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Framing Square

2-10. Framing Square

Much could be written about the framing square because of its many uses. However, we will cover only the correct nomenclature (names of terms and symbols) of its parts and the tasks for which it can be used.

In construction work, especially in house framing, the framing square is an invaluable tool and has a use that is common to all squaring devices. It is used for checking the squareness of building materials and for the squaring or angling of a mark placed on the building material. One arm of the square is placed against the edge or face of the building material. The other arm, with measuring units on it, is placed next to the desired mark on the building material. A line is then drawn across the material to the desired length or depth. It can also be used as a calculating machine, a means of solving mathematical problems. You will use it for laying out common, valley, hip, jack, and cripple rafters in roof construction and for laying out stringers for steps.

Figure 2-45 shows the framing square and its principal parts. The body of the square is the wider and longer member the tongue is the shorter and narrower member. The face is the side visible both on the body and the tongue when the square is held with the tongue in the left hand and the body pointing to the right. The various markings on a square are scales and tables. The square most generally used is one with a 16-inch tongue and a 24-inch body.

Figure 2-45. Framing square

a. Try Square. The try square (Figure 2-46) is so called because of frequent use as a testing tool when squaring up wood stock. It consists of a steel blade 8 inches long at right angle to the stock, which is usually made of hardwood and faced with brass to preserve the wood from damage. The blade usually has a scale divided into eighths of an inch.

Figure 2-46. Try square

b. Miter Square. The term miter means any angle except a right angle, but as applied to squares mean an angle of 45 degrees (Figure 2-47). It is similar to a try square, but the stock of a miter square has an angle or 45 degree set in the stock. When using the miter square, the 45 degrees face of the stock is placed against the edge of a board; then the blade will be at a 45 degree angle with the edge of the board. The scale on the blade is divided into eighths of an inch.

Figure 2-47. Miter square

c. Combination Square. A combination square does the work of a rule, square, depth gauge, and level (Figure 2-48). The name combination square indicates that you can use it as a try or miter square. It differs from the try and miter squares in appearance, and you can move the head to any desired position on the blade. The head slides in a groove located in the center of the blade. This groove also permits removal of the head so that the blade may be used as a rule or a straightedge. A spirit level is installed in the head, permitting it to be used as a level. A centering head, which can be substituted for the head, is used to locate the center of shafts or other cylindrical pieces. A scriber is also inserted in the head to be used for laying out work. The protractor head is used to set different angles. In the construction of this tool, the blade is hardened to prevent the corners from wearing round and detracting from its value as a measuring instrument.

Figure 2-48. Combination square

Curriculum design: David L. Heiserman
Publisher: SweetHaven Publishing Services