Tool Appreciation: The Starrett Combination Square

I build a lot of things. Over the years, the Starrett combination square has become the essential tool. Nothing else comes close when it comes to measurement, laying out joinery, and checking machines. It really only does one thing - Precise measurement at 90 or 45 degree angles - but it does that so well, it becomes super versatile. I've used it on every single project in the past five years, and my work is better for it. Mine is relatively new, a gift from Colleen's parents, but there are tons of decades-old Starretts still in use. If it should ever be knocked out of square, you can send it back to the factory in Massachusetts to be recalibrated. Yeah, it costs ten times more than the off-brand square you'll find at the hardware store, but it works like it costs 100 times more. Besides, where else can you afford the ultimate for less than $100? Beer, maybe? Not even close!

See the amazing combination square and their other tools here.