How To True Up A Combination Square The Simple Way AND Tune It Up To Make It Work Better For You

[@InspireWoodcraft]

This is what happens when you suddenly become a stay-at-home-parent, a stay-at-home-teacher, and the world is on fire. Hopefully you guys get enough usable info out of this video but if not, be sure to let me know what you need help with!

[@beal5666]

Awesome ass usual Jody! How would you square up a framing square? Video? This type of content is incredibly important and useful. We also love to see more of a collection of videos like these that go over thinks like design, finishing, organizing your work and work areas or wood species identification just to give some ideas. Love your stuff! Great teaching (presentation) style! Keep it up and stay healthy!

[@gbluetoo]

Truing the framing square is pretty simple. Eyeball the stock and tongue to be sure neither is bent. That's mostly unfixable, but may be good enough for rough work, e.g. greenwood which will change as it dries. Check the true as described in the vid. If less than 90d, use a center punch on the tongue ~1/4" in from the inner edge and near the junction with the body and make a dimple. Check for true and repeat if not yet on. For >90d, do the same on the outer side of the tongue. For very small errors, I have seen framers scribe a line from the inner to outer corner and put the dimple near the outer to close the angle and near the inner corner to open it. I've only had to adjust a framing square once so have only done the first example. It only took two dimples. YMMV, but if it is out more than ~3/32" it may not be worth fixing; just get you money back. g

[@kiddiescripterkiller]

Use the superglue and tennis ball technique for babysitting... Superglue their feet to the ceiling, jamb a tennis ball in thier mouth. Problem solved... ;)

[@Alex-hx6bj]

HEEELP! My ruler won’t go back into the housing?! Doesn’t seem to fit next to the locking but!!!

[@brandonpurselley402]

What brand of combination square is consider high end. I bought one at Home Depot for around 20$. My thoughts was it was high end well a huge step up from a speed sq. Lol

[@markkoons7488]

This video is a real service for beginners who imagine all they lack is tools. Hobbyists can get years of satisfactory service from garage sale tools if they know how to tune them up and once tuned we all treat our tools with appropriate care. Thumbs up!

[@AtomicWoodworks]

I know this is an older of your videos but it just puts the nail in the discussion about how helpful you videos can be. Many of the things that are said become "ah ha" moments for me. Things I know that I never really put together when I should have. Thanks for the assistance and best wishes.

[@rogerpoulin2068]

Don't feel challenged. You're doing a great job. Take things one step at a time. I love your videos.

[@jameslaine2472]

And now I know why cuts made, marked with my combination square, were never quite right. Time to true-up the cheap tool. Thank you for the clear explanation and straightforward steps.

[@Bob-th7vi]

WOW...... never even considered it as a problem although even yesterday I was puzzled working on a project. Just checked the two Irwin 18 “ squares I have.......one was off quite a lot and the other right on. I’ll work on the bad one so thanks....I’m basically a DIY guy but still like to have the best tools that do what they are designed to do. Thank you....Bob

[@jimtolar9517]

I must say, your voice and pace of discussion is EXTREMELY understandable and GREATLY appreciated. The information is classic and I have saved it in my woodworking playset. Thanks for the URL for the blems as well. You are spot on for how much is saved when selecting blems. Well done video and look forward to watching more. I did subscribe.

[@stufarnham]

As someone with a serious case of OCD I love your concern with precision.

[@jeffreyhill1011]

Shit like this is why I payed lots of money getting my surface plate and layup table graded and trued. Worth every penny. I do more machining than woodworking these days but I was able to make my own VERY accurate measuring tools that I know I can trust for much less than Starret or Mititoyo charge. Great video you explained it in a concise easy to digest manner.

[@stevehopkins5907]

I had long suspected that my old Craftsman combination square was not. Checked it with my digital angle finder this morning and it was off just .1 degree. Used a little sandpaper on the high side and now it's 90 degrees every time! Thanks for the fit tip.

