I’m kinda weird with my tools. I only buy Swanson speed squares because they invented the tool almost 100 years ago. I still use a mag77 because it’s based on the original skill saw. I use Stanley tapes because their company lineage leads to Hiram A. Farrand, the inventor of the steel coil tape measure. I realize that the ownership of these companies has completely changed. I just appreciate the history of these tools and what they have accomplished.
Well, the mag77 is still the best imo. I've got the corded and cordless. I've got a festool too, but I use the others way more. Wormdrive ftw. Did you know one of the founders of Skilsaw was Robert Bosch?
I still use a handsaw and hand drive all my nails since that’s the original way. Seriously though if it works for you great but personally I think there’s like a million speed squares on the market better than the original swanson and no way in hell am I using a corded skillsaw in 2024. Even my miter saw is battery
the thing that sold me on trying the stilletto out is something you didnt mention...We double trimmer all exterior openings...the bomber design has a cutout for 1 1/2, 3, and a notch for 4 1/2...in one placement of the square i can mark the entire pack. gonna be a massive time saver. and the fact that there is a 5 1/2 notch as well will be awesome, as I use 2x6 flat for all wall ties. im so excited for it to come im watching videos about it hahaha
The one I have is the best one because I have it and it's paid for. Any other ones out there may have more features I'll never use, but until the one I currently have is either lost or destroyed it is the best one to me. I have no idea what brand it even is, just that I bought it at Ace hardware years ago.
The best square hands down is the Swanson and not because any of the reasons you gave but simply because of the book that you get with it. Read it!!! Makes tasks no longer intimidating, work out hip blocking for trusses, (32 5/8 long to short of a 6÷12). Applying the information you can lay out rafters, x12 for commons and x17 get hips/valleys, (framing Sq) before you stand a wall. Only in this book. Overall an excellent presentation thanks fella
The Swanson pro is my go to. Im surprised you didn't mention the diamond feature for birds mouth and scribing. The only square with this feature. Great video.
I bought a wood handle stilleto framing hammer. And less than a week a noticeable amount of waffle is smooth. I'm not doing anything near production work
I am not a fan of mine either… thinking of going big on a Martinez. Very disappointed with my stiletto, have had it since release and it is faded and feels too big in my Occidental’s
The real superbowl right here 👍Martinez is where it's at for me, can even use it as a hammer in a pinch. Thinking about trying out one of those Smart Squares though.
Great video. I'm just a handyman that lost his mind as I couldn't find my Swanson today. My phone must have been listening to me and sent me your way...
One thing I’m super curious about is how well these squares feel in the hand, and also what the different weights of each one is. I’m using a stiletto with a bubble vial and this thing is heavy!
I have a tricky question that maybe you'll have time to answer. I'm currently in the trades learning carpentry and falling in love with it, however my job has me doing just about everything not just solely carpentry. I have a desire to do what y'all do and frame big homes, especially roof framing which is my favorite. My question for you is, have you ever questioned entering a trade and becoming a master at that one thing? Have you enjoyed framing or wanted to pursue something else? Im just curious what you think when it comes to narrowing your focus to one trade and becoming good at it. Thanks!
I’ve always believed that being skilled in multiple things is super valuable! We do framing mostly, but I do demo, I’ve done drywall, some HVAC, some electrical, some concrete, I’m a certified welder too, all that to say, i think while sometimes it may require patience to do more than one kind of thing, it helps keep busy when the one thing isn’t in as high of demand
i dont need a fancy square just give me a swanson that lasts forever had mine for over 10 years still can see all the measurements on it and it performs
I'm usually the saw man so I very much prefer one that's a 12 inch. it also allows you to use it as a fence and make a perfect straight 90° cut very quickly easily constantly. the only thing I'm undecided about is metal or plastic, plastic won't bend as easily if dropped just don't get it hot and melt it, but if dropped to far it will break. but if it's a high enough drop to break the plastic the metal one would definitely bend. but the plastic will be more likely to wear away and then it measurement marks will be hard to read or useless. so?
can you show more details on that enclosed job trailer with the quick access hatch on the exterior to connect air hoses. I think I saw it on your IG story
Thank You for this. This was the exact video I was looking for. Kind of random but I was curious what double knee work pants you're wearing ? I'm small in the waste area and have a hard time finding pants that aren't huge on me.
