Stanley 46-131 16-Inch Contractor Grade Combination Square

List Price: $21.99 Discount Price: $12.84

Features:

• Contractor grade combination square with a square for English measurements, a level vial, and a scratch awl
• Precision-machined working surfaces for improved accuracy; deeply etched blades for long-term readability
• Hard chrome-plated blades coated for rust resistance; durable die-cast metal handle with brass hardware
• Includes easy-to-read level vial; built-in scriber for convenient surface marking
• Length: 16 inches; backed by lifetime limited warranty

Accessories:
Measuring, Marking, and Layout: A Builder's Guide	Old House Journal	Ladder Boss 90202 Tool Bag

Customer Reviews:

What a Gem! [Posted on 2001-02-09]
Never thought I could be so enthused about something so basic. But after years with a 12" plain metal blade, a 16" black blade with yellow fill is like a whole different tool. No glare in the sun or bright light. Much, much, much easier to read in any condition.

Not quite a Starrett [Posted on 2004-06-01]
But considering the price, close enough! I'd struggled and cussed and pulled my hair out w/ the run-of-the-mill combo squares I'd picked up at the local hardware stores or big box stores. I was not in a position to sink the $$$ for a complete set of Starrett squares, but was getting desperate. Some folks online pointed me to a tool review in Fine Woodworking Magazine, and while the Stanley yellow 'contractor' squares were not perhaps the absolute best, they were better than most anything w/i 3 times the price. One woodworking school specified these squares if the student didn't already have something better (Starret, Mitutuoyo, Brown & Sharpe). I went from store to store, and the only model I could find locally was the 16". Turned out to be a bit bigger than I really wanted, but it works very nicely. Blade stays set when I tighten down the knob, no wiggling back and forth, nicely readable etched, not stamped blade. Had to do a minor tune-up w/ a small file on the nibs in where the blade runs to true it up, but after that, it seems to hold and stay square no matter what the use. For under $20, I'd say it's a great deal.

Square is not manufactured as described [Posted on 2007-04-05]
The square was not manufactured to the described specifications. My square did not have the black etched blade with yellow in the etch marks. It had a plain steel blade with printed on markings. These things are going to wear off. I do not recommend this square for this reason. I don't know why the description on the website is wrong. I guess Stanely has recently changed the design. The square otherwise was just ok. Not perfectly square and a little rough sliding. I buffed the blade a little to get it to slide. I started to file the body to square it up but stopped when I saw the blade changed square when I flipped it over. If I flip it around I can find one side that makes the thing pretty square when checked on the inside square but not to good on the outside square. Flipping it the otherway makes it pretty square on the outside square but not so good on the inside. I have to put some thought into how to remedy this.

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