Martinez Tools recently sent out an email newsletter about their Rapid Square now being available in a Joker-purple special edition.
Halfway into the email, following “LIMITED EDITION ALERT,” they say:
This isn’t just a tool; it’s a statement. Don’t miss the chance to add this exclusive item to your collection.
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Tools are a statement now?
In recent months they offered limited edition polished hammer heads.
When you buy a Martinez hammer today, they’re fully customizable, with many size, style, and color options.
Frankly, I think customization is great – maybe it’ll add a little bit of extra joy to your day. If not, that’s okay too.
I’ve been mulling over the “it’s a statement” part. Martinez’s marketing blurb was likely a throwaway phrase, but it got me thinking about how many tools are purchased just to show off to others.
When I choose the color of a flashlight, pen, multi-tool, or whatever, it’s to suit my preferences. The phrase “it’s a statement” suggests something else.
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There’s a lot of flexing online, where a lot of folks seemingly purchase gear for other’s approval, envy, or whatever else.
From the website configurator, a Joker-style hammer, similar to the one promoted in the email, came out to $334.85, or $349.85 if you opt for “factory assembly.”
Somehow user-replaceable parts and customization options paved the road towards statement pieces.
I don’t think Martinez is pushing this, and I don’t blame them for capitalizing on it. Frankly, I also still think that it was throwaway ad copy that too closely touched upon reality.
Theirs are also far from being the only tools treated as “statement” pieces.
For the most part, if you’ve got cash to burn on tools to make a statement, good for you. I’m not going to spend extra on a polished hammer head – maybe there’s a functional benefit for some? – but wouldn’t begrudge anyone that does. I try not to judge (too much).
If it makes you happy, that’s great. If attracting others’ attention to statement piece tools makes you happy, I guess that’s great too.
Martinez Tools was bought out in 2022 by Hultafors, the same company that owns Johnson Level. It’s unclear if that has something to do with this.
Reflector
An existing product works well, so well that it is considered worth paying more for over other competing products. The reputation it has gets enhanced within the niche user group. Then comes “Lifestyle” up-marketing as a “premium” item and association with the niche user base that buys said product. You see it in what were previously utilitarian items (ex: outdoors gear) since that’s apparently what the marketing think tanks believe to work and corporate is merely following advice from marketing.
Good previous example: The Festool “toys” post from earlier – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/festool-tools-toys/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> Festool crossed the boundary of being not just being a step above “standard” contractor tools, they gained a “reputation.” They marketed themselves for a while and that reputation amplified and now they can cash in on the end users who buy Festool out of that “association” of cabinet making and fine woodworking. Whether or not the end buyer is capable of it or if their children will care is another matter, they’re just selling their image built on previous work now when it comes to knick knacks.
J.How
Well, I don’t usually jump in, but yea it’s definitely a marketing ploy, and it works! I have Dewalt as my main cordless, some Miluakee, and Festool for all corded stuff because from a technical perspective in their respective use cases I think Festool has the best ‘systems’ that are complete in their main use cases. I think Dewalt’s (and Miluakee depending on your battery religious affiliation) are top notch for cordless applications (better than Festool even in cost, and I have a couple Festool cordless but not at 3x the price). I’m a huge consumer of PACKOUT becaue I love how they interlock and their lids work for me for bulk stuff, but I have another full suite of Systainer storage because I can keep smaler stuff easier, more adjustable, etc. Again, the systainer is not near as more expensive than PACKOUT compared to power tools, but it’s not that great. I think they’re just the best engineered solutions for what I use it, and I’m not a tradesman just lots of fine woodworking and furniture making).