Hey thanks for the video. I tried the stilletto one with the level and the level was not accurate. So I took it back and tried 5 more in their stock and they were all the same problem. I found them too big and bulky and no etched or engraved markings. I love the Johnny and Swany . I have bought the extendable ones( folding) but they are no good for accuracy and durability. Martinez is out of my range. I have not tried Trig or Smart square. But the smart square seems a bit stupid, at least to me anyway.
Hey man! I talked with the people at stiletto, they suggested something interesting to me, try washing it with soap, they said the texture of the square can build up grime, but can be cleaned
UK resident…I purchased a DeWalt 7” speed square…from if I recall, Screwfix in Andover. It was bent… still in the shop, they exchanged it for another..also bent…and another also bent. I chose the best of the three and got most of the curve out by literally standing on it. Was that bad storage at Screwfix, maybe under a heavy item? Or was it bent straight out of DeWalt (or China more like)? I don’t know, but pretty poor either way…and how did Screwfix not notice (or care probably)? SMH…
Is the stiletto noticeably heavier? Was thinking about upgrading from my Swanson and the stiletto is quite a bit cheaper than squijig. I like having light things in my bags tho.
I have both Swanson 6" and johnny square 12" I prefer Johnny, fast reading and saw guide. I've seen woodpecker, the price is steep. I believe if a square is square is all you need. I use them to calibrate my saws. Framing square, like the Milwaukee over the blue empire and silver Johnson, that is not square. I set my miter saw occasionally for true cuts being finish carpenter would get upset at gaps. Bought empire blue and Milwaukee red the Johnson is not true.
They say it is cast aluminum right on their website. You can also just tell by the feel. It's less dense than anything steel would be, carbon or stainless.
Yes 1985, our compressor broke...it took longer for sure never forget nailing down the roof sheeting that was a lot of 2 inch nails, oh and we still had a skill saw.
The aluminum johnny is still one of the best squares for its durability and price point. One of my least favourite squares on the market is the red Milwaukee. Wasn’t very accurate and feels like you’re carrying a brick lol. Also pricy
I recently bought and Rok brand 1" I believe utility knife for 6 or 7 dollar Canadian and I love it. It has got graduating teeth or locking mechanism for bringing the blade in and out and locking in position. Before that I ised1" Olfa with same thumb push action which I still use. Olfa is more expensive. But I recommend Rok or Olfa . I hate the twist knob action ones. Push thumb with locking mechanism is way to go. One hand operation. I have had my olfa for a long time. I was looking and have not been able to find 1" Olfa any where.
@@Coffmanconstruction Hey mate, sorry if my comment was taken in the wrong manner. I think your video is great and has led me to wasting lots of time doing research into other squares (even though I have a perfectly suitable aluminium square that is terrific), so that's a compliment to your content. What I was saying was that the camera work, not the quality of the footage, was not very good. The footage was nice and clear and HD for most of the video... except in some areas. Perhaps if when you offer an item for a close up, hold it steady for a few more seconds so the cameraman can get a good focus on it and maybe zoom in. You can always get rid of the excess footage in post-production. But when, for example, you were holding a square for a close up, it was moving and the camera was trying to lock on focus and the image ended up blurry. It really detracted from the message. So in a nutshell, keep doing what you're doing, it's great... but take things a bit slower to help with the camera work, and edit out the unnecessary stuff later. You're doing a great job! I look forward to your next video. Cheers from Australia.
Im a 69 year old franer wirh 68 years of experience, owned a couple of billion dollar company's and hired millions of illegal immigrants and i can confidently say that you dint even need a bloody square. Just eyeball it everytime and soon your eyes will adjust. Years of experience
I’m kinda weird with my tools. I only buy Swanson speed squares because they invented the tool almost 100 years ago. I still use a mag77 because it’s based on the original skill saw. I use Stanley tapes because their company lineage leads to Hiram A. Farrand, the inventor of the steel coil tape measure. I realize that the ownership of these companies has completely changed. I just appreciate the history of these tools and what they have accomplished.
Well, the mag77 is still the best imo. I've got the corded and cordless. I've got a festool too, but I use the others way more. Wormdrive ftw. Did you know one of the founders of Skilsaw was Robert Bosch?
That’s cool
I still use a handsaw and hand drive all my nails since that’s the original way. Seriously though if it works for you great but personally I think there’s like a million speed squares on the market better than the original swanson and no way in hell am I using a corded skillsaw in 2024. Even my miter saw is battery
I use a rock for a hammer .
