Sale Lee Valley Veritas 1 1/2″ Pocket Layout Square

Just as a speed square is an essential layout tool for carpenters and framers, this miniature square is similar in both form and function but is appropriately sized for laying out joinery on small-scale projects.

Measuring only 1 1/2″ on the two shorter sides, it is a compact, ultralight tool that fits into a pocket, comes to hand nicely, and is easy to handle for precise work. Once you’ve gotten in the habit of using it, you may well be surprised at how advantageous it is in many situations where you might typically use a larger square. For example, to strike a line close to the edge of a workpiece, it’s easy to set the square over a tape measure to position your mark accurately in both axes at once.

Machined from solid aluminum with a matte anodized surface, it is laser etched on both sides with Imperial measurements in 1/16″ increments as well as angles in 10° increments.

The base extends 1/8″ from one side of the blade and 1/4″ on the other – convenient references that, among other uses, give you an easy way to mark mortises centered on 1/2″ and 3/4″ stock, respectively. The 1/8″ side also permits reliable registration on very thin stock where the benchtop might otherwise obstruct a deeper base.

Where the base meets the blade, the inside corners are slightly relieved to ensure that the square seats well over saw whiskers.

Simple and practical, it is a tool you will reach for often. Made in Canada.

Also available in 2 1/2″, 3 1/2″ and metric sizes, as well as in three-piece sets of Imperial or metric squares.