Horrible Woodworking Squares Can Ruin Your Projects / Checking Squares for Accuracy

The importance of accurate squares in woodworking cannot be understated. Squares that are inaccurate mean Jointers, Table Saws, Sliding Mites Saws, Router Tables and more, risk being out of alignment causing woodworking projects to come together poorly and make extra work for the woodworker. In this video, we review how to check your combination square, speed square, protractor, engineers square, wood square and other tools to make sure they are 90 degrees. We also how to square a square if it's out of square.
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5 Quick Measuring Hacks Part 1: • 5 Quick Measuring Hack...
5 Quick Measuring Hacks Part 2: • 5 Quick Measuring Hack...
Squares - Choosing and Using Them in the Workshop: • Squares - Choosing and...
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#CombinationsSquare #SpeedSquare #90degrees
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[@IsaKocoglu]

As usual, great advice! Thank you Colin 😉👍

[@virginiagonzalez1138]

Thanks for the info. Would have never thought they could be out of square.

[@vin2216]

Oh Colin I love your videos so much! Thank you darling!

[@leonidbordachenkov1365]

A great instruction on how to avoid a lot of problems, especially early in your woodworking career when you blame your lack of skill and don't consider the possibility that your instruments can be faulty. I learned that the hard way too :) A word in defense of a cheap combination square: if you take one apart and look inside the “handle”, right into the slot, you'll see two protrusions, two little knobs. When you tighten up the nut the hook pulls the blade against those protrusions so it rests on two points. So if you find your combination square off you can reach one of these knobs with a file and grind away a tiny bit of metal. I recently fixed a cheap square this way. And as long as the hook catches the blade well, the square should be consistent. Another problem I found thought with one of my combination squares is that two sides of the blade wasn't parallel, so that's a possibility too.

[@treebrookwoodworks2225]

Hey Colin! Want to say thanks for the video and taking the time to make it. I learned a little bit more, and in woodworking, a little bit can mean volumes! Thanks again sir!

[@robertbrunston5406]

Very good! I have bought squares that were not square just like your showing so I but starrett squares now! Thanks Colin.

[@dennisfreitas7675]

Very good bit of information thanks I’ll be checking all of my squares later today 🤙🏼

[@bobwolf1811]

After watching this video I went out to the garage and tested all my squares. My square that is similar to yours with the wooden handle is quite square, but it has a a solid aluminum handle. My carpenter's squares were square but one of my speed squares was off. My combination square tested out all right. Thanks for the help.

[@mukundchabukswar2640]

Very important information, these minor details are often overlooked and then trouble starts. Thanks with respect.

[@tystahl3961]

Thank you for the tips and tricks. I will be checking my squares. You have an awesome channel. I keep revisiting videos to help with my shop projects. Looking forward to the next video.

[@Mucram-17]

Going to check all my squares now.thanks for the videos.

[@huwdavies5264]

Brilliant tip on how to true up a framing square. I only use the engineers square when marking out and have three sizes. Thanks Colin

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@369dusty]

Very thorough presentation about squares. I had never heard of the hole trick before. Also, it is good to know to stick with all metal squares. Enjoy all your shows Colin. Keep up the excellent videos !

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching!

[@Idahoanghost]

Thanks Colin. Love your channel. I appreciate all I've learned from you.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@felipechan9654]

Thank you very much sir Colin for all the information you posted

[@beerdevil4020]

Thank's Colin, a LOT of excellent information I did not know there.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@billsmith3195]

Wow Colin. Great one. Yes i have this inbuilt doubt of measuring devices and that combination try square has messed me around in the past. Having worked in a factory that manufactured locomotive motors in a quality assurance section where all measuring instruments are routinely verified one soon sees how these devices become inaccurate. Years ago in an apprentice school for telecommunication apprentices for our railways we often saw tool abuse. Like (You will shudder now) using a metal engineering square to hammer a nail into some wood. Thanks for a great topic.

[@wallyknapp7023]

I love watching your vid's. So informative!

[@jimwebb3524]

One of the most useful woodworking channels on the internet! Thanks Colin.

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome, James!

