What is the Best Woodworking Square?
Top-Notch Measuring Tools for Precision & Accuracy (2023)

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A woodworking try square can make your projects so much easier. But buying one is tricky because you may end up with a product that rusts, has illegible markings, or worse, isn’t square at all. To avoid wasting your time and money, our team of experts set out to find the best try squares for woodworking.

Best Overall
iGaging 4” Precision Double Square
Best Combination Square
Irwin Tools Combination Square
Best Woodworking Double Square
Starrett 13C 6-Inch Double Square
iGaging 4” Precision Double Square
Irwin Tools Combination Square
Starrett 13C 6-Inch Double Square
We loved the iGaging precision square because it had everything a woodworker needs, from precise double angles to graduated measurements. It also has a durable construction and sturdy frame.
This Irwin Combination Square allows you to draw 45° and 90° angles and gives you a sturdy try square to work with. It is especially great for long-term use because of its rustproof and zinc cast treatment.
The Starrett Square is perfect for woodworkers looking for versatility. The sliding action on the steel blade allows you to create angles with finesse and dexterity. It also has a quality build and integrated level.
Best Overall
iGaging 4” Precision Double Square
iGaging 4” Precision Double Square
We loved the iGaging precision square because it had everything a woodworker needs, from precise double angles to graduated measurements. It also has a durable construction and sturdy frame.
Best Combination Square
Irwin Tools Combination Square
Irwin Tools Combination Square
This Irwin Combination Square allows you to draw 45° and 90° angles and gives you a sturdy try square to work with. It is especially great for long-term use because of its rustproof and zinc cast treatment.
Best Woodworking Double Square
Starrett 13C 6-Inch Double Square
Starrett 13C 6-Inch Double Square
The Starrett Square is perfect for woodworkers looking for versatility. The sliding action on the steel blade allows you to create angles with finesse and dexterity. It also has a quality build and integrated level.

Reviews of the Best Woodworking Squares

1. iGaging 4” Precision Double Square

Our team of experts was excited to review the iGaging Precision Double Square. It is one of few try squares with a sliding blade. The sliding blade allowed us to measure double square angles with high accuracy and quicken our workflow.

We also enjoyed its other features, like the 4-inch blade, portable form, and etched metric & inch markings. Being made of premium satin chrome blade, this is one of the most durable woodworking squares we’ve ever come across. The tool is one of the best woodworking squares with its accuracy, resilience, and versatility.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

2. Starrett 13C 6-Inch Double Square

This double try square by Starrett has everything you need from woodworking squares. Our team was particularly impressed by its 6-inch stainless steel blade with etched graduations and rust-proof treatment. The entire tool is made of hardened steel, with an integrated level for more accurate measurements.

We also loved the sliding action of the blade. It was smooth, easy, and made our work so much faster. The Starrett 13C 6-Inch Double Square is also adept at creating angles that regular try squares can’t handle. All these features make it one of the best woodworking double squares we’ve ever used.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

3. Irwin Tools Combination Square

The Irwin Tools Combination Square is perfect for woodworking projects that require accuracy. It’s two tools in one, giving you the graduations of a try square and the balance of a spirit level. We are particularly fond of this tool because every aspect is top-notch.

Its stainless steel body is etched with black precision scales, and the body is zinc cast for the best durability possible. The tool is excellent for both 45° and 90° angles. It can also be used as a gauge for transpiring measurements. The blade is 12-inches long, which also makes the tool suitable for large-scale projects.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

4. Machinist Square Set Engineer 90 Right Angle Ruler

Made of hardened steel, this right-angle square looks and feels like a woodworker’s best friend. The Machinist Square Set Engineer 90 is designed for precise layout and 90-degree angles. This steel try square could just be the best woodworking square we’ve ever come across because the angles were true inside and out.

The blade is about 5 inches long, and the entire tool weighs less than 10 ounces. It also comes with a carry case for storage and some oil coating for rust protection. All these make the square tool really enjoyable to use. Unfortunately, it isn’t graduated, so you can’t use it for measurement.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

5. IRWIN Tools Tri and Mitre Square

Our team of experts found the IRWIN Tools Tri and Mitre Square to be a competent instrument, with a stainless steel blade and a high-impact handle. The durable handle has etched graduations that improved our precision when working with the instrument. The stainless steel blade is 8-inch long.

We were particularly impressed by the spirit level on the handle. That, in addition to the precision markings, made drawing 90-degree angles a real breeze. The IRWIN Try square is not graduated in metric scaling, which is difficult to create some measurements. The framing square also has dimples on the handle that make measurements difficult.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

6. VINCA SCLS-1208 Carpenter L Framing Square 8 inch Tool

While looking for a quality 1 8 inches try square, we found the VINCA SCLS-1208. It has a stainless steel blade with accurate etched graduations on both sides. The metal is also rust-proof, prolonging the longevity of the tool.

