Most people don't know this, how to use a speed square, the ultimate guide.

[@bellab2125]

Thank you so much for this and all of your videos. My dad died last year. He was a construction worker and I have all of his tools. I got into woodworking a few years before he died and wanted to learn everything from him but he got sick and we just didn’t get that time. I am his daughter and I think I would make him proud. Thank you for helping me.

[@robertkiefer2030]

Sorry to hear about your loss, I know you'll make him proud. For learning woodworking, may I suggest looking into a local (or the nearest) maker space? They have folks who are willing to help teach and work on projects with folks. :)

[@Baneslayer]

You are making him proud. I know it. He sees you.

[@NightWear21]

😭 that's heart breaking. "we just didn't get that time". :(

[@dariodesansebastian]

Praying for you, lady! Keep it up

[@Esiddik]

Your papa looking down so proud of you 🫶🏼

[@lotharbeck71]

I learned a lot of this in a woodworking class 20 years ago, but “use it, or lose it” definitely applies. I appreciate videos that are this straightforward.

[@Devil-Made]

Thank you! Finally someone who knows the advantages of KZbin makes woodworking-specific knowledge videos. I see so many videos from woodworkers who treat their video like a PBS special. They’ll introduce themselves, talk about what they’re GOING to talk about, talk about themselves and why they’re qualified to talk about what they’re about to talk about, cut to a cute little animation and a jingle, then repeat what they are GOING to talk about. It gets exhausting. Don’t me started on repetition. They cover the same info over and over and over. But you! Oh, you. You actually understand that there’s a ten second back- and forward button, or maybe you just don’t care if we get it on the first go round. Doesn’t matter. The point is you aren’t treating this like a television show on public television. You play to the strengths of your medium. You present the information in an organized and thoughtful way, without the ego. I hope all your videos are like this because I’m a convert. There’s so much about woodworking or construction that I learned by doing simply because I don’t have time to watch a 30-minute video by someone trying to recreate This Old House - just to realize they didn’t cover the information I actually needed. This was a fantastic video and I learned more from you in ten minutes than I have from hours of random other videos. So, thank you. Good stuff!

[@257796]

Somebody's gotta 'crush'

[@oo0Spyder0oo]

Good stuff and no annoying music, well done.

[@gergemall]

Excellent content ❤

[@SuperSuperdude88]

the music is always THE WORST part of these videos

[@theglowcloud2215]

generic old man yelling at cloud comment

[@soulbot119]

@@theglowcloud2215 [generic meme-tard comment meant to insult someone for being older than you]

[@shyskeleton1665]

All jokes aside as I have read the comments. I'd like to say thank you for doing a video on this tool. There are hundreds of videos out there I have seen just a few. But I am not an experienced wood worker but I do know how to make lots of things using all different types of materials. Wood is my favorite out of all. I love the smell of all types of wood. I have 2 sizes of speed squares. A 12" and the one you had in the video. I also know how to use it but not 100% until now. Every time I say to myself I need to research on how to use 1 better I forget by the time I'm done with a project. But this video was recommended to me and allowed me to remember I needed to watch this and thought you explained everything perfectly. I apologize for having no clue about your channel but now I do and I will definitely sub and like. Thank you again I'll be watching more of your vids.

[@altercaze]

I don’t know why I’m watching. My life has nothing to do with building stuff. But I can tell the professionalism behind this video.

[@james_gatlin]

Not to worry, some day you will encounter a speed square and you’ll be able to say, i know how to use one of them.

[@Offroader451-rm5jz]

I'm with you on this

[@MrHandsomeferny]

Same here brother

[@willhutton1516]

Using this to help make reliefs and angles in making a utility trailer.

[@robertreynoso5121]

😅 I Like you're honest the brother

[@cafecybernz]

Best instructional video on how to use a speed square! Congratulations on the editing, clear audio, use of classical paintings, no annoying music or long digression on "our week sponsor". Keep up the good work.

[@CaptainAhab-im3kd]

Too bad they don't integrate this into the school geometry and trigonometry courses

[@davidpandone4944]

James, never stop teaching... you're very good at it! Years of building experience in 10 minutes... I'm floored.

