Customer Reviews

Starrett C33H-6-4R 6-Inch Combination Square with Forged and Hardened Steel Head

5 star:		(14)
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I like making small boxes during the cold months when being in the shop is an invitation to pneumonia. Small boxes mean small tools, but a big increment in the requirements for precision. The tiny little bit off square that would never be noticable in a large table is a cardinal error in a 6" by 8" box.

Starrett is the only answer if you want uncompromising accuracy. The straightedge is absolutely accurate. It body of the square holds it with no wobble at all. The bubble level really works, And everything, right down to the nifty scribing pin is machined perfectly. It's no lightweight, despite its size, and it will take a lot of banging and dropping without a flinch.

All Starret tools are expensive, whether it's a 4" square or a 12" combinatiom square. Surprisingly, they are not the most expensive I've seen. But they aren't stamped out in mass quantities, they are individually inspected, and they come in their own little box. They aren't just the best, they are heirloom grade.

I like the 6" square better than the 4", mostly because I'm slightly fumble fingered and there's more to hold. There's also a tiny symmetrical 3" that is great for showing off when you pull it out of your pocket.

If you use a square frequently, do treat yourself to a good one. Yup, they're expensive, but these folks earn their money doing wonderful metalwork. This is a quality of metalcasting, milling, etching and finish you just don't see very often. If you're like me, you'll find the resulting precision inspirational, useful, and a pleasure to use.

Cheap squares are no fun at all, sticky, and like as not, not even square. In contrast, this 6" Starrett is simply substantial. I also use a 12" Mitutoyo set that's equally supurb. It's a one-time investment I enjoy every time I use it.

I just received the Starrett 6" and immediately ordered the 12. First I tried to rejuvenate an old one that belonged to my father. After a half hour of scrubbing, de-rusting, and fine polishing, I thought I had a twelve. I checked the depth accuracy, and it was right on. Then I checked it as a square. Although the end to end was correct, the center of the ruler had been accidentally ground. So if I tried to square up a 4" high table saw blade for example, it would be off. That was all I needed. I went to the computer and ordered the 12 as well. You can't afford to screw around with the device that all other tools are measured by. A cut only off 1 degree creates a 91-degree edge. When gluing and clamping that edge, it bows or skews your project. Then when you try to mate that up to a square project, it doesn't fit. Save yourself a lot of heartache, time, and money, get a starrett combination square.
I have the Bosch digital protractor, and that measures in tenths of a degree. The problem is that it is about 18 inches long, and does not measure depths.
These combination squares are great for taking a measurement in a difficult to get to area. You simply drop it into the area, slide the ruler out until it stops, then lock it into the base with the knob, then bring the square out, and check your measurement. No more having to dive your head under something, while you contort your body to be able to see the measurement.
Pertaining to the 6 or 12, I chose the 6 first because I saw that one being used in higher end woodworking books. Authors even photographed themselves using the starret setting up the table saw blade for example. When I got it my first impression was, boy is that tiny. It probably will be the one that I use the most. I just don't want to be limited when I need to use one on lengths greater than 6 inches.
It is well made, and yes it does spec out properly. I used Incra measuring instruments to check the rule, and the Bosch digital protractor to check to see if it was dead on 90. It wasn't off by even a tenth of a degree.
It's funny how you have to rave about a tool that does what it is supposed to do, and do it well. Their is so much junk out there. Did you ever check your level, but putting it on a surface, then turn it around end to end to see if the bubble shows the same reading on the same surface. You will be shocked; 80 percent of them are off. Even the bubble on this Starrett tool is dead on.
The square ness is right on. The typical check of taping a piece of paper to a flat surface in front of a fence, then use the square to draw a line, flip the tail of the square over to the other side, and see if the line is dead on.
If you have a square that has a handle that was riveted, welded, or glued on, chances are it is off. The single stamped pieces of metal are usually accurate.
These Starrett combination squares are something that you will grow to use more and more often. Soon you will wonder how you ever lived without it. Highly recommended.

I have found the C33H-6-4R Starrett Combi Square to be a marvel of machining. The 90 & 45 degree angles checked out accurately. The finnish on the head was flawless. The slide mechanism was silk smooth - no jamming or rough spots. The satin chrome finnish on the blade eliminates glare and makes the blackened numbers and lines easy to read under all lighting conditions. The built in level was accurate and although I don't use the scribe for my work it fits snuggly in its holder. No fear of losing it. I highly recommend this premium square.

Sometimes I balk at Starrett's prices, but I've never been disappointed. The 6 inch combination square is the most used measuring tool in my shop, other than my tape measure.

Its very solidly constructed, with nice etched markings and a tight locking mechanism. Everything I was looking for in a combination square. After buying this, I was satisfied enough to buy the 12 in version.

I must start this review by saying that I've always heard that Starrett made excelent tools. Apparently I heard correct. This is one of the best measureing devices I have ever used. It is extremly accurate and very solidly built. The laser etched marks will never wear off, the blade is at least 3/32s thick, and I've never seen a beefier scribe on a combo square. To sum up, I don't think you could get a better square for your money.

The Starrett small combination square has crisp edges and fine lines that are easy to read with remarkable accuracy. Less expensive squares with soft metal heads oxidize and drag when adjusting. They have stamped marks on the rule that are probably okay but don't provide the close tolerance that is Starrett's hallmark. The small size is easy to hold and handy for a lot of measuring and marking. A great little tool.

My father was an instrument repairman and pattern-maker. He relied on his Starrett measuring tools everyday for over seventy years. I inherited his old Starrett square. It is still perfectly square over its 12-inch length. Of course, he NEVER dropped the tool or treated it roughly. He also always oiled and cleaned his tools and stored them carefully with desiccant and camphor.

By the way, you can verify squareness easily in just seconds by marking a line and flipping the blade. You can verify the extreme accuracy of Starrett squares even further by extending that line with a reliable straight-edge. Try it with any square of your choice then compare to Starrett. You will see the difference.

The Starrett tradition of fine tool-making is alive and well right here in the USA. Treat this tool as the fine instrument it is, and it will last until your kids inherit it. True, there are other comparable brands, most notably from Japan and Germany but they are more expensive and no better than our American Starrett. If you need a fine adjustable square and you want to stimulate our economy, buy this one. You can do no better.

This square is just as well made as the 12" modle and just as accurate. Perfect. A time saver and gives peace of mind to know that it is truly sqare.

I couldn't find anything wrong with this handy combo-square. It has the typical Starrett high quality manufactured tolerances. The slide mechanisms work well. Marking with it is a pleasure. I like the 6" size because I use it the most and it's less bulky. However, I could not get by without the larger 12 inch model too.