How Do I Know if A Square is Square?
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- Just because it’s called a framing square doesn’t mean it is (square, that is)! And, just because you just bought that square, doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Conversely, having a square in use for a long time doesn’t mean it it’s no longer set to 90 degrees!
In this episode, we show you a quick and easy way to see (literally!) if the square blade and tongue are indeed perpendicular (90 degrees) to each other. If it is, and the square is also flat, you’re good to go.
As you’ll see, the square I’ve had for a long time is still accurate, but the one that I just bought is not. WHAT TO DO?
EASY! With a few well-placed punch dimples, you can literally ADJUST your square so that it is PERFECT. A little bit of “tweaking” in the corner where the blade and tongue intersect will get you what you need at the outer end of each of the straight edges.
This DIY hack has been around a long time but is not widely known. Give it a try and this will be a “keeper” skill for you - and you’ll look really smart to the tradespeople around you! - Jak na to + styl
You can't check the squareness by measuring the inside of the square leg against the outside of the square leg like you did twice (on the steel square and the second check on the Milwaukee). You only did it correctly once when you initially checked the Milwaukee. You have the draw the line on the outside of the leg every time otherwise you're also taking into account the parallel error in the leg.
I just bought this same Milwaukee and it is the exact reason I'm googling how to do this. What a relief to know I'm not crazy. Thank you!
Beautiful. Simple and effective; doesn't get any better. Thanks.
It's always best to have a cup of coffee near by. Coffee makes me decide if i wanna do something, When i do it, How i'm gonna do it, And when i'm gonna do it.
As your coffee becomes cooler you attack the project. This is key for a man's workshop or man cave. A cup of coffee helps and becomes your best friend when the wife
or girlfriend is off shopping. Hope this helps.
Another awesome tip Jay!
Never thought about adjusting. Thx
I love useful, practical tips like this. Thank you. Great video!
Bryan, thanks for watching our video as well as subscribing over the last few days! We appreciate it! Best Regards, DFJ
I've noticed on a lot of framing squares if you use the inside to draw a line then if you move the square over to the outside the lines won't match or vice versa. The only reason I believe for this is that the cut on the squares are out.
Very cool - love this one! Going out to check mine right now 👍🏻👍🏻😊
Very informative, thanks for sharing
You can also check a squares squareness by using a tape measure 3-4-5 technique or multiples of it, the longer the better. Actually it'd be 9-12-15 or 12-16-20. Hook (I'd burn an inch so the 15" between would be 16") your tape measure at 9" mark on the 16" short side. Measure across to the 12" mark on the 24" long side and it should be 15" on the tape measure in between them. Using this measuring technique is also how to check if a layout-deck etc., is square without a square. Feet for larger measurements. FYI don't leave your steal square lay in the sun tuck it in the shade--throwing some at ya! ;)
When Made in the USA isn't enough, I follow DirtFarmer Jay. Thanks again
Never knew this Dimple tip and was really frustrated. i thank you from the bottom of my heart Sir!
Glad it was helpful! Best, DFJ
Great video, sir
Thank you Dirt Farmer Jay, I learned something new today! Please keep these helpful videos coming.
Once you roll the square over, you have to use the same side that you started with (inside or outside). If you switch sides, like you did once with the Milwaukee, it won't be accurate.
He used the same side both times on the Milwaukee
But he used outside first and then inside after the adjustment. That assumes the square is the same width up the length.
Awesomeness, thanks for sharing !
very helpful, thank you.
Similar to checking a level for plumb. Love it, great tip! Will do this morning before i build some stairs .
Matt, indeed. That's a great tip as well. I think I'll film that procedure and give you credit onscreen for the tip. Is using your screen name of Matt Mag suitable, or would you like something else? Thanks for watching - and writing! Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay absolutely thats great, cant wait to see the next one! Love the vids keep em comin!
Where do I hit the level to bring it into plumb?
How can u self adjust a level that is out of plumb?
@@24revealer Ooops, didnt see your comment b4 I commented lol
I would have Expected more from Milwaukee, thank you so much for the tip.
I'm thinking he offset it for the show.
Ward, not this time around. I was actually going to use the new red square because it showed up so well in the video. I fully expected it to be square, as I've had good results with the brand. I was really surprised to find that it was not square. The other "legacy" square was square after about 3 decades of service. I'd like to think that the less than perfect tool was a vast exception and that almost all the time, you're going to get a good product from Milwaukee. Ward, thanks for watching and for taking time to write. Best, DFJ
Great tip thank you. Would this work for a steel square?
Great tip... thx for sharing.
Mark, you're welcome. Also, we see you've been a part of the DFJ family about 4 months. Thanks for being a part of the adventure! Best Regards, DFJ
your first line on your old steel square was the inside of the long edge, second after flipping was the outside edge - they are not always same (in my cheap framing square) so best make sure youre comparing same edge when flipping. First test on the milwaukee square was both outside edge then 2nd test after punch you were comparing inside edge. If the squares are not cut accurately you can get the inside edges being true but the outside ones acute or obtuse. Need to keep consistency if you want true accuracy.
Good insight, Al. Thanks for watching and then taking time to share your insights. Best Regards, DFJ
For starters, you used the interior of the old square then the outside of the old square. Then you used the outside of the Milwaukee square on both tracings. Use the same side for both tracings next time on both squares.
Not many sites have the luxury of a workbench to roll it on.
Just use 3,4,5 rule and measure it.
