Quick Squares

About Quick Squares

Quick squares, also known as speed squares or rafter squares, are essential layout tools used for marking, measuring, and guiding cuts at precise angles. These triangular measuring tools combine the functions of a try square, miter square, protractor, and saw guide in one compact package. Typically manufactured from durable aluminium or high-impact composite materials, quick squares feature graduated markings along their edges and commonly include angle guides, rafter tables, and conversion charts stamped directly onto the body.

The defining characteristic of a quick square is its right-angled triangular shape with a lipped edge that hooks securely onto board edges, allowing for one-handed operation whilst marking or guiding circular saws. Professional-grade models often include metric and imperial measurements, specialised roofing calculations for common and hip rafter layouts, and high-visibility markings that remain legible in various lighting conditions. Whether you're marking repetitive cuts on site or calculating complex roof pitches, these versatile tools deliver speed and accuracy that traditional squares simply cannot match.

Our range includes trusted brands such as DeWalt, Stanley, Faithfull, Swanson, Milwaukee, Draper, and Sealey, offering options from basic speed squares for general construction work through to advanced adjustable roofing squares with multiple angle settings. Available in both metric and imperial configurations, these tools cater to every measuring preference and application, from first-fix carpentry to precision roofing work.

Jargon Buster

• Speed Square: The original triangular layout tool design, featuring a right angle and graduated measurements along the hypotenuse, primarily used for quick 90° and 45° marking.
• Rafter Square: A specialised quick square with additional markings and tables for calculating common, hip, and valley rafter angles, essential for roof construction and staircase layout work.
• Lipped Edge: The flanged or fenced edge that hooks over the material being marked, providing a secure reference point and allowing the tool to be used one-handed whilst maintaining square alignment.
• Common Angles: Pre-marked angle settings typically found on quick squares, including 90°, 45°, 30°, and various roof pitches, enabling rapid repetitive marking without additional measurement.
• Hip-Val Scale: Specialised markings used to determine the angles required for hip and valley rafters in roof construction, showing the relationship between roof pitch and cutting angles.
• Stair Gauge: Adjustable attachments or built-in features that clamp onto the square at specific measurements, allowing consistent repetitive marking for stair stringers and other stepped layouts.

Who Uses Quick Squares?

Quick squares are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Carpenters and Joiners: For marking timber cuts, checking square assemblies, and laying out framing members during first and second-fix work
• Roofers: Essential for calculating and marking rafter cuts, determining roof pitches, and establishing hip and valley angles
• Shopfitters and Bench Joiners: Precise marking and angle verification during cabinet construction and installation work
• Builders and General Construction Workers: Quick reference tool for checking right angles and marking repetitive cuts on site
• Decking Specialists: Marking consistent angles on balustrade posts, handrails, and joist layouts
• Staircase Fitters: Calculating and marking stringer cuts with precision using stair gauge functions
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects requiring accurate square marking, from shed construction to garden furniture building
• Timber Frame Constructors: Layout work for complex joinery and structural timber assemblies

How to Choose the Right Quick Squares

Selecting the appropriate quick square depends on several key factors:

Size and Scale: Quick squares typically range from 150mm to 300mm along the main edge. Smaller 150-180mm models suit tight spaces and general marking tasks, whilst 250-300mm versions provide extended reach for wider boards and improved accuracy over longer measurements. Consider the typical material widths you work with when selecting size.

Material Construction: Aluminium models offer the best balance of durability, weight, and cost for professional use. High-impact composite squares provide excellent value for occasional users but may not withstand constant site abuse. Premium anodised or powder-coated aluminium resists corrosion and maintains legibility longer in harsh conditions.

Measurement System: Available in metric-only, imperial-only, or dual-marked versions. UK tradespeople typically prefer metric markings, though roofing specialists often require imperial measurements for traditional pitch calculations. Dual-marked squares offer maximum versatility but can appear cluttered.

