Top tools
Measuring and marking tools
A 7 in. aluminum speed square for marking square and angled cuts, chosen from independent reviews and guides.
Our picks
Speed square for marking square and angled cuts
Swanson 7 in. aluminum Speed Square
Our pick for marking square and 45-degree lines across a board: Swanson's original 7 in. aluminum speed square, with a lip that hooks the board's edge.
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Photo credits
- Swanson 7 in. aluminum Speed Square: Image: Swanson product image
Each price is the one we saw at that store on the date beside it. Prices change, so check the store before you buy.
What to look for in a speed square
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Size. A 7 in. square fits most tool pouches (Pro Tool Reviews); Swanson also makes a 12 in. version for wider stock (Bob Vila).
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Material. Aluminum squares are lighter than the old die-cast ones with the same accuracy (Pro Tool Reviews).
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Markings you can read. Deep, black-filled markings stay readable for years (WoodworkNation).
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A lip on both sides. Lips on both edges let you hook either face of the square against the board (Pro Tool Reviews).
How we picked
We didn't hands-on test these. We picked it by reading an independent review and guides (Pro Tool Reviews, Bob Vila and WoodworkNation), checking Swanson's product page, and checking the price at Home Depot. Every pick has at least three independent sources from at least two different outlets, including at least one independent test or review. They're all linked with the pick, along with what each one found. We also searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database on Oct 25, 2026 and found no recall for this square. Prices, review counts and links were last checked on ; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.
No paid links. Every link on this page is a plain link: no affiliate codes or tracking, and no company paid or asked to be listed (disclosure). Links open in a new tab.
Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.
We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.