Good thing the new square is aluminum. I think it would take a few more divots if it was made of steel. Sad that Milwaukee is not up to par. You can bet a lot other manufacturers get it wrong as well. Great tip. Thank you. BTW, I prefer an old steel square because the markings are carved into the steel and cannot wear off. I have a couple from my dad that I want to restore and highlight the markings in a contrasting color.
Paul, great to hear from you. I like that you have an affection for old tools and have a desire to give them another life. Indeed, etched tools take a coat of thinned oil based bright white, orange or yellow enamel well. Let sit for a few minutes and carefully wipe off, leaving the etching filled with the high contrast paint. It really makes all the tables and measure marks pop out. Let me know how it turns out! Best Regards, DFJ
You keep doing this you will need to make a DVD of the "best of!"
JP Cradic - aw garsh. Best Regards, DFJ
Who buys DVDs anymore?
WOW!! THAT WAS GREAT. I HAVE TWO SQUARE I WAS GOING TO THROW, BUT NOT NNW. :)
Man was gonna buy one
Wow! I never knew this! Any way to adjust a speed square? Thanks!
Glad to share something new. Speed squares are a bit trickier. The same method will accomplish very little changes due to the fact you are working with a triangle. Bigger changes would have to be done by altering the flanges that run across the bottom edge of the square. That likely would be done with a large flat file or a stationery belt sander. Best, DFJ
I’ll be doggone!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱 thanks
So, does this tapping& spreading the metal also make the outside of the tool square too?
Yes, indeed. Thanks for watching and writing!
I'd be a bit more careful by avoiding that paper to partially roll over the edge you're aligning to. It's not much, but perhaps another .004" or so if it's only partially in contact with the square.
Good insight, JJJ.
Could you do the 3 4 5 rule? In other words take a rule put it on 3. Take the other end to the 4 on the blade. If if measures 5 you're golden
Curly, indeed. I'd actually multiply it out and use something bigger, such as 12", 16" and 25". Any error would show up more readily, easier to see. I like using the flip along a straight edge approach, simply because any error, no matter how minor, is doubled and easy to spot and adjust. But, short answer, yes your approach is sound. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay I liked your video and learned a new trick. Keep these videos coming. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I always suspect the square being square. I bought several squares. They all give me different degree of square.
Sounds like we are coming from the same conclusion. Always better to check. Best to you, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay I used your method. I found from three square tools one is perfectly square. One is not quite square but may be acceptable. The third one is really off. Thanks for sharing this video. Hope you can continue to make more videos on other things.
I’m shocked they don’t check and either reject or recalibrate *before* letting the square out of the factory. Excellent tip.
I would expect better quality from Milwaukee.
I'm thinking he offset it for the show guys
Clare, (and Ellis and Ward!), thanks for watching and writing. I normally have very good results with Milwaukee and this was probably a glitch. I showed the square as it was, it actually was not square off the shelf. This is highly unusual, but no faking on our end. I really like the square, along with it's high visibility and general overall quality of etching and coloration. In fact, I plan to customize it and put wood cheeks on the tongue and create a mega-square for carcass layouts for cabinets and larger furniture/project parts. Best Regards, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay Dude you don’t have to explain to much about not being squared because the same thing happens to me with the Milwaukee squares including the small speed square
They were off from the factory like you showed up at the video
With the speed square is nothing I can do to fixed it so is a waste right now
So from now on I will check before I buy
I’ll get a pencil and take the square to a perfect edge at the box store make the mark an ser wich one is square
Go figure
Assumes your table edge is straight and level. Kind of a chicken and egg situation.
What’s that song playing in the background.
Road Block, I'll see what I can find out and get back to you! Best, DFJ
Road Block, Rob, our producer partner, was able to locate the song. It's an indie tune called “Banjo Stomp” by Andy Slatter. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ
Don't use something that leaves a 1/8" line ...... I use fine point pens and pencils..... more accurate
Peter, well said. Thanks for weighing in. Best, DFJ
Because they will always have a pocket protector.
just kidding. amazing video!!
tracy thompson - love the sense of humor - but don't quit your day job - unless of course, you are a professional comedian! Best Regards, DFJ
Make sure your table edge is flat as well.
Indeed, bets are off if not. That table edge is factory ply, and I've double checked it as well. Point well taken. Thanks for watching and taking time to write. Best Regards, DFJ
You didn’t measure the same side of the square
Now, that's a very nice trick..Oh, one thing , this add that came on before you did , Ole Bernie, are you voting for this guy ..I get it ?
D Grass - Thanks for the insight on what ads are playing. We don't get to choose without specifically going through a process and asking specific kinds or products or entities to not display. Also, where you are makes a difference. A viewer in, let say, North Carolina, will get a different ad than a person in Nevada. I'm glad you found the technique with the square to be helpful! Best Regards, DFJ
интересно )
I would personally send the Milwaukee straight back. You shouldn't have to go rectifying a brand new square, unless of course you purchased a cheap Chinese brand for 5 bucks.
John, thanks for your comment. No it was the real thing, and it served the purpose well of showing how to rectify a square that has become out of square through use. Best Regards, DFJ
@@DirtFarmerJay All the same it was a great video on showing people such as myself (Pilot) who are not really into the finer details on quality but want to. Great Video !
C’mon mane. Use a sharp pencil or at least a pen. A fat sharpie?
Andre, I hear you. Pencil or pen is hard to see on-screen, so I went with a bolder line, even though it wouldn't be the most accurate. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