Squaring a Square

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If you have a framing square that’s not square don’t toss it–yet. If the error is small, there’s a good chance it can be fixed. If the edges are straight and the legs are uniform in width (not tapered), give this old trick a try. If the square is obtuse (greater than 90°), dimple the outer corner area a couple times using a center punch and a hammer, and check your results. If the square is severely off, you may need to do this several times. What you’re doing is stretching the metal on the outer corner to push the legs towards each other. Conversely, if the square is acute (less than 90°), you’ll need to dimple the area near the inside corner of the square.

Craig Bentzley, Chalfont, Pennsylvania