Starrett C33H-12-4R 12-Inch Combination Square with Square Head Only

by Starrett

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

They are also often used as try squares, center gauges, bevel protractors and rules. 12-Inches in size, regular satin chrome blade and protractor head, 8ths, 16ths, quick-reading 32nds, 64ths graduations. With reversible lock bolts, spirit level in both square head and protractor head, direct-reading double 1800 protractor scale. Square heads are forged hardened steel with smooth, black enamel finish.

Product Description

Starrett combination square consist of a machine-divided, hardened and tempered steel rule (or blade) on which is mounted an adjustable square head. A reversible lock bolt allows the blade to be turned over or end-for-end without removing the lock bolt or nut. This ensures true alignment of the blade and heads. Square head are made of cast iron and are not to be confused with the cheap imitation plastic or die cast heads on the market. The value of Starrett tools is that they are accurate and will last. As the name indicates, this tool can be used for many different purposes - a complete substitute for a whole set of common solid try squares, a 45 degree miter, a depth gauge, a height gauge, a marking or scribing gauge, a level, a plumb and, by withdrawing the blade, it can also be used as a precision rule. This saves littering the workbench with too many tools, each being necessary but may be used less. This results in the goal of all good craftsmen - better accuracy and greater efficiency.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1.2 pounds
• 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.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00002254K
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: C33H-12-4R
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,850 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #20 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Measuring & Layout Tools > Carpentry Squares

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely outstanding!, July 30, 2000

By 

B. Johnson (Seattle , WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Starrett C33H-12-4R 12-Inch Combination Square with Square Head Only (Tools & Home Improvement)

The work you produce can only be as good as the tools you measure it by. Don't even consider the cheap copies, they don't come close to the acuracy and quality of this square. The head is cast and ground with relefs in the channel, and the blade is machined, not stamped. The rule is laser etched and then matt finished to reduce glare. The differences are far more than cosmetic. The slide works smoothly and locks securely. All of the edges are perfectly flat and smooth. I know this seems like a lot to spend for a combination square, but the $10 ones I have tried just don't work. They don't lock square reliably, and the blades are allways rough and warped slightly. If you want something even fancier, get the version with three heads.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cheap Tools are a Waste of Money - Starrett is the Best, January 6, 2004

By 

Fredric Pierce (Huntington Beach, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Starrett C33H-12-4R 12-Inch Combination Square with Square Head Only (Tools & Home Improvement)

A coworker that said that to me once. He was right. This is the original combination square and, as far as I am concerned, the very best. I have a new C33 set and one that belonged to my grandfather (it's about 80 years old). I checked the scales and squareness against each other - perfect match. Starrett quality control is flawless. This one (the C33) is the forged steel head. I would generally recommend it over the slightly cheaper cast head (the C11), since the forged steel is a fair amount tougher - less brittle. The glossy paint is the indicator that you are getting the forged head. The cast head is done in crinkle black. Mr. Zorns' comment (see previous review) tells me that the description is correct - smooth paint = forged head. And, by the way, I would always get the model that starts with "C" - that means satin chrome finish on the blade - very, very important. As a woodworker, a combination square is an essential tool that gets used constantly. Accuracy and durability are very important. At this price, it's a bargain. Don't waste your money on cheap tools - buy Starrett and you'll never regret it.

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Get What You Pay For, March 9, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: Starrett C33H-12-4R 12-Inch Combination Square with Square Head Only (Tools & Home Improvement)

Most people's first response when they ask how much this set me back is shock. Usually followed by pointiong out that theirs only cost one third that much and had all these extra gadgets. If it's the right day in the shop I point to a work in process and ask them to find one place where it is the least bit out of true. And by 'least bit' I mean not at all. This usually settles the argument right away. When legs are square and cut right tables don't wobble. When cases are square drawers fit perfectly, etc, etc.

If all you do is cut moulding and flooring than you don't need this kind of square. But if tiny little gaps and adjustments frustrate your sense of perfection, then take a look at products like this square or its brothers and sisters. Starret makes heirloom quality tools that will remain every bit as accurate until the solar system goes defunct.

I have two Starrett squares - the six inch, which generally rides in my pocket or is busy marking off boxes, and the 12 inch, which I use in making full size furniture. There is also an 18" rule and I am severely tempted to have that around as well.

I have the extra gadgets (protractor and center) for the 12" and all I can say is that they form the standard for all the tuning in my shop, and they never fail. Yes, they are expensive but at both ends of the supply chain for these tools are people who are very proud of their work.

I only wish I could figure out how to get Starrett to send me free samples.