Are you a newbie carpenter? Most new carpenters are confused with a combination square and speed square because it is difficult to choose between these squares. After that, you can determine the suitable one for you. I know it can be challenging for you to compare these squares. For easing your hassle, I come up with the idea of a combination square vs speed square.
Contents
What is a speed square?
Laroy S. Starrett invented the square in 1877. According to the Directory of American Tool and Machinery Patents, he patented the square in 1879.
This square comes up with a marking tool with a ruler and an adjustable head. You can also call it a sliding square.
What a combination square is used for?
Here you go. A combination square can be used for marking lines and measuring angles. Along with that, you can use it for woodwork and metalwork.
What is a combination square?
Albert J. Swanson invented it in 1826. he patented A speed square is an assorted form of the try square, combination square, framing square. Moreover, Swanson Tool company produces the square for carpenters.
What is a speed square used for?
Let me explain.
You can use it for making straight lines on wood and other surfaces. It also can be used as a fence while crosscutting. Speed square helps to measure angled cut.
Combination Square vs Speed Square: Comparison Table
| Specifications | Combination Square | Speed Square |
| Features |
|
|
| Build quality | Sturdy | Sturdy |
| Materials | Steel |
|
| Accuracy | 45-degree and 90-degree angles | 45- and 90-degree angles |
| Measurement system | Multi-purpose | Multi-purpose |
| Durability | High | High |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | 1 year from the purchase |
| Price | $7 to $89 | $9 to $59 |
Differences Between Combination Square and Speed Square
There are many differences I have noticed between combination square and speed square. After analyzing, you will know about the differences.
Features
Let’s begin with the features of these squares. The combination square helps to understand the depth. It can also measure the distance and middle of circles. Additionally, it ensures perfect measurements. Also, it includes an adjustable protractor head and locks the bolt.
Do you know what the best part is? This square is easy to use. Yet, it is suitable for metalwork, stonework, and woodwork. The square is an excellent hand tool with a multi-functional capacity. According to the price, you can classify it into three categories: low end, top tier, and mid-range.
Anyway, the speed square is known as the Rafter square. It can be a great choice for woodwork. It has also been designed with T edged shape and a diamond-shaped hole.
The coolest feature of this square is the line scribing mechanism. This square helps to find roof pitches. Thus, it can mark angles to 90 degrees. It allows for making crosscuts. It is a pocket-sized square. With the square, you can make a perfect square cut. Besides, it is a versatile square that can mark perpendicular cut angles.
Materials
Do you know what matters the most for squares?
You have to choose a square with sturdy materials. One of the significant differences between these squares is materials. The combination square is made of steel. Moreover, you can’t protect the combination square from corrosion. Hereafter, you can keep it in your toolbox. It is made of stainless steel.
Whereas the speed square comes up with cast aluminum material. It is easy to protect the square. You can place the speed square at your workplace.
Speed square has been made of aluminum, steel, and composite. Now you can compare the materials of both squares.
Performance
The combination square provides good performance. As you can use it for various purposes, it can’t give you top-notch performance.
On the other hand, speed square offers high-quality performance. Along with that, it helps you to cut perfectly. Comparatively, then it has a better performance than the combination one.
Blade
Don’t you want a square with sharp blades?
The combination square comes up with average blades. But the speed square offers sharp blades. Hereafter, a speed square can cut a perfect square shape. You can also measure comfortably.
Marking capacity
You can mark a proper angle with the speed square. Hereafter, it will also support you in measuring the deep cut.
On the other hand, a combination square offers a small size. So, you will get a small marking capacity in this square.
Design
If you look into the design of both squares, it has a visible difference. A combination square offers a blade along with an ahead. It has a straight edge blade design and indicator.
Speed square looks like a rafter angle. Basically, it is a combined design of all squares. It also includes three lines. You can mark and measure with any edges.
Hereafter, this square offers a lipped fence. In the case of design, it can be a perfect option.
Using process
A speed square is easy to use. Also, it is a lightweight tool for marking squares. You can carry it anywhere. Thus, it is a necessary tool for carpenters. Now you will know how to use the square. First of all, determine the limber you are going to work on.
For marking better lines, you have to focus on the plain surface. You will require two tools: a speed square and a saw. I recommend using a circular saw will help you. Place the speed square at the limber. Then, you need to start making lines. You should follow the saw guide while making lines.
After marking the limber, you can position the saw and cut it. The speed square allows you to ease your hassle while cutting limbers.
Furthermore, you can use it at your home as well. But the using process of a combination square is not easy. Also, it can cause eye irritation.
Warranty
You should consider the warranty before buying a square. Combination square offers a limited lifetime warranty. But Speed square comes up with 1 year of warranty after purchase.
Price
The price range of these squares is different. For combination squares, you have to spend $7 to $89. On the other hand, the speed square will cost $9 to $59. So, you can see the difference.
You can also read about the differences between xpel and 3m window tint.
Similarities between combination square and speed square
Instead of having these differences, these squares have some similarities. Have a look at the similarities of the combination square and speed square.
Versatility
It can be used for diverse purposes. Such as measuring and making lines on lumber. A combination square also works as a speed square. Though both aren’t providing the same blade shape, you measure with the same process.
Moreover, these squares can be used for crosscutting and lumber cutting. These squares can measure metal and stone as well.
Accuracy
These squares can mark in 45 degrees and 90 degrees. It is one of the important features you should look for while buying a square.
Which one will be the best?
In my option, I will go with the speed square. Expert suggests buying it for all purposes because it comes up with durability and sturdiness. Who doesn’t want it?
If you are a professional or working on DIY projects, it will be the best choice for both purposes.
You will get all squares in one. Isn’t it great?
Moreover, this cast aluminum saves you money. The combination square is not long-lasting. If you compare them, you will find the speed square more beneficial than the combination square. Choosing speed square won’t disappoint you at all.
You can also read: Zinc Vs. Copper Roof Strips: Which One Is Better?
Frequently asked questions
How to use a speed square?
First of all, determine the limber you are going to work on. For marking better lines, you have to focus on the plain surface. You will require two tools: speed square and saw. I recommend using a circular saw will help you. Place the speed square at the limber. Then, you need to start making lines. You should follow the saw guide while making lines. After marking the limber, you can position the saw and cut it. The speed square allows you to ease your hassle while cutting limbers.
Where can you find squares?
You can purchase it from your nearest carpenter shop. Also, you can look into the online shop.
Final Thought
After all, I hope you got the idea of combination square vs speed square. While buying squares, you have to look into some features. You should secure the edges when you are keeping them in your toolbox.
Along with that, use it carefully. Before using it, you need to learn the using process. You can purchase it from your nearest carpenter shop. Alongside, you can look into the online shop. So that’s it. Take care.
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