Empire 12-Inch True Blue Professional Combination Square with Stainless Blade

Essential Layout Tool for Fabrication

For welders and metal fabricators, the square is one of the most frequently used tools in the shop, and the Empire® E250 12-inch Combination Square is built to withstand the rigors of metalworking environments. The primary advantage for fabricators is the stainless steel blade. In a shop filled with grinding dust, humidity, and fumes, standard steel tools can rust quickly. The stainless steel construction of the E250 resists corrosion, ensuring the tool remains smooth and functional. Furthermore, the graduations are etched into the metal, not printed. This is crucial when working around heat and abrasion, as printed markings would quickly disappear. The 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32 inch graduations provide the precision needed for tight tolerance fit-ups.

Rugged Construction for the Shop

Welding shops are tough on tools, and the E250 is designed with a heavy-duty machined head that can handle the occasional drop or impact without losing its squareness. The machined surfaces provide a true reference point for checking the perpendicularity of T-joints or the angle of mitered cuts before tacking. The BLADE-LOCK™ drawbolt is a significant upgrade over traditional locking nuts; it self-aligns and bites hard onto the blade, preventing the slide from shifting when you are using the square as a depth gauge or transferring measurements between workpieces. This reliability is essential when setting up jigs or verifying dimensions on a complex weldment.

Integrated Marking Solution

One of the most practical features for a welder is the onboard hardened scriber. While soapstone is great for general visibility, it lacks the precision for fine layout lines. The hardened steel scriber stored in the head of the E250 allows you to scratch precise, permanent cut lines directly onto carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel. This ensures your cuts and drills are positioned exactly where they need to be. The square also features a True Blue® vial, which is incredibly useful for leveling frames or checking the plumb of vertical supports during installation. With its combination of robust materials, secure locking, and integrated marking, the E250 is a versatile asset for any welder's toolkit.