How to Use a Speed Square | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates the amazing versatility of the humble rafter square.
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Shopping List for How to Use a Speed Square:
- PVC baluster [amzn.to/2XESZXU], used to make Speed Square holder
- 3/4-inch plywood strip [amzn.to/31lwFoJ], for reinforcing PVC baluster
- Short screws [amzn.to/2MHO7R3] and belt clip [amzn.to/31nnTGG]
Tools List for How to Use a Speed Square:
- Speed Square [amzn.to/2Wt0XCk]
- Miter saw [amzn.to/2X5PAV6], to cut PVC baluster
- Table saw [amzn.to/2F3jWxw] or router [amzn.to/2XFj1dC], for slotting PVC baluster
Steps for How to Use a Speed Square:
1. A Speed Square, also called a rafter square or layout square, has a 90-degree marking edge and a 45-degree marking edge.[BR]
2. The square can be used as a straightedge guide when crosscutting with a circular saw.[BR]
3. A pivot point allows the square to be used as a protractor for marking angled lines.[BR]
4. The square is ideally suited for laying stud locations for walls.[BR]
5. Built into the square are several scribing notches, which provide a fast, easy way to mark layout lines or cutlines onto lumber.[BR]
6. The perfect 90-degree corner of the Speed Square can be used to determine whether two boards form a precise right angle.[BR]
7. To keep the square close at hand, hang it on your tool belt with a hook or get a specially designed Speed Square pouch.[BR]
8. You can also custom-make your own Speed Square holder from a PVC baluster.[BR]
9. Cut the baluster to length on a miter saw, then cut a stopped slot along one side with a table saw or router.[BR]
10. Cut a [FRACTION 34]-inch-thick plywood strip to fit inside the PVC holder, and secure it with short screws.[BR]
11. Attach a metal belt clip to the opposite side of the holder.[BR]
12. Clip the holder onto your tool belt, then slide the Speed Square into the slot.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Use a Speed Square | Ask This Old House
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[@PaulHVAC1]

As a long time tradesman, every time I see Tom in action, you can tell he is a real pro. His technique and ease of movement is a treat to watch. He's the real deal

[@DarthRelkew]

That's super cool man! Really is.

[@webberfan1234]

Master Craftsman

[@Sturmcrow1]

He is very good, however, when using the speed square as a circular saw fence, I think it actually works far better if you put the square on the far side of the board rather than the nearer side (for up to 8" wide boards anyway).

[@matthewcollinsmc]

When I was a teenager, I worked at O'Connor Hardware in Billerica, MA. Tom Silva would come in several times a week. Everyone knew him and he was a great guy...what you see here is what you get. He's the real deal.

[@catlady8324]

Matthew Collins It’s nice to hear about a “Celebrity”, who behind the scenes, is not dirty and corrupt. I always trust blue collar folks more than business big wigs, Hollywood types or especially politicians. 🔨🧱🧰

[@coreybartkuscole444]

O’Connor’s is awesome. Going back soon.

[@swirledworld340]

​@coreybartkuscole444 is the hardware store still around??

[@matthewcollinsmc]

@@swirledworld340 Yes! It has moved locations over the years but still occupies a huge space in a strip mall in Billerica. They also converted from a True Value to an Ace store, but the overall experience and quality is the same

[@swirledworld340]

@matthewcollinsmc that's awesome... if I'm ever in the area I'll tell em Matt Collins and Tim silva recommend 🤣🤙

[@kevinl3235]

I love This Old House! My dad passed away years ago so I turn to these guys when I need help working on stuff. I appreciate this program and all that they do.

[@SrikanthPRABHA7]

❤️🙏

[@jebprendergast101]

I asked for a “speed square” in the tool section at Home Depot and they had no idea what I meant. Felt like a real pro explaining it to them.

[@mitchjohnson4714]

I spent 45 minutes in Home Depot yesterday looking at rafter squares and trying to find the speed squares. Those rather squares sure looked like speed squares, but I wanted to make sure I got a speed square. I finally gave up and just got a rafter square.

[@George-mf5hq]

There are only a few people that know anything in that store. If I need info, I just google it

[@marcuswilliams6840]

@@George-mf5hq Sad, but true.🙄

[@robkukoc3393]

Tom is the ultimate carpenter- I wish I had one tenth of his knowledge.

[@michaellim4165]

25 years ago I started watching this show. It is still on the air. Damn impressive.

[@anneoneill280]

I love this show! These guys can fix anything. Their shop is always clean and their projects come off with out a hitch. All is right in this world.

