Top 10 Uses of a Rafter square, aka "speed" square 

Hey everyone, hope this helps someone in learning one of the most under appreciated tools in your carpenters pouch. Make sure you share..It helps spread the word!! Thanks. Also, the martinez titanium square was the first he ever made, and I had to cover a spot for mark...wasn't trying to avoid showing off his tool. I love it

I am 50 years old, and just started building and woodworking this year. I grew up in a single-parent home and was never taught any of this stuff. I took Woodshop in Highschool but that was 36 years ago. SO this doesn't just help your younger viewers, this helps old men like me. Thank you so much.

Hey man. Im 40. Been a carpenter for 20 years. Ain’t nobody teach me nothing. Thank u. That video is saved.

I like your reasoning for having the speed square face towards you when cutting a board. I will start doing that.

This is a good book. Does provide a step by step introduction to how to build things ru-vid.comUgkxhgbP-6hUnXu_QRaoHgLztgsI0YF3HqR0 , also does offer some steps. Includes pictures to give you ideas for layouts and such. If you are looking for a guide, this is not exactly what you want. But if you are trying to familiarize yourself with the way that pole barn building and other out buildings, are made, then this will work just as you need it to. A few things in this book are a barn (of course), detached garage, storage building, and coops.

69 yr old man here. Cut lotta boards. I DID learn something from you today. Thanks so much for making a video about the basics.

The right thing to talk about at the right time.You would be amazed how interesting the fundamentals are.Good job.

I’m so thankful for you takin the time to get back to the basics - it’s not just the kids, it’s also the 45yr old single mum who flips furniture and wants to start woodworking as well - never too old to learn . 👍

Great job Kyle! I’m a 71yo former Air Force carpenter and I didn’t know some of those. I especially like the saw guide reversal from the way I’ve been doing it for 50 years!

Thanks Kyle, I appreciate your time and effort to helping us learn how to make more use out of a basic tool. I'm 64 and a new DIYer woodworker. You showed me a few that I didn't know about. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and videos, Rodney

Great video Kyle! Your tips are incredibly interesting even when keeping it simple

Love that you’re helping out the people like me trying to learn about tools and their uses. Thanks

Only in few minutes I realized the necessity of this tool. Bravo❤❤🇬🇷

Been around for 64 years, and you taught me a thing or two. You are never too old to learn. You just have to be humble and admit it. Thank you.

I’m a DIY person and have never had that simple explanation of a speedi square like that before. I watched it twice now and appreciate that knowledge Kyle. Thank you.

Thank you for showing the kids how to use a speed square properly , ... I'm 67 yrs old , and use mine for 90's and 45 , and to guide my saw , ... now i see I wasn't even using it properly to guide my saw , + I learned a lot of useful information . Most people . automatically assume they know how to use it , and most tutorials , do too .. thanks.

Thank you for this. 30 years old and just starting with woodworking and this is very helpful.

It was a great time watching this sessions, thank you.

Thanks from this 60-year-old dyslexic landscape contractor it has been wanting to learn the full potential of this great little tool. God’s best

I needed this! Thank you for thinking it's not too trivial to make a video about. We all have to start out at the bottom at one time or another. Thanks again!

Been doing this for almost 12 years, i love your #2 idea. Awesome how you can always learn something no matter what

Thank you for this. Been building for a long time but never knew all these tricks. Self taught for years, but people like you on RU-vid has increased my knowledge more in the past two years than I could have ever imagined.

I'm too hip to be square. Obligatory Huey Lewis and the News reference over, this was incredibly useful. I'm new to these types of tools and appreciate it. Thanks. 🙏🏻

At 36 this video taught me a lot! I just started trying my hand at woodworking and sign making and this was a huge help….definitely appreciated it!🤘🏼

I'd like to thank you for making this video. I'm 41 and it has been a few years since I last worked construction and this helped me remember a few of the things that I had forgotten since HS. Again THANKS!!!!

Always share what you know. You might even teach a 53 year old like myself some new tricks. Good on you for making this video for the little guy.

