Starrett combination squares

[Mr Ron]

They come with either a cast iron head or a hardened steel head. Which is best?

[Russ Hanscom]

The one that you have! I think mine are all cast, never had a problem, satisfied with them.

[pete]

The hardened head for durability reasons. Although if there looked after as they should be either is a lifetime tool.

[armscor 1]

Gave mine to my Son, now covered in weld spatter.

[whateg0]

Gave mine to my Son, now covered in weld spatter.

I use my Empire brand for welding stuff since it's aluminum. Weld spatter doesn't tend to stick to it. Still tries to stick to the rule, though.

Dave

[BadDog]

I usually just set mine aside before welding.

[Steggy]

They come with either a cast iron head or a hardened steel head. Which is best?

Six of one and a half dozen of the other. Only thing is castings can be broken if dropped. The squares I have are cast and are in very good shape, even after some 45 years of usage.

[Conrad_R_Hoffman]

I bought one long ago because it was something you were supposed to have. Over 30 years or so it probably takes the award for the least used tool in the shop. Based on that, material wouldn't matter much.

[BadDog]

Wow. I use mine all the time. Wood work, fabrication, and machine work.

[whateg0]

I have several. Some get used often, like my little 6" Empire. Others get used when I need something longer, or when I need a second square. Lots of times I'll use a couple of them as "large calipers". Then there are the protractors and center finders.

Dave