provide a balance between the compact size of the 7-inch and the stability of the 12-inch.
Remember, it’s essential to pick the size that suits your needs best, as all these options serve the same basic functions. The choice ultimately depends on the scale of your project and personal preference.
Uses of a Speed Square
Basic Uses
As a Try Square
A speed square is frequently used as a try square. This application of a speed square makes it a valuable tool for those in need of a quick and accurate means to mark square lines or check angles on boards and other materials. This basic measurement is very helpful in ensuring right angles.
To use a speed square as a try square, place the lip or fence against the edge of the piece you’re working with. The flat side of the square should extend out from the edge of the piece, forming a 90-degree angle to it. You can now draw a line along the edge of the square, if desired, or check the alignment of an existing cut or angle.
This quick and easy use of the speed square ensures that your materials are squared off properly, helping to maintain the precision and quality of your work. Whether you’re building a piece of furniture, assembling a frame, or even constructing a building, the speed square as a try square can prove to be an extremely useful tool.
As a Miter Square
A speed square is an exceptionally versatile tool with a multitude of primary and secondary uses. One of the basic functions of this powerful triangular instrument is its role as a miter square. This capability comes in handy for many carpenters, DIY enthusiasts, and other tradespeople in cutting perfect angles for their projects.
When you’re marking for a miter cut, primarily for an angle of 45 degrees, the speed square serves a significant role. Typically, miter cuts are necessary for joining two pieces of wood at an angle, often used in creating corners for picture frames, door frames, window outlining, and more. The strength of the speed square lies in its accuracy, helping in achieving precise miter cuts every time.
To use the speed square as a miter square, you position the pivot point (the right angle of the triangle) against the edge of the board. Ensure that one leg aligns with the board’s edge. Then draw your line along the other leg of the square. This will provide a 45-degree miter line, essential for creating a miter cut. The simplicity and precision of this function make it indispensable in carpentry and woodworking projects.
In essence, by serving as a miter square, a speed square eliminates the need for a separate miter tool, hence contributing to its usability and popularity among handymen and crafters alike.
As a Protractor
One of the fundamental uses of a speed square includes deploying it as a protractor, a tool generally used for measuring and creating certain angles.
When using the speed square as a protractor, it’s crucial to refer to the angle measurements inscribed along the hypotenuse or diagonal side of the speed square. Known as the common scale, this can convert your tool into a simplified, portable protractor. Follow these steps:
- Position the speed square on the edge of the object where you wish to mark a specific angle. Make sure to align the pivot end with the edge.
- Identify the desired angle on the common scale.
- Use the lip of the square as a straight edge to draw your line along the corresponding angle measurement.
That’s it! These simple steps help a speed square to create or check angles with ease, a tactic primarily used in creating bevel cuts on a table saw, marking cut lines on timber, or checking the angle of existing cuts and joints. The protractor capability of the speed square is highly precise and helpful, making it a go-to for many builders and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Advanced Uses
Finding Roof Pitches
A speed square is more than just a carpenter’s marking tool – it’s a valuable ally when it comes to executing advanced measurements such as finding roof pitches.
The process is quite straightforward. Start by placing the speed square’s lip against the edge of the rafter, aligning it so that the pivot point is resting on the timber’s edge. After you have secured the tool in place, take note of the measurement that aligns with the edge of the rafter on the tool’s common top cut scale. This number is your roof pitch, also typically referred to as “rise over run.”
For instance, if the measurement you read on the scale is 6, your roof pitch is 6:12, which means for every 12 inches the rafter runs horizontally, it rises by 6 inches vertically. This simple yet effective technique is an invaluable means to ensure you get accurate measurements for sophisticated tasks like roofing or building stairs.
Remember, accuracy and precision are necessary when dealing with roof pitches, and the speed square delivers just that, making it an essential tool for carpenters and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Cutting Angles on Joists
Cutting angles on joists or rafters is a concerted task that the speed square is perfectly equipped to handle. One of the advanced uses of a speed square is that it can be effectively used to measure and mark angles during the process of cutting joists.