Keep teaching, your never to old to learn and anybody who thinks they know it all already are the very ones who need to be taught. I've been working construction 42 years and I'm still learning every day, especially with the new products and tools available. Enjoy your videos, keep up the good work.

As a novice ...... I always appreciate the review of the basics of any tool, especially something as important as a square ....

There is always someone who doesn't know or can learn something new. Thanks for the video.

Brilliant tips. Loved number 9 and 10. Super simple. Thanks for sharing.

You also helped this 37 year old mother of three who recently fell in love with woodwork and knows absolutely NOTHING about it. I appreciate this video, learned a whole lot and I am excited to start my first project!

26,000 people so far are happy you made this video, no need to justify it to us. we're here for a reason. thanks for making the video.

I’m 37 years old and just started working with wood, making simple stuff like shelves and tables. This was tremendously helpful to me and I greatly appreciate the tips you provided in this video. This’ll help me out a ton as I work to improve my woodworking skills.

Man! this is amazing! I've always wanted to know the details about "speed-squares". I'm glad I found your video. Cheers!

I don't care how old you are you can still learn little tricks about every tool I learn more from what you said than I have on some other people talking about it just brings more information to me I'm 54 and I can use all the help I can get so keep up the great work you made me think it's nothing but at some of us think it's a lot you take care if everybody cheers with a beer

Having the speed square facing you while make a cut makes so much sense. And my mind is blown why I never thought about using it to cut circles. Thank you so much!!!

#2 already something I didn't think of and could have saved me a trip and money to the hardware store to lumber cut straight!! So we learn more every day! Thanks

After years in many different trades, I knew these. But I just wanted to say, I thought #2 was just common sense. Now that I think of it, I have seen a lot of RU-vidrs bottom plant a speed square for a saw guide. Thanks for sharing the pull-don't-push in your list. Hopefully more people will learn this much easier method for a short saw guide.

YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY. THANK YOU

Thank you! I have been looking for an entry level guide to using the speed square. I am a DIY'er and appreciate the time and energy you put into this tutorial. This allows me to make more complex repairs on my home much easier and do-able. A clear explanation of its many uses! Again, thank you!

I'm with Jon Wright, I never thought to turn the square so that there is more surface material to line up the circular saw with the square. What a great idea! Thanks. Great video. You are right, I am glad these videos will be around for those that are interested in using tools and using them correctly. I wish something like RU-vid was around when I was a kid.

I'm 21 and know nothing when it comes to woodworking so this was pretty informative thanks

I didn't know half of that, thank you for teaching us!

I'm an 81-year-old, super-independent woman who has been taking are of her house for some 30 years now, and you've just saved me umpteen hours of frustration. Thank you so, so much!

I'm 21, already been a carpenter for 7 years but I learned a lot from this video!! Wow

My friend this is very important to know when in construction great job thumbs up my friend

Your instruction videos are excellent. I loved the one about your bathroom remodel.

Young man, thank you!! I piddle around my garage and I built my own work bench from a plan I designed in my head. I've built benches and storage chests, but I'm still a beginner. I learned a lot from your video. Tips 2 and 3 are my favorite and I'll be using my squares to measure angle cuts. Thanks.

I'll give this video two thumbs up!! People are so eager to learn the tricks to the trade that they actually forget to learn the trade. Great video for basic carpentry skills with a square that everybody should know.

I’m a carpenter for 19 years , no judgement here , I’m always interested in learning new things, I mean I know pretty much what you done here but I also know what you’re doing , inspiring the new generation , great videos these tools day no matter what it is you’re doing 🤙🤙

I appreciate the video. I just got my general and there were 2 tricks I've never used! Using as a cutting guide, ive worked on 2 framing crews, 1 in Alaska and 1 in Oregon and neither knew about that trick. Also sent this to my old boss who's been a general for 30 years and never knew how to use one. It blew his mind. Keep up the awesome videos! 😎

Thank you so much, i'm retired trying to do some work on wood as a hobby and this is very helpful. Don't ever think your skill is redundant, it is not!

