Most people don't know this, how to use a speed square, the ultimate guide.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- In this video, you'll get an understanding of everything a speed square is capable of and be able to do more with your tools.
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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.
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. :)
You are making him proud. I know it. He sees you.
😭 that's heart breaking. "we just didn't get that time". :(
Praying for you, lady! Keep it up
Your papa looking down so proud of you 🫶🏼
Thank you! Finally someone who knows the advantages of TH-cam 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!
Somebody's gotta 'crush'
This isn't woodworking, but you could use the same principles.
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.
Good stuff and no annoying music, well done.
Excellent content ❤
the music is always THE WORST part of these videos
generic old man yelling at cloud comment
This is the real use of TH-cam!
If it’s not this or low budget cinematic masterpieces I don’t want it.
@@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!!!!!!”
@@mdhaynie this is painfully accurate… 😢
L1@@mdhaynie
@@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!"
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.
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.
I'm with you on this
Same here brother
Using this to help make reliefs and angles in making a utility trailer.
😅 I Like you're honest the brother
Thanks for sharing the many details of a Speed Square. I’ve saved your video because of the many details you have posted. All of uses of the speed square is a lot to learn.
I’ve used a speed square for years, but you have increased my knowledge of the many different ways to use my speed square.
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.
James, never stop teaching... you're very good at it! Years of building experience in 10 minutes... I'm floored.
But he didn't cover flooring...bahaha...sorry couldn't resist. I agree with you.
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.
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.
Too bad they don't integrate this into the school geometry and trigonometry courses
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!
Indeed, that was amazing!
Sometimes that small distance equates to a huge difference when building certain things.
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".
My square has a bit cut out at the pivot point, I wandered what it was for but I imagine if using the plumb line the measurement would be central to the string
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
His info is GOLDEN. Clear, concise, detailed without all the extra blah blah blah. Excellent content.
I always wondered what all the numbers were for. Thanks for the info. I have a whole new appreciation for professionals who know how to use these tools properly and to their full extent.
This is the most comprehensive/detailed video I’ve seen on speed squares. Very well done!
I agree completely !
Thanks!
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!
"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."
@@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
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.
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.
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.
100% right!
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.
WOW! Using an Speed Square for long time and can still learn new things about it. THX for sharing 👍
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.
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
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.
Hey, good info! Thank you!
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
I learned a little bit about this in the Navy of all places. We used a full-size square 12ths scale to make K frames for shoring hatches and doors against flooding. And used wedges to make us the carpenters we ain't.
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.
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.
Been a contractor for many years, excellent video! A little detailed for an expert, but perfect for anyone, even a beginner!
Good job ❤
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
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 TH-camr, keep up the good work!
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!
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!
Especially all of the other uses. It can also be used as a back scratcher… 🤭
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.
Good stuff. Thank you so much. I love all the positive comments and hope it encourages you to keep at it. God bless you
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
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. 😃👍 ❤
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
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!
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
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
😂
Or hammer something. #everythingisahammer
😂😂😂
Bro didn't even use it as a nail set. Like, what?
Hahahahahaha
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
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!
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!!
That was excellent. I appreciate the brevity and how much you packed into 9 1/2 minutes. Thank you!
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. 🤣😂
I'm a foreman on a construction crew and I still watch these videos because sometimes I forget
lol! Good one :D
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge , I didn't know at all my square is so useful in many ways beside perpendicular cut.
I am compelled to gave you 5 stars for the tutoring. Your information is will taught and informative. Thanks and God Bless.
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!
Honestly you might consider "A how to make a you tube instructional video!" this is the best have seen out of hundreds!
Thanks dude. Been using a speed square for years and never considered the plumb bob trick. Keep the tips comin!
James Gatlin that was excellent, by far the best speed square function explanation I have seen. Actually learned something new about its function. Nice
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.
Great explanation. Thank you. 9 years workong for my local town and this definitely will make my job easier in the future.
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!
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.
Very detailed, but not complicated. Great vid.
Wow the quality of editing resulted in my fastest subscribe yet.
Such a well presented, to the point, video. No stupid music or superfluous performance. New subscriber!
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 : ]
Finally!! An informative straight to the point video. Thanks!!
Great lesson thank you !
Maaaan such a great video. You did an excellent job! Very informative. Thank you!
I learned something new today, thanks. Been using those things for decades and never even knew half of their features!
Thank you. Very clear video. I plan to do woodwork this year, big help.
Outstanding video, with 100% good information, worthy of really learning. I'm actually a bit stunned having just watched the video.
I’ve used this great tool for floor panels and got the job done.
Many ways to use this and it’s great
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!
The absolute go to video for speed square. Thank you sir
Awesome video! I'm going to watch the others as well. Thanks for helping us all with this great content.
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 🇦🇺
You forgot to thank Albert J. Swanson, the inventor in the speed square, which are still in production today. It can also be used as a guide when cutting 2x4's with a circular saw.
Not everybody can explain like that! Excellent work!
Thanks for the detailed introduction, this video is a great explanation for the square tool, and direct to the point
What a great video!! Thank you for educating me!!! I can't wait to put into practice what you have taught!!!
Been using this tool for years and FINALLY lesrned how to use it properly. Thanks. 😁
Simple, effective, and very knowledgeful, thank you.
Swanson speed squares are the gold standard of squares. Heavy, stamped, marks that won't scratch off like the painted ones in the video. They also come with the Blue Book that has comprehensive explanations of how to use a speed square.
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 !
I am a tradesman and I didn’t know half of these. Really great video thank you.
I appreciate your time! Thank you for sharing!
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
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. 😊
James, I absolutely LOVE your delivery and editing on this video. So jealous! I really think you landed on something here. I told my buddy, Kevin Kolbe, this was like Casey Neistat video on the speed square.
Glad you enjoyed it! means a lot, I have considering offering consulting, I like what you do.
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 !
Best speed square video I've ever watched.
Good work! Love the video and the details.
Very useful video! I'm using a Swanson SpSq for a 5 years and like that kind of triangles.
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.
great video. image quality looks awesome and the info is straight to the point without a bunch of fluff. 👌🏻
Great video! Your rafter mock-ups are next level!
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
Really great information and explanations!!! Thanks for sharing.
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.
I am amazed at the number of "pros" who use "level" and "plumb" synonymously!
Video itself is perfect! Esp. good visual hints what is what - rare thing in learning materials.
Thanks for your gentle explanations. Good to know!
Thanks a lot friend. It´s a little hard to me to understand somethings because I´m from Brazil and the meatric measure here is different, but I payed attention and I guess I´ve learned well... I´ll try... Thank you.
This was a very well made video. Thank you for taking the time to create it.
Damn!!! Thanks for sharing. This was very informative in short form.
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.