[@billrugg-easey4764]

I just checked my square yesterday, it wasn't true I was going to do this on my very ancient moore & Wright square malleable iron not pot metal it turned out there was a blob of CA glue on one of the pads. Check for cleanliness first is my suggestion especially if you're a glue splatterer like me! Keep well and prosper

[@amboyniaburlwood9409]

Great information! In addition I was not aware of companies selling blemished tools at a significant discount!!! Thanks so much.

[@nelsonbrum8496]

I'm a machinist that dabbles in woodworking. I have a 6" and a 16" Empire combo squares at work. I guess I got lucky, I've checked them on our CMM and found both to be

[@JimPepperTactical]

I had no idea you could adjust these. Awesome

[@billhandymanbill2775]

Excellent video! Many woodworker just “assume” the tool is at 90 degrees and are surprised to find out it is out of square as the same thing applies to a level tool being out of level or plumb. You should show your viewers how easy it is to check a level tool for true level and true plumb. Keep up the great work!

[@semco72057]

You have showed me something I didn't know about the combination square which I didn't know before. I thought all of the combination squares was the same, but you showed us here that this isn't true and I will remember this when shopping for tools.

[@theHAL9000]

Every Starrett tool I've got was a budget buster ... but I still have and use each one; they're perfect.

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

Very good and clear explanation of how to check for squareness and correct it if needed. As another commenter noted, both long edges of the rule need to be parallel as well as straight.

[@bobd5119]

I now have much more respect for my 55-year-old combination square. Time to tune it up! Excellent video!

[@tangoindiamike9189]

I have one almost that old, and it is the truest square I own.

[@g1mpster]

Really appreciate the video. I’ve got a cheap Swanson combination square that I recently found out wasn’t and have been wondering what the right way is to fix it. Really appreciate the tutorial. And keep your head up, I know things are scary right now because they’re unpredictable but we will all get through this. If you are struggling, remember that it takes a stronger man to ask for help than to go it alone, it’s not a sign of weakness or anything to say you’re overwhelmed. Try to embrace your family, friends, church, community, or any other support groups you have. Don’t worry if they can help you, just tell them what you need and I think you’ll be surprised by the ways they come up with to help you. Stay strong, just keep moving forward. 👍

[@huejanus5505]

Remember that by checking squares this way, the two parallel lines, the difference is doubled so remove less than you think you have to. Just check it often when sanding/filing it.

[@trick58]

I hear you man, I've moved all my university classes to online in the last week - dealing with 300+ students. I don't have children too, but it is a hard grind. Still, you do a great job explaining. I appreciate your lessons and imo, it hits the perfect level of detail. Thank you for what you do. This helped me!

[@peternicholsonu6090]

Had no idea! I have been squaring off from both sides and then scribing the difference. Same as reversing a spirit level and taking the ‘neutral’ line. Thankyou for showing the OCD method.

[@mohameddocrat4393]

Hello from BC, Canada. Thanks for your videos. I have started watching a few of your videos and you are articulate and intelligent in the way you present evey video I have seen. You explain things well and quite thoroughly. I like your attention to detail. This video is excellent in checking for accuracy of the combination square and to correct it if out of true. Keep up the great work.

[@msgajhimelret9496]

Well said; Good advice and presentation ... Keep the little ones and Mommy happy and you're doing great. Thanks for the video

[@paulm.4946]

Excellent information. I would say you covered everything very well and understanding. I can't remember how many cheap squares I have thrown away not knowing this was all I had to do. Now I know. Thanks for sharing this info.

[@RabbitInAHumanWoild]

I bought a combination square from Lee Valley for a good price but when I checked it, it was, well, unsquare. I used a thin file to do what you suggested and all is well. However, I didn't realise that the blade could remove metal as well so I'll be softening the edges. Thanks for that.

[@suburban404]

A year later, and we are still dealing with the pandemic. Your presentations are OUTSTANDING.

