Starrett 505A-7 ProSite Protractor

by Starrett

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

No miter saw is complete without this patented and multiple award winning invention. This is the new and conveniently smaller model of the very popular Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractor, the 505A-12. This smaller 7-Inch version (505A-7) is ideal for getting into tight quarters and it conveniently slips in your tool pouch or back pocket. The Starrett ProSite Miter Saw Protractors take 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 -InchMiter Cut-Inch arrow provide the exact miter saw setting for a perfect miter joint, while the black scale and black -InchSingle Cut-Inch arrow provide the exact miter saw setting for fitting a single work piece 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, 7" model available with identical dial and functionality.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 6 x 1 inches ; 6.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000B8N0SU
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 505A-7
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,839 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #13 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Measuring & Layout Tools > Protractors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Quality control issues, May 25, 2007

By 

Jim (Grapevine, TX) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Starrett 505A-7 ProSite Protractor (Tools & Home Improvement)

Sturdy, nicely made tool, very easy to use: Match the arms to the corner, read the scale, set the saw, cut the trim. However, on the first one I received the scales did not match. For example, on a (maybe) square corner the single cut scale would read 0 and the miter scale would read 46. Same thing on inside or outside corners whatever the angle. So which scale is correct? Only way to find out is to cut and then recut the board. The purpose of this tool is to find and measure SMALL inaccuracies. If you can't trust the scales then it is simply an expensive angle take off tool and actualy less useful than a regular T bevel. I returned it to Amazon and very quickly received a replacement - which was no different. Not ready to give up I called Starrett and spoke with a very helpful and knowledgeable guy named John in tech support. He indicatd that the company is aware of the problem and is working to fix it. He suggested I return the tool to them and they would hand pick an accurate replacement. I sent it to them yesterday. Starrett has a well deserved reputation for making very high quality products and that is the main reason I bought this one. My current low rating is provisional depending on how things turn out with the replacement. I'll have an update (hopefully good) soon.

Update: I received the hand picked replacement from Starrett - and the scales line up fine. This 505 is a sturdy, easy to use and very helpfull tool. 5 stars.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should Be A Required Piece Of Equipment, January 15, 2006

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Starrett 505A-7 ProSite Protractor (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is the smaller version of the 12-inch protractor, and is a tool more suited to my apron pocket, where it resides with their 6-inch T-square. It is as precise a tool as you could ask for, easy to use one handed, and invaluable for checking the alignment of tools before you make a mistake. It's the perfect protractor for in the shop, smaller work, where the 12-inch model's size makes it a bit unwieldy. It won't cut wood for you, but it will help you make sure that what you want is what you get.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 star quality, 4 star price., January 24, 2007

By 

J. Hruby (St. Paul, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Starrett 505A-7 ProSite Protractor (Tools & Home Improvement)

Look, let's be blunt. No matter how good your hotshot framing and drywall crews are, even new construction is never square. And in old houses, it just gets worse. And this doesn't even take into account irregular angled walls that are anyone's guess.

Now I know the rest of you all payed attention in 8th grade geometry, but for those of us who don't like mulling over math problems on the job site, the Sarrette is as good as it gets. Read the single cut angle off one side. Read the miter cut off the other.

And the tool can (and should) be used to set your miter saw to the exact angle you need. Read it off the wall, set the blade using the tool, cut. Perfect.

Oh, the pain I could have saved myself if only I'd bought one of these earlier. Cutting scrap test pieces and banging my head against the wall wondering how I'd gotten it wrong again.

Basically, if you do a lot of finish carpentry, having one of these will save you a lot of time and money. Even for the homeowner that's doing a few rooms, it's probably worth it if you want really good joints, especially in an old house where most of your "90 degree" corners will be off by several degrees from 90.

I only have two minor beefs.

OK, for me it's worth it as I'll easily save it back over and over again. In fact I bought two. But c'mon guys, $42.99? I'm surprised someone hasn't ripped off the idea and isn't making one at $14.99, but keep charging this price and someone soon will.

Also, I'd like an easy way to adjust the tension of the legs so it would hold the exact angle more firmly. One of my miter saws has a habit of swinging slightly when you reach to tighten the adjustment knob. Then the blade hits the protractor and messes up the reading.

The ease of use does make up for the shortcomings. If you have a miter saw and do finish work, you need one of these.