@@gavindaly5731 😂 bro for real
Love the stiletto I don’t know about the other ones but I love that it’s 7 1/2 for 2x8 not that it really matters but it soothes the brain
66 years old retired carpenter. First last and always. SWANSON
the thing that sold me on trying the stilletto out is something you didnt mention...We double trimmer all exterior openings...the bomber design has a cutout for 1 1/2, 3, and a notch for 4 1/2...in one placement of the square i can mark the entire pack. gonna be a massive time saver. and the fact that there is a 5 1/2 notch as well will be awesome, as I use 2x6 flat for all wall ties. im so excited for it to come im watching videos about it hahaha
Yes!! Totally right. I’ve been loving that while using it. Stiletto is currently my go to
The one I have is the best one because I have it and it's paid for. Any other ones out there may have more features I'll never use, but until the one I currently have is either lost or destroyed it is the best one to me. I have no idea what brand it even is, just that I bought it at Ace hardware years ago.
Thanks, great comparison. The price range is amazing ...
Johnson Johnny square - $10
Martinez Titanium square - $150
It’s more expensive than that I think 😂
@@Coffmanconstruction yeah by a fair bit haha
Im pretty sure themartinez aluminum is $150. The titanium is over $300
@@brennonmorning9682 Yah, could be. I was looking at the "micro" square. The real size one would be ... more, so much more.
The best square hands down is the Swanson and not because any of the reasons you gave but simply because of the book that you get with it. Read it!!! Makes tasks no longer intimidating, work out hip blocking for trusses, (32 5/8 long to short of a 6÷12). Applying the information you can lay out rafters, x12 for commons and x17 get hips/valleys, (framing Sq) before you stand a wall. Only in this book.
Overall an excellent presentation thanks fella
The Swanson pro is my go to. Im surprised you didn't mention the diamond feature for birds mouth and scribing. The only square with this feature. Great video.
finally bro uploaded been waiting forever bro u keep me going framing dawg
Appreciate it! I know I’ve been slacking 😂
Good to see you again.....
IMO I think the Lufkin extendible square is the best. It extending an extra 150mm alone just makes it so much useful.
Great video. I was in the market for my first square so this was awesome.
Glad it was helpful!
SWANSON'S SPEEDLITE LEVEL SQUARE
ORANGE. Go light weight where you can, it's tough plastic with a vial in it too
I’m finding that my Stiletto square is fading from pulling it out of my bags and the marks are getting hard to read
I’ve got the same issue with mine.
I bought a wood handle stilleto framing hammer. And less than a week a noticeable amount of waffle is smooth. I'm not doing anything near production work
I am not a fan of mine either… thinking of going big on a Martinez. Very disappointed with my stiletto, have had it since release and it is faded and feels too big in my Occidental’s
The markings are not engraved? I never buy any type of square if the markings are not engraved and can scratch completely off.
Great video. Would love to start seeing more tool reviews like this.
Count me in! Any other suggestions?
Cats Paw, Tape measures, chalk lines. We want to see it all! Keep it up!!
Would like to see a circular saw review. And and air nailer review. No one ever does air nailer reviews.
The real superbowl right here 👍Martinez is where it's at for me, can even use it as a hammer in a pinch. Thinking about trying out one of those Smart Squares though.
Once you’ve gotten a Martinez, all the other squares are surprisingly cheap 😂
I skip Super Bowl to watch this video 👌🏻awesome video as always 👌🏻
Thanks David! See you at the trade shows 🫡
Great video. I'm just a handyman that lost his mind as I couldn't find my Swanson today. My phone must have been listening to me and sent me your way...
I hope I didn’t cost you too much money 😅
Martinez, stilleto,squar jig, - all way too expensive. Swanson is the go to. But if you like the expensive ones go for it.
One thing I’m super curious about is how well these squares feel in the hand, and also what the different weights of each one is. I’m using a stiletto with a bubble vial and this thing is heavy!
It is heavy! But it actually might be my new favorite out of all of these
I have a tricky question that maybe you'll have time to answer. I'm currently in the trades learning carpentry and falling in love with it, however my job has me doing just about everything not just solely carpentry. I have a desire to do what y'all do and frame big homes, especially roof framing which is my favorite. My question for you is, have you ever questioned entering a trade and becoming a master at that one thing? Have you enjoyed framing or wanted to pursue something else? Im just curious what you think when it comes to narrowing your focus to one trade and becoming good at it. Thanks!
