How Do I Know if A Square is Square?

Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль

Just because it’s called a framing square doesn’t mean it is (square, that is)! And, just because you just bought that square, doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Conversely, having a square in use for a long time doesn’t mean it it’s no longer set to 90 degrees!
In this episode, we show you a quick and easy way to see (literally!) if the square blade and tongue are indeed perpendicular (90 degrees) to each other. If it is, and the square is also flat, you’re good to go.
As you’ll see, the square I’ve had for a long time is still accurate, but the one that I just bought is not. WHAT TO DO?
EASY! With a few well-placed punch dimples, you can literally ADJUST your square so that it is PERFECT. A little bit of “tweaking” in the corner where the blade and tongue intersect will get you what you need at the outer end of each of the straight edges.
This DIY hack has been around a long time but is not widely known. Give it a try and this will be a “keeper” skill for you - and you’ll look really smart to the tradespeople around you!

Пікірлер: 85

  • @dockbe7315
    @dockbe73152 жыл бұрын

    I just bought this same Milwaukee and it is the exact reason I'm googling how to do this. What a relief to know I'm not crazy. Thank you!

  • @brucemorton13
    @brucemorton134 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful. Simple and effective; doesn't get any better. Thanks.

  • @jpcradic4650
    @jpcradic46504 жыл бұрын

    Another awesome tip Jay!

  • @ick5353
    @ick53534 жыл бұрын

    You can't check the squareness by measuring the inside of the square leg against the outside of the square leg like you did twice (on the steel square and the second check on the Milwaukee). You only did it correctly once when you initially checked the Milwaukee. You have the draw the line on the outside of the leg every time otherwise you're also taking into account the parallel error in the leg.

  • @markdstump

    @markdstump

    Ай бұрын

    Good point...What if the edge of the table is off (V shaped, either in, or out)?

  • @FreddyJ120
    @FreddyJ1204 жыл бұрын

    Very cool - love this one! Going out to check mine right now 👍🏻👍🏻😊

  • @greenthumbelina7331
    @greenthumbelina73314 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Dirt Farmer Jay, I learned something new today! Please keep these helpful videos coming.

  • @mitchellmanning7887
    @mitchellmanning78874 жыл бұрын

    Very informative, thanks for sharing

  • @NikkiNexo777
    @NikkiNexo7774 жыл бұрын

    I love useful, practical tips like this. Thank you. Great video!

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Bryan, thanks for watching our video as well as subscribing over the last few days! We appreciate it! Best Regards, DFJ

  • @Nakai2024
    @Nakai20242 жыл бұрын

    Awesomeness, thanks for sharing !

  • @KillerZero259
    @KillerZero2592 жыл бұрын

    Great video, sir

  • @66djhicks
    @66djhicks2 ай бұрын

    Never thought about adjusting. Thx

  • @holidaze8998
    @holidaze89984 жыл бұрын

    very helpful, thank you.

  • @Rakib2788
    @Rakib2788 Жыл бұрын

    Never knew this Dimple tip and was really frustrated. i thank you from the bottom of my heart Sir!

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful! Best, DFJ

  • @ralphsnow2337
    @ralphsnow23372 жыл бұрын

    I've noticed on a lot of framing squares if you use the inside to draw a line then if you move the square over to the outside the lines won't match or vice versa. The only reason I believe for this is that the cut on the squares are out.

  • @imaoregonbum6683
    @imaoregonbum66833 жыл бұрын

    You can also check a squares squareness by using a tape measure 3-4-5 technique or multiples of it, the longer the better. Actually it'd be 9-12-15 or 12-16-20. Hook (I'd burn an inch so the 15" between would be 16") your tape measure at 9" mark on the 16" short side. Measure across to the 12" mark on the 24" long side and it should be 15" on the tape measure in between them. Using this measuring technique is also how to check if a layout-deck etc., is square without a square. Feet for larger measurements. FYI don't leave your steal square lay in the sun tuck it in the shade--throwing some at ya! ;)

  • @markhorton7013
    @markhorton70134 жыл бұрын

    Great tip... thx for sharing.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Mark, you're welcome. Also, we see you've been a part of the DFJ family about 4 months. Thanks for being a part of the adventure! Best Regards, DFJ

  • @gateslattes4686
    @gateslattes46865 ай бұрын

    Man was gonna buy one

  • @kunk9804
    @kunk98044 жыл бұрын

    I would have Expected more from Milwaukee, thank you so much for the tip.

