Customer Reviews

Johnson Level & Tool 480 8-Inch Hardwood Try Square

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is a great square, but I bought it with limited expectations. I'm a professional woodworker, and I wanted a tool that I could carry around in my apron all day and not worry about dropping. It's not the kind of measurement tool that arrives in a mink lined, temperature controlled shrine with a 742 page manual explaining how to properly operate, and care for, your new square.

When I drop my tape measure, or need to make a precise cut from the tape, I check it against a standard and make an adjustment if needed. When I drop this square, or need to make a precise set up, I also check it and adjust if needed. To adjust it, simply place the handle against a known, straight edge, and draw a line against the blade. Then, flip the square over, and check the same edge of the blade against the line. If it's out, give the end of the blade a firm tap on a hard surface (in the proper direction) and repeat the process until the freshly drawn line and the blade line up.

On the bright side, this square is as square as you maintain it, but it IS maintainable. Personally, I don't use the rule on the blade for precise measurements, so it may, or may not, suit your needs in that respect. The dark side is relatively limited based on my expectations. The square arrived with significant burrs on the blade tip. Those were easily removed with a file. Other than that, the rule has a reflective finish, and I would have preferred matte.

For the price, it's a great square, and it's as square as I make it.

I purchased this square for woodworking and don't see the problem mentioned by another reviewer. The square is right on the money. Nice hardwood handle, sturdy construction with brass components. highly recommend to woodworkers.

If you care about accuracy....don't bother with this try square. The hardwood is rough to the touch. When compared to my Incra Guaranteed Square the Johnson was acute by .014" over the 8" length. That's the width of fine pencil line, no good for fine carpentry.

I have owned my Johnson 480 square for over ten years and have come to find it indispensable and a pleasure to use. As for accuracy, I have checked it against several standards and find it to be absolutely "dead on". A light tap on the end of the blade will bring it back into "perfect" squareness in the event of a drop of rough use (I use a steel engineer's square to true the Johnson).

Since I carry my square for jobsite work it does recieve some rough handling on occasion. That's why I'm on - to purchase another of these great tools - just for the shop.

If you don't care about accuracy, consider this tool. The rule part of the try square I purchased measures short about 1/64" from the base shoe to the first inch mark. Johnson Level claimed, when I contacted them, that their stated toloreance is +/- 0.015", close to 1/64, so I guess my tool is within their specs or very close. A tolerance of +/- 0.015" may be ok for framing but not for woodworking. (By the way, can you find the stated tolerance in the product description?)

Oregon Woodworker

Bought 3 squares to find that no two where aligned at 90 degrees. A nice looking square but is only for general work.

Nice appearance, scale is clear and easy to read. Great value when quality and price are considered.

If you don't care about accuracy, consider this tool. The rule part of the try square I purchased measures short about 1/64" from the base shoe to the first inch mark. Johnson Level claimed, when I contacted them, that their stated toloreance is +/- 0.015", close to 1/64, so I guess my tool is within their specs or very close. A tolerance of +/- 0.015" may be ok for framing but not for woodworking. (By the way, can you find the stated tolerance in the product description?)

The square isn't square and the rule isn't accurate. Almost a degree out of square and the rule is out about a 1/32 at 2 inches. For any modicum of precision, look somewhere else.

I priced several try squares before purchasing this one. It is perfectly square when checked by making a line from both right and left allignment. The finish was not perfect, but with a few buffs of 000 steel wool it was fine finished again. I keep mine on the workbench pegboard hanging in reach. I am happy with this try square as it was true from the start.