I have Ollie squares also and especially like the fact that they are welded rather than bent like the squares sold by another supplier. Because the bent ones have a radius on the inside corners they are harder to use for inside welds. Ollie iron is a one man show so sometimes you have to wait because he has to keep up with orders but it's worth the wait. He's an excellent guy and makes a quality product.
If I was in a fabrication shop it would be the Fireball every time. Fabricated steel has so many potential ways to have an error creep into them in the course of everyday use.
I have owned several different Fireball Tools squares for about 3 years. The Magic Square has proved invaluable when clamping odd angle miters on notched tubing. And Fireball vise clamps are a must have when using the squares due to the long and short arm lengths, unlike most vise grip style welding clamps where the arms are equal length. It's a game changer. They are very premium products to be used when absolute precision is needed. That said, they can be a bit fumbly until you get intimate with them and it takes a few minutes to get them all set up just right, but that time is well worth it when you need to be very square and very precise. The Ollie squares look like an awesome option for when you are just slapping something together, and I bet they could be handy for construction applications. They certainly look like they have a place in this world.
I agree with you about the cost of the Fire Ball Squares but I think and am convinced by sight and having never used them that the Fire Ball Squares are more complete - hello greetings from Italy
Where are Ollie Iron squares made? Their website is pretty poor, with practically no information. And all the stuff is sold out. I contacted them thru their form asking the same question, but i thought maybe you knew. Made in USA is very important to me.
I agree The website isn’t great but I had to contact them through the form because everything was sold out. I believe he takes orders and then fulfills them when he makes and welds large batches. I’m 100% sure they’re made in the USA but I believe it’s just one guy so lots to handle
The fireball squares are cast and milled down, making them superior in trueness, and they'll stay true as long as they are taken care of properly. Not saying the ollies are bad, but you get what you pay for in the long run
Thanks for the video Alex, it's very helpful. Just a little advice for recording video. You were so quiet I had to turn the volume up, then when you started to move the tools around the noise woke my better half up and got me in trouble :-) If I had to guess, the mic was too far away from you, and much closer to the squares. If you could get the mic closer to you, and further from the moving metal, that'd be a big help for the audience. I want to hear what you have to say, but I'm not paying THAT price for any new vids again, ok? Take care.
@@AlexMacDIY Right? Why put effort into doing something? Especially when its something so easy. Just put out a low-effort product and then be a dick to anyone who tries to help you improve. That is how you succeed.
@@mikeshardstudio product? Im not trying to sell anything buddy. The weird thing isn’t that he commented on the volume difference it’s that he “wouldn’t pay the price to see any other videos of mine”. It’s not that serious
If you're building anything worthwhile, those Ollie ones are junk. Bent/welded construction is a terrible idea. Perhaps for the weekend warrior these would be sufficient, but I would never bring those into a fab shop.
They usually run low but make a new stock fairly frequently. I say send them an email and see when they are going to have stuff back in stock. It happened to me too
I have Ollie squares also and especially like the fact that they are welded rather than bent like the squares sold by another supplier. Because the bent ones have a radius on the inside corners they are harder to use for inside welds. Ollie iron is a one man show so sometimes you have to wait because he has to keep up with orders but it's worth the wait. He's an excellent guy and makes a quality product.
If I was in a fabrication shop it would be the Fireball every time. Fabricated steel has so many potential ways to have an error creep into them in the course of everyday use.
The 3 inch Ollie squares are also great for wood working small jobs like small boxes, drawers, etc. He's a one man show and a great guy also.
Agreed
I have owned several different Fireball Tools squares for about 3 years. The Magic Square has proved invaluable when clamping odd angle miters on notched tubing. And Fireball vise clamps are a must have when using the squares due to the long and short arm lengths, unlike most vise grip style welding clamps where the arms are equal length. It's a game changer. They are very premium products to be used when absolute precision is needed. That said, they can be a bit fumbly until you get intimate with them and it takes a few minutes to get them all set up just right, but that time is well worth it when you need to be very square and very precise. The Ollie squares look like an awesome option for when you are just slapping something together, and I bet they could be handy for construction applications. They certainly look like they have a place in this world.
Very well said! Thanks so much for the comment
i bought once and cried once went with Fireball with the flats and bolts to support the steel being welded works great.
I agree with you about the cost of the Fire Ball Squares but I think and am convinced by sight and having never used them that the Fire Ball Squares are more complete - hello greetings from Italy
Very helpful. Great thoroughness! THANKS!!
I've got a couple of Ollie Iron's 6 inch versions. They are very handy.
Where are Ollie Iron squares made? Their website is pretty poor, with practically no information. And all the stuff is sold out. I contacted them thru their form asking the same question, but i thought maybe you knew. Made in USA is very important to me.
I agree The website isn’t great but I had to contact them through the form because everything was sold out. I believe he takes orders and then fulfills them when he makes and welds large batches. I’m 100% sure they’re made in the USA but I believe it’s just one guy so lots to handle
They’re made in Jamaica bro
The fireball squares are cast and milled down, making them superior in trueness, and they'll stay true as long as they are taken care of properly. Not saying the ollies are bad, but you get what you pay for in the long run
Thanks for the video Alex, it's very helpful. Just a little advice for recording video. You were so quiet I had to turn the volume up, then when you started to move the tools around the noise woke my better half up and got me in trouble :-) If I had to guess, the mic was too far away from you, and much closer to the squares. If you could get the mic closer to you, and further from the moving metal, that'd be a big help for the audience. I want to hear what you have to say, but I'm not paying THAT price for any new vids again, ok? Take care.
Thanks. I don’t mind you not watching any more of my vids. A weird thing to say
Everyone's a critic. Smh
@@mybossisdrunk nobody would advance themself if critics didn't exist
@@AlexMacDIY Right? Why put effort into doing something? Especially when its something so easy. Just put out a low-effort product and then be a dick to anyone who tries to help you improve. That is how you succeed.
@@mikeshardstudio product? Im not trying to sell anything buddy. The weird thing isn’t that he commented on the volume difference it’s that he “wouldn’t pay the price to see any other videos of mine”. It’s not that serious
You get what you pay for. Those ollie ones are not going to stay square and true not being boxed
Great vid thanks for posting it :)
Yessir! Hope it helps
Outstanding
Are the fireball’s squares screws 1/4”-20?
Will be at my shop next week (on vacation) can check then
I Can confirm they are 1/4x20
@@blake4844 thank you
If you're building anything worthwhile, those Ollie ones are junk. Bent/welded construction is a terrible idea. Perhaps for the weekend warrior these would be sufficient, but I would never bring those into a fab shop.
What would you recommend?
Fireball dude hes a real square
Nice
Ollie Iron it's Sold out!
They usually run low but make a new stock fairly frequently. I say send them an email and see when they are going to have stuff back in stock. It happened to me too
Ollie is completely out of stock, is he out of biz?
Nope. Spoke to him. He’s slammed with orders but may have more stock on the website Monday/Tuesday
@@AlexMacDIY Good to hear, thanks.