Adjustability: Fixed-angle squares provide speed and simplicity for repetitive tasks, whilst adjustable models like the Stanley Adjustable Quick Square or Faithfull Prestige Adjustable Quick Roofing Square allow custom angle settings beyond standard presets, ideal for varied work or unusual roof pitches.

Specialised Features: Roofing squares include comprehensive rafter tables and hip-val scales essential for roof work. Standard speed squares suit general carpentry better. Consider whether you need scribing notches, degree scales, or diamond cuts marked on the tool face.

Brand Quality: Professional brands like Swanson (the original speed square manufacturer), DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Faithfull Prestige range offer superior accuracy, durability, and legibility. Budget options from Draper and Sealey provide good value for lighter-duty applications.

Popular Accessories

• Carpenter's Pencils: Flat pencils designed to resist rolling and fit easily behind the ear, ideal for marking through the square's guide edges
• Marking Knives: Provide finer, more permanent lines than pencils for precision joinery work requiring exact saw placement
• Stair Gauges: Small adjustable clamps that attach to the square's edges, maintaining consistent measurements for repetitive stair stringer marking
• Tool Belts and Pouches: Keep your quick square readily accessible on site whilst protecting it from damage
• Protractors and Bevel Gauges: Complementary angle-finding tools for complex layouts beyond the quick square's preset angles
• Combination Squares: Work alongside quick squares for internal measurements and more precise depth gauging
• Circular Saw Guide Rails: Extended guides for longer cuts that begin with quick square layout work

Safety Information

Whilst quick squares themselves pose minimal safety risks, their proper use contributes significantly to overall site safety:

Accurate Cuts Reduce Kickback Risk: Properly marked cuts using a quick square as a saw guide help prevent dangerous blade binding and kickback when using circular saws. Always ensure the square's lipped edge is firmly seated against the workpiece before cutting.

Sharp Edges: Aluminium squares can develop sharp edges or burrs through use. Inspect regularly and file smooth any damaged edges to prevent hand injuries during marking operations.

Structural Integrity: Inaccurately marked structural members can compromise building safety. Always verify your quick square's accuracy periodically by checking against known square references, particularly after drops or impacts.

Visibility: Ensure adequate lighting when marking with your quick square. Poor visibility leads to measurement errors that can create safety hazards in finished structures or during cutting operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a speed square and a rafter square?

Speed square is the general term for the triangular layout tool, whilst rafter square specifically refers to models with additional roofing calculations, hip-val scales, and common rafter tables stamped on the body. All rafter squares are speed squares, but not all speed squares include the specialised roofing functions. For general carpentry, a standard speed square suffices; for roofing work, invest in a proper rafter square.

Can I use a quick square as a saw guide for my circular saw?

Yes, this is one of their primary functions. The thick lipped edge hooks securely over the board edge, whilst the body provides a straight, square fence for your circular saw's base plate to run against. Ensure your saw's base plate doesn't overhang the square's edge, and always cut on the waste side of your marked line. Many professionals prefer the 250-300mm models for better saw guidance.

Do I need metric or imperial markings?

UK building work predominantly uses metric measurements, making metric-marked squares the practical choice for most applications. However, traditional roofing work often references imperial pitch measurements (12:12, 8:12, etc.), so roofers may prefer imperial or dual-marked models. Consider your specific trade requirements – general carpenters should choose metric, whilst roofing specialists benefit from imperial or dual markings.

How do I check if my quick square is still accurate?

Place the lipped edge against a known straight edge (like a factory-cut sheet material edge), mark a line along the perpendicular edge, then flip the square over and mark again from the same reference point. If both lines align perfectly, your square is accurate. Any gap between the lines indicates the square has been damaged or manufactured out-of-true and should be replaced.

What size quick square should I buy for general carpentry work?

A 185-250mm quick square offers the best versatility for most carpentry applications. This size handles standard timber widths comfortably, provides adequate saw guidance for circular saws, and remains compact enough for easy storage in tool belts or pouches. Larger 300mm models suit wider sheet materials and provide extended reach, whilst smaller 150mm versions work well as secondary squares for tight spaces.