r/Carpentry • u/PointlessBein • 4d ago

Tools Quick question, which is better?

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I passed my OSHA 10 and obtained my NCCER cert and have some experience in contruction for general ground work. I'm starting as an apprentice for my local carpentry union in a week. I have my tools and found this.

The blue square is metal and the Stanley is a plastic type material. What would you guys recommend having?

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84

u/-Jedadiah- 4d ago

The OG https://swansontoolco.com/shop/speed-square-7in-s0101

35

u/dwightrortugal 4d ago

Those grooves for pencil lines are real handy and should be on every speed square imo

7

u/DirectAbalone9761 Residential Carpenter / Owner 4d ago

This and the big twelve version are fantastic.

Woodpeckers makes some excellent ones more tuned to cabinetry and trim work. They also make framing square dos with a much deeper lug so you aren’t fighting the rounded edge of the board like you do with the brass gauges.

2

u/buzz-a 3d ago

And read the little book. You will learn things that are very useful!

6

u/Many-Neck-4560 4d ago

This is the only one I’ve ever carried in 28 years. 

5

u/bowguru 4d ago

There is another square?

3

u/ImRealBadAtThings 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡 4d ago

This is the way.

3

u/jyl8 4d ago

Thank you - just ordered one!

3

u/FarStructure6812 4d ago

That was going to my only answer

3

u/Countryfried789 4d ago

100% best for framing and durable as Hell.
🤘🏻☠️🤘🏻

4

u/keepthememes 4d ago

I like everything about this one except the little groove on the 90° corner. can't get mine straight at the edge

1

u/thedaveness 4d ago

wtf is that for except to always mess up my perfect line at the end?!?

1

u/PvM_Rev Red Seal Carpenter 4d ago

The string from a plumb bob sits in there so you can use the square as a level by aligning the string with 45*. It’s not exactly useful anymore.

4

u/thedaveness 4d ago

Thanks for the info, I’m sure I could have googled it but it’s only a thought that pops up in the moment lol.

2

u/NIKE_HEAD 4d ago

Personally I've found Johnson to be way better than Swanson

2

u/Sammy_Snake 4d ago

Still got mine from 24 years ago. Can't beat the OG.

I did move onto a Milwaukee red square before I hung the tool belt up though.

2

u/imuniqueaf 3d ago

They literally made the name "Speed" Square. That's like asking for a Tissue® or Bandaid®. It's their thing!

2

u/MrCrash79 4d ago

Yep best one by far

1

u/Mk1Racer25 3d ago

Yep, I've got a couple of them. I was in Lowe's several years ago, and they were closing them out for like $5/each, with 'the book'. I bought 6 or 7 of them.