[@hudu]

Tom Silva and his homemade speed square holders. What a king.

[@bryan-leeedwards7571]

I bought a speed square not know how versatile it is. So glad I stumbled on this very informative video!

[@robertdecuir5748]

Have used a speed square for longer than I care to admit on a hobby basis and didn't know half of what was shown today. You truly can learn something new every day from This Old House.

[@TheNemosdaddy]

Honestly one of the most informative videos they've ever produced

[@AR-zm3xe]

I'm a Licensed Master Plumber, Licensed Plumbing Contractor and Licensed Builder. Tom Silva is a TRUE PRO!

[@srmonkeyflingonpoo2457]

For years i use a speed square just for the 45° angle and then wonder what was all other ingravement about . thanks for the knowledge.

[@bigorange000]

Using it as a fence for a saw is a new one for me. Thanks Tom.

[@socksincrocks4421]

Every man in America should take a master class on how to be a man - taught by Tom.

[@kenabiggs]

I did not know like 90% of that stuff on a speed square. I literally use it just for drawing a 90 degree line. Awesome

[@danielhuynh01]

The gentlemen in TOH are the best. Enjoy watching them for 30 years

[@dakotaslim]

Simple brilliance. These are among the skills that we've been shedding the last few generations.

[@boonang4097]

Tom Silva what a Gentleman. You always explains and makes things looks so easy. One can confidently take in as Gospel truths all your instructions and illustrations! Thank you

[@mikejustice1196]

I’m amazed at all the people who wear rings and long sleeves in the shop. When I was in wood shop at school you couldn’t get near any machinery much less a workbench wearing either.

[@ronwallace6273]

I've watched Tom Silva since the 80s helping Bob vila on this old house , man I wish I was a apprentice under Tom Silva he knows alot I'd love to know

[@godlyintellect6311]

"he knows a lot I'd love to know" - I like how youve put it.

[@brandonmoen6956]

I agree! It Would be a dream come true to learn and Apprentice under Tom Silva and Norm Abram

[@jascharl]

Tom Silva: not all superheroes wear capes.

[@landreewilliams]

Not all Silvaheros wear capes

[@bigdaddyjavie]

No, they wear Dog tags.

[@TheTruth-ge7fj]

@@bigdaddyjavie absurd.

[@anhhaineou.s.a425]

For many years I watched your show on PBS channel 28 , I have learned so many things and love so much and I became a handyman making living. Thank you so much.

[@TTSetters]

I have a square that's about 25 years old, I use it to level, find agles, rip 2x4's out of other wood, everything. It's got a LOT of uses.

[@TheSlipperyNoodle]

Wow ... I am a little embarrassed to admit just how much I learned from this video ... mind blown.

[@georgelunney8873]

I have been in construction about ten years and with all the big companies and small ones I have worked for through my union I think these guys are awesome.

[@dylanelliott9578]

Haven't used a speed square since construction class in highschool. Here recently I started a new job and realized I forgot how to find my angles using one. Thanks for the refresher

[@lees5097]

Tom Silva is so awesome, he slows down his carpentry explanations to experts that are listening to him.

[@m-roddr.funtimes3144]

I knew it’s handy, but the number of additional new things I just learned! Wow!

[@ja8898]

Whelp. I watched this clip a couple days ago, and immediately went out and bought a swanson speed square and some 1x1 aluminum tubing and made my own holster. It works great!

[@HomesteadViewin]

Had one in my pouch for 25years, wouldn't go to a jobsite without it!

[@Peter-976]

Of all the tips and ' how to`s" on you tube, you can always trust these guys to get right to the point and be accurate.

[@thegumpey1]

i've been in the oilfield for 4 years and never used a speed square like this.. Now i know the simple tasks i can do a LOT faster! thank's Tom

[@robertemmons2260]

I love my Swanson Speed Squares! Yes, I have a few of them, two aluminum for my construction, and two plastic for my balsa airplane projects. And I am familiar with all aspects of the speed square. Here's a tip; verify the 22.5 degree mark, then scribe a mark to make things easier when making anything that is in an octagonal shape.

[@RenKnight347]

Exactly what I use my plastic Swanson Speed Square on as well. Good to know that some of us still build'em from the ground up.

[@thurm101]

This is simple. I don’t do much wood work. But I occasionally cut a few boards for simple projects around the house. When making my cuts they would usually be off square. But now I know the basics of using a square. Got to get one now.

[@ursulaholler69]

where has this tool been all my life !

