The Best Framing Squares Reviews 2024 | Buying Guide Included
A framing square is more than just a measurement and layout tool, and in fact, it is one of the most frequently used builder tools. The most essential tool which is used in solving roof framing problems in solving various constructional problems is the framing square. And what’s more is that this go-to tool for roofing and framing is also considered as one of the most essential woodworking tools.
Often referred to as carpenter’s square, the framing squares are most commonly used in laying out rafters and stairs and basically to layout square lines. Measurement and layouts are the two most important tasks of any framing job. To make the framing job lot easier, professionals use the necessary tools and techniques and, most importantly, to layout perpendicular lines for accurate measurement, they use the best framing squares.
Along with some specific features, the lines, numbers, and rafter tables of a decent quality steel square should be easy to read. However, finding the perfect framing squares from so many models and varieties available in the market oftentimes might get confusing. But, to make this daunting task of choosing the right framing square for your project becomes more comfortable when you know what features to look for.
And, we are here to introduce you to the best of the bests through 5 of our top picks of the framing squares. What’s more, is that we will also introduce to you top features to look for when buying your framing squares.
Sounds good? But before jumping into our reviews, here goes for you a comprehensive comparative chart making it clear to you what differentiates each of the carpentry tools.
A Comparative Table for Clarification
IRWIN Tools Hi-Contrast Aluminum Framing Square
This handy tool comes with all the crucial scales ranging from 1/8 to 1/16- inches, and what’s more is that it can be used as a protractor, saw guide, and even as a ruler.
What set’s the IRWIN framing square different from other ones is that it comes with a professional’s set of tables, including rafter tables and Essex boar measure.
The vibrant color scheme of the body and the numberings make it thoroughly convenient for the user to read even in tricky circumstances. This feature along with the calculation standards makes this professional tool easy to use for DIY enthusiasts as well. There is also Irwin tools combination square available that you may need for your project.
- Constructed with Rust-free material
- Hi-contrast marking which are easy-to-read
- Useful information tables included for better functionality
- Good warranty and repair service
- Expensive
- Many scales might make readings confusing
Johnson Level & Tool Professional Steel Carpenter Square CS10
The Johnson CS10 is a premium grade carpenter square made of high-grade stainless steel, weighs only 8.8 ounces, and is an exceptionally Lightweight Square to work with. The gadget is ergonomically designed which makes it easy to carry around and use for daily construction work needs.
An array of thermal bonded, easy-to-read numbers is etched onto the professional carpentering tool. The simplistic measuring system cuts off any hassles regarding stair-works, roofing, or laying out the patterns.
To ensure precise contact with the working surface, the Johnson level tool comes with a forged tip, which also enables you to get a sturdy hold without stripping off.
The graduation markings in this framing square are thermally etched bonded and have a thickness of 1/8’’. The best part of this square is that it is easy-to-read and also comes with comfortable grips.
- Budget-friendly
- Lightweight
- Thermal bonded etched numbers
- Easy-to-read measurements
- No metric measurements
- Marking doesn't hold up and might wear off when in contact with chemicals
VINCA Carpenter L Framing Square SCLS-2416
The VINCA SCLS-2416 Framing square is made of hardened stainless steel and weighs only 27.2 ounces and is very sturdy and hefty enough to prevent it from getting out of space.
Set on the hardened steel background, the graduations are marked in black and are finished with durable punching press and coated with rust-proof treatment.
When the durability is taken care of with the hardened steel, the visibility is not. The unit has the common black numbering on its bare metal body, which may cause you hardship when reading in low light. It’s a deterring fact for those who prioritize pristine visibility while working.
Another thing is the heating up of the square. Due to the steel construction, it’s more prone to get hot real soon when left out under the sun.
- Resilient stamped graduation markings
- Ideal for trim works and DIY projects
- 1-year warranty
- Prone to get hot if left out in the sun for a prolonged period
- The shiny coating might reflect off and make it harder to read
The Complete Buying Guide for the Best Framing Square
Here, we have got you covered with a complete buying guide to assist you in making a uniformed decision on selecting the best framing square suitable for your purpose. To determine the quality of a framing square you need to recognize a few critical factors.
So, what features should you look for in the right steel square? Basically, there are eight things to consider before you buy a carpenter square like a framing square. These are as follows:
Purpose
There are different types of carpentry squares:
- Try Squares
- Combination Squares
- Framing Squares
- Speed Squares
- Drywall T Squares
- T Squares
Framing squares are designed to give you greater versatility and functionalities. However, before you finalize your decision on the best model to buy, you need to outline, you’re intended use of the framing square.
Some models are suited for woodworking, while some other ones are suitable for critical constructional projects. In case you seek a framing square that comes with more excellent functionalities, consider choosing a model that combines all the crucial features that you require for.
Material
The framing squares are usually constructed with either aluminum or steel material. When choosing your framing square, it is essential to know what the square is constructed of. It is because the constructional material plays a significant role in terms of the framing square’s accuracy and sturdiness.
For instance, the carpenter’s squares made of aluminum is lighter and easier to handle compared to the ones made of steel. However, the steel constructed framing squares are known to be more sturdy and accurate than that of the aluminum ones. But again they are more prone to get hot when left under the sunlight.
Graduations, Markings & Readability
When it is about picking the right framing square it is essential to determine the graduations and markings of it. After all, without easy-to-read graduations, it is challenging to use the framing squares in low light. Additionally, if the markings start to dissolve and fade away, in the long run, the framing square becomes a tool of no value.
