Milwaukee has come out with a new trim square, MLSQ040, which was first revealed at their recent NPS19 new tool media event.
It’s a 4-1/2″ square, which Milwaukee says is 35% more compact compared to standard 7″ rafter squares.
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Milwaukee says this is the first mass-appeal compact square on the market and that its small size makes it an everyday carry layout solution.
The Milwaukee trim square fits into tight spaces, and easily stows away in pockets and tool pouches. It features high visibility laser-etched markings, and a dual measurement 1/4″ and 3/8″ heel that can be used to make quick marks. There precision notches at 1/8″ increments.
The aluminum square is made in the USA and is anodized red.
It can be used in most of the same ways as larger rafter squares, such as for laying down cut lines on wood materials.
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You can use it with other materials as well, and its small size allows it to be used in spaces too narrow for 7″ and larger squares.
The Milwaukee trim square can also be used as a 90° reference, such as for checking or adjusting the alignment of miter saw blades.
The offset heel gives you convenient 1/4″ and 3/8″ marking widths or measurement gauges.
MSRP Price: $7
Preorder Street Pricing: $10
ETA: September 2019
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Discussion
If you’re interested in the new Milwaukee trim square, you might want to also read about their relatively new 7″ rafter square, which is also made in the USA.
That Milwaukee describes this as the first mass-appeal square indicates that they’re aware of the existence of Woodpeckers’ Delve square, which Ben talks about here. The Delve square is actually smaller, with a height of ~3-3/4″.
Milwaukee’s trim square and Woodpeckers’ Delve square have very different pricing, but it’s worth pointing out that the Milwaukee square is made from machined extruded aluminum, and the Woodpeckers Delve square is machined from “a single piece of tool plate-grade aluminum.” I mention this because I know some of you are going to be familiar with the Woodpeckers tool.
I usually use a combination square for a lot of the different tasks Milwaukee highlights their new trim square as being perfectly suited for. I do also have a Woodpeckers Delve square that I purchased at a woodworking show, and I use that on smaller stock. But, the Milwaukee trim square looks like it could be convenient, especially since it’s a one-piece tool.
With combination squares, even my smaller ones, I often have to take the rule out of the handle and use just the handle for tasks such as miter saw blade calibration. But, with the rule removed, its reference height is small and less than optimal.
Let’s also not forget that this tool is meant to be used on smaller boards that might be awkward for a 7″ rafter square.
Overall, I’m optimistic. This seems like a useful tool, at least if you can see yourself using it.
I recently received a sample of Milwaukee’s magnetic rafter square recently, and it’s quite nice, although some of its edges are about as sharp as the ones on Empire squares. If you picked up a 2-for-1 Empire square promo pack at Home Depot, you probably know what I mean. If the new trim square is similar, it’ll still be comfortable enough to slip into a back pocket (but please don’t sit down!) or tool pouch.
There’s a nagging question I can’t quite shake. If this is such a great idea, why hasn’t it been done before on the “mass appeal” level? Is it because this 4-1/2″ trim square is comparably priced – or pricier – than standard 7″ aluminum rafter squares? But, it does have notches, which increases its versatility and adds to what you get for the money, and also the offset dual-measurement heel.
$7 or $10 doesn’t seem like a lot for what you get. Press materials say the square will sell for $7, and the only retailer that has the square listed at the moment is showing a price of $10. I think that $7 is low enough for “sure, why not, I’ll try it” mentality. $10 might require a little more self-convincing, but still seems reasonable.
Is this something you might buy or use? Or will you continue to use your combination square, rafter square, or a different layout tool for the tasks the trim square was designed for?
A W
I like it. It looks well designed and for $7, gives a lot of capability.
Corey Moore
Another, just barely, not entirely bullsh!t,”first.” And another reset on the time it’ll take me to respect Milwaukee, based solely on marketing. As usual though, it genuinely looks handy.
Frank D
While I don’t expressly need it ( got a few regular size ones ) it looks like it could be handy and for $7 I’d pick one up at the orange big box store.
fred
HD has it listed for $10.97 (their SKU 1004620357 – Internet #310363529) – but obviously not yet available for order.
I guess the difference in price ($3.97 over MSRP) might then later be reduced with one of HD’s “special buy” or holiday promotion prices
Anyway – it seems like its small size would make it handy to carry in your apron pocket for saw setup and quick marking of 2×4’s and the like.
Josh
I might pick up one or two. I love speed squares in the workshop but they’re generally too large for things like checking a miter saw is square. I planned to get a set of 1-2-3 blocks for that but if I can get one of these for $7 that’s money well spent
Koko The Talking Ape
Are the markings etched into the aluminum? It looks like they aren’t, but I can’t tell for sure.
I’ve had paint and anodizing wear off on other tools.
James Willacker
I’ll definitely get one; my dad has an old aluminum 4″ speed square of unknown make that is extremely handy and I’ve been searching for a similar one for years.
Toolfreak
I wonder why it’s 4.5″ and not something closer to 3.75″ like the Delve square?
The 3.75″ sizing makes sense given the dimensions of your usual 2×4.
As for why it hasn’t been done in mass production before, like most things, just because it hasn’t. There are certainly reasons behind the traditional sizing of speed squares, just like most other tools, but we’re in an age of gimmick tools and companies trying to come up with new stuff to sell us in addition to the basics, even if they aren’t truly necessary, because they might be handy to have in some situations. If anything, it’s incredible that Swanson hasn’t made any smaller size speed squares already.
I have wanted a smaller speed square. Seems like it’d be super handy to have within easy reach of a miter saw, and for making marks in tight quarters.