All of that to say once ANY brand has a following, there’s an opportunity to let people announce their affiliations (otherwise why pick bright colors like yellow, red, bright green, etc). Once you have a major following, and esp with our current influencer culture, it resonates as as ‘tchotchke’ for the masses. And it’s working because we’re talking about it now. And as much as I spend on their core products, I think all the Festool ‘toys’ and gimmick items are just that, just as I feel the same as ‘DeWalt’ t-shirts or other similarly gimmicky items, or other ‘brand awareness’ gimmicks. I hate to see it because I think they’re stupid, but I also know I have strong brand loyalty and I can see people wanting to get the gimmicky things just to have a reason to talk about the brand, or their products, or just let people know what affiliation they are 🙂
S
Also, it’s been talked about before, but with power tool tech, there really aren’t any bad power tools from any brand any more.
Certain brands do certain tools slightly better, but overall I think we’ve reached a point where the brands have needed to start looking beyond only tool performance for reasons to buy into their particular brand.
And that’s something I think Fein, Milwaukee, and DeWalt all do really well at, that makes brands like Bosch or Makita appear to faltering
Stuart
There are absolutely still bad tools and values.
Bosch and Makita are only faltering *here*, they both seem to be more popular overseas. It comes down to marketing and the capacity for marketing expenditure.
Fein hitched their wagon to Bosch, but so far it’s unclear whether that’s a good thing.
Kevin
Falter *here* is a pretty big deal. It’s objectively the largest market/arena these brands compete in. Faltering in the US market is a big deal. It’s the largest market by quite a steep margin.
Farkleberry
S, what is Fein doing that Makita and Bosch are not?
If say the biggest complaint about Bosch is that the lineup is limited, especially in the US.
Makita’s complaints (mayoral excepted), mostly relate to pricing.
Fein seems much more limited and expensive than either.
Also curious about what besides performance, value and wide range you see Milwaukee and Dewalt offering?
Robert
The marketing, and probably the company, must believe “Statement” = higher profit margin. Like Sharper Image does by dubbing things “Executive.”
Rog
Considering the new Joker movie is a bomb perhaps they should have reconsidered this release, or at least the timing. They’re far enough behind the release to realize the movie is not an overwhelming favorite
Wayne R.
Well, not all “statements” are regarded as positive – like a shiny, bright white hardhat.
fred
Some companies use MSA’s Gold Hard hat program to recognize a special employee for safety compliance. In some cases, it might be given – when a near miss accident was avoided by wearing a hardhat. We had hardhat designated areas within our fabrication shop – and always enforced the rules. Got some grumbles – or thoughts that the only need was when the travelling crane was in operation etc. I guess that “gold hat” programs might have their place if they have a positive impact in your workplace.
https://us.msasafety.com/goldHelmetAward?locale=en
White hard hats once were used to help identify a team leader – especially during crisis events or investigations. Today in cyber security terms – they have a somewhat different connotation
Nate
Huh. “Gold Hat” means something entirely different for those of us who remember the Treasure of the Sierra Madre.
I mean, I’d absolutely wear one. But building security might take issue with my subsequent lack of a badge…
JR Ramos
These days everything high end or nice is a statement. You always expect that kind of thing from niche brands and boutique items (even as functional and great as they may be, like these carpentry tools), but some take it up a notch. The last couple generations seem to make that much more of a thing than the previous couple…seems like. Maybe a social media/influencer effect. Use what works and/or what you like…float your boat.
J.How
I think it’s a heap way to do just waht you say, create a ‘product’ that people will instagram and put on display, they’re paying for the product so it’s never a net loss, and then it’s a ton of free viral embedded advertising. If you have the right followers, it would absolutely work (and does apparently). If people will buy it, great!
Jared
Customization is fun. I’m generally on-board with that. I might not do it to something I used a lot though – tools that nice make me worried to use them.
Making it a “statement” though… seems a little weird. I guess if you’re hanging out with other tool enthusiasts?
Even then, something new and useful is probably more exciting than a fancy surface finish. They are TOOLS after all.
Rob H
Considering reviews of the new Joker movie, the statement may not be what they think it will be.
Michael Haupt
Man, I thought my $65 Douglas framing hammer was special. My Estwing was only $30.
Decades later I realize that work attitude and developing skills is much more important.
I do miss my Douglas though, someone thought they liked it more than me.
