|
One arm is referred to as the tongue and is 1.5
inches in width and 14-18 inches in length. The second arm is referred to as the
blade and is two inches in width and 24 inches in length. The corner of the
framing square is referred to as the heel.
|
Each side of the framing square
has graduated scales on it. They are in 1 inch increments as well as 1/8th,
1/10th, 1/16th, and 1/12th inch increments. On
the face of the square (usually determined by the manufacturer’s label) the
graduated scale is broken down to 1/8th and 1/16th intervals. On the back of the
square the graduated scale is broken down into 1/10th and 1/12th
inch intervals.
For most homeowners a framing square is useful for
simply making right angle cuts or as a straight edge tool. |
|
|
|
To make a right angle cut using the framing square,
the blade of the framing square is placed up against the edge of the stick of
lumber, such as a 2”x4”. The tongue lies perpendicularly across the top of the
lumber. With a marker, a line is then made along the edge of the tongue. With a
perfectly perpendicular line, relative to the length of the 2x4, a straight
perpendicular cut can be made. The
Empire Level 1240 Fat Boy Heavy Duty Aluminum Framing Square, 16-Inch by 24-Inch is an excellent framing square for any
framing application.
For framing stair stringers, common roof rafters or
hip roofs, a more extensive understanding of how to use the framing square is
necessary. A book on framing, such as the
House Framing: Plan, Design, Build (Ultimate Guide) , can provide the detailed
instructions for utilizing a framing squire for these types of applications. |
Besides the framing square there are several other
types of squares used by home building contractors and homeowners alike.
Drywall Square
The
drywall square, such as the
Johnson Level & Tool RTS241 RockRipper 24-Inch Drywall Scoring Square , has a blade that is 4 feet in length to work
with large sheets of drywall.
Try Square
The Try
Square is frequently used in cabinet making, as it is smaller and can be used
for checking edges and corners.
|
Find a Qualified Home Building Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement
and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Home Building Contractors! |
Sliding T-Bevel Square
This
square is quite versatile. It has a moveable blade that is useful in copying and
transferring angles. This is extremely useful when installing baseboard trim, or
molding.
Speed Square
The speed
square is useful for making square cut lines and for acting as a fence when
making crosscuts. It also has graduated markings along its diagonal edge for aid
in laying out stair treads, common roof rafters and angled trim.
If you are
a homeowner and have aspirations of performing any type of small home repair or
home remodeling project a square is a useful tool to have. At a minimum I would
highly recommend owning a framing square, a sliding T-Bevel square, and a Speed
square. All are relatively inexpensive and have many uses.
How to Finance your Home Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Framing and Carpentry Resources
Squares from Amazon.com
|
