Bahco Combination Squares

Bahco Combination Squares are high‑quality, multi‑purpose marking and measuring tools
designed for precision layout, squaring, gauging and marking in woodworking, metalworking and
general construction. Featuring a hardened, etched rule and an adjustable combination head
with integrated spirit level and scribe, Bahco combination squares are trusted by
carpenters, joiners, engineers, site trades and serious DIY users worldwide.

Bahco Combination Squares consist of a precision‑ground steel rule which slides through a
combination head. The head is machined to provide accurate:

• 90° (square) reference, and
• 45° (mitre) reference.

A knurled locking nut or screw allows the head to be clamped anywhere along the rule, making the tool ideal for:

• Setting and transferring measurements,
• Checking squareness of cuts and assemblies,
• Marking shoulders, depths and lines for sawing, planing, routing and drilling.

The hardened rule typically features clear, wear‑resistant etched graduations for accurate reading,
while the head incorporates:

• A small spirit level vial – for simple level and plumb checks, and
• A removable steel scriber – stored in the head, useful for marking and light centre punching.

Bahco combination squares are available in popular lengths such as:

• 150 mm / 6″, – ideal for fine joinery & small work,
• 300 mm / 12″, – the most common size for general carpentry and site work,
• Other sizes depending on model and region.

Typical Use Cases

• Woodworking & joinery – marking and checking shoulders, tenons, mitres, rebates and housings.
• Carpentry & site work – setting out studs, joists, rafters and trim, checking saw cuts for square.
• Cabinet making & furniture – precise layout on fine joinery, drawers, carcasses and frames.
• Metalworking & fabrication – marking straight lines, checking angles and squareness on plate and sections.
• General maintenance & DIY – measuring, marking and checking angles for home projects.

Features & Components

• Steel rule / blade
  • Manufactured from hardened, tempered steel for durability and dimensional stability.
  • Etched or engraved graduations for long-lasting readability.
  • Metric only or metric/imperial scales depending on model (e.g. mm one side, inches the other).
• Combination head
  • Precisely machined to give true 90° and 45° faces.
  • Often made from cast or die‑cast zinc or steel with a corrosion‑resistant finish.
  • Includes a spirit level vial embedded in the body for quick level checks.
  • Houses a removable scriber/awl for marking and centre punching.
• Locking mechanism
  • Knurled nut or screw clamps the rule firmly in the head at the desired setting.
  • Enables repeatable measurements and depth/height settings.

How to Use a Bahco Combination Square

1. Checking 90° squareness
   • Place the stock (head) firmly against the edge of the workpiece.
   • Run the rule along the face – the edge of the rule should indicate a true right angle.
   • Use a pencil/knife to mark a square line along the rule if required.
2. Marking a 45° mitre
   • Use the 45° face of the head against the edge of the board or section.
   • Draw along the rule edge to create a 45° cutting line for mitres and bevels.
3. Setting a measurement
   • Slide the head along the rule until the desired measurement aligns with the face of the head.
   • Tighten the locking nut to secure the setting.
   • Use this as a gauge for repeated marks (e.g. consistent offsets, depths and shoulders).
4. Depth and height gauging
   • Rest the head on a reference surface and extend the rule down into a rebate, groove or hole.
   • Lock the rule and remove the square to read or transfer the depth.
5. Using the scriber
   • Remove the scribe/awl stored in the head.
   • Use it to mark precise lines or points on timber or metal (or lightly centre‑punch).

Technical & Performance Overview

Specifications vary slightly between different Bahco combination square models
(e.g. rule length, scale type, head material). Always refer to the specific model code and Bahco technical data
for precise information.

• Brand: Bahco
• Product type: Combination square (adjustable rule & head).
• Rule lengths (typical): 150 mm / 6″, 300 mm / 12″
  (other lengths may be available).
• Graduations: Metric (mm) and/or imperial (inches/fractions) depending on model.
• Rule material: Hardened, tempered steel rule with etched graduations.
• Head material: Precision cast or machined metal head with corrosion‑resistant finish.
• Features: Integrated spirit level vial, removable scriber,
  locking nut/screw, 90° and 45° reference faces.
• Accuracy: Manufactured to Bahco’s professional tolerances for squareness and straightness
  (see Bahco datasheet / packaging for detailed tolerances).
• Applications: Woodworking, carpentry, joinery, metalworking, site layout, general DIY.
• Storage: Store in a toolbox, tool roll or hung on a rack; avoid drops and heavy impacts
  to maintain long‑term accuracy.

Bahco Combination Squares Features & Customer Benefits

• Multi‑function tool in one
  Combines square, mitre gauge, depth gauge, marking gauge and basic level into a single compact tool,
  saving space and time on site or in the workshop.
• High visibility, long‑lasting graduations
  Etched or engraved scales on the rule deliver clear, durable markings that resist wear and paint/finish build‑up.
• Professional accuracy
  Bahco’s engineering and quality control ensure reliable squareness and measurement accuracy
  for precise layout and checking tasks.
• Robust for site and workshop use
  Strong head and hardened rule stand up to the demands of daily trade use, reducing the need for frequent replacement.
• Ideal for both trade and serious DIY
  Suitable for professionals who rely on accuracy, and for DIY users wanting a
  dependable, long‑term square rather than basic disposable options.

Frequently Asked Questions – Bahco Combination Squares

1. What sizes are Bahco combination squares available in?

Common Bahco combination squares come in:

• 150 mm / 6″ – compact and ideal for fine joinery, small parts and confined spaces.
• 300 mm / 12″ – the most widely used size for general carpentry and construction.

Some ranges may offer additional lengths; check the specific product listing or Bahco catalogue.

2. Do they have metric, imperial, or both scales?

It depends on the model:

• Some Bahco combination squares are metric only (mm/mm).
• Others are dual scale with metric on one side and imperial (inches/fractions) on the other.

Always check the graduation specification in the product details when ordering.

3. Can the rule be removed from the head?

Yes. The rule can typically be fully removed by:

• Loosening the locking nut/screw completely, then
• Sliding the rule out of the head.

This allows for cleaning, inspection or replacement of the rule if required.

4. Is the scriber replaceable?

The small steel scriber stored in the head can usually be removed and replaced if lost or worn.
Check Bahco’s spare parts availability or compatible generic scribers/awls of the same diameter.

5. How do I check if my combination square is still accurate?

To check squareness:

• Place the square against a straight edge and draw a line.
• Flip the square over (mirror it) and draw a second line from the same starting point.

If the two lines coincide, your square is still accurate. If they diverge, the square may have been
dropped or damaged and is no longer reliably square.

6. Common Uses & How to Use Bahco Combination Squares Effectively

Common Uses:

• Marking and checking 90° and 45° cuts on timber and boards.
• Setting consistent offsets, shoulders and depths in joinery work.
• Checking the square of saws, mitre saw settings, fence setups and assemblies.
• Basic levelling and plumb checks with the integrated spirit level.

How to Use – Step‑By‑Step (Quick Guide):

1. Loosen the locking nut and slide the head to the required position on the rule.
2. Align the desired measurement with the face of the head and tighten the nut to lock.
3. Place the head firmly against the workpiece edge and use the rule edge as a
   guide for marking or checking.
4. For mitres, use the 45° face of the head and mark along the rule.
5. Use the spirit level and scribing point as required for levelling and marking tasks.