[@fdort3971]

But he didn't cover flooring...bahaha...sorry couldn't resist. I agree with you.

[@gregdavis19]

A lot of information in this video that it should be watched over and over again for beginners. Way to go, I’m impressed! Thank you.

[@maxxford23]

You didn't use it to clear off the work space or use it to pry anything im not sure you know how to use it

[@james_gatlin]

😂

[@SovietRobot69]

Or hammer something. #everythingisahammer

[@Esiddik]

😂😂😂

[@michael_mcgowan]

Bro didn't even use it as a nail set. Like, what?

[@craigcummings1758]

Hahahahahaha

[@kinghammer9165]

Please please continue to do more of these. "Use like a pro" I stumbled on to this one, and am now watching all of them. great information delivered in an easy to process format gets me every time

[@ericschultz3056]

His info is GOLDEN. Clear, concise, detailed without all the extra blah blah blah. Excellent content.

[@MountainEagle77]

This is the most comprehensive/detailed video I’ve seen on speed squares. Very well done!

[@carolinewilliams5197]

I agree completely !

[@12thDecember]

I'm a DIY'er who only recently started using a speed square. I've bookmarked this video, because it's so comprehensive that some of it just went right over my head. The plumb bob technique will definitely come in handy, I've been doing it wrong. Thank you for a _great_ tutorial.

[@psidvicious]

Good video on one of the most useful tools to come around in the last ~50 years or so. Most carpenters/woodworkers understand the relationship of the numbers in a pitch cut like 6:12, 8:12 etc. 12 is the constant and always means 12 inches in the horizontal. The other number is the vertical which determines the steepness of the pitch. The speed square has done the math for you already and has a separate scale for the hip/valley angles. Not everyone is aware that in a hip/valley cut the “12” number changes from 12 to 17 inches. In other words the 17 now becomes the constant horizontal dimension and the vertical will still vary. This is the number you would use on a full size framing square, where the angle has not already been calculated for you.

[@thedahlins]

Hey, good info! Thank you!

[@Sjwolosz321]

Ha ! .. It's actually 16.97 not 17 if anyone want to get testicle .Lol . That little difference can bite you in the butt on intense roof frames . . But this vid is obviously not for that. It's generic and introductory . When you buy a Swanson . Most include what I call " The Book of The Brain Dead " A particular pitch add this much to the rafter for the run . Then the inches . Presto . The answer . So flawed and on low pitches can create substantial errors of drop . The numbers are rounded off . At least on a real framing square there are listed decimals for common pitches . Much better yet . But when you step into bastards . Many rely on a Construction Blaster Calculators and have no idea why it derived that length . I impress on all my fledglings . Learn The Math . See it operate , watch it move .Speed Triangles are for laying out plates , scraping drywall and scraping ice off your windshield . I have a class coming up on taking calculating Common Length Difference on hip jacks with HPCL " Heel Plumb Cut Line " to an accuracy.that NASA,would approve. Just playing around . I am a master carpenter with 43 years of inexperience . This vid was good enough for Learners . Had a few errors but nothing egregious . All my students . I emphasize .. Math !! . Let the Math do the work

[@grimxgrimm]

had to pause at 3:26. The tip for measuring plumb line on the inside line due to pivot point adding thickness blew my mind. Tiny tricks like this increase the quality in carpentry. Thank you!

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Indeed, that was amazing!

[@randall8385]

Sometimes that small distance equates to a huge difference when building certain things.

[@andyprairiedog]

Very true. That small variance of a string's width within a 7 inch distance can only multiply several to dozens of feet down the line. Also, his tip in reading from the lip side...I got that wrong reading a time or two reading from the "45-degree side".

[@おいmizuno]

This is the real use of KZbin!

[@hashimhalstead]

If it’s not this or low budget cinematic masterpieces I don’t want it.

[@mdhaynie]

@@hashimhalsteadit won’t be long until someone makes a reaction video to this. They’ll add a frame below and you can watch them nod to everything he says. Probable title- “You’ll never guess what this guy did with these life-saving tips!!!!!!”

