Framing Square

[Lee Schierer]

I'm looking to purchase a decent Framing Square for my son for the occassional home remodel project. I'm currently looking at the Starrett RS-24 Steel L-Shaped Rafter/Framing Square, 24" x 16" (https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-RS-24-L-Shaped-Rafter-Framing/dp/B0035YJXGK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491740654&sr=8-2&keywords=framing+square) for $14.50. Starrett generally makes pretty good tools. How does this square compare to others that are out there?

[peter gagliardi]

I can't speak to the quality of the square, but ideally, the graduations and markings should be etched, rather than painted, unless they are etched and filled. Without looking at it in store, you cannot check accuracy before you buy, you can only return after the fact.

[Kevin Allred]

I've never used the Starrett's square used and owned many others, I always check for square on the floor, by laying down marking the three corners corners then flipping and marking fouth corner and measure diagonals to see if the same, I also use a measuring tape to check the rules on all sides the rule needs to be acurate from the corner. Starrett's has never done me wrong on there other tools.

[Bradley Gray]

I agree with checking out individual squares in the store in order to get one that's *square*. 24 x 16 is the right size.

[Larry Edgerton]

Framing squares take a beating and there is little that you do in framing a house that requires machinist like precision. I have looked at the Staretts and they are no better than any good framing square.

When I had crews I would gather all the squares in once in a while and straighten them, they will get knocked out occasionally. By peening either on the inside corner or outside corner a square can be brought back to true easily. Find a good straight edge, like on a piece of birch ply, draw a line,, flip the square and draw another line at the same point. Half of the difference is how far your square is off. Lightly peen the appropriate corner to push the blade the way it needs to go. You can make any square perfect as long as the blades are straight.

[michael langman]

I bought a Stanley 16 x 24 framing square about 25 years ago, about 10.00 at he time, and it is square and straight in less the .002.
I bought a Johnson 4 foot aluminum rule, and that is unbelievably straight within .002 over it's length. As good as an expensive straight edge.

[Bill McNiel]

As a former framer who still does rough and finish carpentry I can say, without reservation, that the Starrett is way over the line for the stated purpose. Get a decent framing square and and preen it per Larry's post. OTOH - If you have a boatload of money give the kid the Starrett.

[lowell holmes]

I have two framing squares. One is an antique and the other came from Lowes. The one from Lowes is just fine. I don't see any difference in accuracy.I would spend my money on a good saw or hammer.

[Lee Schierer]

OTOH - If you have a boatload of money give the kid the Starrett.

It's only $14.50....

[Ben Rivel]

It's only $14.50....LOL thats what I thought too. If you want one of the nicest, Chappell is where its at: LINK (http://chappellsquare.com/)

[glenn bradley]

I do as Larry Edgerton mentions. In the shop I have one "peened" for inside measurements and one "peened" for outside.

[Bill Graham]

Black steel squares get HOT when they're left out in the sun! Back in the day when dinosaurs roamed the earth and I was wearing a toolbelt ;) I used a Stanley 45-010, don't know if they still make it. Don't be fooled by the name on that Starrett square, it's stamped out in the same Chinese factory as any other brand at Home Depot or Lowe's.

A quick search on Amazon turned up an Empire (https://smile.amazon.com/Empire-Level-1240-Aluminum-Framing/dp/B0002YSBHI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491773491&sr=8-2&keywords=empire+framing+square) that looks pretty good and the black version (https://smile.amazon.com/Stanley-45-011-Contractor-Aluminum-Rafter/dp/B00002X2HF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491773899&sr=8-1&keywords=Stanley+framing+square) of the Stanley I used. I still have this one along with the 45-010.

Unless you're a timber-framer and need the extra charts on the Chappell, don't waste your money. I have one of those, too and it gets used less than the Stanleys.

[Lee Schierer]

LOL thats what I thought too. If you want one of the nicest, Chappell is where its at: LINK (http://chappellsquare.com/)

After additional research the reviews on the Starrett are not very good the Chappell looks really good, but $50+ for the square might be a bit much for an occasional use tool.

[Bill McNiel]

It's only $14.50....

My mistake, I guess I just equate Starrett with accuracy and dollars. Seems like neither assumption was correct.

[Joe Calhoon]

We have an aluminum framing square in the shop that I like a lot better than the steel variety. Light and easy to handle. Good for checking some tool setups with the soft aluminum so as not to damage carbide or steel.

[lowell holmes]

I have two framing squares. One is an old silver colored Stanley and the other is a black Swanson.
The Swanson is the newest.

I don't perceive either is less accurate. I tend to use the silver Stanley more.

[Clint Baxter]

I have one of the Starretts as well. Am happy with it. It's an ok square,but as stated here, about the same an any other similarly priced framing square. I find it easier to read than my silver squares, heavier than my aluminum one, but the edge is finished a little nicer than most of the others. Little bit nicer when you're using the edge to draw a straight line. Probably worth what you pay for it.

As stated earlier check it for squareness when you're shopping, not after you get it home.

Clint

[Keith Weber]

I wouldn't buy a painted one. You also don't really need to spend a lot of money on an expensive one. You just want a nice hefty one that will resist getting banged out of square. I just assume that it's out of square from the get go, and just take the ball peen hammer to the corners as mentioned and test it until it's about as perfect as I can get it. It's a framing square, so assuming that you'd be using it for framing, you really don't need machined surfaces. As long as it's peened square, it serves its purpose.

[Keith Weber]

..........

[Lonnie Gallaher]

Having worked in the building trades and used a framing square for lots of layout tasks, I would not get a true "framing square", that is one with the rafter cut charts. Get one that is graduated in 1/8" increments only. If your son is a framer and is going to learn and use the rafter cut charts on the square then that is the right type to get, but if he is going to use it for general work the type without the charts is the best to get. The charts and different graduations will only confuse and can cause errors in using the square laying out work.

[scott vroom]

I've used aluminum Empire tongue and speed squares for years...plenty accurate for general construction and remodeling. The 7" and 12" speed squares see far more use than the tongue square.

[Mike Kees]

As a full time carpenter I buy Stanley aluminum framing squares. The newest ones I got are a black anodized with yellow lettering,these are the current favorites with myself and my crew.

[Bruce Wrenn]

For my money, buy him a 12" Swanson Speed Square. Tell him you will kick his back side if he loses the book that comes with it!

[Bill Orbine]

You better check first if you're dealing with Chappell squares.... read on this link: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?251651-Chappell-Universal-Sqaures-Out-of-Business&highlight=chappell

[Tony Zaffuto]

I'm looking to purchase a decent Framing Square for my son for the occassional home remodel project. I'm currently looking at the Starrett RS-24 Steel L-Shaped Rafter/Framing Square, 24" x 16" (https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-RS-24-L-Shaped-Rafter-Framing/dp/B0035YJXGK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491740654&sr=8-2&keywords=framing+square) for $14.50. Starrett generally makes pretty good tools. How does this square compare to others that are out there?

Bought that exact square about a year ago, and mine was square. Mine arrive square, so there was no adjusting, and just a few days ago, while checking it, it is still square. simple, well-made tool, with nothing I don't like!