IRWIN Combination Square, Metal-Body, 12", 45-90 Degree Marking, Stainless Steel (1794469)

I just got this Irwin square today, and at this price point im very pleased. Nice heavy build quality along with touches like a brass lock nut, brass knobbed scribe that is firmly held in the casting by a friction sleeve and even a brass level plug really add to the build quality and heavy duty feel of the casting which is itself nicely done and doesn't look cheap -- I also have a comparable Stanley and I like this one better, the casting is heavier and thicker at the machined edges like a Starrett and feels like a bit better quality than the Stanley. The Irwins rule is nice and thick, easy to read and made of stainless steel not clear coated metal that will peel and rust as my Stanley has, but I have no use for the mm scale on the Irwin, I think they should make either one or the other and not force metric on you if you don't need it -- I don't know a single carpenter at least here in the US that works with mm. The casting borders are nice and thick on the machined sides, giving the look of maybe a Starrett or similar - However a Starrett is around $100+ and the casting on it is iron, which isn't as soft as the Irwins aluminum or zinc whatever it is - but the Irwins cost is MUCH lower and Starrett quality is legendary & in a different class - but you pay dearly for it and most of us cant afford that kind of luxury for it to be lost or stolen on a job sight. I checked my example for squareness soon as I got it as I saw a reviewer who said his was not, fortunately mine is right on so buyers should always check, indeed any tool that involves accuracy should be checked and verified. I did spend some time gently cleaning up the casting and rules corners and edges with a stone, lightly oiled the threads and moving parts and now it slides much smoother than when I first got it - it wasn't bad mind you just needed a bit of "optimizing" to make it good as it could be - Im very pleased and also glad I bought the 12" version as well elsewhere, what ive said in this review also applies to the 12" version and im very pleased with both examples. Empire makes one of similar quality and a stated accuracy within .002 of an inch and price is comparable but the Irwin wins out with a bit more brass bling, for example the level plug is plastic on the empire and brass on the Irwin, and the blue Irwin casting is an eye catcher if that's of any value. Oddly the Irwin makes no specific claims regarding accuracy on their packaging, but they should as it seems to exude enough quality to back it, at least my example does. Im even tempted to purchase the 16" version as these are such a good value. If I had any criticisms, it would be to be careful about dinging the softer aluminum casting on the machined corners,as this would cause out of square measurements, but it is a precision measuring tool and should be treated as such, but thats not always reality on a job site, and no square in this price range im aware of has an iron casting so im not saying the Irwin is at fault since all castings in this price ranges are made of similar material just stating fact, aluminum would be easier to ding than iron, but price is related to material cost so I still say for the price this square is a bargain and I don't see how you could find one any better for the price. Final word, there are many very good reviews for this square and that speaks for itself, you cant go wrong for the money its a really nice tool.

Very high quality and, heavy duty. It should last a long time.

Would buy agin

These are well built and quite substantial. However they were not square. Looked up how to square them (it’s not difficult). Otherwise they would have received five stars. If you want a good combination square at a good price, these are the ones, they just may need some adjustment. Otherwise happy with them

Good

I love this little square. My old one served me well for years, but too many drops finally did it in. This one is straight and easy to read. It is accurate and seems sturdy and well made. I’m hoping it lasts for 20 years like the last one.

While this tool doesn't have the quality, accuracy and feel of a Starrett combo square it nevertheless serves me well for most things. It's definitely a lot cheaper. I would buy it again.

Very nice angle. I guess I never thought I needed a 16" one, until I used one. I had to replace a 12", and saw this one at a close price to a 12 incher. The slide is a bit sticky, because it's not worn out. I sprayed a bit of silicon spray on the knob bolt, retainer piece, where it holds the ruler. Bingo, huge difference, slides very nice now. The numbers are fine, some have complaints about etchings, and whatever, I don't see an issue. This will last for a long time, but does have a lifetime warranty. It's all aluminum, and built beefy = longevity right there!

Me gustó este modelo de Irwin y aunque quizá podría ser más precisa, hace muy bien su trabajo. Esta punta que tienen todas las escuadras de combinación, la que se usa para el marcado, se me hace muy difícil de usar ya que es demasiado delgada y pequeña. Creo que se podría cambiar el diseño de esa pieza por algo un poco más robusto para que resultara útil y práctico llevarlo pegado a la herramienta. Sin embargo es un detalle que se agradece. :)) No vi si en las fotos de la publicación se ve la graduación de la escuadra, y bueno, el caso es que la que recibí tiene por un lado el sistema inglés, las pulgadas, y por el otro tiene ambos, pulgadas y centímetros.

Good

Well built and sturdy

A good solid stock with zero flex and the ruler locks in nice and true. This combination square is definitely one of the better ones available currently, it’s not LaSquare good, but it’s good enough.

Absolutely love this tool. I also own the 12 inch version and it's equally as good. Accuracy is obviously important with any type of square and I'm very pleased to say this is a winner. It's perfectly square and with only a six inch blade it helps up that anti. Feels solid and well built with quality components compared to anything else out there on the market. Chamfered edges make for a comfortable base but I did use some 600 grit to knock off some of the inside edges around the entire tool. The vial works like a charm and is easy to see and read. Brass knurled nut and pin are a touch of old school class. The blades edges have been slightly rolled which is good for comfort and at first the edges seemed off because of it. Like the corners were rounded but after very close inspection it was just an illusion really. They rolled the very top edge of the corners which make appear not to be a perfect 90 degree angle. Some have said it not square like it is in the picture which may be true but If I received it with sharp edges I would have taken them down anyhow. Now if you flip the blade over it's perfectly square edges. The reason is simple. The press punched out the blade on the side that doesn't look square. This is because it slightly compressed the edges when stamped. This an appearance thing only and does not affect the accuracy when marking. The edge in which you would run a marking knife or pencil mark rides on the flat center and not the ridge so nothing to worry about. All in all this is a wonderful tool I will take good care of as with all my tools no matter the cost.