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.
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
- Blade is made from quality satin chrome
- Double square for accuracy
- Perfect for heavy-duty woodworking
- Easy-to-set angles
What We Don’t Like
- Gritty sliding action on the try square blade
- No stainless steel blade
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
- Great woodworking tool for creating a 90° angle
- Square is made of durable steel
- Smooth sliding action on the 6-inch blade
- High-quality handle
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than other try squares
- Doesn’t have combination metric and inch graduations
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
- 12 inches stainless steel blade
- Can make 45° and 90° angle marks
- Rustproof blade and zinc cast for durability
- Highly effective combination square
What We Don’t Like
- The level makes it difficult to hold
- Weighs more than the average try square tool
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
- 5-inch long hardened steel blade
- Rustproof
- Precise 90-degree angles for accuracy
- Comes with a carry case for protection
What We Don’t Like
- Blade doesn’t have etched graduations
- Case could be useless if used try square regularly
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
- 8-inch long stainless steel blade
- Comes with an integrated spirit level
- Clearly visible marking for measurement
- Highly durable try square
What We Don’t Like
- Dimples that reduce the accuracy
- No metric graduation
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
- Tough stainless steel material
- Etched markings for accuracy
- 1 8-inch blade
- Metal handle is easy to grip
What We Don’t Like
- Graduations scale may not be perfect for smaller measurements
- Not portable
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
- Etched markings in both metric and inches
- Made of high-quality material
- 1 8-inch blade
- Good for woodworkers, machinists, and hobbyists
What We Don’t Like
- You often need to set the square edge
- Product may not be completely flat
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
- Blade length is etched with accurate markings
- Perfect for small and large scale wood projects
- Try square feels ergonomic in the hand
- Made of lightweight aluminum
What We Don’t Like
- Marking is not in metric measurements
- Steep price
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
- 12 inches blade
- Engine length is marked in inches measurement
- Affordable price
- Limited lifetime warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Not one of the most durable try squares
- Heavier than other woodworking squares
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
- Reinforced brass 3-inch blade
- Precise 90-degree measurements
- High-quality rosewood construction
- Perfect for dovetail angles
What We Don’t Like
- Blade isn’t made of stainless steel
- Can’t deal with heavy-duty tasks well
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!
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