[@thomasarussellsr]

Thanks for the tip on adjusting a framing square, for some reason my mind had the adjustments reversed for closing the angle or opening it up. I appreciate the info, and your explanation made perfect sense.

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Thanks for explaining why truing up a carpenter's square works. I knew about it, but understanding how it works is helpful.

[@davidharvey5672]

This is such an important subject. I've known people who have bought store tools and assume they are square. With more cheap tools around on store shelves and often less that you can trust it's easy to get something that looks the part but is a mile out. Thanks Colin

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@DCDLaserCNC]

Great info! I was not aware you could adjust a metal square with a punch. Makes perfect sense once I saw you explain how. Thanks for the video!

[@gregghernandez2714]

Great video as always Colin! Speaking of squares, there is a company called Igaging which makes extremely accurate squares at 1/3 the price of high end S brand. They are made overseas, but manufactured to strict tolerances. I love their combination square set which has so many cool features. No, I don't work for them. Thanks again.

[@frankhill9527]

Excellent information, I will now check my squares.

[@Shepherd31680]

Wow! I know this is an old video... wish I would have seen this years ago! Thank you SO much for this simple tip that resolves an ongoing problem that I failed to see!

[@bradmiller6202]

Great instructional video, thank you.

[@markgigiel2722]

The punch trick was awesome. Handle your squares with care. My framing square needs the punch adjustment from lots of mishandling during kitchen renovation. Thanks.

[@nobull-dozer3356]

I really feel as if I’ve learnt something today. Thank you Colin .

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome!

[@michaelpowers5506]

Great information. Thank you.

[@zavoina]

Thank you, sir. Excellent and practical information.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@oldmanpottering]

Thanks Colin, another well presented and interesting video, I can always learn something from you 👍

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@mathdoc1]

Awesome tips Colin!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@gordonclark7632]

Worth watching Colin because you answered a problem I had with my carpenters square. I had seen how to open it up with the punch but not how to close it up as usual, I had hit the punch too hard to open it a bit. Now I can try again to square the square.

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@SoundAssault]

Awesome job Colin, thanks! 👍

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome!

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

Awesome Tips Colin!!!

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome!

[@gregsharp8601]

Works! I bought a Starrett FS-24 because, you know, they're so dang accurate. Well my "accurate" Starrett was off by a whole 16th of an inch over its 24 inch length. I used your method and *now* my Starrett is perfectly accurate... the way it should have arrived. Thanks for giving me an alternative to trashing it.

[@woodsniffer]

Very good info thanks.

[@ta1ntv1lle39]

Awesome video sir! Getting flipped off at 10:10 was my favorite part...not sure i deserved that tho 🤣👍

[@ken1Lane]

Some good info Colin, I never new you could adjust steel squares.

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@BinleyClan]

Great tips, thank you sir!

[@hansdegroot8549]

Super informative video! Thanks for sharing! I saw before a video where somebody dented the corner of a square. But I did not understand it. You explained it very well, in a way that anybody can understand it.

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps, Hans! Thanks for watching!

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

Great must know essential tips for squares of all sorts.👌 Cheers mate👍

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching, Bill!

[@robk3604]

Thank you once again for another great video. I'm going to check my squares and purchase a good quality engineering square.

[@OpekiskaWood]

Great tips, Colin. Thanks!

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome!

[@jons2447]

Hello, Mr. Knecht; Thank you for this because many don't know this. Some say there is no such thing as "square". So *any* "square" should be checked REGULARLY for square as you showed. When (not if) a square is out then it is the user's responsibility to 'square' it. The framing square you showed is a good example. The wall hanger square you showed can also be squared. Using the test you showed & a file you test the square & file it til it is actually 'square'. So square your wall hanger & use that sucker! Dave a GREAT day, Neighbor!