To use a speed square for cutting angles on joists, you would align the pivot point at the end of the piece of wood. Afterward, simply line up the angle measurement you are looking to cut along the edge of the wood. Make a mark at the desired point and draw a line along the hypotenuse – this will be your cut line.
Using the speed square ensures your cut is precise and correct. No matter the degree of the angle you’re working on, the speed square can translate that onto your joist or rafter accurately. This application is crucial in numerous construction or home improvement tasks such as deck building, framing, and roofing. The speed square takes away the guesswork making your joist cut accurate, safe, and professional-looking.
Laying Out Stairs
When it comes to laying out stairs, a speed square proves to be an invaluable tool. Professional carpenters and DIY enthusiasts alike use this tool to mark out consistent, accurate stair stringers – the piece of timber that supports the treads and risers in a set of stairs.
The first step is to calculate the rise and run of your stairs. The rise is the vertical distance from one stair to the next, while the run is the horizontal distance covered. After determining these measurements, the edge of the square can be aligned with the edge of the timber. The two sets of scales on the square are used to mark out the rise and the run for each stair.
You would line up the point of the square (the pivot) with the edge of the wood where you want to start the first stair, and then slide it down until you have the desired measurements. Marking along the edge of the square will give you a perfect rise and run line.
You should repeat this process for each tread and riser, making sure to keep your measurements consistent. Once you’re done marking, you can cut along these lines to form your stair stringers. While it may sound complicated, the speed square simplifies this process greatly, guaranteeing accurate, symmetrical stairs every time.
Benefits of using a Speed Square
Versatility
A speed square’s versatility is one of its primary benefits, setting it apart from most other tools found in a craftsman’s toolbox. This single tool can perform multiple functions, effectively replacing a try square, miter square, protractor, and even a basic ruler. From drawing perpendicular lines and measuring angles to laying out rafters and stairs, the speed square can handle a multitude of tasks.
In the field of carpentry, this multipurpose nature proves invaluable for tasks such as marking cut lines on lumber, determining roof pitches, or aligning bricks and blocks in masonry. You can also use it for more intricate jobs such as birdsmouth cuts or finding the angle for a hip or valley rafter.
Its compact, pocket-friendly size enables the user to bring it along to any job, making it a handy companion for quick measurements and checks. This versatility eliminates the need to carry multiple tools, simplifying and speeding up the work process. No wonder it’s often referred to as the “Swiss Army Knife” of carpentry.
Durability and Reliability
Speed squares are renowned for their durability and reliability. These admirable traits can be attributed to the materials used in their manufacture, most commonly aluminum or high-impact plastic, which can endure harsh conditions and everyday wear and tear. Their robust design ensures the long-term functionality of the tool, a testament to its reliability.
The high durability of speed squares also means they can withstand rough treatment on a busy worksite and diverse weather conditions, from extreme cold to scorching heat. As a result, professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike find their speed squares essential, confident in the knowledge that their tool will deliver precise measurements without fail over time.
Speed squares also offer reliability in terms of consistent measurements and angles. Thanks to their well-crafted design, they provide absolute accuracy each time they are used. Reliable measurements are critical in carpentry and construction projects, and the speed square’s precision is a key reason why it is such a trusted tool.
In a nutshell, the inherent durability and reliability of a speed square make it a cost-effective investment for anyone seeking a multitasking measuring tool that will stand the test of time and perform faithfully on every occasion.
Ease of Use
A significant advantage of using a Speed Square is its ease of use. Even for someone unfamiliar with similar tools, learning to use a speed square doesn’t involve a steep learning curve. Its design eliminates the need for calculations and conversions when marking angles, making it straightforward to use.
A speed square is handy in size, which means it can easily be utilized with one hand, leaving the other hand free to mark or cut. This feature simplifies tasks at job sites or personal projects. Moreover, its size allows for comfort and control, making it convenient to carry around, especially in a tool belt.
