How Long Should a Good Carpenter’s Square Last?
- Joshua Anders
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
If you buy a cheap square, you already know the answer: not long. They bend, rust, lose accuracy, and eventually end up at the back of a drawer or in the bin.
But how long should a good carpenter’s square actually last? Let’s talk about it.
The Throwaway Problem
Most mass-produced tools aren’t built for the long haul.
Thin stamped steel.
Weak fixings.
No protective finish.
They work for a while, but over time they warp or rust. And when they do, it’s usually cheaper to buy another than to repair it. That’s the cycle of throwaway tools.
Tools That Last a Lifetime
A well-made square should be like the other great tools in your kit: something you can trust for decades.
I have a hammer that belonged to my Grandad, Bill. He was a REME engineer in WWII, stationed in Egypt. He built his own TV from scratch when they first appeared.
His initials, “WT,” are still carved into that hammer. And every time I pick it up, I think of him.
That’s what good tools do. They don’t just survive — they carry stories.
What Destroys a Square?
If you want a square that lasts, here’s what you need to protect against:
Rust — cheap steel corrodes quickly.
Wear — timber + resin + sweat wear down finishes.
Accuracy loss — poorly made tools lose their edge, making them unreliable.
Once that happens, you might as well throw it out.
How the 345 Tools Square is Built to Last
When I designed the 345 Tools Carpenter’s Square, longevity was the goal.
2mm 304 stainless steel blade — corrosion-resistant and tough.
Walnut hardwood scales — solid, durable, and warm in the hand.
Specialist ceramic coating — protects both wood and steel against wear and moisture.
Handmade in Cambridgeshire — every square checked for accuracy before it leaves the bench.
This isn’t a tool for a season. It’s a tool for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
So how long should a good carpenter’s square last?The best answer is simple: long enough for your kids — and maybe even their kids — to still be using it.
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