Joe M
My Douglas hammer walked away also! Out of my own shop no less. At one time, it could be beneficial to not have an Estwing hammer because it didn’t match the 30 other Estwing hammers on the job site. At least that’s how I justified spending $65 on my Douglas. But it still got stolen (or permanently borrowed by another employee).
Rx9
The kind of mentality that works in the fashion industry doesn’t work in the tool industry. Nobody here cares about making a “statement”. Does the item work effectively and reliably for a reasonable amount of money? Good. If not, go into some other industry.
We don’t have the time or patience to play games.
Also, tying into that abysmal Joker sequel is worthy of firing the whole marketing department .
Jim Felt
Now The Penguin on cable has captivated my wife nearly as much as a new Japanese tool does for me.
Joe E.
My Milwaukee squares and framing hammer were bought on sale at Home Depot and get the job while saving money.
We have techs in our heavy equipment shop who use Pittsburg, ICON and Husky mechanics tools. Literally, no one cares.
If you’re trying to make a statement with the tools you’re buying, you’re doing it wrong.
Chris
Try telling that to the Snap-On guys. They will just tell you how poor you are not going into debt for the “statement” tools.
Phranq
If I ever showed up on the jobsite with a Martinez square or hammer, and anyone recognized it for what it cost, they would consider me an idiot for spending that kind of money on a basic tool. Maybe I just hang out with poor people.
J.How
Some of the job sites I’ve been on, I’m not so sure, seeing how much their trucks have been pimped out, but if it were me, I would be afraid to lose it (hence why I would never take it as a jobsite tool). So ya, pretty clear this is a garage’shop hammer in most all cases 🙂
Leo B.
Maybe they meant statement more in relation to the color, like a bold statement color, vs statement for being expensive. In either case, there are some who buy for the expensive tool statement and some who buy for the color.
I personally always try and buy a good value, which isn’t always the cheapest. However, think about how much a good office chair or desk, keyboard and PC setup, or just office supplies in general are. Buying something that works well, is laid out intelligently, and can survive a drop off a three story roof multiple times, and is really a lifetime tool if it isn’t stolen, isn’t a bad investment at all. Even for an apprentice, if they set aside an hour of pay a day, they could buy it in just a few weeks. Why are so many against buying a tool you enjoy and use constantly? If it’s not for you, move on. I don’t begrudge a mechanic the thousands they have in just their boxes alone. Whether that’s fair or not is a different question, but why hold yourself to the cheapest version of a tool you use constantly?
I’m not accusing any previous commenters of this, but the conversation around titanium and premium tools has reached a point of absurdity. Anytime hammers, for instance, discussed, some chime in on how they use a hammer they found by the side of the road, and it’s perfectly fine! The idea that anyone would want to support local businesses and not search for their most used hand tool by the side of the road seems to be dragged as absurd. If you’ve found one that way and like it, more power to you. But someone buying a tool that they like and works well for their job shouldn’t be so demonized. I personally use a Martinez M1, and deliberated on it for years. I finally decided to pull the trigger, and I am extremely happy with that decision. It’s comfortable, balanced the same as my previous hammer, stays in my hand in the cold and rain, the shaft doesn’t heat up in the sun, and has let me easily pull nails no other hammer (except the Ti-bone) could. Between the side puller and being able to lock in a cats paw in the handle cutouts, you’re carrying a lot of functionality in one tool. I’ve framed, trimmed, formed, scaffolded, sided, and more, and never wanted for a different hammer.
It’s a lot of thoughts, but it’s been something I’ve seen for a while, and been thinking about. If you’ve found a cheaper combo that you like, that’s awesome. A Johnny square and a Vaughan Cali framer will do a lot of work, and has built a lot of houses. Some demand more performance, some want to flex, and some want to support small businesses. For the most used tools in a carpenter’s day…why not buy what you like? More importantly, why dog someone else for theirs?
Stuart
Regarding statement of bold color, that’s why I consider a throwaway/casual ad copy rather than serious intent or brand messaging.
