Back over the holidays, I was the proud recipient of a genuine Leatherman multi tool, and I have got to tell you it has been worth its weight in gold. Not just because it is a handy set of pliers, a very sharp knife or a quick way to open a beer at the end of a hard day. It’s worth it’s weight in gold because it does all of that in one tool. A real multitasker.
That’s why I am falling in love again with my combination square from Bora Tools. Oh, that baby is handy. It gives you a whole bunch of different operations all in one tool that’s easy to keep close by while out in the shop.
First, it’s a square. Yes, I know that sounds obvious, but that gives you something to check your project for square during assembly…
Plus, a great guide for marking out joinery or cut lines. Unlike a regular square, combination squares let you draw both 45 and 90 degree lines on your workpiece right out of the box.
Let’s go a little farther with this. Power tool setup is made a ton easier with a combination square. Say you need to ensure your band saw blade is square to the table. That’s an easy one to set up with this tool.
But, what about checking to see if your table saw blade is aligned with the miter slots and not out of whack. How can you do that? Easy. Just place the measuring head in the slot, extend the blade until it contacts a tooth at the front of the blade. Using the same set up, push the combination square to the back, rotate the blade so the same tooth is touching, and you will see immediately if your blade is off kilter.
Need a precise way to check the blade or bit height of a cutting set up? It’s in there!
My favorite thing about my combination square is that it is very handy, and works well with my split top Nicholson bench. Hey, when you need to keep the square right at hand, it’s easy to just slip it into the split and it’s good to go.
Just think, I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface with this tool. You can take the blade out and use it as a steel rule. You can use it to find the center of a round item. Gosh, there’s almost enough stuff for a second post!
I noticed that your square is the magnetic style. I have one of those as well as a traditional square and find unique uses for both and couldn’t imagine living without either one.
Without a doubt, my most used measuring/marking tool.
I actually have three that I picked up after finding a lost gift card; and I will set them at measurements I need to go back to during a project build.
A combination square is indispensable. I use mine on every project.
I’m not familiar with the Bora® brand. I use a vintage Union Tool Co. combination square. The vintage models are heavy and well made; affordable used from eBay.