  • @wardfertuck9331

    @wardfertuck9331

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'm thinking he offset it for the show.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Ward, not this time around. I was actually going to use the new red square because it showed up so well in the video. I fully expected it to be square, as I've had good results with the brand. I was really surprised to find that it was not square. The other "legacy" square was square after about 3 decades of service. I'd like to think that the less than perfect tool was a vast exception and that almost all the time, you're going to get a good product from Milwaukee. Ward, thanks for watching and for taking time to write. Best, DFJ

  • @RobertSiwik1968

    @RobertSiwik1968

    4 жыл бұрын

    Great tip thank you. Would this work for a steel square?

  • @9mmkahr
    @9mmkahr4 жыл бұрын

    Similar to checking a level for plumb. Love it, great tip! Will do this morning before i build some stairs .

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Matt, indeed. That's a great tip as well. I think I'll film that procedure and give you credit onscreen for the tip. Is using your screen name of Matt Mag suitable, or would you like something else? Thanks for watching - and writing! Best, DFJ

  • @9mmkahr

    @9mmkahr

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@DirtFarmerJay absolutely thats great, cant wait to see the next one! Love the vids keep em comin!

  • @24revealer

    @24revealer

    3 жыл бұрын

    Where do I hit the level to bring it into plumb?

  • @TassyDeval

    @TassyDeval

    2 жыл бұрын

    How can u self adjust a level that is out of plumb?

  • @TassyDeval

    @TassyDeval

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@24revealer Ooops, didnt see your comment b4 I commented lol

  • @takeniteasyfriend
    @takeniteasyfriend3 ай бұрын

    When Made in the USA isn't enough, I follow DirtFarmer Jay. Thanks again

  • @ngoti8tor
    @ngoti8tor3 жыл бұрын

    Once you roll the square over, you have to use the same side that you started with (inside or outside). If you switch sides, like you did once with the Milwaukee, it won't be accurate.

  • @TomRuss.

    @TomRuss.

    2 жыл бұрын

    He used the same side both times on the Milwaukee

  • @mknight007

    @mknight007

    2 жыл бұрын

    But he used outside first and then inside after the adjustment. That assumes the square is the same width up the length.

  • @wendellbrock3675
    @wendellbrock36752 жыл бұрын

    WOW!! THAT WAS GREAT. I HAVE TWO SQUARE I WAS GOING TO THROW, BUT NOT NNW. :)

  • @tobymofield6597
    @tobymofield65972 жыл бұрын

    It's always best to have a cup of coffee near by. Coffee makes me decide if i wanna do something, When i do it, How i'm gonna do it, And when i'm gonna do it. As your coffee becomes cooler you attack the project. This is key for a man's workshop or man cave. A cup of coffee helps and becomes your best friend when the wife or girlfriend is off shopping. Hope this helps.

  • @rico1319
    @rico13194 жыл бұрын

    I’ll be doggone!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱 thanks

  • @jpcradic4650
    @jpcradic46504 жыл бұрын

    You keep doing this you will need to make a DVD of the "best of!"

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    JP Cradic - aw garsh. Best Regards, DFJ

  • @tjmarx

    @tjmarx

    2 жыл бұрын

    Who buys DVDs anymore?

  • @4speed3pedals
    @4speed3pedals4 жыл бұрын

    Good thing the new square is aluminum. I think it would take a few more divots if it was made of steel. Sad that Milwaukee is not up to par. You can bet a lot other manufacturers get it wrong as well. Great tip. Thank you. BTW, I prefer an old steel square because the markings are carved into the steel and cannot wear off. I have a couple from my dad that I want to restore and highlight the markings in a contrasting color.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Paul, great to hear from you. I like that you have an affection for old tools and have a desire to give them another life. Indeed, etched tools take a coat of thinned oil based bright white, orange or yellow enamel well. Let sit for a few minutes and carefully wipe off, leaving the etching filled with the high contrast paint. It really makes all the tables and measure marks pop out. Let me know how it turns out! Best Regards, DFJ

  • @MjPersonal
    @MjPersonal7 ай бұрын

    Wow! I never knew this! Any way to adjust a speed square? Thanks!

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    7 ай бұрын

    Glad to share something new. Speed squares are a bit trickier. The same method will accomplish very little changes due to the fact you are working with a triangle. Bigger changes would have to be done by altering the flanges that run across the bottom edge of the square. That likely would be done with a large flat file or a stationery belt sander. Best, DFJ

  • @alheeley
    @alheeley2 жыл бұрын

    your first line on your old steel square was the inside of the long edge, second after flipping was the outside edge - they are not always same (in my cheap framing square) so best make sure youre comparing same edge when flipping. First test on the milwaukee square was both outside edge then 2nd test after punch you were comparing inside edge. If the squares are not cut accurately you can get the inside edges being true but the outside ones acute or obtuse. Need to keep consistency if you want true accuracy.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    2 жыл бұрын

    Good insight, Al. Thanks for watching and then taking time to share your insights. Best Regards, DFJ

  • @karlnorman2427
    @karlnorman24273 жыл бұрын

    Not many sites have the luxury of a workbench to roll it on. Just use 3,4,5 rule and measure it.

  • @amoledor
    @amoledor Жыл бұрын

    For starters, you used the interior of the old square then the outside of the old square. Then you used the outside of the Milwaukee square on both tracings. Use the same side for both tracings next time on both squares.

  • @lindakleckner215
    @lindakleckner21510 ай бұрын

    So, does this tapping& spreading the metal also make the outside of the tool square too?

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    10 ай бұрын

    Yes, indeed. Thanks for watching and writing!

  • @JJJ-gq4nt
    @JJJ-gq4nt Жыл бұрын

    I'd be a bit more careful by avoiding that paper to partially roll over the edge you're aligning to. It's not much, but perhaps another .004" or so if it's only partially in contact with the square.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    Жыл бұрын

    Good insight, JJJ.

  • @leetomlee7265
    @leetomlee7265 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing. I always suspect the square being square. I bought several squares. They all give me different degree of square.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    Жыл бұрын

    Sounds like we are coming from the same conclusion. Always better to check. Best to you, DFJ

  • @leetomlee7265

    @leetomlee7265

    Жыл бұрын

    @@DirtFarmerJay I used your method. I found from three square tools one is perfectly square. One is not quite square but may be acceptable. The third one is really off. Thanks for sharing this video. Hope you can continue to make more videos on other things.

  • @curlyfine907
    @curlyfine9074 жыл бұрын

    Could you do the 3 4 5 rule? In other words take a rule put it on 3. Take the other end to the 4 on the blade. If if measures 5 you're golden

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Curly, indeed. I'd actually multiply it out and use something bigger, such as 12", 16" and 25". Any error would show up more readily, easier to see. I like using the flip along a straight edge approach, simply because any error, no matter how minor, is doubled and easy to spot and adjust. But, short answer, yes your approach is sound. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ

  • @curlyfine907

    @curlyfine907

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@DirtFarmerJay I liked your video and learned a new trick. Keep these videos coming. Thank you!

  • @garytongate4389
    @garytongate43892 жыл бұрын

    Assumes your table edge is straight and level. Kind of a chicken and egg situation.