Still, it touched upon reality; it seems that a lot of people are buying premium brand names (e.g. Woodpeckers) just to flex about it online.
I buy and test tools from both ends of the spectrum – the very cheap and the ostensibly top of the line.
A lot of premium tools are absolutely worth it. But others? Not so much.
Some EDC gear brands especially receive fervorous praise, and I’ve found the hype to be unjustified. The same with certain hand tools.
Martinez makes solid hammers, but $290 for a polished titanium speed square? They describe it as “the pinnacle of precision and exclusivity.”
I spoke with Mark Martinez a couple of times, and I’m of the mindset that they’re selling stuff like that because there’s demand for it. Some of that demand might be from folks looking to make statements with their tools.
Some people are into watches, and others into pocket tools. I guess the same has happened to tools? It seemed interesting to bring up.
On the other side of things, it seems that a lot of people are very judgmental about others’ tool choices.
Somewhere in the middle, I’ve seen judgements not even based on first hand opinions, but others’ opinions.
Me: These PB Swiss hex keys have been serving me extremely well for years.
Someone: Such and such YouTuber influencer measured them with calipers and said they’re sloppy.
Me: They’re not, the engagement has been perfect.
Someone: That’s not what the YouTuber said.
I was talking to a brand that’s producing some very novel protective gear, and we were talking about price. The 5pc multi-pack has a much lower unit cost. They found that when pros would field just one unit as a trial, their coworkers would make them feel bad about how it looks, and that tended to lead to a higher return rate. Apparently equipping a team with the same product led to a much lower chance of return, because they all looked equally goofy.
Leo B.
I think you’re right about the color being a throwaway line. I also agree that the hammers are more clearly an advanced utility tool, while the squares seem like more of a prestige tool. Communities definitely form around even unexpected things- model trains and airplanes will make your eyes pop when you start reading price tags!
The second-hand criticism can definitely be irritating. For your example, even if the key is out a few thou (crazy for PB Swiss), is the fastener within spec? Experience would trump theoretics there on how well they work. Presumably for the protective gear, you’re talking about Type 2 hard hats? That change will be hard fought in a lot of sectors, for sure. I like the look of Wavecell hard hats, myself. I prefer the full brim, and the less helmet focused look. The safety is hard to argue with; I think workers just need to find an option they like the look of. If they hate the look, it’s less likely they’ll want to wear it, “job site fashion show” notwithstanding.
Stuart
For the protective gear, body worn exoskeleton to support shoulder-height and overhead work.
Leo B.
Ok, very cool. Definitely a spot for those in commercial work!
Old Suburban Dad
On the topic of “statement”:
I think many who say the like a shiny/flashy/custom thing only because it suits their own preference are kidding themselves, when they really do hope someone is impressed by it. And then there are those few who are truly and completely unconcerned with what others think.
On the topic of so-called ‘elevated’ products.
I agree that for most of us, a $300 square will not show us 90 degrees $285 better than a $15 square would. But I don’t think that makes the fancy square somehow illegitimate . After all, an Armitron probably doesn’t tell time thousands of dollars worse than a Rolex. Similar arguments can be made for many other products. I think it is just surprising to some that tools are getting such a glow up.
Leo B.
I agree that most are probably hoping that someone will be impressed by how much they splashed out on their new tool. I’d also argue that someone who drags their new bags through the street and rubs their new hard hat in the dirt before they go to work cares just as much, if not more, about what others think. Trying to make something neither shiny nor flashy doesn’t mean they care any less about what others think.
It can be surprising that tools we consider common are getting a glow up, but if you use it all the time, it seems to stand to reason that some want more. More features, more bling. Trucks have shown that in abundance.
nicholas contos
Not gonna lie. That polished hammer head looks dope.
Jamie
Companies such as Martinez are designing and producing tools for tradespeople. As tool bags have gotten larger, weight has become an issue. Sure their titanium squares and hammers are expensive, but if you’re wearing a tool belt 5 days a week it might be worth it to those individuals to spend a little extra $$$ to shave some weight.
