Combination Square

[Mike OMelia]

I have used my grandfather's combination square forever. The guide lock for the blade finally broke. Seems that all that is out there is cheap aluminum. I want one that it is iron and steel. (iron body). Got any recommendations?

[Kelly Cleveland]

The Starrett squares are cast iron.

[Doug Garson]

Try Lee Valley
http://www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/pag...513,51657&ap=1

[John Gornall]

The good Starrett combination squares are forged not cast:

http://www.leevalley.com/us/Wood/pag...51&cat=1,42936

[Frederick Skelly]

I have a Starrett combo square and love it. Edit: Like JKJ said below, mine was about $120 and another $40 for the center finding head.

If you don't want to spend that much money, look at the harry epstein tool company site. They offer PEC, which seems to have a good overall reputation. (I have PEC double squares and lm very pleased. Others have said similar things.) Epstein sells "blemished" PECs and that can save you money.

Good luck!
Fred

[John K Jordan]

I have a half dozen combination squares. I have one Starrett combination square. It is FAR better than any of the others in construction, smoothness of operation, and readability of the numbers. The one I got was about $100.

JKJ

[Bill Space]

Hi,

I was about to order a couple things from Epstein but gave up when I saw the shipping was $14+

I thought $7 was a more reasonable amount. My loss their loss...

[Mike Manning]

You didn't say what brand combo square you have. If it's one of the big old names like Starrett, Brown & Sharp, Lufkin, etc I'd check ebay and see if I couldn't just buy that part from someone. You see people selling combo square parts from time to time.

[glenn bradley]

Also have a Starrett and like it. I reach for my PEC more often though. Actually has a better feel and smoother operation. I have not bothered to fettle the Starrett however and it would probably smooth out nicely with just a touch of effort.

[Frederick Skelly]

Hi,

I was about to order a couple things from Epstein but gave up when I saw the shipping was $14+

I thought $7 was a more reasonable amount. My loss their loss...

Agree. Looks like their rates have gone up since I ordered a few months back. I just input the address of a friend in a Pittsburgh suburb and got $9.75 for 2 day priority mail. Still a tad high for my taste, but not very far out of normal.

[Mel Fulks]

Years ago I had a Starrett combination square with a broken hook that would not hold the grooved ruler. I called them and they were helpful,sent me a new part. I think I got the part quickly ,and the small bill later.

[Chris Fournier]

Buy once cry once. I have two Starretts and they have been gold for over twenty years. I had a cheap one like yours that gave up the ghost and I welded up the lock and re-machined it because it had sentimental value to me. Wax the blade and lock, it helps a bunch!

[Mike Henderson]

Look also at the Mitutoyo combination squares. They are the equal or better than Starrett. Very smooth operation.

You can sometimes find one on eBay at a reasonable price.

Mike

[John Gornall]

To clarify - Starrett offers 2 versions of combination squares. The LV page Doug posted is the standard cast iron squares. The LV page I posted is a different page showing the premium forged steel squared. The pages look the same but check the price lines.

[Bruce Wrenn]

This thread brought back a memory. Couple summers back at local flea market was looking at a Brown and Sharp combination square. Vendor wanted $3.00 for it, which I paid. Then he told me I was lucky, because if it was a Stanley, he wouldn't taken less than $10.00.