Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
The Swanson Aluminum Speed Square is one of our top 10 go-to tools in the framing and construction business. It is simply one of the tools you will invariably keep in your tool belt. You’ll find yourself using it for cutting simple lumber. You can also make complex angle calculations and measurements on roofing trusses. We decided to take a look at a few of Swanson’s classic Speed Squares and highlight some of the improvements they’ve made on the latest models. Today, we’re looking at the Speed Square Pro (S0100-A), Speed Trim Square (S0145), 7-inch original Speed Square (S0101), and the Big 12 Speed Square (S0107).
Back in 1925, Albert J. Swanson had an idea to determine the pitch of a roof and the Swanson Speed Square was born. By 1930, there was enough demand for his innovative product to begin commercial interstate sales.
To this day all other rafter squares essentially model their products after his design. Many years ago I was using a standard combination square to measure and cut a piece of lumber when a contractor friend of mine sauntered over and handed me his Swanson Speed Square.
Like Swanson, I’ve never looked back. Swanson aluminum Speed Squares are a refreshing new take on the original steel models, offering the same accuracy with a lighter design than the original die cast models.
The Speed Square Pro and Speed Trim Square start with all the features of the original Swanson aluminum Speed Square we’ve been using for more than a decade. They take it up a notch to include some really helpful measuring tools. These improvements make on-the-fly measurements and layouts faster and easier than ever before.
The S0100-A maintains the same dimensions and general feel as the original but adds a few new tricks.
The Trim Square is a pint-sized version of the original, measuring just 4 1/2 inches. Don’t let its size fool you though. This capable square will help you greatly cut down on any guesswork the next time you’re working with shorter materials such as case and base.
The Swanson aluminum Speed Square measures 7 inches in length along its height and width. The tool is approximately 3/4 inches wide with two lips that can rest, on either side, against a piece of lumber for measurement. This tool is perfect for use as a square, miter square, protractor, line scribe (1 inch to 2 1/4 inches) or even a small circular saw guide. Lightweight at less than 8 ounces, it fits easily into most tool pouches.
The Swanson Big 12 Speed Square is a larger, more capable version of the standard Speed Square. It functions as the perfect tool for laying out stairways. I loved using this tool for laying out countertops that butt against non-square walls. Where I lived, many houses built in the 20s feature out-of-plumb and out-of-square walls, so I got a lot of use out of it.
This tool also includes a separate Layout Bar. It’s helpful when marking and adjusting for out-of-square corners.
The Big 12 Speed Square weighs more than its little brothers—about three and a half times more. It weighs 1 pound, 11 ounces with the Layout Bar attached. As such, this is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal, and while you may actually reach for it quite a bit while on the ground, it’s tough to carry in a tool pouch.
All four models are made from a heavy gauge aluminum alloy and look exceptionally well-built. They feel as if they could withstand several drops from a multi-story building onto solid concrete. They feature deeply impressed markings for length, hip/valley measurements, scribe detents, and protractor degrees. That said, the Pro and Trim square’s markings are noticeably deeper and larger compared to the original’s markings.
Swanson includes a diamond mark with these squares. Laid out properly with the plumb line of a rafter, this mark gives you a quick way to mark seat or heel cuts. Align the Diamond cutout at 3 1/2 inches square with the plumb mark, set the pivot point of the square against the rafter, and set the protractor (hypotenuse) side at the 45° mark. Scribe your line across the top from Diamond to pivot and you’re all set. If this all sounds like Greek to you, that’s no problem. Swanson includes its handy “Blue Book” for Rafter Lengths and Roof Construction.
The Swanson Speed Square is one of those staples of construction tools that no serious builder or journeyman should be without. If these heavy-duty aluminum squares aren’t your cup of tea, check out Swanson’s other offerings which are available in a composite plastic form at a fraction of the weight. Some even integrate a block level, so you can use them in additional ways.
When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.
Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.
After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.
Crediting his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
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I own a few Swanson tools and I would definitely agree that they are top-notch quality!
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros