Hey guys and gals, 

I have an old Stanley handyman combination square that I have used for at least 10 years it works fine, but I'd like to replace with new. I do not have a Starret or even an iGaging budget. Sub 20 dollars. Most of the modern stuff has zinc heads. Is there any contractor grade combination square that has a steel head in that price range?

Edited July 8, 20251 yr by Handfoolery

How long does the ruler have to be?

12-In that is a good compromise length

@steven newman

25 minutes ago, lew said:

@steven newman

He wants a new one Lew, Steven don't know nothing about the new stuff 

Currently USING a 3 month old one...

1 hour ago, Handfoolery said:

12-In that is a good compromise length

Sub 20 buck may be a hard budget to find what you want in a brand new combo square with a steel square. 

 

Here's what appears to be a decent square with cast iron head, comes with a storage case too, it's on sale, was around 55 bucks now it's 35 bucks. Plus we get to support our sponsor who helps keep the lights on around here!  

 

WoodRiver - Combination Square - 12" | Woodcraft

WWW.WOODCRAFT.COM

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Buy the WoodRiver - Combination Square - 12" for sale online from Woodcraft. Visit us to order online or find your local Woodcraft store today!

 

Just now, steven newman said:

Currently USING a 3 month old one...

well all be danged Steve, yer slippin!

@John Morris, thanks!

@steven newman, which is that?

"Hypertough"

This doesn't meet your price range, but it's a top notch square. Harry Epstein in Kansas City sells blemished PEC stuff, he as a combo for $48. I don't have that particular square, but I've got on of the 6" T squares and a few other things I use all the time....it's very well made stuff.

Just now, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

This doesn't meet your price range, but it's a top notch square. Harry Epstein in Kansas City sells blemished PEC stuff, he as a combo for $48. I don't have that particular square, but I've got on of the 6" T squares and a few other things I use all the time....it's very well made stuff.

darn! and made in the USA to boot!

11 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

This doesn't meet your price range, but it's a top notch square. Harry Epstein in Kansas City sells blemished PEC stuff, he as a combo for $48. I don't have that particular square, but I've got on of the 6" T squares and a few other things I use all the time....it's very well made stuff.

Thanks John. I remember Harry's name.

18 minutes ago, Handfoolery said:

Thanks John. I remember Harry's name.

that was Fred 

Oops. Well, thanks @Fred W. Hargis Jr!

Edited July 8, 20251 yr by Handfoolery

Since I was using it this afternoon..

Sold by Empire...both of them...

I got an Irwin one recently from HD and it seems to be very accurate

Sub $20, you may be looking at a squammer - 

 

Even made of aluminum, or heaven help us, plastic, these guys are surprisingly useful.

 

The PEC stuff is good too, my last job we had a set of theirs in the machine shop and I liked it.  If you can get a blem on the cheap, I would do that!

 

I found a Stanley at a thrift store today. Made in USA, older, but no rust or pitting, and the graduations are clear. $10. I took it home and recalibrated it.

The only problem with it is that the ends of the rule are not square, they are sort of rounded at the corners. And it has two levels but is missing one.

I will get a replacement from Amazon.

As for the rounded corners of the ends of the rule, I don't really care. I will never use that rule to measure; I have a 12" rule I use for that. Always. That's what that tool is for. All I want from the square is true square and 45 degree. This should do the job.

I have 4 or 5 Staretts 12 inch plus a 6 and a 4. Also have a small head with center finder but no blade. willing to sell the last for 30. ALso you can look at eBay as that is where most of mine came from except two from my FIL.

Edited July 10, 20251 yr by Gerald