Swanson NA202 Metric Speed Square Layout Tool (Aluminum)

Great legendary and solid tool, lasts years

I have an old plastic one of these in Imperial and never really learned how to use it. This metric version is even better and unlike the photos, actually has black ink in the numbers so it's very easy to read. Expect to be using this for a long while. Recommended.

From what I could find, there are maybe three metric rafter squares out there (this one, Empire, and Johnson Level). The Empire one did not appear to have scribing notches, I was choosing between the Swanson and the Johnson. My only hesitation on the Swanson was the larger size. But I am not a carpenter and won't be building roofs, meaning I don't need to carry this around in a tool belt. Now that I have actually had it in hand, the size is no problem. In fact, what got me to pull the trigger was advice from Tom Silva (of This Old House) that the first square you buy should be a 12" speed square. Well, that's even bigger than this one (25 cm is about 10"). This square is nice. I have no regrets. In fact, I like the size for my usage, which is home projects and DIY. It's solid, straight and square, as expected (luckily no damage in shipping). Per the Amazon pictures, I thought the etchings would be just raw metal, but my etchings are inked black, as you can see in my photos. That's a nice touch. I don't know if all of them are like this. The other thing is, for the other squares (especially Empire), it felt like the metric version was more of an afterthought. With Swanson, it felt like they were conscientious about making the metric version. Their website posting for this product says things like "gives you the precision of metric" and they custom made the famous blue instruction manual all for metric roofing. I appreciate that. And as always, it's made in the U.S.A. The Johnson metric square is probably good too. If you need a more pouch-able square, that might be a good option. I wish Swanson also made one in the 18 cm range. But for me, this was the right choice.

I purchased this quire in particular above all others because of its durability and multitude of features. Firstly, because these have no moving parts and are braces by their triangular shape, they never go out of square. And if you do manage to warp one out of square, you've obviously been abusing it a ridiculous amount. The second reason I bought it was because it's the only one I could find anywhere that was metric. I searched for months to find one that was cheaper and smaller in metric, but there are none available if you want to use the roof pitch features. If you only want it for a square, then an imperial one would be fine. For those who don't know, metric units are in 10 where as imperial (US) are in units of 12. So a roof pitch of 6/12 in the US is equal to 5/10 in metric countries (like Australia where I'm from). As a result, if I was given a roof pitch of say 35/100 at work, and I had an imperial square, I would have no idea what angle to use without converting it to US units first. So the metric square saves me a lot of time in that respect. The only thing I'd like to see would be a smaller version of this. This thing is bigger than the standard 6" Speed Square. It's about 9" long (220 mm). It's simply too bug to fit in your nail bag day to day. This doesn't detract from the tool itself as I knew what I was buying when I purchased it. But I would like to have a smaller version (just like the 6" one) that I could carry around with me all day. Otherwise, this is a top square that I'd recommend to anyone. It saves going back and forth to the drop saw if you need to cut an angle on some timber. You can simply draw a line and use a circular saw instead. A+

This Metric Speed Square is very well built. Using this is very easy and intuitive compared to the imperial version.

Great square to use, however the one I received looks like it's been abused with lots or scratches and dents on the edges and surface. However it is true and straight so no complains. I used a 600 grit sandpaper to smooth out the surfaces as I do not want it to scratch the surface. Overall very happy with the product but not the purchase because of the dents and scratches.

For me as diyer, it is sturdy and well-made. Very useful in providing accurate measurements for my small diy projects like cutting and installing simple cabinet in the kitchen and rest room. I still have to learn more of its uses as provided in the blue book.

This metric speed square is great for people who are building in areas where the metric system is used. It is larger in size than the standard 6" speed square, so it is difficult to fit into a tool belt without it hanging out. However, the larger size means that it does not have to be flipped over when scribing lines on wood that is wider than 6". The common and hip val rise/run values are based upon units of 10 and not 12, as is the case with the 6" squares. In other words, the value for 45 degrees is common 10, as opposed to common 12 for the 6" model. This makes sense because the metric system is based upon units of 10. The notches for scribing lines every 1/2 centimeter from 2 to 14 centimeters are very useful, and the construction is a very thick but lightweight cast aluminum, about 1/8" (3mm) thick. All the markings are recessed into the aluminum, so you don't have to worry about them wearing off and dissappearing. The book that comes with it is the same as the book that comes with the 6" speed square, with the exception that the values are converted to the metric system and the hip and common values are explained using rise/run values based upon units of 10. I'm really glad that I bought this Swanson metric speed square, and would buy a smaller 15cm (6") metric square if they made one so that it would fit perfectly into my tool belt.

Exactly as explained and received with thanks. Good quality, sturdy and accurate.

As someone that does occasional DIY fixes and builds, this was a great find. -It is metric -It can be used as a protractor -It can function as a regular square -It can scribe lines easily -Ridgid aluminum Just to name a few pros. It is not just for professionals, it is a great square all-around, and if you were going to buy one at your hardware store, at the same price point, please get this instead.

Very durable and timeless design, easy to understand why it's been around for the longest time

reasonably priced, used often, can't go wrong

Viene con la libreta Swanson de como usarla,pero en ingles! Buena herramienta para diferentes cosas!