[@rxonmymind8362]

I'm a noobie to carpentry doing small stuff in the garage and I absolutely love this device.

[@RH-ms5ui]

I just got exactly same square as that and I didn't know how to use it properly until I saw this! thx!

[@andysanchez3126]

Just want you to know that I went and got me a speed square because of you Tom. I watch all of you all's videos. If it's an ask this old house I watch it, all 4 of you are awesome and I've learned a lot.

[@paultrigger3798]

Simple back to basics video with the master.

[@1959jimbob]

Thank you guys for explaining the mysterious speed/rafter square. I have about a half dozen of them lying around and haven't known how to use them until today.

[@bruinz101]

you know you mean business when you make tools just to hold your tools

[@sanctusdeuscruor6219]

Lol, indeed!

[@cultclassic999]

It's like hank hill has a small WD40 just in case his big WD40's cap gets stuck.

[@ThePowerchimp]

...with tools.

[@davesellards1505]

@@sanctusdeuscruor6219 Carpenters Pennsylvania

[@TheSokodelic]

Use a tool to make a tool for a tool!!!!

[@10toesdown.1uni]

Truly professionals in their field..

[@jonathantyree8172]

There was insane amount of knowledge in that few minutes....

[@grandwaha]

A speed square is a great responsibility use it wisely

[@MrVisde]

Just got one of these for the first time…so handy drawing straight lines for cuts! Cool to see all the different uses.

[@christopherl.potter3915]

I made one of those speed square holders out of thermoplastic beads. Molded it up in 5 minutes, doing a job with it now. Great!

[@lmac36]

Thank you (one thousand times!!) My speed square was going in slow motion I swear! 🤦‍♀️ To get the angle situation figured out in my brain was just a mess. Thank you for making that simple! 👍

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

Finally I found clear and simple instructions for all the ways my speed square can be used. Thanks guys!

[@justpull544]

Why would anyone thumb down this video...

[@r.shelton7793]

People are haters and love negativity...What's not to like. I learned in 5 minutes how to be more efficient with the square.that means faster work completion. that equates to more money!! Let the haters hate, while we intellectuals,tradesman and techies continue to elevate!

[@Nsaishie]

Jealousy

[@stanleyjones6705]

I hit the wrong button. oops

[@einsteinhealthcareapplicat1676]

Pure GOLD....didnt know my speed square could do all that

[@CuddleStories]

I never knew all these different uses for the speed square. This will come in handy!

[@avj317]

I gotta say, when I made a deck for the first time a speed square is probably my most used tool. Aside from a drill and circular saw. I love it

[@nutz4gunz457]

Tom Silva is such a boss.

[@samuelt2072]

Once again, another clear, and concise, Ask This Old House video. Tom Silva has, obviously, been around the block multiple times. The Speed Square... for most people, including numerous carpenters, a tool under utilized due to a lack of knowledge.

[@SimplyHandmade]

I have never thought of a speedsquare. Now I need one.

[@AttnDefDis_]

Tawmy! Thanks for showing me all the other things the square does. I wondered what all the other notches and stuff were for.

[@TeamProsperity]

Thanks Tommy for the know how. I got one a speed square but didn’t know all the facts. Also can use it with a plumb bob to find the pitch and level

[@ccdirecttvdllc5246]

Looks like This Old House shops at Harbor Freight. I bought my 1st 12" dual bevel miter saw. A lot of places online say to use a speed square to square up the miter saw. I bought the same speed square from Harbor Freight today that you are using in the video.

[@ryansimpson3074]

I thought it was Swanson. I think that the diamond cutout is a trademark for them

[@robinj.9329]

When I was just a "Kid", way back in the 1950's, no true Master Carpenter was ever without the "Speed Square" and the "Steel Square"! And you would be truly surprised by how much they depended on those two tools!

[@AndysDogHouse]

I saw that made your 16" mark right at 16". Then your stud would be to the side of that mark. I was taught that when marking 16" centers that you make your mark either 3/4" before or after the 16" mark, then put your X. That way when you want to hind the center of your stud after covering it up with drywall, you just measure 16" and you will be in the center of the stud.

[@chili_d]

It's going to be a sad day when Tom finally hangs up his speed square for good.

[@Phyoomz]

I'm sad already just thinking about it. :-(

[@louie99999]

He’s got an awesome accent.

