Starrett C33H-12-4R, Absolutely outstanding!

Overall Rating55555

Absolutely outstanding!

The work you produce can only be as good as the tools you measure it by. Don’t even consider the cheap copies, they don’t come close to the acuracy and quality of this square. The head is cast and ground with relefs in the channel, and the blade is machined, not stamped. The rule is laser etched and then matt finished to reduce glare. The differences are far more than cosmetic. The slide works smoothly and locks securely. All of the edges are perfectly flat and smooth. I know this seems like a lot to spend for a combination square, but the $10 ones I have tried just don’t work. They don’t lock square reliably, and the blades are allways rough and warped slightly. If you want something even fancier, get the version with three heads.

Update (2/6/2012):

The featured review for this product, Starrett C33H-12-4R 12-Inch Combination Square with Square Head Only Tools & Hardware, was written by B. Johnson.

The average rating for this item is 5 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.

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Reviews (3)

Fredric Pierce

May 21st, 2010 at 11:33 am    


Overall Rating55555

Cheap Tools are a Waste of Money - Starrett is the Best
A coworker that said that to me once. He was right. This is the original combination square and, as far as I am concerned, the very best. I have a new C33 set and one that belonged to my grandfather (it’s about 80 years old). I checked the scales and squareness against each other - perfect match. Starrett quality control is flawless. This one (the C33) is the forged steel head. I would generally recommend it over the slightly cheaper cast head (the C11), since the forged steel is a fair amount tougher - less brittle. The glossy paint is the indicator that you are getting the forged head. The cast head is done in crinkle black. Mr. Zorns’ comment (see previous review) tells me that the description is correct - smooth paint = forged head. And, by the way, I would always get the model that starts with “C” - that means satin chrome finish on the blade - very, very important. As a woodworker, a combination square is an essential tool that gets used constantly. Accuracy and durability are very important. At this price, it’s a bargain. Don’t waste your money on cheap tools - buy Starrett and you’ll never regret it.


B. Johnson

May 21st, 2010 at 10:36 pm    


Overall Rating55555

Absolutely outstanding!
Rated 5 stars.


Marc Ruby™

June 5th, 2010 at 11:09 am    


Overall Rating55555

You Get What You Pay For
Most people’s first response when they ask how much this set me back is shock. Usually followed by pointiong out that theirs only cost one third that much and had all these extra gadgets. If it’s the right day in the shop I point to a work in process and ask them to find one place where it is the least bit out of true. And by ‘least bit’ I mean not at all. This usually settles the argument right away. When legs are square and cut right tables don’t wobble. When cases are square drawers fit perfectly, etc, etc.

If all you do is cut moulding and flooring than you don’t need this kind of square. But if tiny little gaps and adjustments frustrate your sense of perfection, then take a look at products like this square or its brothers and sisters. Starret makes heirloom quality tools that will remain every bit as accurate until the solar system goes defunct.

I have two Starrett squares - the six inch, which generally rides in my pocket or is busy marking off boxes, and the 12 inch, which I use in making full size furniture. There is also an 18″ rule and I am severely tempted to have that around as well.

I have the extra gadgets (protractor and center) for the 12″ and all I can say is that they form the standard for all the tuning in my shop, and they never fail. Yes, they are expensive but at both ends of the supply chain for these tools are people who are very proud of their work.

I only wish I could figure out how to get Starrett to send me free samples.


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