By using a speed square, you avoid the hassle of changing tools when working on different tasks. This multi-functional tool streamlines the process, saving time and effort. The ease of use that a speed square provides enhances the quality of the work significantly, making it a favored choice for many professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Affordability
Despite its multifunctionality, a speed square remains an affordable tool for anyone from professional craftsmen to DIY enthusiasts. The majority of standard speed squares are made from plastic or aluminum and are priced reasonably maintaining the balance between quality and cost. Even the more expensive models crafted from durable metals such as stainless steel or magnesium still fall within a budget-friendly bracket. This makes them accessible to a broad range of users and apprentice carpenters who are just starting to equip their toolbox. The value a speed square brings in terms of the numerous applications it has in construction and woodworking projects significantly outweighs its cost, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. The affordability of a speed square ensures that quality craftsmanship doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
How to Choose the Right Speed Square
Material
Choosing the material of your speed square is a crucial step in ensuring its longevity and effectiveness. Speed squares are most commonly made of either plastic or metal. Plastic speed squares are lightweight and less expensive, but they tend not to be as durable as their metal counterparts.
Metal speed squares, on the other hand, are extremely robust and are designed to withstand tough conditions. They come in different variants such as aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum speed squares are popular for their lightweight design and resistance to rust, while stainless steel versions are valued for their exceptional strength and durability.
When choosing the material of your speed square, it’s important to consider the environment in which you plan to use it. For heavy-duty tasks or outdoor work in various weather conditions, a metal speed square might be more suitable. For light-duty projects, a plastic speed square may suffice and can be more cost-effective.
Measurement Units
Choosing the right speed square also involves understanding the measurement units you’ll be working with. Speed squares come in both metric and imperial units. It would be best to use the measurement system preferred or required in your specific region or project.
For woodworkers in America, an imperial system square may be more useful because traditional woodworking in the United States often uses this measurement system. Imperial units include inches and feet, which are commonly used for domestic projects.
Alternatively, those working in countries that use the metric system will find squares with millimeter and centimeter graduations more suited to their work habits.
For the utmost flexibility, some models come with dual units—they’re marked with both imperial and metric units. While these versatile squares are handy, the multiple scales can also be confusing for some users, particularly beginners. Therefore, opting for a unit that best suits your frequent usage will ease your workflow.
Remember, accuracy is key in carpentry, so it’s crucial that the units on your speed square align with the rest of your measuring tools.
Size
The size of the speed square you choose can play a major role in its usability and practicality for various tasks. Speed squares commonly come in sizes of 4.5-inch, 6-inch, 7-inch, and 12-inch. Each size is optimized for different purposes and types of work.
The smaller 4.5-inch and 6-inch speed squares are compact, easy to use, and are ideal for fine and detailed work, especially in tight spaces. These are perfect for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists who mostly deal with smaller hand tools and projects.
On the other hand, the 7-inch size is a standard tool for many professional carpenters and is considerably more versatile. It’s large enough to be useful for general carpentry tasks while still being manageable in size. This size is also commonly used in educational settings for teaching purposes because of its ease of handling and readability.
The largest 12-inch speed squares are suited for heavy-duty tasks and larger projects such as house framing or working on thick and wide materials. These are the go-to for professionals doing large construction projects, as they provide more accurate measurements on larger scale work.
The size you choose should not only be determined by the type of task at hand, but also by your comfort and skill level. Fumbling with a tool that is too big or struggling to read a tool that is too small can lead to measurement errors and unnecessary frustration. Choose a size that feels comfortable in your hands and fits well with your type of work. And if you’re in doubt, the 7-inch speed square is a safe, middle-of-the-road choice.
Brand
When buying a speed square, considering the brand can save you from unnecessary headaches down the line. Reputable brands typically have a proven track record of manufacturing quality tools, and speed squares are no exception. Brands like Swanson, Stanley, and Johnson Level & Tool are well known in the industry for providing reliable and durable speed squares.
But it’s not just about the brand name. It’s also about what the brand stands for. Look for a brand that values customer satisfaction, offers good warranties on their products, and has positive customer testimonials. These factors can give you an idea of how the company treats its customers and the overall performance of the product.
A good brand can mean the difference between a tool that lasts and one that falls apart under routine use. Choose a speed square from a trusted brand to ensure you get a tool that’s reliable, effective, and delivers excellent value for money.
Correct way to Use a Speed Square
General Guidelines
Using a speed square correctly can make all the difference in your woodworking or construction projects. First and foremost, always ensure that the tool is clean and free from any dust or particles that may impair reading measurements accurately.
