I'm in the market for a combination square and could use some recommendations! I'm leaning towards a 6-inch square since I'm focusing on smaller projects, but I'm also considering a 12-inch. Ideally, I want something accurate and under $25, though I'm willing to stretch my budget if needed. What do you all suggest?
3 Answers
For your budget, you can't go wrong with the Empire combo square from Home Depot. They're pretty reliable and honestly, most of these squares are quite similar until you get into the higher price ranges.
I'd recommend Empire as well! You can grab both a 6-inch and a 12-inch for around $25. They're really accurate for woodworking projects, so they should work well for what you need.
I went for the Starrett, but I've also had good experiences with iGaging tools—they're affordable and generally well-reviewed. If I had to choose one, I'd pick the 6" over the 12" because it fits most smaller tasks. I've got a 4", 6", and 12" combo, but I find myself using the 4" more often! Just keep in mind that using two squares can be helpful for locking things at different settings.
I’ve heard mixed things about iGaging; it's good to get your perspective! Always useful to know what sizes work best for different tasks.