What is a Swanson speed square?

The Swanson speed square is a carpenter's tool used for measuring, cutting and marking lumber and other building materials. It is a combination of five different tools, including a try square, miter square, protractor, line scriber and saw guide.

The Swanson speed square, a trademark name that was later genericized due to widespread use, was invented in 1925 by Albert J. Swanson, who later founded the Swanson Tool Company to market and sell the product. The traditional speed square is crafted from an aluminium alloy but later, with the advances in technology, began to made from other lightweight compost materials.