The handle is made of stainless steel, making every part of the tool as durable as possible. We found that, besides the hardened steel blade and 90 degrees accuracy, this try square also offered a lightweight use. A heavier try square can become a bothersome tool, considering all the other heavy tools you have to work with.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

7. POWERTEC Try Square with Hardwood Handle

The first thing that caught our eye on this POWERTEC Try Square with Hardwood Handle was the black etched markings. They are visible and run in both directions, making the tool easier to use. The tool is an excellent drywall tool with amazing benefits, like a stainless steel metal blade high-quality wooden handle, and accurate 90 measurements.

We could accurately check inside and outside right angles, check for surface flatness, and even measure distances up to 8 inches with this tool. And because it weighs only 8 ounces, it is light in hand and easy to use. We also loved that the metal blade had metric markings on one end and inches on the other.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

8. Woodraphic Precision Square

As one of the best woodworking squares on this list, the Woodraphic Precision Square offers a different range of benefits. The square has a long and robust 12-inch steel blade and easy-to-read graduation markings. The try square is so accurate at creating a right angle that it was certified level 1 in Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).

Besides its international acclaim, the try square has a quality build, is made of anodized aluminum. The product is lightweight, ergonomic in design, and has enough length to handle most large-scale projects. The try square comes with a ruler and a 0.5mm pencil.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

9. Johnson Level & Tool Try Square

The Johnson Level is a top-rated try square that comes with a simple but effective design. The product has two sides forming the right angle — a durable aluminum handle and heavy-duty stainless steel. Our team also loved the blade length; 12 inches is more than enough for any project.

While reviewing this try square, we found a company-issued limited lifetime warranty that protects the product against defects. Unfortunately, we discovered that the Johnson Level & Tool Try Square isn’t durable enough for ironworkers or heavy-duty work. It is, however, perfect for everyday woodwork.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

10. Crown Rosewood and Brass Mini Try Square

Our team of experts was very impressed by the Crown Rosewood and Brass Mini Try Square. The blade is 3 inches long and made of reinforced brass. The handle is made of rosewood, a high-quality and durable material. Even though this try square is small, we found it to be highly effective.

Its size made it handy to use and easy to store. It is suited for several woodworking tasks, but we especially enjoyed using it to make dovetail angles. Unfortunately, the blade isn’t graduated, which means you can only use it for right angles.

What We Like

What We Don’t Like

Woodworking Squares Buyer’s Guide

Precision

Before working with try squares, it’s crucial to ensure precise marking and accurate right angles. Using a straight edge, you can verify this by measuring it against the wood.

Size

The scale of your project determines the size of your square. 3-inch squares are suitable for small-scale projects. On the other hand, the square with a 12-inch blade makes a better tool for more significant projects. It’s important to get a large woodworking square that’s also durable.

Clarity of Measurements

One way to tell a great woodworking square is the legibility of its marking. The best have an indelible marking that won’t wear off after the square ages. Remember that a woodworking square with indelible marking tends to have a higher price than one with faint ones.

Material and Durability

Good material build and durability are two critical factors to consider when getting a woodworking square. Interestingly, the material build also affects marking, durability, and the overall feel of the product. The best squares are made of stainless steel [1]. Wood, aluminum, and steel are good materials for the woodworking square handle.

Comfort

A woodworking square will always have an element of comfort. This is usually associated with the handles and the product’s size. The handle makes the woodworking square easier to grip well, while the size ensures it can fit in your woodworking apron. For even more comfort, get a woodworking square that comes with a storage case.

Price and Warranty

One of the important factors to consider is the product price. The price of a woodworking square could be set as low as $7 or as high as $40. The price depends on the quality of the material, product weight, and other features including integrated level. If your budget allows, get a product that comes with all these features.

What is the Purpose of a Woodworking Square?

Years ago, woodworkers came up with the name try square because they used it for trying how square and right a wood piece was. Today, woodworking squares still serve the same purpose. It also comes with two additional features — markings for measurement and integrated levels.

FAQ

What is the best square for woodworking?

The best square for woodworking is the iGaging 4” Precision double square. The blade is small enough to be comfortable in hand but also long enough to handle difficult projects. It  has an ergonomic handle, accurate graduations, and the ability to set double square angles.

What is a square used for in woodworking?

A square is used to check the correctness of right angles in woodwork. It also comes with tools, including a ruler and level that make woodwork easier.

Our Top Pick For a Woodworking Square:
iGaging 4” Precision Double Square

After reviewing many try squares, our experts decided that the iGaging 4” Precision Double Square is the best square for woodworking. It has a sliding blade that lets you measure double angles, a moderate size, and indelible graduations. It is also durable enough to last years.

If you want to put your try square into good use, you can start by making the best table top project here. Read next! 

Robert Johnson is a woodworker who takes joy in sharing his passion for creating to the rest of the world. His brainchild, Sawinery, allowed him to do so as well as connect with other craftsmen. He has since built an enviable workshop for himself and an equally impressive online accomplishment: an extensive resource site serving old timers and novices alike.
Robert Johnson
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