How to Choose Carpenters' Squares and Angles

Is the square certified 90º?
For a square to be of any real use, it needs to give a perfect 90º angle from the outset. For squares with dual components, the handle or body of the square must be securely attached to the blade, and all the components need to be made of high quality materials.
Kapro squares are certified 90º, and are uncompromising in the quality of their components and construction to keep them square over time.

Try & Mitre square:

Does the square have a support ledge?
In addition to its solidly constructed traditional 307 Try & Mitre square, Kapro offers a unique patented square with a handle that doubles as a support ledge – the 309 Legdend™ Try & Mitre Square. The handle also features 22.5º, 45º and 67.5º angles for creating mitre joints. (A mitre joint is made by beveling – cutting at an angle – the two parts that will be joined to form a corner.)


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Combination square:

1. What's it made from? Is it milled on all sides?
A contractor-grade combination square needs a body made of tough material, that's milled on all sides for genuine accuracy. The edge that abuts the work surface must be absolutely straight if your angles are going to be true 90º and 45º. That's why professional combination squares are made from either forged iron, cast iron or cast zinc. While iron squares are generally more expensive, cast zinc has proven itself an equally reliable material in terms of maintaining its accuracy and durability over time. Aluminum or plastic bodies are generally less durable, and plastic can't be effectively milled.

It's vital, too, that the blade won't corrode – a common complaint. Kapro's 352 and 325 combination squares are made from heavy-duty cast zinc that's finely milled on all sides, with a stainless steel blade of either 12" (30cm) or 16" (40cm).

2. What kind of locking mechanism keeps the blade in place?
To check the depth of a recess, you'll need to adjust the blade on your combination square. Traditional squares use a screw lock for adjusting the blade, which can be clumsy and time-consuming. And if you want to use the less than pencil-thin scriber for marking, you'll need to unscrew and re-screw that, too. The 325 Magnetic Lock Combination Square features a revolutionary magnetic locking system that makes quick and easy work of adjusting the blade. Its rare-earth magnets hold the blade strong as a screw lock, too. Even the scriber locks in place magnetically.


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Ceramic Hole Marker:

Is there an easy way to transfer hole positions onto ceramic tiles?
Kapro has invented a simple way to transfer hole positions, without the need to take any measurements at all. The blade of the 303 Ceramic Hole Marker is locked in place over the hole or installed faucet, then transferred to the tile for marking and cutting. It's sized to fit all standard pipes.


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