Customer Reviews

Swanson Meteric Speed Square (Aluminum)

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This metric speed square is great for people who are building in areas where the metric system is used. It is larger in size than the standard 6" speed square, so it is difficult to fit into a tool belt without it hanging out. However, the larger size means that it does not have to be flipped over when scribing lines on wood that is wider than 6".
The common and hip val rise/run values are based upon units of 10 and not 12, as is the case with the 6" squares. In other words, the value for 45 degrees is common 10, as opposed to common 12 for the 6" model. This makes sense because the metric system is based upon units of 10.
The notches for scribing lines every 1/2 centimeter from 2 to 14 centimeters are very useful, and the construction is a very thick but lightweight cast aluminum, about 1/8" (3mm) thick. All the markings are recessed into the aluminum, so you don't have to worry about them wearing off and dissappearing. The book that comes with it is the same as the book that comes with the 6" speed square, with the exception that the values are converted to the metric system and the hip and common values are explained using rise/run values based upon units of 10.
I'm really glad that I bought this Swanson metric speed square, and would buy a smaller 15cm (6") metric square if they made one so that it would fit perfectly into my tool belt.

For some strange reason Amazon describes this item as a "Meteric" Speed Square - I'm not too sure what a "Meteric" is :-) but this is actually the Metric version of the Swanson Speed Square. Measurements are shown in centimetres rather than the more commonly used millimetres but this doesn't detract from it's usefulness.

Build quality is excellent - it's tough and designed for work nor beauty. Markings are impressed well into the surface and are unlikely to wear off or become illegible over time. This is the type of tool that is incredibly useful and one that will most likely still be working well long after I have stopped.