How to Use a Carpenter Framing Square

Carpenter's squares are essential when building a right angle.

A 90-degree angle is called a right angle. Right angles are used in building because of the natural strength. Corners in many projects meet together at 90-degree angles. If the cut of the wood or whatever material is used in the project is not correct, there may be problems. A carpenter's square is a tool used to measure 90-degree angles. There are a lot of different squares available on the market. This Old House recommends using a 12-inch speed square to start with because of its versatility as a tool.

Things You'll Need

• Carpenter's square
• Scrap piece of wood
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Check the square's accuracy by aligning the tongue of the tool at the edge of a scrap piece of wood. Draw a line along the blade. Now align the short length of the tongue along the edge of the wood and draw another line in the same place. The lines should be parallel to each other. If an "x" or "v" shape is formed, the square is off.

2. Align the tongue of the framing square along the edge of your board. Align it so the tongue does not overlap, or sit off the board in any way.

3. Measure out the area for your angle using the measurements on the blade of the square.

4. Draw a line on your board where the cut for the corner will be using the long blade end of the square.

References

• This Old House: Choosing and Using Squares
• Carpentry Pro Framer: Common Rafters and the Framing Square