[@hashimhalstead]

@@mdhaynie this is painfully accurate… 😢

[@sebastianklug2696]

L1​@@mdhaynie

[@jaredhammonds8255]

​@@mdhaynieand don't forget the dialog. "Woah what's he gonna do with that? No way bro he just measured an angle! Bro what is he even doing next bro? Bro! Yo bro!"

[@tieguy]

This is one of the best edited videos I've seen for a topic like this. You pack a ton of useful information into 10 minutes. I will be more effective with a speed square, and the video was a joy to watch.

[@DiabloOutdoors]

100% right!

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

I was most impressed that he took a few seconds to show people how to square you decks up on their saws. That is some information that everyone can use.

[@Parabellum-X]

This is the best video on the Internet about using a speed square, and all of the ways that it can be used. Hands down. Thank you so much.

[@ryanfoster8769]

This was exceptionally done, with your video angles, on screen annotations, highlighting etc. Kudos! And thanks, I learned a lot and bookmarked it for future struggles lol

[@mikegage4933]

Excellent teaching video. Have used a speed square for many years and it's always good to be reminded of the various parts and functions. Thank you.

[@BigDogHDSPB]

I’ve used this great tool for floor panels and got the job done. Many ways to use this and it’s great

[@4g4m3n0n]

Just subscribed after watching this video. Well explained, to the point and without fillers or obtrusive advertisement. Thank you and, in the words of another great KZbinr, keep up the good work!

[@swcheshier61]

Good stuff. Thank you so much. I love all the positive comments and hope it encourages you to keep at it. God bless you

[@bradley1995]

Thank you so much for this. Simple and easy to understand. Great video editing to show angles etc. This video is a must watch for anyone just getting into woodworking. Thanks brother!

[@wesbaumguardner8829]

Level is perfectly perpendicular to earth's gravity. Plum is perfectly parallel with earth's gravity. You had it backwards. Very informative video so far! Thanks for making it!

[@rusty-y5q-c3j]

I have been in industry for a long time but grew up without a lot of this kind of knowledge...THANK YOU ! KEEP IT UP! MORE MORE MORE!

[@Kraviken]

Thanks! Been curious of that thing for ages. I am a retired Norwegian carpenter. And I never seen one used, only seen them in shops online. Nice to finally know what all those markings are for. 😃👍 ❤

[@davidruiz5383]

I am compelled to gave you 5 stars for the tutoring. Your information is will taught and informative. Thanks and God Bless.

[@jenniepost7837]

Oh my gosh, this is so helpful. Learned some of this in a woodworking class but you added so much more in a no nonsense way. Will save video for future reference. Thank you!

[@randall8385]

Especially all of the other uses. It can also be used as a back scratcher… 🤭

[@busterwest1644]

I have one and use it for 90 degeree cuts, Not a roofer but now I can see how I can apply the speedsquare to so many different applications Thank you. Saved to my playlist as I will need to watch a few times and refer back when required. Excellent video.

[@barkermjb]

Wow. I’m new to the speed square. You just taught me everything I wanted to know, and everything I didn’t know that I needed to know. Thanks a million!

[@jcenergy2493]

Been a contractor for many years, excellent video! A little detailed for an expert, but perfect for anyone, even a beginner! Good job ❤

[@The_Pariah]

I don't even do that much construction around my house and still feel I need one of these in my toolbox. What a wonderfully versatile tool.

[@trishfitzpatrick2066]

I am a klutz. I know very little about using tools but I've always wanted to master the basics. I very much appreciate a video that tells me what I need to know without some chirpy chick primping for the camera. Thanks a million times, the speed square was one of those mysteries I wanted to master!

[@callummalseed7908]

Uve just gotten my qualification as a carpenters, and i cocered rafter length calculations. But id love a refresher on how its done. Becouse you explaine everything in such an easy to understand way. Thank you

[@GenXMafia]

I’ve been wanting to learn how to properly use these things for a very long time. A little too fast for me but very informative. Angle cutting has always been my kryptonite when it comes to woodworking. I will be saving this video and going over it multiple times before my next project!

