I came across a Swanson Speed Square and bonus carpenter’s pencils bonus set, which comes with a 7″ square, 12″ square, and 5-pack of pencils.
While I have used Swanson’s plastic speed squares before, I don’t think I’ve used their aluminum ones. And in recent years, I’ve been using Empire Level and Woodpeckers squares.
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One of the biggest complaints about new Empire Level layout squares is that their edges are near-perfect right angles, making them somewhat sharp.
I recently saw new Empire Level plastic squares, and I picked one up for my son. But before I give it to him, I’ll have to file down those edges.
When you have a tool with perfectly sharp right angle edges and corners, they won’t stay that way for long. When used in a construction environment, those edges should round out with use and time.
I don’t remember the last time I looked closely at a Swanson speed square, and so I was surprised at the tumbled and rounded appearance of their edges.
The tools have an old-timey worn-over-time look and feel to them.
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I honestly can’t tell you if this was a first-time realization, or I re-noticed something I already knew but forgot about over time. I also can’t tell you what I think about the tools. In theory, a sharp and perfect edge is automatically “better” and more accurate.
But for most construction tasks, the rounded edges shouldn’t affect the straightness of the spine of the tool. Right? Is there any other potential downside to the finish treatment that’s given to these Swanson tools?
What would you prefer – a clean and sharp-edged square, or one that’s a little broken in before it even touches your hands?
Hilton
I quite like the rounded look and feel on the 12″ square that I have. Granted I don’t use it for framing rather as a square that can stand up inside a cabinet to check for 90.
I like the texture actually. My Starrett combination square is perfectly machined of course but ten times more expensive.
Nick
Swanson makes the best speed square. Hands down. I love everything about it. Not sure why every square doesn’t copy Swanson.
PS I don’t care if the corners are rounded or not
Cr8on
Rafter or “speed” squares are not intended for fine work but perfect for the construction world, the rounded edges are well suited for the quick ins and outs of tool-belts. I have used Swanson squares for years but a couple years ago I started using a Craftsman branded Johnson made one that I really like mainly because they have a much larger pencil groove range.
https://www.craftsman.com/products/craftsman-7-rafter-angle-aluminum-square-39601
David
I have been using a Swanson speed square for years and it does what its supposed to, however, when I had lost mine for a couple months I bought a Craftsman one and I was impressed with how many more pencil grooves there were. I ended up finding my Swanson square again and gave my Craftsman to a friend who was fixing up his house. However, I missed my new found Craftsman and bought another one when they were on sale for $3 at Ace recently (I believe they still are currently). Either way, they’re both speed squares and they do the job but the Craftsman had a lot more versatility given the price.
Cr8on
Haha righton, I got mine from Ace for $3 too…. Since then I’ve bought several more when they have gone on sale. I see there is a red hi-viz version out too… Hummmm might have to grab one…
Lou
Yes,
The Swanson speed squares are designed for construction…particularly professional carpenters. The broken-in aspect is why the are chosen by carpenters. The new breed of guys today think differently…as can be seen by some of the posts…lol, they will see the light eventually. I have been a carpenter for over 30 yrs, believe me, eventually they all come around sooner or later.
fred
This type of square is perfect for what it does. It offers a quick way to mark angles where high precision is not needed – like house framing (rather than picture framing). They’re handy as saw cutting guides and quick try-squares. And compared to a precision tool they are accurate enough, rugged and dirt cheap. That’s why you see them on the jobsite – and not instruments like a Starrett builder’s square which is 25 times more expensive (but a “bargain” at only $384 if you wait on a Zoro 25% off sale):
https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-439-18-Builders-Combination-Tool/dp/B000VDY8YK
In the shop – I prefer to use Starrett combination squares that I have in several different blade lengths (one with a protractor head) hanging in a rack ready to go – but I would not carry them around in the back of my truck or try to hang one on my belt.
Michaelhammer
I use my Starretts on the job every day, unmatched accuracy and reliability. Although, I tend to take it out of the pouch on rainy days.
Toolfreak
I have a few of the Craftsman/Empire USA-made ones and much prefer the flat, straight machined aluminum to the coarse, rounded old-timey Swanson, but often I’m using them for smaller-scale work.
For construction, I can see where the rounded Swanson has it’s benefits – the high contrast marks, the lack of a sharp edge to stab you when reaching for it or when it falls down from above.
The only thing I really don’t like is that they probably start with the same nice, sharp precise aluminum squares and then throw them in a tumbler with rocks and abrasives to get that worn, scuffed, rounded old-timey finish rather than have it occur naturally with time. That just screams fake and artificial to me. I get that they are just trying to make them look like the much older Swanson squares produced when a new one probably would look like that, but in this day and age, I’d rather they just machine the edges a bit more to get them rounded if they really want that, and leave the rest of the finish to occur with age and use.
JonBoy
The finish has a purpose. The reflective nature of speed squares like my “blue blinder” Empire isnt very desirable when working in direct sun.
MtnRanch
Anyone who’s spent their days reaching in to tool bags can appreciate rounded edges no matter how they got there. It’s not a style thing.
If only they could make round point nails and screws . . .
fred
An old carpenter’s trick is to blunt the point of a finishing nail before driving it in. This is said to work to help splitting the wood when driving nails close to the end of a board – where end-grain is prone to splitting. I have done this – as well as drilling pilot holes over the years – but have not done any rigorous testing to see just how effective it is.
http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/carpenters-tip-to-avoid-splitting-wood.html
Coach James
It does help prevent splitting. It makes the nails perform more like square cut nails.
Coach
Jeff @ ToolBoxBuzz
I run empires on the jobsite. They all have rounded corners (even the big aluminum 12″) from dropping out of my bags onto concrete. They are stamped out from extruded aluminum (hence the sharp corners) and the swanson’s are cast. After casting they are tumbled to knock all the sand off. They are probably a bit sharper coming out of the mold but not much.
Joe
The small speed squares are for your framing belt. The rounded corners help for quick retrieving and putting away. They are perfect for rough framing cuts. No one uses a 12” speed square for rafter layout. The bigger speed square is for wider lumber,2×10,2×12…cross cuts….
..Rafters and stairs are layed out with a framing square (24”x16”) and those edges should be sharp 90 degrees for accuracy.
Kevin
I *really* dislike the sharp corners of the stamped ones. Some of them are sharp enough to use as cabinet scrapers ! I usually hold off until I can find someone stocking the Swanson’s
Skye
Rounded edges are fine for speed squares for the reasons mentioned above.
My favorite though is the black Johnson because the black color doesn’t flash in the bright sun and also the markings are laser etched abd much finer than the stamped swanson
gary
The only thing I find with the Swanson, is the aluminum comes off in your hands living a metallic residue. An anodised finish doesn’t do that.