Knowing how to hold the speed square is crucial. For right-handed users, the flat edge of the square should be on your left, and the pivot point, a small, switched rectangle on the outer corner, should be at the bottom. Left-handed users will do the opposite.
When measuring an angle, always remember to read from the pivot point. The reports toward the bottom are for the angle in degrees while the ones on the upper side are for reciprocal roof pitch. Interchanging between the two could result in inaccurate measurements.
Even though it is sturdy, avoid dropping the speed square as it might warp or damage the tool, compromising its accuracy. Lastly, always double-check your measurements. Repeating measurements assures accuracy and can save you from costly mistakes.
In conclusion, using a speed square requires precision, and following these general guidelines can help you achieve highly accurate results.
Step-by-step Instructions for Common Uses
Using a speed square may seem complicated due to its number of features and scales but with a bit of practice, its benefits become evident. Follow these step-by-step instructions for common uses:
- As a Try Square: To make a 90-degree line on a piece of wood, first position the lipped fence of the speed square against the edge of the wood. Once it’s secure, draw your line against the straight edge of the square. You’ll have a perfect 90-degree angle line.
- As a Miter Square: If you need to mark a 45-degree angle for a miter cut, position the pivot point of the speed square at the spot where you want the angle to start. The 45-degree edge of the square will give you a perfect line for your miter cut.
- As a Protractor: Locate the pivot point on the hypotenuse edge and position it where you want the center of your angle to be. Look at the degree markers along this edge to create the angle you need, then draw your line along the edge of the square.
- Finding Roof Pitches: You can determine the pitch of a roof (assuming a classic A-frame style roof) by aligning the pivot with the bottom edge of a rafter and reading off the numbers on the Common (also known as the Common Top Cut) scale.
- Cutting Angles on Joists: With the pivot on the corner of the workspace, align the desired degree mark on the square’s hypotenuse with the workspace edge and draw the angle line. This helps in angle cutting in frames and joists to maintain exactness in the structure.
- Laying Out Stairs: Speed square is a great tool for measuring and marking stair stringers. Put the pivot point at the edge of the timber and mark the desired tread and riser dimensions on the corresponding stair gauges.
Practice is the key to effectively using a speed square. Experiment with different tasks and soon, you will see how a speed square can be a reliable, multi-tasking tool in your toolbox.
Conclusion
Importance and Benefits
Speed Squares, though small and simple in design, deliver invaluable benefits for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts. They form an essential part of any toolbox due to the versatility they bring to measuring and marking tasks. Offering functionalities such as a try square, miter square, and protractor, this tool is ideal for making quick and accurate measurements for a variety of tasks, including cutting angles on joists and setting out stairs.
Robust and reliable, a Speed Square can withstand harsh construction environments, making it a long-term investment. The inherent simplicity and efficiency of this tool ensure that it is user-friendly, making life much easier for professionals and beginners alike. Additionally, the affordability of Speed Squares makes them an accessible instrument for all.
When chosen correctly in terms of material, size, measurement units, and brand, a Speed Square becomes more than just a tool; it is a companion that enhances performance and productivity. With the right understanding and effective use of a Speed Square, the possibilities are limitless. Therefore, it is important for users to fully understand and appreciate what this ingenious tool has to offer, and not hesitate to experiment with its usage.
Experimentation with a Speed Square
We strongly advocate for experimentation with a speed square. Do not feel intimidated by its multifaceted nature. Instead, see it as an exciting opportunity to improve your carpentry skills, stepping them up a few notches. Each time you select the speed square from your tool kit, challenge yourself to try out a new function that you haven’t used before.
If you’ve mainly been using it as a try square, experiment with its protractor function next time. If you’re yet to make that first step, look at some easy projects that can be finished in a matter of hours. Play around with the speed square on those. With time, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle the more complex projects you may have been shying away from.
With every extra bit of knowledge you acquire about the speed square and every new function you discover, you enhance your value as a craftsman or DIY enthusiast. So, pick up your speed square and dive into a world of endless possibilities; it’s definitely a tool worth experimenting with!
