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Try Square

What Is a Try Square?

A try square is a specialist marking out and checking tool used to mark and check accurate right angles (90°). It is most commonly used in woodworking, but is also suitable for polymers, paper/board, and light metal marking.

In A Level Product Design, the try square is essential for ensuring components are square, aligned, and accurately marked before cutting or shaping.

Main Parts of a Try Square

A try square has two fixed parts joined permanently at 90°.

Stock (Handle)

  • Thicker part of the tool
  • Usually made from wood, plastic, or metal

Purpose: - Rests against the face edge of the material - Acts as the reference surface

Blade

  • Thin, flat metal strip fixed at 90° to the stock

Purpose: - Used for marking straight lines - Used for checking squareness

The accuracy of a try square depends on the blade being perfectly square to the stock.

How a Try Square Is Used

  1. Place the stock firmly against the face edge
  2. Hold the tool flat against the surface
  3. Use a pencil, marking knife, or scriber to draw along the blade
  4. Remove the try square carefully
  5. Check accuracy before cutting

The try square is also used to check edges by placing it against a cut surface to see if it is square.

What a Try Square Is Used For

A try square is used to:

  • Mark 90° lines
  • Check that edges are square
  • Lay out joints
  • Check accuracy after cutting
  • Assist with marking components to length
  • Ensure frames and structures are aligned

It is one of the most frequently used marking tools in woodworking.

Try Square vs Set Square

Feature Try Square Set Square
Angles 90° only 45°, 60°, 90°
Adjustability Fixed Fixed
Accuracy at 90° Very high High
Typical material Wood All materials
Checking cuts Excellent Limited

The try square is more accurate for checking right angles than a set square.

Try Square vs Combination Square

Feature Try Square Combination Square
Accuracy Very high High
Functions 90° marking Multi‑purpose
Adjustability Fixed Adjustable
Best use Precision squareness Versatility

A try square is preferred when maximum accuracy at 90° is required.

Materials Used for Try Squares

Try squares are commonly made from:

  • Wood and steel – traditional, workshop use
  • All‑metal – high accuracy, durable
  • Plastic and metal – school workshops

Metal try squares are more durable but can scratch softer materials if not used carefully.

Best Practice When Using a Try Square

  • Always mark from a face side or datum edge
  • Hold the stock firmly against the edge
  • Do not allow the blade to slip
  • Keep the blade clean and straight
  • Check the try square for accuracy regularly
  • Store flat to prevent damage

Checking if a Try Square Is Accurate

A try square can be checked by: 1. Drawing a line using the try square 2. Flipping the square over 3. Drawing a second line from the same edge

If the lines match, the try square is accurate.

Health and Safety Considerations

  • Metal edges may be sharp
  • Keep fingers clear when marking with sharp tools
  • Do not drop the tool (can knock it out of square)
  • Store safely to avoid damage

Used correctly, try squares are very safe tools.

Typical Uses in Product Design

Try squares are used for: - Wood joints - Frames and structures - Furniture making - Plastic sheet fabrication - Paper and card nets - Prototyping and modelling - Checking accuracy during manufacture

Almost every workshop task uses a try square at some stage.

Suitability for A Level Product Design

A try square is suitable when: - Accurate 90° angles are required - Components must fit together precisely - High‑quality marking is needed - Squareness must be checked after cutting

It is less suitable when: - Non‑standard angles are required (use a sliding bevel) - Multiple angles need marking quickly (use a set square)

Exam Tips (A Level)

  • Define a try square clearly
  • State it is used for marking and checking 90°
  • Name its two parts: stock and blade
  • Explain why it is more accurate than a set square for right angles
  • Mention face side / datum edge
  • Link use to accuracy and quality
  • Give a practical example (e.g. checking a cut edge)

Key Keywords

  • Try square
  • 90° angle
  • Stock
  • Blade
  • Datum edge
  • Accuracy
  • Squareness
  • Marking out
  • Woodworking

Overall Summary

A try square is a specialist marking out and checking tool used to mark and verify accurate right angles (90°). Consisting of a stock and blade fixed at 90°, it provides very high accuracy when laying out or checking components, particularly in woodworking and prototyping. Compared with a set square, the try square is more precise for checking squareness, making it essential for ensuring quality, correct fit, and professional results. In A Level Product Design, the try square should be understood as a core accuracy tool that underpins safe, precise, and high‑quality manufacture.