Great video, straight forward but simple enough to follow and understand. Having purchased an older home and doing some repair and replacement throughout the home this helped me to better use my tools. Thanks for the clarity of using such tools.

60 yrs old, just started using one of these a few years ago and knew none of this! always learning, thank you so much!

I'm here getting that knowledge over 3 years after you posted this video. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you. I am a weekend builder. I didn't know that there were so many uses for a speed square. Please keep putting out more educational videos for us that don't know the basics in construction.

I’m always amazed how well you output info verbally without unnecessary Chat in your videos. 👑 of instagram videos. Str8 to the point and serious about success. Glad I finally subscribed to your RU-vid page. Keep up the good work. ICU

Love your videos. I have one safety tip take your battery out or unplug saw whenever do anything with the blade. I try really hard to improve the safety or apprentices by changing my ways and that one was pointed out to me by one of them.

Thank you for this, just getting into woodworking and spent way too long today trying to mark out angles and now realise why it was taking so long!

I've had my square for 5 plus years. Boy did I need this video.

Thank you for the great video. Thank you for using different squares. Nice to see different choices and features.

Thank you for tip number 2. Never thought of using the square backwards when cutting. You just made me More effective. You are awesome Kyle. /Björn ,sweden

Just got my first speed square. Got some projects to do and this is awesome. Ty boss.

I just recently started woodworking and my sweet brother in law bought this speed square for me. He gave me a run down on what it can do but said to watch videos. Your video was the best! Thank You

Great Vid & thanks. Been using a square for decades....but, if you search for a RU-vid vid for how to use a square. Not that many new vids, that are fun, knowledgeable, & make it easy to understand for some ppl.....trust me, I’ve suggested some vids to ppl. Always love going back to basics! Will always have new generations; & some ppl enjoy learning from certain types of ppl....& you my friend, I can listen to you all day👍🏻 You make learning fun😁(think would make an awesome teacher, especially at University Level). Can always learn something new everyday....just gotta be open to it😉 Cheers✌🏼

Thanks a bunch bud! This was cool to see, I'm in my 30s, recently bought a house and can use this info. Awesome! Thank you. Definitely gained a subscriber. Keep up the quality of the videos, Great!

I learn something new from most of you videos. Now if I can remember it when the time comes that is something else.

Thank you. This was very simple yet helpful for a beginner like me. Many thanks.

Hi Kyle, I am 69 years old and have started doing my own maintenance work and the tips I get from watching your presentations is priceless . What a great help. Thank you so much.

A VERY good video for a rookie like me. I had only used the 90 or 45 degree function (your tip #1). You clearly taught me how to get MUCH more use out of my rafter square. Thanks!

I just started working with wood, you just saved me from a whole lot of headaches. Up to this point it's all been trial and error at this point. Thanks for posting.

For sure, Kyle - your videos are great. My 4yo and I watch regularly. Thanks!

I don’t ever comment on videos but this one is brilliant and very informative

I wish I could take a basic carpentry class, such a beautiful skill to have.

thanks for making this video! i’m far from a young kid, but i am somewhat new to woodworking, and you just taught me a few things. thanks again.

This video was . I am was very helpful! I am a woman in my late 50's who has no woodworking skills and did not need those skills until now, bought a 26' foot trailer, gutted it completely, replaced one side of the trailers sub floor, put in new kitchen cabinets and now working on trim work. Thank you for your video couldn't do all this without help from people like you posting these amazing videos.

Awesome video Kyle! I just learned A LOT!

Regarding your comments about who watches your channel; I am only a hobbyist and DIY doesn't extend much above simple home renovation, but religiously watch your channel. I like the way you produce content and have picked up a few tips that I can apply to much smaller projects. A post frame, hmmm, not something that I'd ever be in a position to build. Keep the good stuff coming 👍

I took carpentry at a local college and then framed houses for two years and I can say, I learned something from your video. Great job.