[@mathamour]

"You might find yourself becoming entirely dependent on it and feel frustrated when you can't use SPEED SQUARE. If you revisit the geometric and physical principles of triangles, you'll be able to solve problems with just a few button presses on a scientific calculator, no matter how challenging the conditions. Even when you only know the lengths of three irregularly shaped sides, you can determine all three angles at once using mathematical formulas. This is also possible with right triangles when you know only two side lengths. By mastering these fundamental concepts, you'll have a more versatile and robust problem-solving toolkit that doesn't rely on specific tools like the Speed Square."

[@nicklespliffobright5679]

​​@@mathamour this is beautifully put. Yet . The speed square is a woodworkers calculator as a tool , as well as a time traveling device. You can imagine the relief of wondering about something and finally discovering after years of not asking. ...unless , you've known it all the whole time. Which I suspect is your case Mr.Pythagoras

[@buzzbair2]

Thanks!

[@charlesstratford1612]

James Gatlin that was excellent, by far the best speed square function explanation I have seen. Actually learned something new about its function. Nice

[@omarhernandez-kz6tv]

I watched this with the intention to learn some new stuff about the square but turns out I knew everything you mentioned but I was so impressed with the quality and detail you put in this video I’m gonna definitely be buying one of those shirts. Keep up the good work

[@boyhelmetgaming2380]

If you're ever in the Philippines, and if I could afford you, I would like your insight on a project. I can tell your smart and experienced. I understood a bit already after just one watch. I'll come back to this video if I need clarification. Thanks

[@michaelsherron5750]

Been using this tool for years and FINALLY lesrned how to use it properly. Thanks. 😁

[@masonmansitomargiela1399]

Sheeesh I been looking for a channel like this for the longest. You packed a whole bunch of info in a relatively short video. Thanks bro. Great editing btw

[@robertjames-life4768]

Such a well presented, to the point, video. No stupid music or superfluous performance. New subscriber!

[@Theupstateidiots]

Great explanation. Thank you. 9 years workong for my local town and this definitely will make my job easier in the future.

[@garyhoward2490]

The speed square is a genius tool, once you know how to use it. The inventor was an actual genious, to put sooo many uses into a seemingly simple tool. Bravo!! Antique ingenuity at its finest!!

[@David7pm]

Awesome job! Loved the education and the clear easy to understand and it flowed quickly. This is a perfect 10. This is the true benefit of KZbin. Thank you

[@sharonheald7864]

Thank you!! Ive always wondered how to make the most of my speed square. I learnt heaps from your video and have saved it for later.

[@kenshutes6032]

Finally!! An informative straight to the point video. Thanks!!

[@peterthill]

WOW! Using an Speed Square for long time and can still learn new things about it. THX for sharing 👍

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

Outside of the basics of this tool this video wasn't really relevant to me however there is no harm learning about stuff which one may not ever implement. I still feel the tips you have shown here are MONUMENTALLY helpful and although I got lost in a few points I feel I got the overall way this works. Thank you VERY much for giving such great condensed and concise instructions on how to properly use such a tool. GREAT Video and you got a new sub! All the best from the UK : ]

[@chrishallett4532]

That was excellent. I appreciate the brevity and how much you packed into 9 1/2 minutes. Thank you!

[@AngriestEwok]

I learned something new today, thanks. Been using those things for decades and never even knew half of their features!

[@vincent7520]

Great. Perfect explanation. Clear demonstrations. No elevator music, heavy metal or even Mozart. Which is good because ze came for you, not for them. All in all perfect video… The sad thing is the one I bought is the good old USofA cannot be used fully because they're not in metric.£ Ok guys, go metrics ! Billions of job opportunities for American carpenters in Good Old Europe. Thanks all the same. Subscribing to you channel right away.

[@MrManAmong]

Thanks dude. Been using a speed square for years and never considered the plumb bob trick. Keep the tips comin!

[@davidharnett5640]

Great stuff - now if only I can remember what you said when I’m next on the job. Wish I’d had one sixty years ago. Thanks again, Dave 🇦🇺

[@fdny2305]

Hi James, I’m a beginner and enjoyed the Square video very much. I went to your store looking for the T-shirt and don’t see it. Could you direct me to it? Thanks very much and continued success.

[@Ferndalien]

The delivery is clear, but it's fast. But fast doesn't matter, people can pause the video to think, rerun any part to see it again and be clear, etc. This was well done.

