Here are some ways that you can use a speed square:
As a saw guide — This kind of builders square can be used to keep your circular saw straight and true as you cross-cut lumber. Just place the lip of the square on the outer edge of the wood, line up the saw shoe against the straight edge of the square, and cut.
To draw lines — If you need to draw a guideline for cutting wood so you can make a rip cut, you can use a speed square as a straight edge. Just place the square lip along the outer edge of the board, place the tip of your pencil inside one of the notches, and you’ll have a straight line that’s ready to cut.
As a roof pitch tool — You can use this builders square to determine the pitch of a roof, which is useful for installing skylights, designing an addition, or getting an estimate for a replacement. If you use it with a level, you’ll be able to get a rough estimate of your roof’s pitch angle.
As a square checker — While you may use another tool (such as a combination square, framing square, or tri square), you can use this kind of builders square for this purpose if you don’t have immediate access to any other tool.
As a protractor — You can use a speed square to measure any angle you need for making cross cuts. You can measure a 90-degree angle with the straight edge, a 45-degree angle with the miter square, and all the others with the straight edge and pivot point.
No matter what kind of job you need to do, learning how to use this builders square is a valuable skill.