I’ve always believed that being skilled in multiple things is super valuable! We do framing mostly, but I do demo, I’ve done drywall, some HVAC, some electrical, some concrete, I’m a certified welder too, all that to say, i think while sometimes it may require patience to do more than one kind of thing, it helps keep busy when the one thing isn’t in as high of demand
One note. Swanson also makes a large model for cutting stair treads or other larger items.
i dont need a fancy square just give me a swanson that lasts forever had mine for over 10 years still can see all the measurements on it and it performs
Love my Squi jig!!
I'm usually the saw man so I very much prefer one that's a 12 inch. it also allows you to use it as a fence and make a perfect straight 90° cut very quickly easily constantly. the only thing I'm undecided about is metal or plastic, plastic won't bend as easily if dropped just don't get it hot and melt it, but if dropped to far it will break. but if it's a high enough drop to break the plastic the metal one would definitely bend. but the plastic will be more likely to wear away and then it measurement marks will be hard to read or useless. so?
Just bought the stiletto square, I like it, but I'm not sure I $99 like it!
the squares are cool but where did you get those pants?
can you show more details on that enclosed job trailer with the quick access hatch on the exterior to connect air hoses. I think I saw it on your IG story
Yea! Working on a video for it! Just need to finish the project first 😂
Thank You for this. This was the exact video I was looking for. Kind of random but I was curious what double knee work pants you're wearing ? I'm small in the waste area and have a hard time finding pants that aren't huge on me.
These are the EDO pants by Truewerk!
Hey thanks for the video. I tried the stilletto one with the level and the level was not accurate. So I took it back and tried 5 more in their stock and they were all the same problem. I found them too big and bulky and no etched or engraved markings. I love the Johnny and Swany . I have bought the extendable ones( folding) but they are no good for accuracy and durability. Martinez is out of my range. I have not tried Trig or Smart square. But the smart square seems a bit stupid, at least to me anyway.
Hey man! I talked with the people at stiletto, they suggested something interesting to me, try washing it with soap, they said the texture of the square can build up grime, but can be cleaned
UK resident…I purchased a DeWalt 7” speed square…from if I recall, Screwfix in Andover. It was bent… still in the shop, they exchanged it for another..also bent…and another also bent. I chose the best of the three and got most of the curve out by literally standing on it. Was that bad storage at Screwfix, maybe under a heavy item? Or was it bent straight out of DeWalt (or China more like)? I don’t know, but pretty poor either way…and how did Screwfix not notice (or care probably)? SMH…
Yes that’s horrible, certainly wouldn’t happen with any of these brands
Great content we need more im always looking to see if you uploaded
Appreciate it! I’ll be working on it!
Is the stiletto noticeably heavier? Was thinking about upgrading from my Swanson and the stiletto is quite a bit cheaper than squijig. I like having light things in my bags tho.
Definitely, I don’t notice it in my bags but I notice it in my hand
The best speed square is the one in your bags you use it everyday
I'm a tool snob. Except for this instance. I like the plastic ones better
weirdest take ive ever encountered
Great video, wondering what are the pants that you’re wearing?
I have both Swanson 6" and johnny square 12"
I prefer Johnny, fast reading and saw guide.
I've seen woodpecker, the price is steep. I believe if a square is square is all you need.
I use them to calibrate my saws.
Framing square, like the Milwaukee over the blue empire and silver Johnson, that is not square.
I set my miter saw occasionally for true cuts being finish carpenter would get upset at gaps.
Bought empire blue and Milwaukee red the Johnson is not true.
I see the Swanson misidentified as steel all the time. Get a magnet and test it. It's cast aluminum. The others are extruded / machined aluminum.
No way really ??!
It could also be stainless steel too though. That’s non magnetic
Maybe I’ll spark test one today to find out 😂 orange sparks and it’s steel, no sparks and it’s aluminum
They say it is cast aluminum right on their website. You can also just tell by the feel. It's less dense than anything steel would be, carbon or stainless.
Swanson is all you need, quit paying for high priced junk
Great content!!
Thanks for watching!
Love how you use your pencil and keel what do you use to hold them together
Sprinkler pipe!
