Kinex Squares

[Chestnut]

So I've been searching for some decent squares that don't break the bank but are also a bit nicer than your average machinist square. I ended up finding a brand Kinex on amazon that looked interesting. The biggest complaint i have for machinist squares is the blade is so thin that sometimes reference things with rounded edges doesn't work like your track saw track. I found 2 in a larger size that would fit the bill. I wanted something stainless steel so i wouldn't have to worry about it rusting with the rust throwing off the accuracy. I couldn't find them so i figured I'd just wax them up good and keep them on the schedule with all my other rusting tools. Points to anyone that gets the Brandon Sanderson reference.

The one on the top is a similar design to the woodpeckers square that they love to charge way to much for IMO. It's slightly smaller than is available from wood peckers so they still have a leg up there but I'm always told it's not the size of the tool but how you use it.... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079R8BVYW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The bottom one is more of a regular machinist square except the blade is much thicker. The image below shows the difference the blade is 3mm or a hair over 1/8" compared to the 1/16" that my other square are. This is helpful when i need to reference the square with material that has a corner knoced off or with the track saw track. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073YMTLCN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm just throwing this up for any one that is unhappy with Woodpeckers prices and wants a good square for a fair price. If you disagree with me and thing that WP is worth it i won't argue i think they do make an awesome product but i drop things and one knock of aluminum against concrete in the wrong spot is an expensive mistake.

I am in no way affiliated with amazon or Kinex in any way shape or form. I don't get any money if you click on those links and it's probably best for your wallet if you don't If you zoomed into read this small text I'm sorry there is nothing of value down here i just wanted to troll. Any and all claims that I'm lying will be met with a stern look of disapproval. I'm not even sure if that is the proper spelling for lying, I'm talking about the word that is defined as speaking an untruth despite knowing better. Not lying as in Hey what's that Lying over there.  That's not a Lion that's a giraffe.

[Bankstick]

I got a Groz square from Woodcraft. Very accurate. Check it out. Cleaned off the grease and lightly coated with WD-40. I mainly use it to square the TS blade.

[Byrdie]

I didn't have to zoom but I did have to squint ... and that's one of the accepted spellings of lying.

Like you, I think Woodpecker's makes a very good product but thinks themselves too precious in their "limited time/quantity" offers and pricing.  Thanks for suggesting a good alternative.

[Mark J]

Have you confirmed the accuracy of the squares?  I like the thicker blade, too.

[Chestnut]

1 hour ago, Mark J said:

Have you confirmed the accuracy of the squares?  I like the thicker blade, too.

Yeah but my tolerances are probably a lot less than what they claim so i can't verify that. I did the line test and i also held it against a square that has been working for me and both tests passed.

Big determining factor is all the joinery that I've cut since i bought them has been true.

[smwurster]

There's a really good review of those Kinex squares by Rob Porcaro, here: http://www.rpwoodwork.com/blog/2017/12/30/highly-accurate-squares-at-a-nice-price/

[jayshahu]

If anyone wants to avoid taxes you can buy it on flea bay as well.

Look up the buyer and he has a tons of other tools as well. Prices are also better on fleabay vs amazon.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kinex-4033-12-020-Flat-Solid-Machinist-Square-8-x-5-25-DIN-875-1/153281615144?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

 

 

 

 

[SawDustB]

8 hours ago, jayshahu said:

If anyone wants to avoid taxes you can buy it on flea bay as well.

Look up the buyer and he has a tons of other tools as well. Prices are also better on fleabay vs amazon.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kinex-4033-12-020-Flat-Solid-Machinist-Square-8-x-5-25-DIN-875-1/153281615144?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

 

 

 

 

I've bought several things (PEC squares and rulers) from that seller, with good results. He's one of the only options for some of this stuff from Canada, and was pretty good about combining shipping (although it was still pricey). 

[drzaius]

This pisses me off. The Kinex squares are available on both Amazon.ca and Amazon.com; in both cases by Kinex. But in Canada they are over 2x the cost, with exchange figured in.

I'll just go with Starrett.

[jayshahu]

I have a shipping address in the US. I order a bunch of stuff and when I have enough I make a run down to the states for a day and the gas money plus hotel cost is covered by the saving on the import duty, customs and shipping. 

I know it s not an option for everyone but people living within a 100 km of the US border should give it a real thought. 

[Chestnut]

35 minutes ago, drzaius said:

This pisses me off. The Kinex squares are available on both Amazon.ca and Amazon.com; in both cases by Kinex. But in Canada they are over 2x the cost, with exchange figured in.

I'll just go with Starrett.

That sucks... I feel for you guys up there. Makes me want to offer to buy it and see if i can like meet you at the boarder and Huck it across for you drug cartel style. It baffles me why it's cheaper for me to buy something form Japan or China and have it shipped across all that distance than it costs for you guys to buy something and have it shipped a few hundred km.

Sorry that my findings caused you anger.

[drzaius]

2 hours ago, Chestnut said:

Sorry that my findings caused you anger

That's okay, I think I'm getting over it. 

I have a US Amazon account & they can ship this to Canada, so I may just do that.