Klein tools launched a new 7″ rafter square, model 9357SSQ.
The square features laser etched markings, scribe notches at 1/4″ intervals, and a “pipe prop” to help elevate conduit and pipes off of a work surface for easier cutting.
The heel edge measures 1-1/8″ wide.
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There’s not much else to say – it’s another rafter square with an added cutout with v-notch bottom for cutting support.
Price: $15
COO: Made in China
Compared to Other 7″ Squares
Milwaukee Rafter Square (Made in USA)
Empire Rafter Square (Made in USA)
- Buy at Home Depot – $13
Swanson Speed Square (Made in USA)
- Buy at Amazon – $10
- Buy at Lowe’s – $10
Dewalt Rafter Square (Made in China)
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- Buy at Acme Tools – $13
- Buy at Amazon – $13
Johnson Square (Made in China)
- Buy at Amazon – $14
- Buy at Lowe’s – $14
Discussion
I suppose it’s good to see Klein Tools expand into every corner of the construction tool space, but it’s disappointing to see yet another Klein product that’s made overseas, especially seeing as how you can get Milwaukee, Empire, or Swanson USA-made squares for the same price or less.
Some other squares also have a cutout for elevating conduit and small pipes for cutting, but it looks like Klein’s v-shaped notch is unique.
There’s not much that can be done to improve upon inexpensive construction squares.
I’ve got a Tri-Vise steel plate vise for cutting pipes and lumber on the ground, and am not sure I’d want to use an aluminum layout tool in such a manner. Maybe this is a “good to have” feature – do you use your rafter square for this?
Al b
Pass. No compelling reason at all to go for this vs a USA made one at the same pricepoint
Nathan
I wish Klein would have just stuck with USA made quality devices. Did they get bought out recently?
fred
As far as I can see – via the internet – they still seem to be a family-owned business. I guess that they are facing competition in the Electrician’s tool space from Milwaukee and others. In the past – maybe they had to compete for this trade with Ideal and Greenlee – but that competition seemed priced about the same. Perhaps it has to do with HD pushing them out in favor of Milwaukee and Klein hitching up with Lowes.
Stuart
I think a lot of the expansion could be fueled by Lowe’s wanting a comprehensive pro brand that can better position them to compete with Home Depot.
blocky
Those scribing notches look like they could be used with a dull crayon.
Zack
The Home Depot by me has a 2 pack of the 7″ Milwaukee squares on clearance for about $10. Did not need any more, but thought it was hard to pass at that price. Disappointed to find that both squares were warped out of the packaging. They are at least both true at 90º, but aren’t flat along the blade. I wasn’t expected Starett accuracy, but still surprised they both exhibit the same issue
JR Ramos
I picked up a pack of those also. The quality isn’t the same as what they had been putting out – it’s clear that they are whipping them out quickly just looking at the machining marks and comparing to ones from just a couple years ago and earlier. Mine are flat and true but the 45 flat side has a tiny hump in the middle (both of them did)…not enough to affect a pencil line or cut, but it’s there. The 45° on one might be a half a degree out. But these are construction framing squares…fine for what they are and better than some others. That 2/$10.04 is an incredible bargain. Just gave the second in the pack to an aspiring young guy who is working in apartment maintenance and doesn’t have many tools or the ability yet to purchase a whole lot.
ElectroAtletico
21-year old swanson in my bag. No need to change.
Justin
Agreed, I have 2 Swanson speed squares, one for the workshop and one for my tool bag, for about as long as you and never had an issue. No point in downgrading to what looks to be an inferior made square because of the name stamped on it. I’m sure it is quality made like many of the tools I’ve seen coming from that area of the world recently.
eddiesky
Swanson FTW. Who uses a square to support cutting conduit? I have v-notched vise or worktables. Besides, you want a clean cut, like from using a pipe cutter, not a hacksaw..that need filing or deburring. Last thing you want is wire pull cutting the jacket.
MM
I feel the arrangement we see in that first photograph is especially outrageous, with the cutting taking place a full foot away from their support hand. I’m sure that will be a super stable arrangement to cut from. Nevermind the fact that he already has an elevated surface to work off of, so why use the square at all? Even if you were forced to use a hacksaw here, why not hang the conduit directly off the edge of the workbench?
Bonnie
I can see the V-notch helping there actually. Trying to cut round material on a flat bench is annoying as hell. In this setup you only need to provide downward force rather than fighting every push/pull of the saw to keep the piece straight.
Jared
It makes more sense if used how Milwaukee demonstrates it, tipped over to the side so the pipe wedges in the opening. I don’t see why you’d keep the speed square vertical – you would also be fighting the wobble in another direction.
Sally
I’ve seen that if you do it like Milwaukee shows, and really put your weight into it, the square bends out of shape.
Matt_T
I can’t remember the last time I saw someone cut pipe with a hacksaw. Probably at least 20 years ago. Just use a sawzall holding the pipe with your off hand with your thumb pressing against the fence. It’s even easier with a hackzall which is what most folks use now.
James
Haha I prefer the bandsaw, but yeah……I have about 10 brand new Starrett hacksaws in the shop from who-knows-where, and I can’t bring myself to toss them, but I really should. If someone has an idea where they might be useful, I’ll donate them that’s for sure.
I keep a mini hacksaw and a hacksaw blade on the truck for random little trimmings that are hard to get to, but that’s about it, and even then…..
Oarman
I see a lot of reviews of recent Klein products that basically go “I haven’t really used this but Klein wouldn’t put their name on junk.”
I wonder how long that sentiment lasts.
James
Yeah I love a bunch of Klein kit, but they seem to be casting their net so wide lately that they’re bound to catch some undesirables…….maybe if their reputation takes a hit, they’ll have the sense to narrow focus and get back to their roots……just hope that happens before they get cash poor and something bad happens.