Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor

by Starrett

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

No miter saw is complete without this patented and multiple award winning invention. This is the original and very popular 12-inch model of the Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor. It is now also available in the conveniently smaller-sized 7-inch model, the 505A-7.

The Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor takes error-prone calculations out of the process of miter cuts and other angle cuts. Simply set your saw to the angle that you read on the tool. There are absolutely no calculations. Upside down or backwards, the reading is always correct. These easy-to-use tools have two scales. The red scale and red "Miter Cut" arrow provide the exact miter saw setting for a perfect miter joint, while the black scale and black "Single Cut" arrow provide the exact miter saw setting for fitting a single workpiece to any angle.

The ProSite Miter Saw Protractors save time and reduce waste. They are ideal for carpenters, plumbers, and all building trades which require the measuring and transferring of angles. They are also invaluable for home use and do-it-yourselfers. They are the perfect and essential companion for every miter saw user. Buy both models and cover all your angles!

Product Description

Durable 1/4" aluminum with Teflon O-ring for smooth, precise operation, 12" model available with identical dial and functionality, Optional leather holster available for 12" models.

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 2 inches ; 1.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000DCBLW
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 505A-12
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,117 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #26 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Measuring & Layout Tools > Protractors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

117 of 119 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Every Trim Carpenter, January 10, 2005

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor (Tools & Home Improvement)

Trim carpenters are forever measuring angles and making cuts with a miter saw. The advantage of the Starrett 505A is that it makes the job easier. You simply place the protractor into the corner, and it does all of the calculations for you. It reads the angle and the miter saw setting at the same time, with two different sets of arrows.
The thing I like about it, is that it holds a setting, and that is adjustable. There is a setting screw in the back that enables you to adjust the amount of play. The way it comes out of the box, it is almost too tight. If you are laying it up against something, then it is fine, but when you want to pre-set it to an angle, then, use it to align something, it is a little tricky to pre-set. It is so snug that a gentle push will not change it, then with a little more effort, it will change a lot. I used a little WD 40 and loosened the screw just a hair, and now it adjusts perfectly, and still holds a setting. If you are a trim carpenter, and are taking measurements off of walls, the way it is right out of the box is great.
Another thing I like about it, is how ruggedly it is built. Thick aluminum and with this new model, large easy to read numbers.
I checked the accuracy with an expensive Bosch digital protractor, which is accurate to 1/10th of one degree. (Like having 3600 dots in a circle instead of 360) Every setting was either dead on accurate or was accurate to within a few tenths of a degree. That's accurate, although with a paste on measurement face, it is entirely possible for them to make them with less accuracy than the results I am getting on this one as has been mentioned in some of the other reviews.
I like it better than the Bosch digital protractor, because it is beefy, and easy to use and store. The Bosch with its glass LED readout, and bulky frame is great for setting up tools and the like, but not as practical for the job site. That is why I have both. I also use the Starrett combination square for setting up saw blades and other tools that require a perfect ninety. Starrett makes great stuff.
I spoke to Starrett in an email about this protractor, and they said this 505A was specifically designed for the job site, every day use in the shop, and to come in at a price that everybody could afford. It's a great unit for the money. Highly recommended. A great addition to your arsenal.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Starrett 505A-12 Protractor, May 3, 2005

By 

Randall R. "Randall R." (Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor (Tools & Home Improvement)

I received this tool as a gift. It is well made and very useful, especially with trim molding and almost anything that requires an angle on the sliding miter saw. However, the scale was misaligned by one full degree. I called Starrett and was told that their tolerance for this tool is +/- one degree. That is unacceptable from a company like Starrett renowned for their precision. I exchanged the tool for another, hand selected from inventory, and found one just .1 degree misaligned after looking at a dozen or so. This is workable accuracy but IMO the tool should be engraved, and the scale should be accurate or the scale should be eliminated. The decal itself may be accurate but the application process seems to produce a fair number of these tools with misaligned scales. With a sliding miter saw this is not really a problem as you can just transfer the angle. But, if the scale is there it should be accurate or at least installed properly. With the scale accuracy problems it rates three stars. If the scale were properly installed and accurate, I would give it 5 stars. Then I would not have to use my engraved Starrett protractor to read the actual angle when needed.

39 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Scale Is Off, July 1, 2005

By 

BJO (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor (Tools & Home Improvement)

I agree with the other reviewers. I purchased this tool because of the Starett name and was deeply disappointed. The scale was definitely off. When you completely fold up the tool it is blatantly obvious. I e-mailed Starett and they said to return it to them for a replacement. I was not too confident that the new one would be any better. Starrett also stated they were changing the name of the tool to remove the word "protractor" because they had received so many complaints. In my case, I simply printed a "red" arrow on some sticky label paper and then cut it out and overlayed the decal on the tool. It's not pretty but the scale now reads accurately. I would not recommend buying this until this defect is corrected.