Features:

  • The black, precision-etched scales on this combination square give accurate 90° and 45° readings
  • This combination square has a cast-zinc body for durability
  • A stainless-steel blade is built for rugged use
  • 6" length
Top Notch Tool

The IRWIN combo square is Top Notch as tools go...That is for someone who actually uses them. I bought this little square to use in my lil shop mostly to aid in the setup of machines. since its small it works great for this. I have tried but I cant find anything negative about it, Some of these people who write reviews go a little overboard (in my opinion). I mean Really??? this square lays down a PERFECT square measurement...if you are looking for micro...and I mean MICRO measurements then I have no answer for you ..... The numerals are engraved well and are compleatly legible....its tight and sturdy...This is a woodworkers companion and I recommend it to anyone who is looking simply for a good dependable square...this thing will last as long as you do...

Maybe the best value 6" combo square

This is my best 6" combo square. The slide is very flat and very easy to read, so long as you want to use imperial. The brass nut has a nice and sharp knurling and feels great. Cons: The rule was uniform in width end-to-end, but it had just a wee bit of a banana such that the straight edge is not actually straight and the angle of the rule would change when you move it. Also, the reference faces of the body are hollowground, and only 4 tiny points make contact with the work. Well, only 2 of those four would make contact when doing one of the most common things you would use these for. And when measuring an outside corner, it would obviously read slightly acute, due to the slight hollowgrind. But it looks like many if not all of these cheap combo squares are made this way. All that said, I wouldn't go adjusting the square like you see on YT until you sort these two points out. There's no way to get repeatable results to even know it's off, out of the box. And it will change, anyway, if and when you decide to fix these two things. Gritty movement: I found the ruler movement was very catchy and rough, despite deburring. I finally figured out the reason. The hook barely engages the slot, so the hook rubs against a very tiny bit of steel on the corner of the slot in the ruler. I was able to jam a shim behind the draw bolt so that it would engage more fully. This cured it. Metric: Some squares, you can flip the slide for metric. This slide works in inches in one direction. And if you flip the slide, you can read in inches on the left and metric when you flip the square to look at the other side. This is how I use it, and it is great, unless you are hardcore metric.

A tool that works the way it is supposed to.

I have had craftsman and empire ( same thing ) and they don't lock real well and the cap on the leveling plug falls out. The lock on this is really nice no slipping with finger tight torque, and the vial is topped with a brass plug. I really like when a tool does what it is supposed to do. If I use the 12" craftsman to align cabinet doors, the blade will slide on me. You need to use pliers to get it tight enough. I am a remodeling contractor and I use the 6" and 12" daily and recommend the Irwin combination squares.

well made and true

I purchased two Irwin combination squares- a 12" and a 6". Both squares are similar in construction with heavy cast Zinc handles with machined 90* and 45* surfaces, brass knurled locking nut , marking awl and bubble level cap. The rule is Stainless Steel and is clearly marked with finely etched and painted indicators in 1/8", 1/16",1/32" and Centimeter/milimeter scales. A simple but effective test for square is to mark a 90* line then flip the square and mark a line over the previous line. Any divergence in the lines would indicate that the tool is out of square. I was pleased to see both squares passed that test. I purchased two well reviewed (by some) similar sized combination squares from Amazon at more than twice the price of the Irwin squares and in minutes after taking them out of the box I knew they were junk. I returned them and took a chance on the much less expensive but well reviewed (by some) Irwin squares. I am VERY pleased as these Irwin squares are heavy, accurate, with great finish machining and made from materials that are virtually weatherproof. I would have happily spent double the price for tools of this quality

Perfect for my trim router!

This small combination square is perfect for my Colt trim router. Removing the ruler and using the 45 degree angle guide is also helpful when using my miter saw. I read the comments from one user who said the one they got had silk-screened markings on it - you most definitely got a fake if that's the case! This one has etched markings, easy to read (even the 32nd inch markings). It squares perfectly once you tighten the nut (don't keep it loose on the ruler, it is designed to be perfectly square when you tighten it enough).

Metric/Imperial compact rule

Unbelievably very few combination squares with both Metric and Imperial measurement scales. It’s as if the US doesn’t realise, that the entire world uses the metric system! Often I need to see what Imperial measurements corresponds to metric. This is indispensable until we move forward to the 20th century, and use metric. This is THE ONE to buy, great size 15mm which enables you to use it easily, in confined spaces. Very easy to read even with old eyes. Matte rule finish ensures little reflection. Buy it, you will not be disappointed!!

IRWIN Tools Combination Square, Metal-Body, 6-Inch

I needed a tool to duplicate measurements. I have a longer square but my workspace is limited and this fits the bill for what I'm going. The only complaint I currently have is the knob for tightening and loosening the scale is a bit tight. I'm sure with use it will loosen and be fine. I'm mostly using it as a duplication tool and it is all the accuracy I'm looking for. I've not tested it against my working scale to see if the measurements are correct.

Outstanding!

Purchased on a whim..... I love this thing. It's the perfect size for marking up smaller boards, is pretty close to perfect as a square and has a good finish on it. I've since purchased the 12" version of the same thing for the slightly larger cuts/marks that I need to make. For the price, this is a daily use tool that has quickly replaced my speed square.

A little gem at a great price

I own several combination squares, including a very pricey model. But some tools seldom leave the safety of the workbench because of possible damage. This little Irwin is destined to become an all-time favorite for your tool belt; not only small and light, but accurate, easy to read, and priced to use without worry. Highly recommend.

I'm retiring my 12" combo square

This is so much more useful than the clumsy 12" I've been using. It measures square with all my other squares, and had no burrs or slag to clean up. It's perfect for the table saw blade, as an edge marker, and most everything else I use a combo square for. It now lives on the work bench beside the 6" ruler and awl, the tools I use most. As an amateur woodworker, I don't need machinist precision. Irwin is dependable for good quality and reasonable prices.

Full Reviews