[@tobiasfarnsworth3232]

Thank you so much for the framing square fix tip! I’ve thrown away several of them that could have been fixed easily 😂

[@marinusbeimers7293]

Thanks again for a really informative video. I will be retiring my combination square as I only use a couple of engineers squares these days. Marinus from Australia

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@JOEZEP54]

Very good information. I also found out the hard way that all squares are not square. I did not know that the carpenters square could be adjusted. Thank you for sharing. Stay well, Joe Z

[@ecaff9515]

Excellent video and process. Thanks for sharing.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@ceent3266]

Thanks 👍. Makes perfect sense

[@frenchriversprings]

Thanks for the video. I find those carpenters square can be square on the inside and not on the outside or vice versa. I have a new starett combination square and it is not perfectly square. So frustrating. I like to check my squares with a square plywood using the 5 cut method on my table Saw sled. I find a factory cut plywood is not always perfectly flat. I'm buying a machinist square like yours. :)

[@davidmckenzie7190]

Hello I like your channel. I have been a machinist for at least 35 years. The combination Square Is one tool that you more or less "Baby" around the shop, I mean never throw it around, don't ever drop one. Even the expensive ones can't take the pounding and still be right.

[@Bramsshed1913]

Good tip on using a punch .Thanks Colin I learn a lot from your channel.

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome!

[@LLL-dv7yj]

It never occurred to me that one of my squares would be anything but accurate. I happen to have a machinist square and will consider it the standard from now on. This video is, by far, the most beneficial one i have seen so far. Thank you so much for sharing such great info and always presenting it in the most practical and straight-forward demonstrations!!

[@knecht105]

You're welcome, Lona! Thanks for watching.

[@mattstacy9412]

I really enjoyed this. Rudimentary to some, I am sure it will help a lot of people. When I was a young man I wish someone had gave me these tips. It would have saved me from a lot of frustration and head scratching.

[@wilkbor]

A great video. Thanks.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Good video Colin! Thanks for sharing it with us.👍😎JP

[@knecht105]

You're welcome, JP!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

😎

[@artist1138]

The Punch! I've seen that on some of my dad's old squares. Good trick.

[@knecht105]

Thank You!

[@petec6690]

Simple but elegant solution. I, too, have been plagued by (not) square squares. Similar to your line up at the top and down at the bottom, I've struck a line the whole length so I can see right away that my square is at the same mark at the top. If the second line (as often did in my case) drifts away from the first line I knew it was not square. Those squares have been shelved. But later today I'm going to apply the dimple method for squaring up my squares. Thanks so much for this advice. And those adjustable tri-squares, I use them to set depths and distances only. The worn aluminum banjo's are a scourge in my opinion. I've lined up one with another and found wonderful passageways either at the far end or at the roots. Those squares will continue to be depth markers only. Another issue I've had has been with angles. I always struggle with getting 45˚ miters. I've built a jig and even then I still run into issues. Of course, miters change with humidity, so I don't expect perfect miters - unless you have suggestions for that as well. My next miter is going to be a half lapped miter. That's stronger than just the miter, you can make them thinner, and if done right you can't beat them. They never open up.

[@lindam.9282]

Oh my goodness! Checked mine out and this is definitely my problem. Out of square-squares! Who would've thought.. I sure didn't make the connection. Thanks for the info... Finally got me squared away!! :-)

[@alistairross4317]

Brilliant Colin, thanks. I now know why the blades on my table and mitre saw have never cut accurately.

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@whirled_peas]

Totally. About 2 hours ago I smashed up an old Crown square (brand here in the UK) that was a good 2mm out over the 150mm length, to ensure it's never used again. Might try and put the rosewood from the handle to use, and always nice to have something to put in the brass recycling bag.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching!

[@dulcecasitas3056]

Outstanding video on squares, especially the info on adjusting carpenter's square with a centre punch. Who'd a thunk? Many thanks.

[@sparks6666]

Another great video. Can always learn or relearn something here.

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@bamsebrumbamsebrumen5403]

Been there, had some squares that were right at one side but not the other, was extremely frustrating. Great advice....

[@knecht105]

Thank You!

[@rick91443]

Always say this, but I always learn something...Thanks Colin, rr Normandy, Fra.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimcooney9019]

I like the concept great idea thanks for sharing the video

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@lcook0825]

Thanks that was a great video and very informative.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@JohnnyFoodstamp]

Funny that this video would pop up in my recommendations. I just spend a few hours the other day going through all my shop squares and ensuring accuracy. I've never had a framing square out of square but I did have a speed square that was out slightly. The best part - my home made squares were still spot on 90. Haha. Go me.

