Customer Reviews

Swanson Tool SO101 7-inch Speed Square

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am amazed you're allowed to buy a saw without proof that you own one of these. This simple right angle is difference between tables that rest on four legs and those that float on three. It is the hard edge that is always perfect (you cannot chip or damage it) and it is small and light enough that it should follow you everywhere. If that weren't enough, there are markings and measurements on its face (including a hole to mark 2x4 widths) that have common board thickness and sizes. If you're only an occasional builder, you are freed from having to remember them (more convenient than you realize). Something like a workmate toolbench: you didn't know how much you needed it until you use it.

Every carpenter I know carries one of these in his belt, yet few of them actually use it for framing calculations- they use larger squares for that. So what's the attraction? Simple. By bracing the raised edge along a piece of wood, you can make pefectly square cuts with a circular saw on framing lumber. It's like have an accurate miterbox with you at the top of a ladder. A must for the homeowner who doesn't have twenty years of practice making cuts with a framing saw.

As goes the case of many great tools, they don't always stay in your possession.

The latest version with the scribe marks is awesome. The Big 12 is even more awesome.

Enough said by my counterparts below. It is found on every jobsite in America.

Swanson rules when it comes to the speed square. I have this products big brother the 12'' model also and cant imagine life without one.These things are bomb proof. In an everyday carpentry kind of way this tool will last forever.It's an aluminum calculator you can use as a saw guide.on any given day you can walk up to a job site and see these squares hard at work and you know if the industry has adopted it you can rest assured it has proven itself over and over again.Now get out there and square something up.

All hail the Speed Square, the King of Tools. I have no idea how anyone was able to build anything without these. Get the Swanson best $8 you will ever spend. If these things cost $45 they would still be worth it.

I use this tool the most, only followed by my measuring tape and my cordless drill. If you include a pencil as a tool, then this barely slips to #2!

I had a plastic one, and it broke. Replaced it with this one, and it's fantastic. I use it whenever I cut any 2-by, and the only complaint that I have is that it's a little short for 2x12 boards. I use the 12" Speed Square for that!

The difference between this and the dollar or two cheaper model is that all of the marks and numbers on this are painted black. Which means if you are going to be using this for more than drawing a straight line across a 2x8 the contrasting numbers will speed you up significantly. Just thought I'd throw this out in addition to all the other wonderful things that have been said about this great tool.

I have used one of these for a number of years. It is real handy laying out rafter angles, but is great for just laying out a square cut and using it as a circular saw guide. Just line up the blade, slide the square against the saw shoe and hold it square to the board as you make the cut, sliding along the side of the square. Don't start the saw until you have everything in position!

As a woodworker I'm used to using highly precise Starrett 13A Double Square for layouts and table/miter/radial arm saws for cross-cuts; however for general construction those tools are completely impractical. I would never imagine putting my double square through the abuse I put this thing through in just one months time.

Obviously it is used for basic tasks like laying out lines for anytype of cuts, it also has an easy to mark line for average 2x4 stud height. I didn't need to use any of the roofing tools 'cause my roof was 45 deg.

What really made it shine was the cutting. After marking your cut I used it as a guide for my circular saw for lumber and for my scoring knife for cutting several hundred boards of hardiplank siding. With that many cuts I had many times where the knife would skip out of the line and cut up the tool, much preferred than cutting up my hand and the tool doesn't notice beyond leaving a light mark on the surface (well dozen marks by now!) which matter not when using it.

I love the size over the smaller and larger versions because it fits perfect in my toolbelt but is still good for marking multiples.

This 7 inch Swanson Speed Square is great for the "On Site" situation. I know others have mentioned how many Pros use this square and I can see why. It's also perfect for the Weekend Warrior set. Makes fast work of cutting straight with a circular saw on 2X material and set up for making stairs for decks and figuring angle cuts. I also own the 12 inch model and both are top drawer!