combination square woes

[Dibs-h]

Squares. A metal engineers set square is the most accurate you can get.

I agree - anything else is bound to be comprised somehow.

MickTree - you'll find even the el-cheapo B&Poo are the same. Looking at the Starret, whilst it may be more accurate, I can't see how the pins on that wouldn't fall out. Perhaps if someone has one - they could let us know.

 

[jimi43]

......untrue spirit level .........

That's what I got when I used to order rum and coke in the Caribbean!

8) 8) 8)

Jim

 

[afreegreek]

Squares. A metal engineers set square is the most accurate you can get.

I agree - anything else is bound to be comprised somehow.

MickTree - you'll find even the el-cheapo B&Poo are the same. Looking at the Starret, whilst it may be more accurate, I can't see how the pins on that wouldn't fall out. Perhaps if someone has one - they could let us know.

I have Starrett Combination squares.. the pin will not fall out because it goes in from the top through the blade slot, then there is a spring and a washer then the nut. the only way to get it out is to unscrew the nut all the way and even at that the hole is machined pretty snug and you have to try a bit to remove it. it won't just fall out.. this is true with all adjustable Starrett squares.

you can remove the blade and never worry about losing the pin and unlike most manufacturers, you can buy a replacement pin for about $5.00 should you break it.. you can also send it in to have it trued for $15.00 if you manage to wear it too much. which I doubt anyone will. mine is 25 years old, is used daily at work and shows no sign of wear against my reference square.

 

[mr grimsdale]

Mines a combi square (Rabone Chesterman?)
It's very accurate (enough) and has stayed that way for 30 years so far. The only problem is the loss of the handy scribing pin which fitted in a hole in the side. Luckily I found a dart (on a pub floor) which serves the same purpose, after removing the feathers.

 

[afreegreek]

Mines a combi square (Rabone Chesterman?)
It's very accurate (enough) and has stayed that way for 30 years so far. The only problem is the loss of the handy scribing pin which fitted in a hole in the side. Luckily I found a dart (on a pub floor) which serves the same purpose, after removing the feathers.

yup, those always fall out.. I still have mine only because I removed it and put it in my little whatsit box.

BTW, it's not just a scribe pin.. the other intended use it to put the point in the 1" mark (or whatever) and bring the stock up to the pin for setting a distance of 1" (or whatever) from the end of the blade. try it and check the projection with the depth rod on your micrometer. it's perfect and repeatable as long as the edge of the pin rests flush with the face of the stock.