IDEAL [ID 65X] COMBINATION SQUARE - 26755

A standard try square is fixed and can only check 90° angles. A combination square does significantly more: the sliding, lockable head lets it function as a try square, miter square (45°), depth gauge, and height gauge all in one tool. This one also adds a built-in spirit level and a scribing pin, meaning you can mark, measure, and level simultaneously — something a basic try square simply cannot do.

Yes. The stainless steel blade resists corrosion from cutting fluids and workshop moisture, making it durable in metalworking environments. The hardened steel scribing pin is specifically designed to mark layout lines on metal surfaces where a pencil would not leave a visible or lasting mark. For woodworking, the etched graduations and adjustable head make it ideal for joinery, cabinet making, and furniture construction.

This combination square is manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015 certified Quality Management System. ISO 9001:2015 is the internationally recognised benchmark for consistent product quality and manufacturing process control. This means every unit is produced to verified, repeatable standards — giving you confidence that the squareness, graduation accuracy, and build quality meet professional-grade expectations.

To use it as a depth gauge, loosen the knurled locking nut on the cast metal head and slide the head along the blade until the end of the blade protrudes by the depth you wish to measure or replicate. Tighten the nut to lock the blade in position. Place the flat face of the head against the reference surface and the blade tip will indicate or transfer the exact depth — useful for setting router bit depths, checking mortise depths, or marking consistent rebate depths across multiple pieces.

Yes. The integrated bubble vial in the square head is designed to check both horizontal (level) and vertical (plumb) surfaces. Simply orient the tool accordingly — lay it flat to check a horizontal surface, or hold it upright against a vertical surface. When the bubble sits centred between the two reference lines, the surface is true. This is particularly useful when installing shelving, setting posts, or aligning structural elements during construction.

The hardened steel scribing pin is stored inside the handle of the square head when not in use, keeping it protected and always at hand. To use it, pull the pin out and drag its hardened tip along the edge of the blade or a straight edge to scratch a fine, precise layout line onto your workpiece. Scribed lines are far more accurate and durable than pencil marks, especially on metal, hardwood, or composite materials where pencil lines can smudge or disappear during machining.

The blade is secured using the knurled locking nut on the cast metal head. Ensure you are tightening it firmly by hand — the knurled texture is designed to give you sufficient grip without needing tools. If the blade still slips under pressure, check that the nut thread is clean and free of debris or metal filings, which can prevent it from seating fully. A light clean with a dry cloth usually resolves this. Never use excessive force or tools to overtighten, as this can damage the locking mechanism.

The graduations on this blade are permanently etched into the stainless steel rather than printed or painted, so they will not wear off with use. If they appear difficult to read, the most common cause is a build-up of oil, dust, or metal filings in the etched grooves. Wipe the blade clean with a dry or lightly dampened cloth. In workshop environments with low lighting, positioning a work light to cast a slight angle across the blade surface will make the etched lines stand out more clearly due to shadow contrast.

To verify the 90° accuracy of your combination square, place the head flat against a known straight edge and draw a line along the blade. Flip the square over so the head is on the opposite side of the same straight edge and draw a second line from the same starting point. If the two lines are perfectly coincident (on top of each other), the square is accurate. Any gap between the lines indicates the head is out of square by half the measured gap. This simple two-line test is the standard method used by professionals to verify square accuracy without specialist equipment.