[@charlie9ine]

Absolutely excellent information and very well delivered. You provide options for different situations. I’m trying to renovate a couple of old combination squares that have not been given much love. It’s a project. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@MohammedNatheer]

I love how you go in details in a simple way very good for biggenrs like me 😬, thank you very much

[@jaewok5G]

cool, I like these over detailed explanation videos, there's always a little something to pick up.

[@gordroberts53]

Hoping you remain safe and heathy! I had no idea that the squares could be tuned up and hadn't thought of the disadvantage of the aluminum body style, Thanks for sharing!

[@gordmcdonald2807]

You done good. 50+ years ago my dad gave my brothers and I each a total steel combination square. I checked mine about 2 weeks ago. Good as new. I need to polish the ruler. Getting a little hard to read. I should add, I look after my tools. I've seen people using theirs as a hammer, prying open Cans of paint, scrapers, door jams. I freak if mine falls on the floor. Lol!!! Stay safe.

[@patricksimone8845]

Very useful information especially for a novice like me. I found that when inserting the ruler into the square that if you loosen the screw and push on the spring you can slide the ruler back on without ever having to tip it to align the grove,

[@keithpantermoller328]

Never knew I could adjust the combination squares, thanks!

[@skeetstaruk9460]

great video, well presented, authoritative and engaging. taught me some things I didn't know.

[@charlesstratford1612]

Always a professional you are. Another handy tip(s) and suggestion. Nicely done

[@EquilibriaHealth]

kind of thought I knew things like this yet you always have a tip for me to pick up. Also totally agree on the 'how much work you need to put in to a job to save a few pound (or bucks)'. Many times people loose sight of that. Just restored fully a Stanley Plane n6 and it took me aaaaages. Thanks good man. As always pragmatic and very practical.

[@JustinShaedo]

Everyone seems to have an opinion on these things .... but this video just gives the skills to fix and improve. Respect.

[@aahaahaah]

Great video! I knew about how to check for square, but not how to true up an out of square combination square. I figured you either had a good (square) one, or a bad square. Thanks for the instruction!

[@barrykery1175]

WOW ! All great tips. I never knew you could square up a combination square......and now I know. I'll have to check mine too see if it's off. I knew enough not to get one that the main body is made out of aluminum. Thanks for posting this most informative video. Nicely done. Barry

[@I_Can_Do_That]

I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile and finally did it. Your help was great.

[@markgoode4109]

Very helpful video on these tools. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and giving tips on their maintenance. Best wishes to you.

[@kenl2861]

Awesome detail on an otherwise boring (but very important) subject!!! Thank you for taking the time to explain in such clear terms. I’m gonna go check my combo squares right now ...

[@Rodbuilder109]

Great video. A good refresher. I forgot about some of the ways to square a square. Thank you

[@TheSkiggly]

As expected..another quality video packed full of useful information. I am so grateful that you share your wisdom and know how with us in this format. After watching any of your content, I always walk away feeling more confident armed with new information or at least something to consider. Wishing you and your family good health, extreme joy and prosperity. Thanks again.

[@bigbee714]

I have a General combination square set from the late 60s that belonged to my uncle. It wasn't square so I never used it. Killed me because it's such a beautiful well made tool. I used your method and I am pleased to say that it's dead nuts square now! Cheers!

[@ricktelles435]

A lot of great information you have provided to us. Your explanations were clear and detailed. Iam really greatful for how much anxiety and pressure you took off from my shoulders when I needed to have to make a straight cut. Thank You. Richard

[@edwardmanfredi121]

Great series of videos on these tools. Much info, I never even thought of. Thanks for your efforts ! Spending more time than ever in my shop, so these things become more possible ( with more time).

[@kendipietro6855]

Thanks for posting this video. I found this information quite useful and plan to check both of my combination squares today. Keep up the good work.

[@dalleenpente]

Great video! Now let’s go to the store and buy a good quality tool! 😀

[@jimaspinii7579]

Clear, concise, helpful! THANKS!!!