[@jgriff19861947]

Thank for the tip I will be checking mine out

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@BlessedLaymanNC]

Great information. I thought you might want to consider measuring rules as well. I once discovered that three different tape measures did not align at 36 inches. They varied as much as 1/8 inch. I found different measurements on yard sticks as well. But, I consider the yard stick errors due to wear on the ends of the sticks. I told one of my friends to check his, and he said, he ALWAYS uses the same rule to measure any one project that he is working on. If he starts with one rule on a project, that is the only rule he'll use for the entire project. Probably for the same reason, LOL. PS. It's great to learn how to adjust a carpenter's square! I never saw that before.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!

[@BradsWorkbench]

Collin you are one CRAZY woodworker!

[@manoharjethra]

Very nice informative video by An experienced professional 👍

[@DontStopBrent]

I never would have thought of a square being off. Never. Thanks from a brand new wood man!

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@alanlau3278]

Just squared up my carpenter’s square (Stanley) and Empire carpenter’s square (was more expensive and supposed to be better). I eventually realized the Stanley square wasn’t quite 90 degrees. Even the Empire square was a little off. Wow so simple. Thanks again.

[@MrBarrytommy]

This is very true -I found a mitre clamp out of square too, that doesn't help either :-)

[@bossecarlberg]

Thanks for the tips good video have a nice day.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@blackfender100]

thanks a million Colin

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome!

[@davenooner2142]

Great punch fix!!!

[@TheStuffMade]

It's a good tip. I've had several squares that were off, but the worst one was a long metal ruler that was off by 1 mm every 25 cm.

[@traciejackson721]

I love your "hack" videos you NEVER fail to teach me something Thank you!!!!

[@knecht105]

You're Welcome, Tracie!

[@Thyme2sea]

Thank you!

[@Bob_Adkins]

I've checked and successfully corrected framing squares for years using your method. Sometimes they're perfect and get off again. I suspect metal stresses can make them drift over time, and they're also a little temperature sensitive. For example, the square could be right on at 80F, but a little off at 55F. Just an educated guess! Thanks!

[@DEG1985]

He is describing exactly what was happening to me. Out of six squares I have, three were good and three were out of square. My combination square was bad too, I had to buy a Machinist Engineer Solid Square. I finally found why my cuts were off...

[@melgross]

It’s almost always zinc, not aluminum. Sometimes it’s aluminum, but not normally. The advantage of zinc over aluminum is strength, rigidly, and the ability to slide without galling. It also melts at about 780 degrees f, rather than 1200 f as with aluminum. That being said, a fine grain cast iron is much better, though much more expensive. The best squares use hardened, ground iron, along with hardened stainless rules, some with matte chrome plating on the ruler. Mine are Brown & Sharp.

[@joeycheroke6391]

Muchas gracias Sr Tku

[@MattHeere]

Quality squares and switching to a knife (vs. pencil) revolutionized things for me. I'll never tell the Mrs. what I spent on my Starrett, but I'll never regret it either! BTW I've also found that the plastic triangles you can buy at office supply places for drafting are remarkably accurate. That's how I discovered that my one combo square was square, but the 45 degree side was more like 47 1/2!

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!

[@thomaskelly1228]

Stay healthy Matt, if you die before the wife she will sell the tools for what you said you paid for them and take a hell of a loss.

[@danlarson6268]

Thomas Kelly lol, yeah but if he tells her then he will die a lot faster!

[@KRColson]

Hi Colin. I had to laugh when I watched your video because I learned exactly like you that I was using squares that, well, were not!! I also have an inexpensive tri-square that is inaccurate. I have taken the steel ruler out and use it only as a straight ruler because it is very flat and the increments are also accurate. I am now very suspicious of cheap squares because of their inaccuracy. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work you do. Cheers!

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@GMastolier]

Oh thanks a lot, Colin -- now I have to go check all my squares. Here I was sitting in my shop surrounded by squares thinking they were all perfect off the shelf. Ignorance is bliss!

