Angle Finders

About Angle Finders

Angle finders are precision measuring instruments used by tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts to accurately determine angles for cutting, installation, and fabrication work. The range at MyToolShed.co.uk includes digital angle measurers with LCD displays and advanced features, traditional mechanical angle metres with dual-scale readouts, laser line inclinometers for remote measurement, and specialised mitre guides for saw setup. Leading brands such as Bosch Professional, Festool, Stabila, and Trend offer models ranging from compact pocket levels to sophisticated digital tools with accuracy to 0.1 degrees, suitable for both professional tradespeople working to tight tolerances and home improvers tackling weekend projects.

Digital angle finders have become essential on building sites, offering features like hold functions to lock measurements in awkward positions, zeroing capabilities for relative angle readings, and backlit displays for visibility in poorly lit spaces. Mechanical bevel gauges and angle metres remain popular for workshop use, requiring no batteries and withstanding dusty or damp conditions. Whether you need a basic tool for setting mitre saw angles or a professional-grade digital inclinometer for compliance documentation, MyToolShed.co.uk stocks angle finders to match every trade requirement and budget.

Applications

• Carpenters and Joiners: Setting mitre saw angles for skirting boards, architrave, and crown moulding; checking staircase pitches and door frame alignment
• Roofers: Measuring roof pitches accurately for material calculations and ensuring drainage compliance with UK building regulations
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Verifying correct fall on waste pipes and checking boiler flue angles meet installation standards
• Metalworkers and Fabricators: Setting up machinery angles and verifying weld angles on structural steelwork
• Tilers: Checking substrate levels and setting bevelled edges on feature walls and splashbacks
• Window and Door Fitters: Assessing reveals and verifying frame square during installation
• Kitchen Installers: Measuring awkward walls for precise cabinet scribing and worktop mitres
• Site Engineers: Verifying ground levels, ramp gradients, and accessibility compliance on construction projects

Choosing The Right Angle Finders

Accuracy Requirements: Professional digital models from Bosch, Stabila, and Festool offer 0.1° accuracy for fine joinery and engineering work. General carpentry and DIY applications work well with mechanical angle finders or basic digital models offering 0.2-0.5° accuracy at better value.

Digital versus Mechanical: Digital angle measurers provide instant readings with features like memory storage and data hold functions, ideal for fast-paced site work. Mechanical angle metres contain no electronics to fail in dusty or wet conditions and require no batteries, making them dependable workshop tools.

Display and Features: Look for backlit LCD screens for working in loft spaces or basement conversions. Laser line inclinometers project visible reference lines for large-scale layout work. Magnetic bases attach securely to saw tables and metalwork during measurement. Consider hold functions for capturing readings in awkward positions.

Size and Portability: Compact pocket levels fit in tool belts for quick checks, whilst longer measurement arms (200mm+) provide stability and improved accuracy on larger workpieces. Match the size to your typical applications.

Build Quality: Professional tools with IP protection ratings withstand demanding site conditions. Daily professional use justifies investment in Bosch Professional or Festool models, whilst occasional DIY work suits budget-friendly options from brands like Draper or Sealey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accuracy do I need for carpentry mitres?

For skirting boards and architrave, 0.2-0.5° accuracy suffices for clean joints. Fine furniture making benefits from 0.1° accuracy. Consider that errors compound over multiple cuts, so tighter accuracy reduces material waste on long runs.

Can I use digital angle finders outdoors in UK weather?

Most digital models function in temperatures from -10°C to +50°C, covering UK conditions. However, they're not typically waterproof unless specified with IP ratings. Rain can damage electronics, so mechanical angle metres are more weather-resistant for external work.

Do angle finders need calibration?

Quality digital models from Bosch and Stabila maintain accuracy for years under normal use. If dropped or subjected to impact, verify against a known reference angle. Some tradespeople check calibration annually for quality-critical work, using the self-test functions many models include.