Would be nice if Swanson made a Mini Speed Square.
RKA
My guess is that extra length allows you to mark out angles? Looks like it would go up to 70 degrees or so on a 2×4 before it becomes too short.
Daniel
I noticed the new 7” square comes in a magnetic version. Do you know if this 4 1/2” square will eventually have a magnetic version?
Stuart
This one is not magnetic, and there has been no mention of a future magnetic model. If it’s something that’s in the works, they wouldn’t be permitted to talk to the media about it.
Jared
I might buy it. I like the idea of a small speed square as I’m often putting my tools in my pockets as I work. With my current squares I put them down as I work or make cuts and then don’t always remember where to find them again.
Gordon
I don’t think its that much more useful over a 7in unless all you ever do is 90’s, or small angles. It maxes out doing a 45 on a 3 1/4 in board. It might work on some jobs, but not others. So that makes it more of a “unitasker” than a universal tool like a regular sized square.
PETE
For $10 i’ll certainly be buying 1 or two. Might put one on a keyback so it doesn’t get lost lol
Altan
It is quite small, I liked it, when are they going to make them with stainless steel?!
Stuart
Here’s the problem – these are made from extruded aluminum that has some machining work done to it. As far as I am aware, you can’t do that with stainless steel, and so SS squares would have to be machined from solid billet, which would result in a lot of waste material and machining time, driving the cost way up.
If I recall correctly, when I was at Empire’s factory I believe I saw the raw material for aluminum squares as having an I-beam shape, leading to highly efficient use of material. I would assume that these squares are manufactured in a similar manner, but with a slightly different extrusion shape since the heel is offset with a 1/4″ ledge on one side and 3/8″ on the other.
To get two squares made of stainless steel, you’ll have to start with a ~4-1/2″ square block between 1/2″ and 3/4″ thick.
Altan
I completely know what you mean, I know it has to be made like that and it would be expensive, sometimes I do t care for the price 🙂 also I was thinking they might be able to weld to pieces of stainless steel at 90 degree angle and just work on the weld with CNC machine,
Altan
Also they could make the I beam with stainless steel 🙂
Gordon
You probably have a better chance getting Martinez to make a smaller titanium one.
Altan
looooool
ca
If they wrote Woodpecker on this instead of Milwaukee they could’ve charged $70.
David A.
So true. I refuse to buy woodpecker products because of their completely RIDICULOUS prices.
The What?
There ain’t nothing special about these squares. Anybody can make them. This is just the first time that you’ve seen them being sold by a big box brand. Trust me, they’ve been made on a mass appeal level for some time. Where do you think Milwaukee got the idea from? I started making these several years ago when I first started to get into trim carpentry and I saw another carpenter using the ones he made. I’ve made quite a few of my own in several different sizes and angles over the years. They’re very simple to make. All you need is an aluminum or composite plastic speed square, protractor, marker and a bandsaw or hacksaw. Cut to any size and angle of your choice.
Cody
All you need is everything that costs more than the square so you can make your own that’s half assed. Waste of time, stop being a cheap ass.
BlueCrafted
Nice. I need to grab a couple of these.
Kelly Crow
Costs almost as much to ship ($8.00) as it does to buy the thing. I will just wait until it hits Home Depot.
Bob
I think the article needs to be corrected with the MSRP of $17. It would be strange for a pre-order price ($10) to be more than the MSRP noted in the article of $7.
Stuart
Press release says $7.00. I asked for confirmation on this but haven’t heard back yet.
Maybe in-store and online prices will be different?
Yes, it’s unusual, but I can only report on the figures I’m given or can see live on retailers’ sites.
Alex Burkhardt
Just wanted to point out that ACME has a current promo this weekend for free ground shipping. Pre-order pricing of $10.99 + free shipping was too much to withstand.
Peter Haig
Great Idea, Love the smaller size and Made in USA. Its sad that that other companies can not sell there domestic items in the states any more, everything comes from the orient! So this is a great treat. I did notice though there are some made in USA like Buck Brothers Chisels in Home Depot, they have been there for what seems to be over 30 years! I hope things change soon
Chris
Finally got one in hand.
Two things I’ve noticed that differ from the product images.
1-The lettering is not near as bright/white as the pictures (almost grayish), a slight disappointment at most.
2-Picture 1 and 3 show a square base plate, as where picture 5 shows it being rounded off with tooling marks. All ten of the squares in stock at my local store are rounded off inconsistently from one to the next and all have noticeable tool marks from what seems to either be a dull tool or the machine is set too fast for those cuts.
I also noticed that every one of them had dents and dings under the anodizing that would seem to indicate rough handling at the factory.
I’ll probably check back later and see if a new batch comes around with better QC.
Side note, does anyone know what the 2-1/2″ cutout is for (with the 2 diamonds)?
Thanks.
Mopar
Measuring dimensional lumber. Use it like the last pic in the post. The diamonds mark 1-1/2″ (2x) and 3-1/2″ (4x).
Mr. X
I just picked up this Milwaukee mini speed square at HD after reading about the new Woodpecker model. Very nice US made tool for $11. I will use it, as shown in one of the promo pictures to layout the markings on the top and bottom of electrical panels used for knockouts. The smaller size and notches are perfect for this application.
Chris
Meredith
After a year of use, how does this Milwaukee trim square compare to the Woodpeckers Delve Square?
Have you noticed any longer term issues in durability, legibility, etc? Does the size difference matter? Curious about the price difference and why I don’t see more similar squares like this.
Stuart
I like it a lot. Frankly, this trim square sees more use with me for everyday stuff, and I’m not as careful with it since it’ll be easier to replace if needed down the road.