[@MarcusRoss-hs6pn]

Honestly you might consider "A how to make a you tube instructional video!" this is the best have seen out of hundreds!

[@mikedurkee7296]

Because this was such an insanely good tutorial on a speed square that I've had for (longer than I would like to admit)... I subscribed, hoping that the rest of your content is in the same universe as this will be a bonus!

[@markpukey8]

Great video. Great choice of things to overlay on the video too. Makes is all really clear. I'm still going to have re-watch a few times, out in the garage, while I butcher a few 2x4's until it sinks in though.

[@MAKAWELI187]

Thx just ordered 1, and perfect timing with this informative video of how to use the tool. Good stuff, something they should have learned us in schools, something useful u know. 😊

[@matthew1192]

The absolute go to video for speed square. Thank you sir

[@stuffsethmakes]

great video. image quality looks awesome and the info is straight to the point without a bunch of fluff. 👌🏻

[@cubersniper]

Very useful video! I'm using a Swanson SpSq for a 5 years and like that kind of triangles.

[@MB-nn3jw]

Well, damn! I bought one of the devices perhaps 12 months ago. I now sit here with my eyes wide open in amazement over how many functions it has. Haha

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Awesome video! I'm going to watch the others as well. Thanks for helping us all with this great content.

[@chippi09]

After watching this video, I went ahead and order a better newer one SpeedSquare for mine is pretty beat up. I have learned more 'bout this tool after this video. Thanks for sharing !

[@markdavich5829]

It's videos like this that make my friends/family think I'm smart when I build something because more often then not, I have almost no idea what I'm doing. 🤣😂

[@austinwinget1232]

I'm a foreman on a construction crew and I still watch these videos because sometimes I forget

[@DiabloOutdoors]

lol! Good one :D

[@dis52]

Very detailed, but not complicated. Great vid.

[@MrSilver708]

I love educational videos like this! Thanks so much....I always wondered what all those things were on my speed square. 😁

[@LoveInYourMouth]

Very quick and information dense. Thank you for leaving out the fluff

[@mizraincaire9922]

Not everybody can explain like that! Excellent work!

[@Jaber8968]

Thanks for the detailed introduction, this video is a great explanation for the square tool, and direct to the point

[@billking698]

JAMES !... I GUESS IT IS TIME FOR ME TO BUY A NEW SPEED SQUARE !...MY OLD 1970'S SPEED SQUARE AINT AS SLICK AS THESE NEW ONES...NEEDLESS TO SAY, ...I BUILT 100's OF HOUSES AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER PROJECTS WITH MINE...... THE SPEED SQUARE IS KING !...THX FOR THIS VIDEO...I REALLY ENJOYED IT !

[@pfister1583]

The mood, setting, tone, and rhythm of this video just reminded me of the curiosity and courage of the human spirit. We also learned how to make a birdsmouth. Nicely done.

[@ErossaanBooming]

Amazing video! Just bought one 2 days ago without knowing why. Just felt it might make my diy projects easier.... Happy i came across this video

[@RyanLaquer]

Mate, greet video thanks so much. It zipped through but never left me behind 😊😊

[@kingmiller1982]

Well explain James. Video deserves another 3 million views

[@Davespow]

I know that voice…. I’ve listened to so many hours I’d recognise it in my sleep Keep doing what your doing, this and (especially) your other channel are fantastic, and from a humble fan, thank you 🙏🏻 👍🏻x

[@james_gatlin]

🧐 i don’t think i am who you think, do you mind sharing who i sound like?

[@Davespow]

@@james_gatlin if it’s not you, it’s your voice double, different mic settings maybe, but the channel is called Alien Theory, it’s a fantastic narration channel if you’re into the lore, and I think you/both of you are doing a brilliant job, well done 👍🏻 👍🏻

[@james_gatlin]

Awesome, its true we sound very similar, thanks for the comment.

[@richardoder3459]

Great job! The only thing that I saw that you missed is the run cut which is used for building the bird boxes at intersection of the gable cornice and the front wall cornice.

