Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I bought both the 24" and the 48" models of these combination squares. Keeping in mind that these are NOT just cheap versions of Starrett squares, which I also own but in smaller versions. These are not bad tools for the money, at all. They are not heavy duty, well machined and detailed squares like the Starretts, but they are serviceable for many applications.
For purposes of review, both tools appear to be identical excepting in length of the blade.
The blades are satin finished aluminum, about 5mm thick at the thickest parts, which is fine for keeping weight down. The numbers and graduations (both SAE and metric) are black, probably anodized, printed in fairly large size and are only on one side of the blade. The other side of the blade has a locking channel, which is a nice touch, considering the price of these units. The numbers and graduations will eventually wear off with use, but they are in a recessed portion of the blade which will help reduce that problem, mainly restricting the problem to the movement of the square and 45 degree heads. One end of the blade has a 3/8 hole for hanging the tool on a hook. The markings stop about 3 inches short of this end of the blade, leaving only one end of the blade useful for measurements.
The locking mechanisms on both the square and 45 degree heads are a little fussy and require more force to lock than I'd like. But, they will lock and if you're careful, will lock at the precise 90 and 45 degree points. If you're not careful and don't ensure that the head is securely locked, it can move slightly, changing the angles by several degrees.
The bubble level and scribe are both in the square head. The scribe is a screw-in type, which is a nice touch, but the point isn't very sharp and probably wouldn't last long being used on steel surfaces. The bubble level can work, but the markings are much larger than the bubble, so you have to have a pretty good eye to put them on level.
Packaging and shipping of these products from the factory is what prompted 4 stars instead of 5. They are apparently only protected by a plastic bag, no box, when shipped from the factory and worse, the heads are not locked down for shipment. Both tools that I received had wear marks on the blades, from movement of the heads during shipment. I have some photos that I will try to add to the image section to show this. This doesn't alter the usefulness of the tool, but it's an annoyance that could easily have been avoided by the factory. Again, the price of these units being so low, forgives a lot of sin.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Promax MT87101 24-Inch Combination Square
This combination square is lightweight, nicely finished and will have many uses in your shop and around your house. The square head has a bubble level and the 45 degree head also is a center finder for circular objects. It is calibrated in both inch and millimeter scales. Made of heavy, 3/16" thick by 1 9/16" aluminum bar.
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