Four Uses for a Speed Square

A speed square is a great device that can help you save a lot of time on projects. Learn about four uses for a speed square in this Lowe’s video:

The original use of a speed square is for framing and cutting rafters. The numbers along the edge allow you to use it as a protractor for marking any angle you may need. You can use it to check for 45 or 90 degree angles, but here are some other uses you may not know about:

1. Use a speed square as a rip guide to help you make square cuts more precisely than trying to follow a pencil line.

2. Some speed squares come with notches and common measurements. These notches can be used to hold your pencil while you scribe long lines.

3. In a pinch, a speed square can even be used a level. Simply tie a weight to the end of a string, hold it at the pivot of the speed square, and when the string hits 45 degrees, your picture is level. Using a speed square as a vertical level is not recommended; just because your work piece is square doesn’t mean it’s level.