Features:

  • 12 in. stainless steel blade features precision-etched black gradations, includes brass hardware
  • Multi-tool: Square, depth gauge, height gauge, plumb level, scriber, and level
  • Impact-resistant acrylic vial in handle
  • Spring-loaded bolt holds blade in place for firm, accurate settings
  • Durable die-cast zinc body for durability
These can be adjusted to be perfectly square in 2 minutes

So many 1 stars are saying these are not square. They don't realize that this style is the only type of square that can be easily adjusted in 2 minutes, and dialed in exactly squate by filing one of two alignment guides inside the slide area. Just check YouTube. Super easy and exact as long as you have a thin file. All squares should be checked over time for weather changes and after being dropped. This style is good for a lifetime. The 6" is SUCH a useful size for marking and woodworking. Great value for $8. Easily worth double or more.

Great Combo-Square for the Money

As many other verified purchasers indicated on their reviews, the square was not square when it arrived. I fully expected the same and was not surprised to see that the Swanson Combination square was out of square. So I got a small file and spent a bit of time to adjust it so that it is perfectly square. It is not a difficult process; there are YouTube videos on how to do this, one by John Heisz comes to mind. I think I took 20-30 minutes to adjust mine, because I did not have a perfect reference square and had to adjust by drawing lines with the square flipped on one side and then the other until the lines coincided perfectly regardless of which side the square was on. Some YouTube wood workers caution against getting a Combo Square that does not have a hardened or tempered blade based on the fear that if the ruler gets bent, you can never unbend it to allow the ruler to slide smoothly. Since it is not marked as such on the ruler, I assume that the Swanson ruler is not hardened, but it is a thick piece of stainless steel and would take some significant abuse to bend it. I figure, it is more economical to just be careful with it, and on the off chance It step on it or abuse it accidentally, just buy another one rather than spend seven or eight times as much to buy an expensive combo square.

Best value for the money.

Man I wish I could afford another Starrett. I bought this for my tool belt. My Starrett sits in my machining cabinet with my other precision tools. Still; we're comparing this to a $100 tool. The quality is similar considering the materials. Fit and finish are better than you should expect at this price point. I've used Swanson squares for many, many years and often grab them for precision layout. If hey weren't so danged durable I might buy a few more of them. Expect this to be the last square you buy.

More solid than squares 3X it's price

The stainless rule isn't etched deeply, but the lines are inked, so in the end it's easier to read than ones that are only etched. The light always seems to be coming from the wrong angle when I use them. The sliding part is heavier and sturdier than the ones on my other squares. It doesn't seem to be made from zinc. It's not magnetic , so I'm guessing aluminum. The three flats show clear machining marks, but that doesn't detract from its usefulness. In fact, I'm happy to see that it is machined and not just cast. But best of all, the slide is smooth as silk. No having to hammer on it to get it to move. I trashed my last one within seconds of getting this one.

Perfect!

I don't know what the mediocre reviews are about. My square is dead on square, flat, and straight. This and a pencil are the only tools that are present at all times in my shop apron pocket. The size is perfect for most jobs I encounter, and the construction leaves nothing to be desired. If you have an electron microscope, maybe you could detect some slight out-of-square or dimensional deviation. My machine tools can't find any slop.

Good and cheap.

For the level of precision i need out of a combo square and how much i abuse them doing door hardware these are great. The locking pins always wear out first. I set a length on it 40-50 times per shift and it is fine. They last about 1.5 months then are done. Yes they get recycled. And no i dont try and fix them. Someone please make a 7" combo square like the old Craftsman ones.

Swanson

I have nothing but good things to say about Swanson. Most of my measuring tools are by them, for good reason. They have made an excellent name for themselves, and are a USA based company. This combination square is no exception. If you are in the market for a well made, affordable, square then this is it. Swanson does not disappoint.

Good for tablesaw alignment

I don't know how accurate it is. I have mostly used it for aligning my Kobalt tablesaw. Sometimes it moves slightly while tightening the screw, but if done carefully it isn't that bad. Helped me to align my table saw for a low price. Aligned the blade and fence with this and my cuts are pretty accurate so far.

Simple, well-built, useful tool, highly recommended

This is a simple combo square, but it's well-built and is incredibly useful for building pretty much anything that requires precise right angle measurements. I use it for building home audio systems, specifically speaker enclosures. I have another 8" fixed square from Swanson and I liked it so much I decided to get one that was more versatile. Very happy with this purchase.

What you expect

Stays out on the bench. Dead square and ready to go. Read the literature that come with it. Found a couple of uses I never thought of. Been woodworking 25+ years & have developed habits based on getting results - I now have new habits that include using this square. Old dogs can learn new tricks.

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