This is why it is important to know in detail how the framing square’s graduations and measurements are marked.
Measurement System & Scale Range
When you are choosing the best models for a framing square, you would often find very little information on the assessment system. And, what makes things more confusing, different carpenter squares will feature different measuring systems along with varying types of scale.
The octagon scale or square scale is an important feature of a framing device. The octagonal scale of the equipment comes in use when there is the need to cut an eight-sided figure. The octagon scales of this tool are most useful for stair newel. Also, check whether it comes with the right angle or not.
Inch Divisions
Framing squares are one of the best woodworking squares that uses measurement tools, and different models of it come with different inch-divisions and sub-divisions and angles. This is why when choosing the right type of framing square it is essential to identify the inch divisions and various subdivisions of the inch markings.
Important Informational Tables
Informational tables help in providing an arithmetical guide when measuring complex layouts. A decent quality framing square should have useful measurement tables so that it is easier to make accurate measurements. There are different types of rafters such as common rafter, valley rafter, roof rafter, etc.
The tables on the framing squares are sometimes found on the tongue of the square or the front or back. The following tables are usually found on a quality framing square, and these are the ones you would look for-
- Rafter Tables
- Conversion tables ( Inches to decimals and vice versa)
- Essex Board Measure table
Blades
When buying a framing square, you must not ignore the most critical parts of it, which happen to be blades. Square gadgets with thinner and soft angles are susceptible to accidental hits and also tend to move out of the place making it difficult to read the graduations.
On the other hand, the framing squares with sturdy long blades are not only comfortable to hold but also stay in place better which makes the tool provide accurate measurements.
Warranty
Measurement, layout, angles, and framing gadgets hardly need any warranty, and this factor is the most overlooked one when purchasing a product. Despite that, some of the best models of framing tools come with a lifetime warranty while others simply do not. But a tool having a warranty statement deserves preference because the company replaces or repairs the square against defects that might simply rise all of a sudden.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are framing squares used for?
Answer: Framing Squares are the essential tools used for measuring and layout works. Often referred to as carpenter’s squares, the framing squares are also primarily used in construction works.
The tasks that are performed with a framing square are basically checking the squareness, determining the flatness of a surface, and also squaring or angling works. In case of an application need the framing square is used for –
- The layout works in the roof and construction projects
- Drywall applications
- Roof Construction
- Trim Carpentry
- How accurate are framing squares?
Answer: Framing square is used in some of the most practical builder purposes and solving construction problems in building structures. However, in terms of squareness, the framing squares are not known to be particularly square.
For an accurate reading during woodworking projects, the best fix is to hammer the blades to squares so that it does not move, and you can have an accurate reading.
For an accurate reading from framing squares during extensive squaring work, it is better to tune it up with an additional marking tool.
- How to use framing squares?
Answer: Framing squares are handy measurement tools, and the good news is that newer models come with booklets enumerating its application and use.
The most basic use of framing square is to measure a cut. In case you measure a cut with this square more excellent the first thing you need to do is to lace the blade of it parallel against the surface of the material that you are willing to cut.
The next thing to do is to mark out the cut line and read the marking to determine the accuracy. If you are sure of the efficiency, you can move to the final stage of cutting along the mark.
A framing square is also used in laying out rafters, and in this case, you’ll first need to know how to layout rafters and then use the framing square for measurement purposes.
- Why are framing squares 16 inches?
Answer: In fact, the most generally used and the typical type of framing squares is the ones with a 16inch tongue and 24inch body. Surprisingly the right framing squares also come with a distinctive feature of 16 inches.
Sixteen inches framing squares are widespread because of their standard proportional length which conveys in making the measurement tool more durable and also more comfortable to read.
- Why are old framing squares tapered?
Answer: Old framing squares were constructed of a hardened and tapered body. Tapered framing squares had thicker corners, thinner ends, and milled edges, the outside edge which made it easier to firmly place the square on the surface and get an accurate reading. Large tapered old framing squares are actually becoming a thing of the past but are known to top in any test of accuracy.
In fact, the old framing squares which are heavily tapered and come with a crisp ground edge are now sold as vintage framing squares at a high-end price.
- What are the types of squares used in woodworking?
Answer: There are four types of woodworking square. These are as follows, framing square, speed square, combination square, and try-square. A framing square is comparatively more reliable. However, speed squares are smaller and more portable. Also, try square tools that are used in woodworking.
Conclusion
By now, it must be crystal clear to you what sets each of the framing squares different from each other. Having said that, a decent and good framing square should be easy to read, and working with it must also be comfortable.
While there are many varieties of framing tools available on the market, it is well worth considering the few essential features mentioned above. The IRWIN Tools is always the reputable name in the field of constructional accessories and is often viewed as the best framing square for woodworking. On the other hand for the best value, we suggest Empire Level e1190 which is also considered the leading framing square with perfect reading. And, for more frequent use the Johnson Level cs10 and Sterrett are the ones worthy of your consideration. Plus, there are some products of Swanson tool co, that produce Swanson tools and also utensils like roofing squares. Swanson speed square is very popular among carpenters.
Get More Knowledge:
- Best Woodworking Squares Reviews & Buying Guide
- Best Combination Square 2024 | Top Picks & Reviews
- Best Hook Knife for Spoon Carving in 2024
- The Best Speed Square 2024
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