[@markiefufu]

I'm gonna try this on my Irwin 6 inch square. It's about 1/64 inch out of square on a 4 inch line. I bought an Empire 6 inch with an aluminum head and that thing was a 16th out of square on a 4 inch line. I was shocked it was that bad straight off the shelf. Gave to my mother-in-law as a bonus X-mas present.

[@mojitomaker]

Had no idea you could adjust these, thank you. I’m on team #deepdive - the more detail the better!

[@kencoleman7762]

Great video and very useful. Thanks for persevering.

[@shermanlarsen7840]

Good, cheap trick from “ “, using “cheap replacement paper. Also CLEAN first! I have some badly abused and rusted Starret parts that need to be rehabilitated before I start, but now know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Great video. Simple, no frills explanation, and respect for a craftsman’s ability to make a marginal tool perform at a higher level!!

[@sanderd17]

Thanks. This just saved my cheap square!

[@jimw544]

Great info and great presentation. I have a 12" & 6" Starrett. I have looked at the PEC squares a few time and they are well worth the money. I can't see a dollars difference between PEC and Starrett.

[@PeterB_California]

Details are always good 👍

[@jnorth5840]

>You should also check for parallel of the rule before tuning the pads by useing a caliper. In a former job I was a machinest at a zinc die casting company. For several years we manufactured the combination heads for a cheaper tool company. We cast, painted and milled the heads. To ensure squareness, one of the steps was checking with a rule against a known standard. We used a known rule we had checked each time. Some of rules the company gave us were several thousandths off from parraell from end to end.

[@joebrewer5885]

Love the fact you used the word "Rule" not ruler, just a pet peeve of mine, they are not "rulers" but most don't know the difference.

[@bobbykraus1189]

You are an excellent presenter!

[@bobbyjones7922]

Outstanding presentation👍

[@lincolndickerson1293]

fastasticly thorough as always! Thanks

[@trevorclarke6075]

What pencils do you use please Keep up the great work love your teaching methods

[@mgaschenbeck]

I just wanted to mention one other fix for these. I bought two PEC blemished combination squares and both had acute inside angles that weren't up to their tolerances. After returning the first, I found the issue on the second one. It wasn't the pads, it was the ruler. The ends of the ruler are a little wider than the interior. When using the test in this video, we push the ruler all the way out so those larger ends are sitting on the pads. That will make the interior angle acute. By my math, even .001" wider will cause about .01" over the course of the rule. I flattened the ruler with sandpaper on my cast iron table saw top. This fixed my issue. I was so close to taking a file to the pads and I'm really glad I didn't because I bet those are dead on. Morale of the story, check your ruler first!

[@jerrydempsey5428]

I'm glad I found your video. My combination square is out of true and I didn't have a clue as how to fix it. I'll try your suggestions to see how it works out. Thanks. Oh, is there a proper way to assemble the ruler in the head. It seems to fit both way (upside down)?

[@thehunter3386]

A GREAT video! Your presentation, along with common sense will answer most questions. Your response to comments should take care of the rest. Thanks for the time and effort to help us with our work!!

[@Ffsdevgj]

I find your videos extremely helpful, thanks a bunch!

[@jgo5707]

THANK YOU. This is exactly what I needed

[@2crow4birds]

Awesome details. You should be a shop teacher!

[@edwardmedina1236]

Your Filming is just fantastic and your explanations are great. Thank you.

[@trackie1957]

Great video made under “trying” conditions! When you are truing up the head using sandpaper on the jointer, having a flat surface is helpful but it doesn’t guarantee the tool will come out flat. it’s a good idea to count the strokes and turn it around so you go the same number of times each way so that errors cancel out. The tendency is to remove more material at the front as you push the work across the paper, so the bottom and front faces will go out of square. You can take advantage of this phenomenon to correct out of squareness, but it can also introduce a slight curve. Check your progress often. Making a cheap or damaged tool perform well can be a satisfying experience, and it’s a good skill to learn. One lesson is to buy quality, which can mean buy cheap, but look closely before you buy! If you were a toolmaker, you’d use three similar tools and lap them against each other, alternating the surfaces, but then again, you’d have surface grinders, scrapers and surface plates. This is about woodworking, not toolmaking!

