A machinist square is an essential tool, not only for high-level machinists, but also for builders and craftspeople of all styles and experience levels. While very simple in its design — after all, it’s just two pieces of stainless steel bolted or welded together at a right angle — its application is virtually endless. And, unless you’re a professional machinist, you probably don’t need a super expensive, absolutely perfect square for your work. That being said, you should still consider some of the other important factors when shopping around for one, such as the blade size, weight, and durability, all of which will vary depending on your specific needs. Overall, it’s best to have a variety of squares on hand, so check out our recommendations here to get you started.