Squares

The Ultimate UK Guide to Buying Squares and Measuring Tools: Expert Electrical and Top Retailers Compared

Why a good square makes all the difference

Have you ever tried to fit a shelf only to find the corners don’t meet right or a frame sits slightly off? That’s where a quality square becomes your workshop’s best friend. Like a reliable compass for a sailor, a square ensures straight lines, true angles, and confidence in every cut and joint. Whether you’re hanging cabinets, trimming a door, or crafting a jigsaw of hardwood, the right measuring tool keeps mistakes small and results professional.

Meet Expert Electrical — what they stock and why it matters

Expert Electrical is one of the specialist outlets in the UK that carries a solid selection of measuring tools geared toward tradespeople and serious DIYers. You’ll find popular C.K. items such as heavy-duty combination squares, multi-function combination squares, joiner squares in 8 7/8" and 11 13/16" lengths, and sliding bevels with beech handles. They also supply stainless steel accessories like square bezels for certain fittings and downlight components. For tasks that need precision, these listings are worth checking out because they focus on durability and on-the-job practicality.

Types of squares: know your tools

Not all squares are created equal — each has a job. Knowing which to reach for saves time and reduces errors. Below are the most common varieties and when to use them.

Combination square

The combination square is the workshop multitool: part ruler, part level, and often a protractor. With blades commonly in 9" or 12" lengths, it’s perfect for marking 90° and 45° angles, measuring depth, and checking levels. If you like one tool that does many jobs, the combination square is the Swiss Army knife of measuring.

Joiner (try) square

Think of the joiner or try square as the honest cop of accuracy — it tells the truth about your corners. Typically available in sizes like 8 7/8" and 11 13/16", a joiner square is ideal for woodworking and cabinetry where precision at tight corners is essential. The blade and stock are fixed, which keeps measurements consistent over time.

Speed square

If you work with framing or roofing, the speed square is a compact, fast-marking champion. Its triangular shape lets you quickly mark common angles and act as a short saw guide. It’s a go-to for carpenters who need rapid, repeatable marks without fuss.

Sliding bevel

When the job demands variable angles — think custom miters or fitting trim on uneven walls — a sliding bevel becomes indispensable. It carries the angle you set and transfers it to the workpiece. A beech-handled sliding bevel with a 9" blade feels familiar and secure in the hand, and is especially useful when templates are needed.

Materials and build: what to look for

Material matters because a square is only as honest as the metal or wood it’s made from. Stainless steel blades resist rust and hold crisp engraved markings, while cast or plated stocks help maintain a perfect 90°. For heavy-site work, look for stainless or hardened steel blades and a sturdy head — those survive knocks and still read true. For the traditionalist, hardwood stocks like beech can be comfortable and stable, but they do need a little more care to prevent warping.

Stainless steel vs. plated steel

Stainless steel offers long-term resistance to corrosion and retains a professional finish, which is why many bezel and precision squares use 316 stainless. Plated steel is cheaper and can be fine for a builder’s kit, but expect wear over time. If you want accuracy that lasts, pay up for stainless.

Markings: etched or printed?

Etched or engraved markings are preferable because they won’t rub off after a few months in the toolbox. Laser-etched graduations and fractional inch markings (like 1/16" or 1/32") help you measure and mark without squinting. If you’re working in fine cabinetry, those small fractions make a big difference.

Top UK retailers that stock quality squares

Beyond specialist suppliers like Expert Electrical, several UK retailers regularly offer an excellent range of squares and measuring tools. Each has strengths depending on whether you want budget tools, specialist brands, or professional-grade items.

Screwfix

Screwfix is a major destination for tradespeople looking for reliable brands at competitive prices. They stock C.K. and other respected names, with both budget and premium options. If you want something fast, they offer convenient local pickup and clear online listings with specifications that make comparison easier.

Toolstation

Toolstation rivals Screwfix on availability and value. They’re great for quick bulk buys and often have combo packs — like a set of squares and levels — that suit new toolbox setups. Their range tends to include both common sizes like 9" and 12" and worksite-friendly finishes.

Wickes and B&Q

For DIYers who also buy building supplies, Wickes and B&Q are useful one-stop shops. Their range covers from entry-level squares to more specialist items for home improvements. These stores are ideal when you want to pick up materials and tools in one trip.

RS Components and Machine Mart

If your work leans toward engineering or fine metalwork, RS Components and Machine Mart stock higher-precision squares and inspection tools. These suppliers carry machinist squares and certified items if your projects demand verified tolerances.

