Milwaukee Metric Rafter Square

Product Information

The layout bar on this speed square is really exceptional. When dealing with out-of-square corners or constructing stair stringers, the layout bar is a must-have tool. A Hanson speed square, marking pencil, bag, and technical reference to roof framing are included in a set from the proper provider. Various cuts at key lengths for joinery and rafter layout purposes may be found on the triangle. They also have a line guide for scribing a notch. With a speed square, you may draw parallel lines at a predetermined distance from one another, generally 1/4 inches, without sacrificing squareness.

The scope of the job mostly determines the size you choose. When dealing with big lumbers, such as 2 by 8 and up, the larger square comes in helpful since its size makes it easier to set up layout frames and transfer measurements from one lumber to the next. Since they normally come with a layout bar, they’re also great for laying out rafters, stairways, angles, and birds mouth joints. The 7-inch speed square is built of solid aluminum, making it corrosion-resistant and long-lasting. On the other hand, the arm is composed of extremely tough plastic and is hinged at one end. Many of the best speed squares will also have slight recesses, making it easy to set your pencil into when scribing lines. Aluminum is the best material a speed square can be made out of. It won’t rust and is weather-resistant, and you can use it in various environments. At the same time, it is durable and can withstand most drops. Aluminum doesn’t bend easily in most circumstances, and it is also very lightweight. 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.

Laser etching is a result of advancements in technology. It is long-lasting and extremely noticeable; thus, it is highly recommended. One significant factor of readability is how durable the etching is. The last thing you want is for the numbers to wear off, making it completely unusable. Durability Smaller speed squares with a 4-inch hypotenuse length are suitable for jobs where a 7-inch square would be too large. They may not have a wide range of uses, but they would excel when used to construct clamp boxes, photo frames, and other similar items, and they are incredibly portable and convenient. 5. Weight 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.

But recesses aren’t required for accurate measurements. Speed squares with precise edges, versus rounded edges that don’t lay 100% flat on a board, are a handy feature. It’s easy to mark precise and consistent lines when you can butt your pencil directly onto the edge of your speed square where it meets the work surface. Squares with rounded edges will lead to inconsistently-marked lines, depending on the angle you hold your pencil. Size options A plastic speed square may be durable, but it isn’t as durable or wear-resistant as its metal counterparts. Secondly, it has permanent graduation that will not fade with time. This is due to the graduations being laser engraved, which is a cutting-edge permanent marking method that is easily legible even in low-light circumstances. Dewalt, iGaging, Milwaukee, and Swanson manufacture some of the best speed squares for the price. These four brands have models that span the price spectrum from bargain bin to gift-worthy. They also cover the spectrum of needs from weekend DIY’er to the professional contractor.This part will go through the numerous factors to consider while selecting the optimal speed square for you. 1. Accuracy We suggest investing in an aluminum speed square since they are powerful, durable, and long-lasting. If you buy a speed square that only lasts a few months before the graduations start to fade, it’s a waste of money. After all, what good is a square if it can’t be used to measure distance or determine angles? If it keeps its squareness, you might get one excellent item out of it, but we can assure you that it won’t result in an efficient way.

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.Because the Crescent 2-in-1 speed square is only 8.8 ounces in weight, it’s easy to carry in aprons or on work surfaces. It contains laser-etched graduations and guidelines for scribing parallel lines every 1/4 inches. 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. A painted surface, on the other hand, would easily wear off over time as it rubbed off on other surfaces. In the end, the graduations would progressively fade away until they were no longer apparent. 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. 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.

This tool’s graduation is laser engraved, making it long-lasting and resistant to wear. It’s dual reading, the imperial and metric scales are on the front and side of the angle. This means that there is a 60 mm metric scale and a 2 1/2 inch imperial scale on each triangular face of the instrument. 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 GuideIt is available in two distinct forms. Milwaukee’s MLSQ070 7-inch rafter square and Milwaukee’s MLSQ070 7-inch magnetic rafter square. The main difference is the latter’s magnetic feature, which allows it to keep a firm grip on ferrous materials.