Stuart
Aluminum squares are pretty light – does titanium provide any performance or carrying benefits for marking tools?
Leo B.
Maybe not a ton of weight difference between Ti and Al, but the Ti should be able to take multiple falls, to my understanding. The Al might be more prone to bending.
BigTimeTommy
Stuart I guess you haven’t noticed but people are desperate for attention these days, and there are lots of overconsuming bugmen who would like attention for buying an expensive ugly hammer.
Dan H.
I never met a professional residential or commercial tradesman who seemed to care about making a statement with their tools. That’s what automotive technicians are for.
The HVAC techs, carpenters, painters, installers I’ve interacted with almost always use tools easily procured from Home Depot. Half of the time it’s Milwaukeee, the other half it’s the cheapest version of the thing from Home Depot. Like, professional window installations done with Ryobi and Husky.
They see my Milwaukee or Dewalt tools and ask me what I do for a living. I feel the initial confusion as I tell them “office job”. I’m just as impressed with their beat-to-crap Ryobi nail gun that just completed an immaculate window and trim install as they are with the M12 surge I’ve been using to pull window treatments.
Nobody’s tried to make a statement. If they have expensive tools it’s because they work better than the cheaper version.
Which brings me back to the pimped-out Martinez hammer…
Maybe it’s just a framer thing. Maybe it’s their equivalent of Snap-on. I understand and respect the physics of Titanium hammers, especially in the context of repetitive motion and prevention of elbow injury, but I can’t fathom seeing a $300 green and purple hammer hanging from a tool belt anywhere outside the Marketing department.
Farkleberry
A statement yes, but what is it saying?
All these mega $$$ squares for woodworking are a little lost on me. Machinist tolerances for a material that is dimensionally unstable seems odd.
Also, actual machinist squares are usually quite a bit less expensive than these boutique carpentry/woodworking cum lifestyle brands.
What does this speed square do that a $10 Swanson can’t?
Accuracy? You will get fired very quickly if you insist on rough framing to 1/1000 or even an 1/16″ tolerances.
Even though the machined shape and markings are more precise than a stamped model, how wide are the markings? Are you using a nice fat, dull carpenter’s pencil? Sharpening your #2 obsessively? Maybe even beating up mechanical pencils? I doubt many of the people using these tools are using marking knives, and don’t think they should be when using a >SPEED< square.
If you want a colorful square with CNC machining and etched markings, the Milwaukee model will be quite cheap for Black Friday. If you're too gullible or lazy to understand where different designs, brands, products, materials and manufacturing techniques have advantages, you will make the statement, "I'm a sucker, and marketing is hilariously effective on me."
I tried to figure out how much this pretty little purple square would cost, but the custom option has obviously overwhelmed their ordering system and doesn't load.
I did see a basic square for $100. The statement here is "I'm an idiot". OK, that's a bit harsh, the statement is more like, "I was duped into believing this will make me appear credible/competent/skilled to anyone who is."
Unfortunately, competent people will understand you're just throwing money away, but you may impress the dilettantes.
Their 12" titanium squares don't even have a lip, obviously cost saving relating to titanium's difficulty in manufacture. It still costs $250.
I get that there are some advantages to titanium hammers (just don't ask anyone what, exactly, they are). For a speed square? Aluminum is lighter and stiffer than titanium. Watch your email for the new Martinez carbon fiber paperweight.
We have heard from many people who say the Martinez hammers are the real deal (and many who say otherwise). I see that made in USA flag, but $350 sounds steep. If I had Scrooge McDuck money, who knows what I'd use it on. I'd probably be doing very little rough framing though.
I'm not sure how many clients or employers would want The Joker, or a joker working on their project? If I saw that green and purple hammer, I'd probably just think, "Wow that's obnoxious. Will probably be hard to lose or easy to spot when someone tries to adopt it".