Amazon UK and specialist online stores

Amazon offers vast choice and fast delivery, but buyer beware: reviews help, and it pays to check the seller. Specialist online stores and independent tool merchants often provide curated selections and better product knowledge, so consider contacting them for bespoke advice.

Price ranges and what influences cost

Squares can be almost free for a basic plastic try square or several times the price for precision stainless tools. Expect to pay around a few pounds for a simple plastic or low-end metal square, £15–£30 for mid-range combination squares (roughly the equivalent of a modest investment for better life), and upward of £50–£100 for heavy-duty or calibrated machinist squares. Factors that push the price up are material (stainless or hardened steel), brand reputation, etched markings, and whether the tool includes bubble vials or protractor functions.

Is a higher price always worth it?

Not always, but consider how often you’ll use it. For occasional hobby work, a mid-range tool often hits the sweet spot. For daily trade use, spending more on a durable, accurate tool reduces replacement costs and improves results — think of it as investing in a precision partner that saves hours and materials down the line.

Practical tips for choosing the right square

Picking the right square is about matching the tool to the task. Here are some rapid-fire tips to simplify the decision.

Match the size to your project

Use smaller squares like 6"–9" for furniture and joinery, and larger stakes like 12" or more for sheet goods and layout. Remember, a longer blade helps with longer straight edges but can be bulkier in tight spots.

Look for clear fractional markings

If you regularly work in fractions of an inch, choose a square with 1/16" or 1/32" graduations. This reduces transfer errors when marking and cutting and speeds up repeated measurements.

Consider multifunction tools

Combination squares with built-in spirit levels and center-finding heads add value when you’re juggling tasks on a job. If your kit is light and you do varied work, a multifunction square is a clever compromise.

Using and checking your square — pro techniques

Once you own a quality square, it pays to know how to check and use it properly. A simple check for squareness will save you expensive mistakes.

How to check a square

Place the square against a straight board and scribe a line along the blade. Flip the square to the opposite side, place it against the same edge, and scribe another line starting from the same end. If the two lines match perfectly, the square is true. If they diverge, the tool is out of true. This quick test takes less than a minute and tells you a lot.

Transferring angles and marking

Use the square as a fence for your pencil when marking, keeping pressure consistent. For transfer angles with a sliding bevel, lock the bevel at the angle, then use the bevel to mark multiple identical pieces — like copying a key pattern for trim work.

Maintenance: keep your squares honest

Your tools can last generations with a little care. Wipe off any moisture after use, store them flat or hung rather than jammed into a cluttered drawer, and periodically check for signs of wear or bent blades. For steel tools, a light coat of oil prevents rust; for beech or other wood stocks, avoid prolonged moisture exposure to stop warping. Treat them like a trusted friend and they’ll repay you with years of accurate service.

Repair and recalibration

If a square becomes bent, a professional recalibration might be possible, especially for premium machinist tools. For most workshop tools, though, replacement is cheaper than complex repair unless the piece has significant value.

Where to find the best deals and compare prices

Comparison shopping pays off. Look at specialist tool retailers, big-box stores, and reputable online marketplaces. Keep an eye on seasonal sales and trade offers if you’re stocking up for a project. Comparison sites and price trackers can help you spot a genuine bargain rather than a headline discount on an inferior product.

Buy used with caution

Secondhand squares can be great value, especially solid steel ones that haven’t been dropped. However, always test them for accuracy before relying on them for final cuts. If the seller allows, perform the flip test described earlier to ensure precision.

Bringing it together: the best choice depends on you

So, what should you buy? If you’re a tradesperson working daily with timber and metal, invest in stainless or hardened steel squares with etched markings and a trusted brand like C.K. If you’re a weekend DIYer, a mid-range combination square and a reliable joiner square in 8 7/8" or 11 13/16" will cover most projects without breaking the bank. Retailers like Expert Electrical, Screwfix, Toolstation, and specialist suppliers offer a good mix of stock for every budget.

Conclusion

Choosing the right square is a mix of matching tool type to task, selecting durable materials, and buying from retailers you trust. Expert Electrical provides a focused selection of C.K. and related tools, while larger retailers and specialist suppliers fill out the market with options for every user. With the tips above — from size selection to maintenance and accuracy checks — you’ll make smarter buys and produce more confident, professional results in your workshop. Treat your square well, and it will keep your projects honest and square for years to come.