Thank you for taking the time to make this video and teach me 11 new things.

Shame on you Kyle for not taking the battery out of the saw before messing with the blade. Just kidding. Safety third! You rock brother. Thanks for taking us through the fundamentals.

I've been a Auto Body guy for years so working with wood is all new to me. In my quest to build my own work bench out of wood I bought my first rafter square last night & I had no idea what all them notches were for. This is a great video I learned a lot thanks for sharing this with the world 🤙

Just the other day I was thinking about how to use a speed square, and then you're video pops up, perfect!:) thanks for another great video!

I cannot figure out which is more fascinating...the invention or you, sir. Thank you kindly for sharing your knowledge!

Great video Kyle... You can also, scrape frost off vehicle windows, use as a spacer for decking, and open beer bottles..

Hell man, I learned a few things. And I’m an old fart! Never too old school to learn!!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱 Thanks

3 months working as a woodworker/carpenter this is extremely helpful.

Concise and informative with engaging delivery. Awesome video for the hobbyist. Thank you

I follow all your content and I'm just a regular guy who has to fix stuff around the house. I learned a bunch of stuff about using a square I had no idea about. So this kind of content is very appreciated!

Your top 10 uses were great, very glad you decided to share. I have watched other content on using squares and yours was different. First you demonstrate what we need to know quickly and to the point. No excess dialog, unlike my comment:)! And even better the information provided on how to use a tool is qualified further by your on the job experience. I never thought of flipping the square base to the far side of the board when making a cut with the saw, but your insight on why you do it that way just makes so much sense. That's one tip, that this old brain won't forget! Regarding video material that may seem mundane to some, I would love to see practical measuring and marking tricks. For example, and I may be reading too much into what I saw, when you demonstrated how to make a 90 degree/perpendicular cut, you put a straight mark on the board as the desired measurement, but then added a check mark. The speed at which you did it told me this is just part of how you do things and I wondered why you added the second, clarifying mark. And how did that change where you placed the square if at all. I am not in the trades, just a DIY, but always looking to improve my measuring, marking and accurately cutting material, as I have yet to master. I measure, I mark, I confirm measure, but then find I have to sneak up once or twice on the cut because some how I am off. I have also heard in videos leave the line, take the line, split the line, but why did that person make that call after making the mark? I don't know if it is because I am a lefty, or just my aging eyes, but I find marking to be my biggest challenge on any project.

New wood worker here. I bought one on sale, and now I know how to use it. Thanks.

Went from being a pipe welder to a carpenter and so this was super helpful. Thanks man.

Good stuff I'm a framer 2 for 6 years one thing I like my speed square is sit cuts. You use it when one roof sits on another roof

Brilliant, honestly didn’t know that many uses for the square 👍🏼

As a Tenure Welder Fabricator perspective... now I know the optimal uses of Rafter -aka- speed square! Thanks so much.

Actually, the plumb bob trick was a new one on me. Great video. Thanks, Kyle!

TIL that I only use my speed square for marking 90s. Thanks for the additional tips!

I actually got my start in woodworking through cabinet and furniture making. I went 12 years in the craft not knowing how certain features of the speed square could improve some of my tasks just because no one ever showed me. Finally I employed a rough carpenter and taught him fine finish work and then I got to learn from my employee how it could benefit me. There's a lot of basic Carpenters tools that hobbyists and even pros in other sub categories of carpentry don't understand. I think it's cause people rush to use the big table saw and chop saw and don't slow down to learn the small stuff. Even like what a Carpenters pencil is good for. Again, I didn't learn this till like 12 years into the trade.

Number 2 was good. Never thought of that before, so simple! You're damn right on doing the simple stuff. I'm no pro, just a DIY'r as well as possibly most of your audience and I still love learning basic things from craftsmen like yourself. Awesome!

Keep up the awesome work. You are right about young people needing to learn how to do things the right .I'm 60 years old and been pounding nails for 40 .we need good carpenters to take over.keed up the learning videos and thank you for that.