[@bobbates7343]

Very good video . I did work in a truss factory . We used those stupid aluminum plates that are just hammered on to join the boards. It took me less then one day to figure out that those aluminum plates are crap. I was sent outside to get some boards for the next lot of work we were doing. Right then I saw trusses sitting outside and the aluminum plates had bent up and away from the boards they were supposed to be holding together very well. I asked a guy how long those trusses had been outside and he told me he had put them there only a few days before because they were wrong in that the roof was different then whatever those trusses were made for . Anyway after only one rain day and a couple of days of sitting the wood had changed and so those stupid plates did not hold well at all. I asked him if the same thing would happen in an attic if the roof leaked or it was humid in the attic . He told me yes and he knew full well those plates which are almost a given now in construction are going to bend away from the boards and in time perhaps fifty years which is not long for a house the roof is not fixed would fall in . So when I had my house built I had it done using the same system you used plus I had iron plates and nuts and bolts to hold them on worked into the plans my planer drew up. I feel sure my roof will last a long time . Also I had it made with boards much bigger then the 2x4 boards .

[@PapaGleb]

Super video and information. I use the speed square often and always wondered how to use the other markings for framing. Looking forward to those other videos you mentioned.

[@IllInformedHuman]

Thanks James! The common line makes sense now! And it is good to know what that hip mark means, though I doubt I will be adding any hips or valleys to my outbuildings ;)

[@jergobrigi]

Amazing information. I did not know all the uses of these squares so thank you a lot. Also great video that there was no bad background music (even better no music at all) in video. A delight to watch. (Just a tiny correction. Plumb lines are parallel to gravity, horizontal is perpendicular)

[@jamesbond20]

i noticed that too. I looked for a comment like yours before restating the above.

[@OneOfEightBillion]

I'll admit I barely used any of these functions and have been using a digital tool for verifying angles. I'm happy I finally watched this and will be using my speed square more often. Edit: I should have mentioned that I primarily use metric not the far inferior imperial measurement system 😂 It's tough though since all the materials I start with after in imperial, but generally it's not a huge problem.

[@daitedve1984]

Video itself is perfect! Esp. good visual hints what is what - rare thing in learning materials.

[@limeallens6160]

I like to use a klein digital angle gauge to find angles it give an immediate reading and is extremely accurate.

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

Great lesson thank you !

[@andersgrassman6583]

Outstanding video, with 100% good information, worthy of really learning. I'm actually a bit stunned having just watched the video.

[@celinechan9642]

Thanks it was very helpful. Could you do a video on the val hip rafter and how you did it ?

[@jessehaag6448]

If you ever need to do a quick level cut for lay-on rafters. Set the square against the board, make a small mark at the pitch and pivot to that mark. Do it again using the line as the new reference for the ever helpful double level cut.

[@craigbuckley4832]

Brilliant video, very informative and clear. I've learned alot from this video. Many thanks 👍💯

[@franklinkelly9722]

I agree, the speed square is a useful tool and I use it myself alot, on the job. But when it comes to laying out rafters and stair stringers and braces; I prefer the Framing Square. Because, it's very design is for roof framing. And stair building. Gives you the plumb cut and level cut as well as the length of material; all at the same time. 👍

[@vikinginthejungle]

This is such an incredibly well explained video. Thanks for making this!

[@kevinmoncada5120]

If any of you guys are wondering about the diamond or why its marked 5 1/2 or 7 1/2 on larger squares its because those numbers are the width of common top plates. (His square doesnt have that feature but i know milwaukee and swanson and maybe other brands do) 2x4 is 3 1/2 2x6 is 5 1/2 2x8 is 7 1/4 but 1/4 inch is barely anything so it don’t matter. These numbers help make sure you get full bearing of your seat cut on your wall. It can get more complicated than that but for diy its just what you need.

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

Thanks. Very concise, direct, and has nice animation to clear up specific points

[@aaronmutch1883]

Things your dad never taught you that you need to know. Thanks for the education my brother! I am gonna re watch this video a couple times to make sure I don’t forget. And save it on my playlist for when I do forget

[@gregorycatullo3511]

love the tips! even explanation of hip-vally mesurments and some important details. nice work. will reference and take notes to memorize so i dont need to pull out the measuring tape so often if not needed. Cheers on a quality made video!

[@DavidDavyDavidson]

This was a very well made video. Thank you for taking the time to create it.