If you want to make sure no one is using using your hammer, and it's easy to find in the junk/tool pile, some fluorescent pink spray paint can set you apart for a few bucks.
fred
“Accuracy? You will get fired very quickly if you insist on rough framing to 1/1000 or even an 1/16″ tolerances.”
I learned early on in making cabinets then moving on to furniture that trying for machinist-like precision was time consuming and virtually worthless. What was wanted was repeatability and fitting. Making your tenons slightly oversized and then planinig them down to fit the mortise was much better than starting with a loose fit and trying to make up the difference with glue.
Bill
“I just get it within caulking distance,” an installer once told me.
fred
Another old expression is “hammer it to fit then paint it to match.”
MM
“Pound to fit, paint to match” is the variation I’ve heard. And there’s also the related grinder & paint makes me the welder I ain’t
Leo B.
“Their 12″ titanium squares don’t even have a lip, obviously cost saving relating to titanium’s difficulty in manufacture. It still costs $250.”
They don’t make a 12” titanium square. The 12” aluminum square has a lip like any other speed square, and some thumbnails show a 7” titanium square without a heel, since you choose what color heel you’d like.
Farkleberry
What is this:
IMPERIAL MARTINEZ RAPID SQUARE TITANIUM BLADE
?
Leo B.
A 7” titanium speed square- you pick the color of aluminum heel that gets bolted on, which is a separate piece.
Farkleberry
After my rambling and very slightly inflammatory diatribe, the only comment you have to add is on product availability?
I hope Martinez is better at manufacturing than website design:
If you visit the Martinez website’s page for:
Imperial Martinez Rapid Square Titanium Blade
You’ll find the first paragraph starts with, “Introducing the Martinez Tool Co. 12 Inch Aluminum Rapid Square”.
It then mentions 12″ two more times.
I now think it’s a typo.
I see what you’re saying about the replaceable heel. This seems like a really stupid design… unless you’ve given up on functional squares in favor of carpenter cosplay.
A square has 1 primary purpose. With their man jewelry, 2 piece design, I can never really trust the heel hasn’t shifted.
So this $250 square is a 7 1/4 blade only, requiring another $50 heel. Why is the heel only available in aluminum, I’m sure customers would pay $250 for a titanium heel.
So it’s really $300 for a 7 1/4 speed square that may go out of square at any time?
I retract my retraction…
The statement this tool makes is, “I’m an idiot.”
The great thing about a one piece aluminum speed square is that it’s quite durable and the lightest weight (besides plastic), and much more likely to just break than bend.
I would bet that 2 piece poser square is significantly heavier and weaker than a real speed square. Yes, you may even have to file the blade for 30 seconds on a brand new Swanson to get it dead nuts square.
What percentage of these Martinez square imperialists (or emperors?) even know how to check a square?
Leo B.
That was the only part of your comment I felt it was constructive to respond to.
Farkleberry
Nice
I don’t mean to be nasty.
I’m ok if some purchasers of these squares found my tone offensive, I could have worded it less strongly, but why?
I make idiotic decisions fairly regularly, and I’m sure Misters Martinez and Hultafors, etc. could care less what I think.
I did make some fairly rational and impersonal points as well though. I love to have my mind changed (learn, grow) or see things differently. Posts and comments on this site constantly do this.
There’s a subjective line between extravagant and idiotic, sometimes it’s fine, sometimes not so much. What’s a dollar worth to you or me in 2024? How about to a billionaire (maybe that’s you)?
If a billionaire buys a purple anodized Swanson square for $1 million, is it extravagant or idiotic?
If a carpenter making $30k a year buys a $300 speed square, is it extravagant or idiotic?
If an upper middle class worker or retiree gets his jollies buying at least one of every category Martinez offers, or one of 50 email blasted, Youtube shilled, Gucci, form over function, overly complicated solutions searching for a problem, more power to them.
There’s always an opportunity cost, and where I sit, $300 buys a lot more capability or enjoyment than one speed square.
I really don’t care what people spend their truly disposable income on, and hopefully it makes them happy long term.
