A mitre square checks and marks 45 degree and 90 degree angles in one tool, which makes it the quickest reference for picture frames, boxes, skirting mitres and any corner that must close without a gap. This collection holds Shinwa stainless steel mitre squares and 3D mitre rules for joiners, cabinet makers, framers and model makers.
Choosing a mitre square
- Flat or 3D. A flat mitre square like the Shinwa Stainless Steel Mitre Square 45deg and 90deg 62081 lies on the face of the board for marking. A 3D mitre rule such as the Shinwa Mitre Rule 3D 45 deg 90 deg 62110 wraps around the edge so you can mark the face and the edge in one go.
- Right-angle insert. The Shinwa Mitre Rule 3D 45° with Right Angle Insert 62113 adds a square reference, so a single tool checks both the mitre and the square shoulder.
- Material. Stainless steel does not rust in a damp workshop and the graduations stay readable. All three Shinwa tools here are stainless.
Mitre square vs combination square vs speed square
A combination square has a sliding head with a 45 degree face, so it can do mitres, but the head needs to be locked and checked each time. A speed square marks 45 degrees along its hypotenuse but is meant for timber framing, not fine joinery. A dedicated mitre square is fixed, so it cannot drift, and the thin stainless blade lets you set a marking knife right against it for a crisp line. For framing layout see speed squares, and for scribing lines parallel to an edge see marking gauges.
Shinwa mitre squares are in stock at Power Tool Services in Claremont, Cape Town, with nationwide courier delivery. Our staff use them for mitred joinery daily and can show you which style suits your work.
