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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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  1. Home
  2. DIY

8 tasks you can do with just one tool

The amazing combination square. - by Greg Fahey
  • 19 Dec 2018
8 tasks you can do with just one tool

Ranking high among the most versatile hand tools around is the combination square. It’s a handy addition to your toolbox that can help you achieve your DIY projects. It’s no wonder you always see one dangling off the tool belts of the pros.  

1. As a square

Combination square

The most common use for the tool is to draw square lines across a piece of timber. Place the head against the edge and run your pencil along the ruler. You can also do 45 degree lines by using the angled part of the head against the edge.

2. As a marking gauge

Combination square

To draw a line along a board parallel to the edge, first lock the head at the required measurement on the rule. Place the head against the edge of the board and a sharp pencil on the board against the end of the rule. Slide the square and pencil together along the board to mark your line.  

3. To check a corner is square

Combination square
Phil Aynsley

To check the corners of a project are square, fully retract the rule so it is flush with the straight edge on the head. Place the square on the inside of the join and adjust the timber so it meets the rule all the way along.

4. As a cutting guide

Combination square
John Halfhide

When you need a neat square cut across a soft material, like a vinyl flooring plank, place the square at the desired point, hold firm then run the knife along the rule. Too easy!

5. To adjust your circular saw

Combination square
Phil Aynsley

Make sure your circular saw is cutting square by placing the head of the square on the base plate of your saw with the rule against the saw blade. Adjust the base plate until the rule and saw blade are in contact all the way along it.

6. To set the cutting depth of a tool

Combination square
Phil Aynsley

To accurately set the depth of the cutting bit on a router or blade on a circular saw, place the square on the base plate and, while looking at measurements on the rule, adjust the tool until the bit or blade is at the required depth, then lock the base plate in position.

7. As a measuring gauge

Combination square

To accurately measure a distance between two surfaces (here, the distance from the edge of the concrete to the face of the bricks below), place the combination square head on one surface and extend the rule until it hits the other surface. Where the head sits on the rule is the distance you’re looking for. If you need to transfer this measurement, lock the head on the rule.

8. As a ruler

Combination square
Phil Aynsley

Need to draw a short straight line between two points? Save time by grabbing your combination square and removing the rule from the head so you can use it on its own.

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Greg Fahey
Greg Fahey
Greg Fahey is a carpenter and licensed builder with over 30 years experience. Combine this with having owned a number of old homes in need of TLC, there aren’t a lot of DIY jobs that he hasn’t tried. When he’s not sharing his knowledge to a wide audience via BHG, he can be found at home with a tool in hand, taking on yet another DIY task.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to choose the right saw

How to choose the right saw

How to saw like a pro

How to saw like a pro

How to use a drill as a screwdriver

How to use a drill as a screwdriver

Space-saving vertical garden ideas for any budget

Space-saving vertical garden ideas for any budget

{headline}

{headline}

3 ways to make a compost bin for your backyard

3 ways to make a compost bin for your backyard

How one mum made an epic home playground for her son for $350

How one mum made an epic home playground for her son for $350

Tara shows you how to organise your linen cupboard

Tara shows you how to organise your linen cupboard

{headline}

{headline}

Before and after: Old shed to stunning greenhouse

Before and after: Old shed to stunning greenhouse

Charlie creates a stunning garden path

Charlie creates a stunning garden path

The DIY jobs you can do without calling a tradie

The DIY jobs you can do without calling a tradie

How to turn your old house into a smart home

How to turn your old house into a smart home

How to give old wrought iron furniture a makeover

How to give old wrought iron furniture a makeover

5 of the most-searched DIY projects in 2020 (according to Google)

5 of the most-searched DIY projects in 2020 (according to Google)

How to hang a door

How to hang a door

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