Empire Level E2994 7-Inch High Definition Rafter Square

There are probably equally fine rafter squares out there, I don't know, but this one is a pleasure to use and does what it is supposed to do very well. I've used the cheap versions of this type of square for years and felt they were good enough. When I got my son this square for Christmas I changed my mind and got one for myself. Even more than power tools, it seems that the quality of hand tools changes self expectations regarding the quality of your work.

When it comes to a simple and long established tool like this there's not much to differentiate among competitors, but I did find one feature. Extremely easy to read - the laser etched markings on the high contrast anodized surface are well defined and are in sharp focus, and I'm confident they will remain that way for a very long time. You'll see right away why Empire refers to them as "HD". This is a big improvement over the traditional stamped markings that are then painted over or the silkscreened markings on a painted surface which are indistinct and wear away quickly. It's funny how sight and memory work, but for whatever reason when I reference one of these "HD" marks, look away to check square or whatever, then look back to it, my eye seems to go right back to the correct mark where as on the indistinct painted over stamped markings I hunt and repeat to make sure I have it right. Kind of like how your eye is drawn the more distinct longer graduations at the 1/4 inch points on a tape measure. Finally, although I'm sure its not, it looks and feels like its machined from a single billet of aluminum rather than stamped and welded pieces of sheet metal for whatever that's worth.

A go to speed square, works well, and excellent construction as always.

A day after I ordered this square I was at the store and a bright blue square caught my eye. I noticed the price was significantly less than I had paid here and was disappointed with the overall fit/finish. I was concerned that was the square I had just ordered, so I noted the product number. When I got home I found out the one at the store was the E2992 model and that I had ordered the E2994, so I just had to wait and see how the one I ordered compared.When it arrived I was very glad I had made the choice to get the more expensive one, as there was a day and night difference. The stamping was of higher quality and the finish was perfect. The accuracy seems good as best I can tell.If you're not afraid to pay a few more dollars for a better fit and finish this is the clear choice. I suspect the E2992 will get the job done just as well or comparable other brands, but this is the much nicer tool if you value that.

Checked it against machinist square as well as drawing a line and flipping it over and checking against the line, PERFECT!The white on blue is so much easier for me to read than the Stanley. Love this Square!

Great made in USA tool. Easy to read and sturdy. I misplaced a cheap plastic speed square that was not square. Then I borrowed a well used example of this speed square from a contractor neighbor. I ordered one for myself after two days.

This square is very accurate as checked with my Brown and Sharp machinist square. It is also very readable with the white on blue laser lettering. It has been CNC machined and as a result the edges are pretty sharp. It felt a little uncomfortable to me handling it with bare hands so I broke the edges just a little bit with a Swiss file. This, of course broke thru the blue anodized finish leaving the edges a shiny aluminum finish. Actually looks pretty good this way. But, I wish they had broken the sharp edges prior to anodizing. It would complete what is an already very good product.

Very well made solid speed square. Did I say well made? well it is. Can't speak to the longevity of the markings but they seem permanent to me. The aluminum is a full 3/16" inch thick very substantial. Love the idea that I can download the book for it via a QR code to my phone anytime I want, can't lose it like the paper versions sent with some of the others.