The Best Carpenters Squares

Precision is the aim of the game for any good tradesperson. Measuring twice to cut once is all well and good, but if you don’t have the right tools for the job, perfection is hard to achieve. A quality carpenters square is a basic yet essential tool that will keep your markings and measurements precise.

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• 1. Best in the business - Starrett Combination Square
• 2. Budget-friendly essential - Empire True Blue Combination Square
• 3.  Best value speed square - The Johnny Square
• 4. The best large framing square - Irwin Framing Square
• 5. Tradify job management software

1. Best in the business - Starrett Combination Square

Widely accepted by the woodworking and carpentry community as the best square out there, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tool more reliable or accurate than the Starrett Combination Square. These don’t come cheap, but, if you can afford one, then look no further — this is the only square you’ll ever need.

2. Budget-friendly essential - Empire True Blue Combination Square

If you want a great value combination square, but can’t justify forking out hundreds for a Starrett, then the Empire True Blue is where it’s at.

Though it may not last a lifetime due to its plastic and steel construction, it’ll get the job done until you’re ready to invest in something more long-lasting. Just remember to regularly check that it’s square.

Trade tip: to check that your square is still accurate, simply mark a line on a board, flip the square over, and mark a line in the same place. If your markings don’t line up, then your square isn’t actually square.

3. Best value speed square - Johnny Square

For the price, it’s hard to go wrong with a Johnny Square. This aluminium speed square can give you a quick marking in a pinch and doesn’t require any fiddling like combination squares often do. 

The winning feature of this square is the continuous scribing notch, which allows you to quickly and easily pencil in markings and measurements. The square also has a built-in bottle opener—cheers!

4. The best large framing square - Irwin Framing Square

If you’re working with large sheets of ply or other big surfaces, then you need a square that can cover a decent amount of space. This is where the Irwin Framing Square is perfect. 

Trade tip: make sure you go for the hi-contrast aluminium version of this square. Most steel squares will peel and rust to the point of being totally unreadable. 

5. Get your admin squared away with Tradify job management software

If building a trade business is on your radar, then technology is going to be your most useful tool. It can help you schedule jobs, send quotes and invoices, and handle customer enquiries.

Tradify is the job management software trusted by tens of thousands of tradespeople around the world. To get your business admin sorted and start experiencing the benefits of an organised business, sign up for a 14-day free trial. No credit card required. No commitment.

Or, check out one of our live demo webinars to see Tradify in action.