[@alext9067]

I remember what must have been the first time Tommy was on This Old House. Bob Vila and Norm met him while he was installing a deck. He had the deck all framed out and not one post hole had been dug. Bob and Norm were scratching their heads and asking. Tommy said something like all the years he's been building decks he's yet to meet up with the predetermined post holes. Now that the deck was up, he KNEW where they were gonna be. Bob and Norm (in a private moment) remarked on the fact "Okay if that's what he does" (or something like that) I think Russel Morash spotted Tommy and the rest is history. (I'm kinda assuming that Russel Morash was still producing the show back then. I'm sure he was.)

[@TheMarkFerron6]

WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT??!

[@sbaumann8810]

Yes it will. Very clever guy

[@angellas.1314]

Amazing. I was about to say why don’t you just Make the holder and he did just that! Gotta love them

[@leonardtanderson7333]

Tommy is just a genius with magnificent ideas.

[@ruimanuel4292]

Plain and simple. Thanks on how to use a speed square and the tip at the end mate.

[@jaewookevin9816]

I love these two guys .

[@SrikanthPRABHA7]

Just pure gold . That is some next level of expertise 🙏❤️

[@petergozenya5562]

I love this old house..

[@18winsagin]

I bought a new pretty one today, it's pretty Blue and laser etched! But I am disappointed however because it doesn't make me any more of a carpenter than I was this morning 😟 but I have become interested lately and have a small project I'm working on now, definitely a skill that doesn't come overnight, that is a fact, it's not easy as it looks! Thanks for the lesson 👍

[@bjornjoseph]

Wow. I learned soo much. I only used it for straight lines and a guide for my saw

[@derekkoster7635]

I met tommy a few times over the years, getting a haircut in Wilmington mass , the lions den . It’s long gone now . I was waiting and sitting right next to him . I said you look familiar . Nice guy .

[@r.shelton7793]

I love the show and all the info,techniques and tools. Tom's accent is pretty cool too.

[@tycobb8621]

Yes! I’ve always wanted a square holder like his!

[@ezayhayhay2342]

I don't need a square but now i want one !

[@zeugenberg]

One day the world will ask for the best clip on the internet and I‘ll vote for this one.

[@ryansimpson3074]

Your vote has been cast and the election will be fair....

[@comogamesghtr]

Tom Silva is an artist.

[@leticiaramirez7668]

I love Tom Silva, and his show, 😘

[@abl-detodounpoco5033]

Thanks Tom Silva you are like a master to me , gracias .

[@Shawnf1977]

Best speed square video i have found!

[@phoenix_wi]

I'm a builder, been using a square as a pry bar too, many functions 👍

[@jeffnix3307]

When I first got into woodworking a speed square was my first purchase. Years later I am a horrible woodworker but at least I have a speed square. 😂

[@darkegress4392]

I was holding the lip of the speed square on the wrong side of the board! Now it will be easier to make a cut keeping the lip of the square near me.

[@HWCism]

Thanks. Always something to learn!

[@TheAnetmusik]

❤❤❤❤❤ tons of ❤❤❤❤! Excellent teaching here. Thank you!

[@sonysanghera1283]

You have so many tools I love this tool

[@jimcox7286]

Awesome speed square holder. I chiseled out a recess in the wood then added a piece of bent kydex. Now my square goes in easy and holds tight while crawling over rafters. If you don't have kydex a spring from a window screen or a piece of metal banding would probably work too.

[@coreybartkuscole444]

Great information for a journeyman (me) or a master! Thank you Tom.❤️

[@kf5541]

Toms bloody brilliant 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@baljeetsangrur]

I am computer science student and i love your videos

[@sorenmpeterson]

I’m with Tom! I use my speed square all the time, and not once for any rafters.

[@SaltySugar]

Did you know some ppl watch this just to see a N2 pencil to be used!!!??? Kidding, love the video guys!!

[@RyanPerrella]

KUDOS: This Old House Your content is to the point, practical, tells me so much in so little time and with relatively few words, great job distilling the best and covering it so efficiently and with such knowledgeable contributors, for like 40 years This Old House has been teaching with video, thank you for continuing and maintaining your own brand so well by following such great principles. Kudos.

[@larrymoore6640]

A very useful and handy tool. Thanks Tommy for the explanation.

[@DarkAngel42410]

Wow man great explaining

[@michaelloder5150]

thank god for Technology and Gurus like tom....Awsome thank you

[@youarerightboss]

Good Job, Tom.

[@N3VADAN]

You guys are amazing

[@egSmith-sp9gl]

As a fabrication welder it's my favorite tool as well !!!!

[@Dogos831]

Tom is a master for sure

[@AlexMiller6]

Tom is the GOAT