Remember when you could build a house with a hammer...a hand saw and a Framing Square?
Yes 1985, our compressor broke...it took longer for sure never forget nailing down the roof sheeting that was a lot of 2 inch nails, oh and we still had a skill saw.
No red or blue speed squares.... outside most people's budget range (definitely for me)
The smart square is a pretty good price, at least compared to others
What does a sheet rock taper use for his resume when applying for a job? He uses his rap sheet.
Have any of you guys tried the ROOFUS square?
Not first hand! I should though. Was great for anything other than rafters/angles?
Are you guys going to be at jlc live in march?
See you there??
@@Coffmanconstruction I'll be there 🤙
Sounds good! Let’s grab lunch or something
Great video!!!
Let's go big J! 👏👏👏👏👏
The aluminum johnny is still one of the best squares for its durability and price point.
One of my least favourite squares on the market is the red Milwaukee. Wasn’t very accurate and feels like you’re carrying a brick lol. Also pricy
Squijig fusion pro is out now 💪🏼 hit them up and see if you can check it out if you haven’t 👊🏼
Yea Sven is awesome! I have him some design tips that he’s going to implement on the next batch and then I’ll get one 😍
Just bought one the Fusion 7.5! I don’t like the big heel and the open notches for scribing on the pros, otherwise they look awesome
Great video!
just wondering if you could do one on utility knifes I am having trouble finding a good one thanks
I recently bought and Rok brand 1" I believe utility knife for 6 or 7 dollar Canadian and I love it. It has got graduating teeth or locking mechanism for bringing the blade in and out and locking in position. Before that I ised1" Olfa with same thumb push action which I still use. Olfa is more expensive. But I recommend Rok or Olfa . I hate the twist knob action ones. Push thumb with locking mechanism is way to go. One hand operation. I have had my olfa for a long time. I was looking and have not been able to find 1" Olfa any where.
Great content, but lousy camera work. I got sick watching it... but the information was terrific!
Me who invested 1000s of personal dollars into my cameras 😢
@@Coffmanconstruction Hey mate, sorry if my comment was taken in the wrong manner. I think your video is great and has led me to wasting lots of time doing research into other squares (even though I have a perfectly suitable aluminium square that is terrific), so that's a compliment to your content. What I was saying was that the camera work, not the quality of the footage, was not very good. The footage was nice and clear and HD for most of the video... except in some areas. Perhaps if when you offer an item for a close up, hold it steady for a few more seconds so the cameraman can get a good focus on it and maybe zoom in. You can always get rid of the excess footage in post-production. But when, for example, you were holding a square for a close up, it was moving and the camera was trying to lock on focus and the image ended up blurry. It really detracted from the message. So in a nutshell, keep doing what you're doing, it's great... but take things a bit slower to help with the camera work, and edit out the unnecessary stuff later. You're doing a great job! I look forward to your next video. Cheers from Australia.
No worries! I appreciate all feedback!
I didn't know Swanson upgraded. I've been using the Johnson version for the extra notches. I'll look for the new Swanson. Thank you
You don’t like the Milwaukee square ?
It’s alright! Not as durable as the Johnson or Swanson though
What about the new crescent
Swanson, any square of course can be used but all the old boys use Swanson.
Which catspaw has a skilsaw wrench??
Dead on tools exhumer!
@@Coffmanconstruction. And a bottle opener!
Trig Jig. Go UK. 🎉
7:19 - "Tuba.." dude's turning into Gen Z's Larry Haun
The best compliment ever 🥲
Sorry James Chesterman invented the tape measure 🇬🇧
Nice
Great video… 😅
👍👍
Its called a speed square cause they're fast
Im a 69 year old franer wirh 68 years of experience, owned a couple of billion dollar company's and hired millions of illegal immigrants and i can confidently say that you dint even need a bloody square. Just eyeball it everytime and soon your eyes will adjust. Years of experience
Legend in your own mind. What's your name, DR Horton ? Lol
Spend less on squares and more on food.
To me spending more than $20 or $30 on a speed square is absurd..
I though martinaz and stilleto were the same company
Mark martinez designed the original stilleto hammer but doesn't work with them anymore.
any speed square with painted aluminum is not work buying
It’s not a square it’s a triangle. WTF
カメラアングルもっとアップで手元を映せなかったのか それだけが残念です カメラマン近づいて😂
Any square with painted aluminum are trash