  • @ROADBKK
    @ROADBKK2 жыл бұрын

    What’s that song playing in the background.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    2 жыл бұрын

    Road Block, I'll see what I can find out and get back to you! Best, DFJ

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    2 жыл бұрын

    Road Block, Rob, our producer partner, was able to locate the song. It's an indie tune called “Banjo Stomp” by Andy Slatter. I hope that helps! Best, DFJ

  • @22busy43
    @22busy432 жыл бұрын

    You didn’t measure the same side of the square

  • @clarewillison9379
    @clarewillison93794 жыл бұрын

    I’m shocked they don’t check and either reject or recalibrate *before* letting the square out of the factory. Excellent tip.

  • @ellismedavoy7314

    @ellismedavoy7314

    4 жыл бұрын

    I would expect better quality from Milwaukee.

  • @wardfertuck9331

    @wardfertuck9331

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'm thinking he offset it for the show guys

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Clare, (and Ellis and Ward!), thanks for watching and writing. I normally have very good results with Milwaukee and this was probably a glitch. I showed the square as it was, it actually was not square off the shelf. This is highly unusual, but no faking on our end. I really like the square, along with it's high visibility and general overall quality of etching and coloration. In fact, I plan to customize it and put wood cheeks on the tongue and create a mega-square for carcass layouts for cabinets and larger furniture/project parts. Best Regards, DFJ

  • @itluis2009

    @itluis2009

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DirtFarmerJay Dude you don’t have to explain to much about not being squared because the same thing happens to me with the Milwaukee squares including the small speed square They were off from the factory like you showed up at the video With the speed square is nothing I can do to fixed it so is a waste right now So from now on I will check before I buy I’ll get a pencil and take the square to a perfect edge at the box store make the mark an ser wich one is square Go figure

  • @TheCraneman66
    @TheCraneman662 жыл бұрын

    Don't use something that leaves a 1/8" line ...... I use fine point pens and pencils..... more accurate

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    2 жыл бұрын

    Peter, well said. Thanks for weighing in. Best, DFJ

  • @sterlingdavidgrasssr
    @sterlingdavidgrasssr4 жыл бұрын

    Now, that's a very nice trick..Oh, one thing , this add that came on before you did , Ole Bernie, are you voting for this guy ..I get it ?

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    D Grass - Thanks for the insight on what ads are playing. We don't get to choose without specifically going through a process and asking specific kinds or products or entities to not display. Also, where you are makes a difference. A viewer in, let say, North Carolina, will get a different ad than a person in Nevada. I'm glad you found the technique with the square to be helpful! Best Regards, DFJ

  • @tracythompson1692
    @tracythompson16924 жыл бұрын

    Because they will always have a pocket protector.

  • @tracythompson1692

    @tracythompson1692

    4 жыл бұрын

    just kidding. amazing video!!

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    tracy thompson - love the sense of humor - but don't quit your day job - unless of course, you are a professional comedian! Best Regards, DFJ

  • @ieskela1
    @ieskela12 жыл бұрын

    интересно )

  • @jdizzle6911
    @jdizzle69114 жыл бұрын

    Make sure your table edge is flat as well.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    4 жыл бұрын

    Indeed, bets are off if not. That table edge is factory ply, and I've double checked it as well. Point well taken. Thanks for watching and taking time to write. Best Regards, DFJ

  • @johnisley4578
    @johnisley45783 жыл бұрын

    I would personally send the Milwaukee straight back. You shouldn't have to go rectifying a brand new square, unless of course you purchased a cheap Chinese brand for 5 bucks.

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    3 жыл бұрын

    John, thanks for your comment. No it was the real thing, and it served the purpose well of showing how to rectify a square that has become out of square through use. Best Regards, DFJ

  • @johnisley4578

    @johnisley4578

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DirtFarmerJay All the same it was a great video on showing people such as myself (Pilot) who are not really into the finer details on quality but want to. Great Video !

  • @andre1987eph
    @andre1987eph Жыл бұрын

    C’mon mane. Use a sharp pencil or at least a pen. A fat sharpie?

  • @DirtFarmerJay

    @DirtFarmerJay

    Жыл бұрын

    Andre, I hear you. Pencil or pen is hard to see on-screen, so I went with a bolder line, even though it wouldn't be the most accurate. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ

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