[@christopherfairfowl5521]

As draughtsman of over 50 years of experience on the board and cad can I give you a tip? The pencil or pen will work much better if it is perpendicular to the paper or wood as you draw the line, - not 30 or 45 degrees to the paper or wood. Tilting the pencil at a slight angle along the axis of the straight edge is desirable and if you twist or spin the pencil between your fingers as you draw the line the lead/graphite will self sharpen to a point as you draw the line and won’t end up with a flat. If you don’t twist the pencil then as it flattens when you drag it across the paper or wood the line will thicken. Simple.... Thanks for the tip, my square was out and I didn’t know you can fix that - you saved me from buying a new one 👍 cheers.

[@namelesswarrior4760]

Thanks for the tips! Was wondering why my measurements were always a little off. 👏👍🏼

[@toneltd]

thanks again for ur info took me a long time to square a square but starrett

[@40033mgr]

I appreciate your detail !

[@joelq1085]

Very good and clear explanation

[@darcymcnabb9259]

This is good information to get to instructors in schools ...help with there budgets. Many have the cheaper version of tool . Extending the life of there tools would help cast strapped schools .

[@nafs53]

I did much of this cosmetic work plus some light lubrication and it did function a lot smoother. I've yet to test all 4 ways for accuracy tho..

[@ninjadad3769]

Your videos have really helped me a lot on stuff like this, I actually checked my speed square the other day and dang sure enough it was off not by much but it was off. It was a cheaper aluminum one but it had the lil cuts you can put a pencil in to scrib is bared the long way. I got me a cheap combination square at a mom and pop store down the road from my house it was 5$ but it’s been inside that store for probably 10-15 years lmao, but I wish I’d watch this first now because mines got most likely aluminum but it’s super hard and stiff rule, but that is good. What I didn’t think about was how fast it’s probably going to ware out because the other part is freakin plastic smh lol, I won’t complain tho 5$ ain’t to much and I got a really nice ruler if nothing else lol.its even got a little level built on the plastic part, maybe it’s a good one and it’s just been sitting on that back wall where there tools are and are 10 years late on a price up lol. I doubt I’m that lucky lol.

[@kevindowd7769]

Very good presentation... Thanks!

[@bobbigdaddy1]

I always thought starret tools were way over priced until I inherited some. The combination square was dead on even though it was around 40 years old.

[@roydunn4649]

Yep, as a professional welder of 28+ years, buy high quality tools every single time. Then take care of them like you were going to pass them down to your kids. The ONLY squares, protractors or centering heads I have are Starett. For calipers, only Brown and Sharp.

[@sen74diehard]

@@roydunn4649 Out of curiosity what do you think about mitutoyo tools? I have no bad experience with there measuring tools.

[@tubbz691]

@@sen74diehard in my experience Mitutoyo makes great tools. It all depends on who you talk to and what they do. If I was buying a dial caliper it would be Brown & Sharp, someone else would buy Starret or Mitutoyo. I personally like and trust Starrett layout tools and have never had any accuracy issues in 28+ years of professional welding.

[@BobBob-eh5sb]

Ok, this is 3 years old but here goes anyway. When he was talking about not being able to add material, it made me think of videos about other things when they talk about adding a little tape to something to make it bigger or whatever. My thought was to put the tape on one end or the other of the holder edge. Before someone says that the tape will wear off, I had another thought while writing this. Thin strip of metal like a feeler gauge. A feeler gauge could be used to determine how much you’d need. Then get a piece that size, glue it to the right end of the holder. Maybe go a tad bigger, then you can file it down till it’s right on and to taper the edges if needed to avoid a cut finger when using it. Just a thought.

[@ronh5422]

When I true a square I find that I am also going to be checking it multiple times. Therefore I am making multiple sets of lines. If I am using a piece of wood to mark on it soon becomes cluttered. I hate marking on a nice piece of wood so I tape a 8.5 X 11 piece of typing paper to the wood surface and proceed as you have identified so well. If I need to replace the piece of paper due to soooo many lines drawn on it I can remove it and place another piece of paper. When the rule is square I can remove the tape and paper and I still have a nice unmarked piece of wood.