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevenrolfe1918]

Very interesting indeed, as an industrial designer and engineer I always get out my large 30 60 set square when doing woodwork, that and my 10 inch Moore and Right engineers square. Recently I got one of those aluminium roofing squares 12 inch and this is very useful to. I do have a Joseph Marples try square and it is actually spot on, hasn't ever moved. I have the steel and aluminium adjustable square and you are absolutely correct, don't trust them, okay for depth transfers and comparisons but I'd only use them with caution. Get a cast and machined steel one of possible. I have not used a large framing square but the punch adjustment technique was a first for me! Tip from me, never trust pre cut beech planks, you know the ones that are made up of lots of pieces glued together, although the wood is great the dimensions are all over the place.. 300mm width was 305mm , trust but verify 😉

[@LegoMan-cz4mn]

I have bought a rusty, dirty old square, roughly tested it in the thrift store for square and it seemed nice. At home I cleaned it up nicely and tested it again, it was 100% perfect. I paid 50 cents for it. Tadaa your done! And it will last you a lifetime (even if you've dropped it, vintage qualaty squares can take a hit) (Cast iron handle and hardned steel blade)

[@greghalford2617]

Very good information on squares, i have some questionable squares im going to check out.

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@JanMaklak]

How many times have I seen on KZbin where someone is instructing using a drywall square. Mine was only out by 1/4 over 4' (LOL) I have used your method to bash it back to square. Great idea

[@knecht105]

Hope it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@PJ1R]

Excellent vid Colin, you can also use a sheet of paper (Copier or printer type) which is always cut to very accurate 90 degree corners

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!

[@boballard2484]

I run a paper cutter for a living, and I can tell you that the calibration of the machine, as well as the skill of the operator can ensure the proper trim and angles of paper. I work in a shop where the operator can some times be a detriment to quality workmanship. We can only hope they find their true calling asking if you would like fries with your order. I have only said this to point out, much like the video, that not all things you assume are square, are in fact square. Course, if you have bought something I have cut, it will be :} Bob

[@MrJhonbaker]

I use starrett combination squares because they keep their 90 degree longer than others. I've also been using iGauging squares lately for the same reason. I buy Starrett used only and iGauging I can buy new. What happens is people tend to spend a lot of money on Starrett squares and when they go out of square they sell them 1/2 price or cheaper. I buy them, true them, then sell or use them. My favorite ones are the older ones for no other reason than the wear on them from use. New ones are cool though as well. You can true a combo square. Easily. I skipped ahead in this vid to see if he showed how and he didn't, but I don't know if he talked about it. It takes a few minutes to square a combo square.and they are awesome to use as they are super versatile. For machine set up you should always use machinists squares that are tested and true.

[@carlossimoescampos1]

Hi Colin! Very very very good your video, at least for me! Your video are good to watch! This is the big problem we have...squares those are not squares! I am a DIYer and some times I really did not know which of my squares I trusted...so, I have decided to by a square used by engineers once they are not so expensive and they have a very good accuracy. I have already bought many kinds of squares from different fabricators (with a good brand name in the market), but ALL OF THEM gave me problems...that is awful!

[@knecht105]

Thanks for watching!

[@larsord9139]

Another often overlooked problem is rulers and tape measures. If you have many, almost certainly a few will not agree with the others. This took me a long time to learn

[@royreynolds108]

If you need to accurately layout a dimension, use a number other than the end of the rule or tape measure then make your dimension plus the offset to mark the second point so that if the end is off the error doesn't show in the measurement.

[@knecht105]

Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!

[@asifchangazi9025]

Thanks colin, I appriciate your effort to tell the details, like your videos and learn alot, I am your fan from Pakistan.

[@knecht105]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@gregghernandez2714]

I have been tempted to buy one of those "lovely" wooden handled squares on Ebay. Some of them are very old, with plenty of use. The steel on some of them are scratched, but I wouldn't care as long as they are "square." I have contacted a couple of sellers because nowhere on the ads page does it show the test line to demonstrate that the square is actually true. I have asked them "I need to know is the square truly "square." I am usually told that if I am not happy with my purchase I can return it. Maybe I will just stick to my PEC squares that are blemished, but dead on accurate and truly square.