Empire Level E250 12-Inch Heavy Duty Professional Combination Square w/Etched Stainless Steel Blade and True BlueR Vial

I purchased the Starrett C33H-12-4Ry combination square ($113) together with an Empire Level E250 ($15.94) for comparison.As far as I can tell, both are perfectly square. Both are made in the USA, but the Starrett does have a heftier, sturdier feel and appearance. (It weighs a bit more: 13.875 oz. vs 11.5oz)The Starrett’s bubble vial only has a tiny little window, which makes it rather difficult to “read”. In contrast, the Empire E250’s bubble vial is fully exposed and viewable from any angle, although this does makes it more vulnerable to potential damage.The Starrett’s ruler is significantly easier to read than the Empire. Both rulers have etched markings, but the Starrett’s are much deeper and darker. The matte finish of the Starrett ruler also serves to improve readability. I wouldn’t say the E250’s ruler has a glossy finish, but it is noticeably shinier and can cast a glare from reflected light in the shop. Both models have a spring-loaded thumbscrew which makes reversing the rulers a breeze. Both rulers are the same length and width, but the Starrett’s is slightly thicker.When it comes to measurements, the Starrett wins hands down. The 1/8”, 1/6”, 1/32”, 1/64” increments, with “quick read” markings for the 32nds and 64ths (i.e., every 4th increment is marked with a number) make it almost too easy to read. In contrast, the Empire E250 has 1/8” and 1/16” on one side and 1/16” and 1/32” on the other side, and has no numerical markings on either side for anything smaller than an inch. When lined up side by side, the markings for both rulers matched perfectly, but my E250’s 8 1/8” marking is partially missing, and unfortunately it’s the part at the ruler’s edge. Starrett definitely wins the quality control battle.All in all, I am very satisfied with both products, and I can see both lasting several lifetimes, but I find it very difficult to justify the extreme price difference of the Starrett. Sure, it is better quality and has better markings, but in my opinion, that does not justify the nearly $100 price increase over the Empire square.

For years I've tolerated an old, cheap 12" combination square that I got from my grandfather years ago. This is a replacement for that unsatisfactory tool.The Empire E250 is a well designed, well built and a huge improvement.Typically, I've tried to buy the best tools available and slowly discovered that often there is little difference between what 'experts' rate the best and the next tier items. This combination square is one of those next tier products.No, it's probably not as perfect as a Starrett, but for woodworking it will certainly (a) be much better than the antique I've been putting up with and (b) meet my needs nicely.[I also own a 6" Empire heavy duty professional square that resides in my shop apron. It's a handy size and gets used many times most days. The 12" square mostly hangs on a peg hook and is used perhaps only a few times a month. Buy both the 6" and 12" squares. You'll be delighted with your decision.]

It seems that no matter how many handy squares I have they're never "handy" where I'm at, so thought I'd add another one to the collection. Just try to find one made in the USA though. No US made combination squares were available locally so It was nice to find one thru Amazon. I was a little unsure about ordering this one made by Empire after reading some of the reviews, but I needn't have been concerned. This is an EXCELLENT combo square! It's well made, the finishing job nearly perfect (it's beautiful), and add that drop of lube suggested in the "maintenance tip" on the label and it's a Smoooth operator. My old Sterrett should look and work so good. The handle and bubble level are beefier than my Sterrett, and old 1930's Craftsman, and a heck of a lot easier to use. I don't think you can go wrong with this combination square, and did I mention it's made in the USA?

I agree with the other reviewers as to the quality, functionality, accuracy and value - a real bargain. I reduced it a star because of - ouch! - an unexpected shortcoming. The paper that came with this tool said to oil the central groove of the ruler so that the other piece can slide easily on it. Made sense to me and I used a little 3-in-One oil, which some call "sewing machine oil."In doing this, I used only two drops, but a little of the oil got smeared on the rule. I used a tissue to wipe it off, and - ouch - the finish came with it! Those places are now discolored and rough.I would not use a solvent on a tool like this with painted ruler markings, but I never dreamed that ordinary light oil would do this. If you oil the channel of this tool, better think twice. Not sure if dry lubricant or perhaps vegetable oil would be OK, but don't use petroleum-distillate oil as I did.

I have read a lot of reviews for combo squares and "rulers". On the cheap end, there doesn't seem to be a lot of appreciation for accuracy. I have an $118 square I verifies as accurate to within 0.003" over 18" (squareness check). This combo has been checked to that and is perfect to the naked eye (and I have a very good eye). The "ruler" (should be "scale") is also dead accurate to the (trained) naked eye. It is also stainless, which means accuracy will not be lost over time from pitting (making it difficult to read. I bought this over a year ago, and for $15, did not expect this kind of quality. I recently began to suspect it's high quality while verifying the accuracy of tools I have purchased that claim to be accurate.I have studied the manufacturing carefully, and they appear to have solid repeatable processes. I recommend this product.