[@JohnWaclawski]

Heh...all those lines had me concerned about squaring up my combination. Throwing tape down is brilliant! Thanks for the idea!

[@drewscreen]

That's a great idea. If you are taping a sheet of paper to a board, couldn't you also tape it to the top surface of your tablesaw, using the front edge as your reference?

[@ronh5422]

@@drewscreen -- YES !! Using the front edge of your table saw is excellent. Your sheet of paper taped to the top of your table saw only needs to be slightly longer than the blade of your square. Once I have adjusted the square and I am ready to test again I always mark out the previous lines drawn so I dont become confused. Good luck.

[@XxStupendousManxX]

@Inspire Woodcraft I use a speed square to guide a circular saw cut. Would a combination square work well too?

[@dejavu666wampas9]

I use my table saw top to draw pencil lines for checking square. They rub off easily, but I suppose they don’t photograph well. Works in the shop though with good lighting.

[@g.fortin3228]

You have some good insight to offer .. and it's appreciated. I'm all for quality, having something tunes, and of course saving some money when possible. Win-win.

[@williamdavis4542]

When you were checking for square, you avoided a mistake that I bet most people make. I believe most people intuitively try to draw both lines right on top of each other. What you really want is to have a tiny gap like you did. Eyeballing that gap is much more precise. Otherwise, you could have your second line off by a half line width to the right near the head and half a line width to the left at the other end. It would look like a solid line, when it fact it isn't. Having that gap also helps you avoid going the wrong way with your correction.

[@greglevandoski2983]

Jodee, how accurate was your PEC protractor head from Taytools? Mine was off 3 degrees and they told me it was not guaranteed to be accurate, just the square was. Pretty disappointing but I do love the square. Great and useful channel btw!

[@fjoy3376]

I inherited two of these from my grandfather ... the rule on both has surface rust and some pitting ... any ideas on how to restore them without ruining them?

[@neurofiber2406]

I needed this video. Thank you.

[@bentontool]

Yes... very well done.

[@stylusnc]

I'm in my garage dealing with this exact problem at the moment. Awesome!

[@michaelalbany]

I never even thought of trueing up a square. Great info! And I have the jewelers files already! Time for a macro lens to zoom in to these tools? 😉

[@johnbesharian9965]

I have an "Impossible" maxim: "It's 'impossible to have too many tools, too many spares, too much money to afford them, or too much space to store them".

[@billcoley8520]

There is a way to rue up he large squares. It involves a metal punch and a hammer. You place the punch in certain spots and hit the punch , every time you hit it ,it moves in or out.

[@jewdd1989]

Wouldn’t it be nice to buy one off the shelf that was accurate to begin with! What a novel idea. I have the same one you have and sure enough it’s not square… in fact I wondered if it was because it didn’t seem to be consistent even when checking if my cuts were square. So frustrating

[@marknadin770]

great video whats the little adjuster for at the bottom of square cheers from uk.

[@petergosney6433]

Great video. Note that all rulers will develop a hard and even hooked edge, when burnished by metal, such as a marking or cutting knife being constantly drawn along it. One way to relieve these edges, and even straighten and remove nicks, is by drawing it across (at an angle) on a fine grit wet and dry sheet of sandpaper laid on a piece of float glass on the bench. Take care not to press too hard, especially when canted on an angle. A couple of drops of water UNDER the paper will temporarily adhere it to the glass. The same technique works in straightening wood and drafting rules too, but softly, softly.

[@nelsod76]

Good info bud. Thanks.

[@Becka_Harper]

I usually use a framers square that's kept away from anything that might damage it to check for square on my combination squares.

[@21thTek]

Excelent ! 🏆🏆🏆

[@nishantgeorge]

You are awesome!! Thank you for all the fantastic information!