If you’re using your Swanson or Martinez speed square every day, you can eventually wear either one out. If they sit in a drawer, they could last generations, and would be “heirlooms”.
Leo B.
I guess there’s some people who enjoy their craft and are willing to spend to elevate it. Do they need to? Not at all. No one needs a titanium square. It can make a difference, however. Roof slayer can cut a roof trusting that his framing square is true, not needing to adjust it constantly. Step on it, flex it to the ground? Not an issue.
Did Studley need to make his tool chest? Did some of his contemporaries insist that a regular box or chest was better? Possibly. Maybe they argued, “What would happen if a tool broke, and its exact replacement couldn’t be found?” Obviously, Studley was on a whole different level. The point I’m trying to make, I guess, is that forcing yourself to use cheap tools isn’t necessarily more virtuous than someone who’s willing to spend, even extravagantly, on something they love. How much is a good bottle or two of whiskey, or wine? You taste it and waste it. How much is a custom rifle build, or a set of optics? People will spend money on what they want, and if they only have to bring their tool belt and some hand tools to work, may be inclined to outfit themselves with the best they can get. If it’ll last the rest of their life, with field use, is it extravagant, or an investment? Only the purchaser and their budget can determine that. How many cheap squares will you go through in the meantime?
Farkleberry
I’m not sure if you’re missing my point, or genuinely disagree it, specifically regarding the speed square.
You said you have an M1 hammer, and talk about people trashing on titanium, picking up hammers on the side of the road, etc.
In the HF titanium thread we heard from several users who have tried the expensive all titanium, and had no problem with the price if it was more comfortable than the Ti with wood handle. For them it was not.
Some liked the lightweight steel or aluminum best.
For some uses/users, the $350 all Titanium is ideal.
I think $350 to preserve your body is an incredible bargain. If it makes you incrementally more productive, even better.
I’m very interested in precisely why, but can believe the effects are real.
The square is a different beast.
It sounds like neither of us have actually tried nor personally laid eyes on this Ti blade with bulky bolted on heel.
Your premise is that it’s better, and apparently 30x better than an all aluminum 1 piece square.
Your comments read like:
Martinez squares are the best because they’re:
A. Martinez
B. Titanium
Unfortunately the poors can’t have the best level, and others who could are just missing out on great benefits (haven’t heard much about those).
My point is that it’s worse than an all aluminum square, and it’s only advantage is the ability to impress gullible folks.
I think you can make an argument about how it can replace a level, making its portly weight vs a conventional model offset.
I’d rather keep a separate torpedo level. A super lightweight plastic model that can be easily replaced if it plummets to an untimely death or the bubble gets cracked. One that can be set on top of something while I nudge it in place without the giant fin on top tipping it over. One that’s ergonomic to use, not like a compass on a Swiss army knife.
It sounds like you are confused about titanium’s mechanical properties:
Strength to weight: Al>Ti>Steel
Strength to volume: Steel>Ti>Al
Stiffness: Al>Ti>Steel
Toughness Steel>Ti>Al
There are many areas where titanium is “the best”. Its non reactive, bio-compatible nature make it ideal for use in implants.
Ti is also used in bicycles, but is NOT used in high performance suspension mountain bikes.
This is because it flexes too much vs stiffer Al or carbon fiber. The stiffer materials keep the suspension pivot points where they need to be.
High end rigid frames are also typically Al or now carbon fiber, because of the stiffness and strength to weight ratio.
Titanium makes a nice, rust free cruiser frame.
It’s very difficult to bend or break an aluminum square in regular use and wearing it out will involve eroding the stamped markings to a point they are hard to read. This takes a long time, and it’s more likely the square will be lost, etc.
According to Martinez’s comments, the Ti square is quite easy to bend, and combined with the less reliable 2 piece bolted on design, it make this an inferior tool. It’s an absolutely superior fashion accessory for dandies.
Complaining about having to true up a Swanson once from the factory is like complaining your axe wasn’t sharp when you bought it. A machined $10 promo Milwaukee will most likely be spot on off the rack, and no going out of adjustment worries like Martinez.
