Top Combination Square Brands for Precision Woodworking

When it comes to precise measurements and perfect angles in woodworking and metalworking, having a reliable combination square is essential. The market is brimming with various brands, each offering their own innovative features, sturdy construction, and user-friendly designs. Brands like Starrett, Irwin Tools, and Swanson Tool consistently stand out due to their commitment to accuracy and durability. To help you choose the best fit for your needs, we invite you to explore our detailed list of the top-rated combination square brands below.

Illustration of combination square

Best brands of combination square in 2025

Starrett

Starrett is renowned as one of the best producers of combination squares, offering durability and dependability with their precision-measuring tools. Their combination squares are made from photo-engraved, hardened and tempered steel rules and cast iron or forged steel heads, ensuring years of unparalleled accuracy and usefulness. These tools can serve multiple purposes, including measuring depth, height, angles, and more, making them a complete substitute for several single-use tools. Despite holding a negligible market share in terms of revenue percentage, Starrett's tools are highly praised for their longevity and accuracy, with some users reporting over 15 years of reliable service. The combination squares are designed to provide better accuracy and greater efficiency, making them a valuable asset for craftsmen.

Mitutoyo

Mitutoyo is highly regarded as one of the best producers of combination squares, known for their precision and durability. Their products are often preferred by professionals due to their high accuracy and reliability. In a head-to-head test by Fine Woodworking, Mitutoyo's 12-in. combination square was among the top choices for woodworkers, scoring well in accuracy, ease of use, and readability. Mitutoyo's commitment to quality is reflected in their extensive range of measurement tools, which are widely used in various industries. Their products are a testament to the company's long-standing reputation for excellence in precision engineering.

Irwin Tools

Irwin Tools is renowned for producing some of the best combination squares, offering a perfect balance of price, value, and performance. Their combination squares feature durable cast zinc bodies and rust-resistant stainless steel blades, ensuring extended durability and accuracy. The black precision-etched scales provide clear readings, and the integrated bubble level and scribing tool enhance functionality. Irwin's 12-inch combination square is particularly versatile, suitable for various tasks including marking 90 and 45-degree angles and serving as a spirit level. With a lifetime limited warranty, Irwin Tools demonstrates confidence in the quality of their products. Discover more about their combination square.

Empire Level

Empire Level is a renowned brand in the construction and woodworking industries, particularly celebrated for its high-quality combination squares. Since 1919, Empire Level has been a trusted name, delivering innovative solutions such as the Monovial, Torpedo Level, and Magnetic Level, with recent advancements like e-BAND™ vials. Their TRUE BLUE® combination squares are designed with advanced features like BLADE-LOCK™ and DUAL-PITCH™ vials, ensuring maximum accuracy and versatility. Empire's products are made in the USA, employing over 200 people, and are sold in over 50 countries worldwide. The brand's commitment to quality and user experience has made its combination squares essential tools for various layout and measurement tasks.

Swanson

The Swanson brand is highly regarded for producing some of the best combination squares, particularly the Swanson TC132, which stands out for its durability, accuracy, and substantial weight, indicating its robust build. This model was praised in tests for its precision and sturdiness, making it a close second to the Irwin combination square in terms of overall performance. Swanson's combination squares are often recommended for their reliability and affordability, with the TC132 available for around $13.71, making it an excellent value for the quality provided. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in the materials used, such as forged steel, which ensures long-lasting performance. Swanson's tools are ideal for various tasks, including framing, metalworking, and wood layout, as highlighted by experts like Tom Silva from This Old House.

PEC Tools

PEC Tools, or Products Engineering Corporation, is highly regarded for producing high-quality combination squares that rival those of top brands like Starrett. These tools are known for their accuracy, with specifications such as .001 inch deviation over 6 inches and .002 inch deviation over 12 inches, ensuring precise measurements. PEC squares are often available as "cosmetic seconds" or "blemished" tools, which, despite minor imperfections, maintain their functional integrity and are significantly cheaper, such as the $32 delivered price for a 12-inch square. These tools are made in the USA, feature hardened and satin-finished stainless steel blades, and have etched markings for better readability. They are a cost-effective alternative to premium brands while maintaining high standards of precision and durability. For more insights, check out the discussion on Starrett and PEC tools' worth.

Johnson Level & Tool

Johnson Level & Tool is renowned for producing high-quality combination squares, offering precision and durability that meet the needs of various tradesmen. Their 12" stainless steel combination square, for example, features a CNC-machined square head for greater accuracy and a durable acrylic vial, making it ideal for applications in woodworking, stonemasonry, and metalworking. The company has been supplying innovative solutions for over 70 years, expanding its product line to include a broad spectrum of measuring tools, such as power tape measures and long tapes, with prices ranging from $4.99 to $89.99. Johnson Level & Tool has received prestigious awards, including the 2024 Pro Tool Innovation Award, highlighting their commitment to exceptional design and performance. The company's products are backed by a 1-year warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Fowler

Fowler is renowned as one of the best producers of combination squares, offering a vast selection of high-precision tools. Their combination squares are highly regarded for their accuracy and durability, making them a staple in many workshops and industries. Fowler's commitment to quality is evident in their extensive range of products, including combination squares with various blade lengths and features. For instance, their 12" and 24" combination squares are popular choices among professionals. With a long history of delivering reliable and precise instruments, Fowler continues to be a trusted brand in the market.

Shinwa

Shinwa, a Japanese company, is renowned for producing high-quality measuring instruments, including combination squares, with over 50 years of experience and a global workforce of over 500 employees. Their combination squares are precisely machined from stainless steel, offering both 90-degree and 45-degree measurements, and feature graduations in metric and imperial units. These tools are highly durable and reliable, making them a favorite among professionals. Shinwa's commitment to quality has earned the trust of customers worldwide. Their products, such as the Japanese Combination Square, are available with detailed specifications, including a 4-inch tall by 6-1/4-inch long base.

Stanley

The Stanley brand is renowned for producing high-quality combination squares, with a long history of durability and accuracy. Despite recent manufacturing shifts to China, which have raised some quality control concerns, Stanley's traditional combination squares, such as the Stanley Rabone Combination Square, are highly regarded for their cast iron stocks and hardened steel beams. These tools offer versatile functionality, including 45-degree capabilities and precise measurements, making them essential for woodworkers. However, it is crucial to check the manufacturing origin, as those made in China may have varying quality standards. For instance, a Stanley Rabone square purchased online for £12.99 plus shipping highlighted the potential for discrepancies in quality control. Find more details on the Stanley Handyman Combination Square.