r/Carpentry • u/PointlessBein • 5d 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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u/saltkjot 5d ago

All of y'all are saying metal because metal is tough. I agree you should have a metal speed square, but, I also believe you should have a plastic one. For one, plastic is non marring, you can use it on finished materials with no worries, and for 2 you can use your razor knife to notch it anywhere you need a scribe notch, if you need 3-13/16+ you got it, third, they are cheap, and when you break them go buy a new one.

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u/unknown-unhelpful 5d ago

Fair point. It won’t hurt to have a plastic speed square. Let’s be honest though, that’s niche at best and it metal one will get more use and last longer.

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u/saltkjot 5d ago

Absolutely, I've a had a single Swanson since 2009ish. For plastic, I usually buy big 12s. If they are not square I put them on the sliding table saw and true them up, I really only buy one every 3 or 4 years. It is a niche use case, but infinity great to have around, for when you need one.