I’m eager to hear how the heavier Martinez square will protect your body like the hammer might.
I’m also eager to hear specific performance advantages other than dubious claims of durability.
If an upgrade to a tool you use frequently will give incremental gains, there’s obviously some price range where it’s value to you goes from “no brainer” through “indulgent/extravagent, but I want it” to “I can’t afford to eat”.
My guess is the square is not an upgrade at any price.
MM
@Farkleberry
I think you have a valid point here. Most of the time when we’re discussing expensive premium tools there is little question as to the performance of the tool. People might question the motivation of a weekend warrior who buys Festool or Snap-On but there is no question the <i?tools perform well. In the case of this Titanium square it seems like the product is a lot more bling than it is functional.
When still I had my machining business we made a lot of parts for race motorcycles. Many of them we offered in both aluminum and titanium, and that was very educational. Maybe 15% of our customer base were actual racers or trackday enthusiasts enthusiasts. They nearly always insisted on aluminum parts because they knew them to be lighter than Titanium. The average customer–especially the ones with more money than sense–always wanted Titanium because of the bling factor. It was more expensive so it must be better, and the average person seems to have a firmly held belief that Titanium is stronger than steel or aluminum. Even after talking with me on the phone and hearing me explain that the Aluminum part was lighter, much less expensive, and in some cases was even stronger than Ti, they’d still often opt for Ti because of that intangible cool factor.
Lightweight hammers can have some clear benefits but I don’t see where there is any technical benefit to that titanium square. In my opinion the appeal seems to be purely cool factor.
Skylar
That “statement” thing really doesn’t speak to me whatsoever. I really dislike whatever copy and floof the marketing types add to things. But I guess how else does one make it sound “exciting” to advertise hammers for $350 and squares for $150-300.
I have a Martinez M1. I bought it after using a steel Milwaukee framer for 2 years and on the very strong recommendation from one of my fellow builder friends. It’s the standard black/gray/red cap color. I love the thing and it’s an absolute pleasure to use every time I pull it out of my bags. For a homeowner or another tradesperson it’s completely overkill, but I would 100% buy it again and recommend it to any other framer. An M1 is still cheaper than a new elbow down the road.
But it’s not a statement.
JoeM
When Mark Martinez himself talks about these items, it’s never about showing off to others. He only talks about the ergonomics, and the benefits of the engineering. When colours or special editions come out, he tends to be utterly silent about them, besides how long they’ll be available. Beyond that, he champions making it “Your Own” because only you know how you use tools like this. It’s more about the hammer lasting, and not doing as much physical harm to your body with it at full time use.
All of that said, I think it was likely a Hultofors print from their internal Marketing department that was talking about a “Statement” tool. They don’t speak about Martinez products quite as eloquently, or specifically, as Mark himself does. He really doesn’t do market-speak very well, as he’s always more interested in solving problems that builders have with the cheaper alternatives. Things that, over years, genuinely (Please forgive my language) Piss Us Off. He made a “Rafter Square” I believe it was, out of Titanium, and he didn’t advertise it as being indestructible, he spoke about how quick and easy it was to straighten it back to factory if and when it did get bent. He acknowledged that the nature of the tool was, somehow, some time, it will get bent. There’s no avoiding it. So he made the design lightweight and easy to maintain, using that wonder material Titanium.
From my personal perspective? Yes, Martinez products are remarkably expensive. But, they’re also Heirloom quality. They could easily survive to be handed down for multiple generations of builders and other users. I’m gonna sound more like a spokesperson for Martinez when I say it, but I genuinely believe and trust in Martinez products to outlast the competition. You can talk about buying a cheaper brand all you want, but a singular tool that lasts will save you money in the long run.
blocky
If you’re the type to work on a team that carries these types of tools, it’s nice that they can be differentiated. They also make nice gifts – something you know they’ll use that they might not get for themselves.
Skalamanga
Just think of the markup if they stencilled the word “supreme” on it