Stanley Try Square Type Studies
This page shows basic type studies for all of bevels and fixed try and miter squares offered by Stanley from 1858 through the 1950s. A representative square or bevel is shown for each type and variation, but group photos of multiple sizes are also provided. Be sure to view these extra photos since sometimes details change with the size of the squares. Also of note is that Stanley did not assign unique model numbers to squares and bevels until the 1888 catalog. Prior to that date, products were referred to by a name and the No 1 or No 2 designation was used to distinguish between higher and lower priced versions of the same product.
Jump to a Square: [No 1] [No 2] [No 10] [No 12] [No 15] [No 16] [No 17] [No 20] [No 22] [No 312] [Triangular Miter]
Jump to a Bevel: [No 18] [No 24] [No 25] [No 42 1/2] [No 225] [Improved Sliding T Bevel]
Squares
No 1
Type 1 Var 1 : 1874~1895
Type 1 Var 2 : ~1895-1898
Introduced in 1874 as the “Winterbottom’s Patent Combined Try and Miter Square No 1”, this uses both Winterbottom’s June 29, 1869 and Justus Traut’s May 26, 1874 patents. Traut’s was for surrounding the blade rivets with lead. It was designated the model No 1 in 1888. Modeled after the No 10, which was introduced a few years earlier, the handles have walnut infill on each side. The steel screws pass through holes in the handle and screw into the other infill, essentially clamping the two thin pieces onto the handle. In 1888 it was permanently designated the as the No 1. Sometime late in production, the lead was omitted, with the rivets ground flush to the body (Variation 2). This type is sometimes marked with both patent dates on one of the wood scales. Many times they are not though, and they never have any Stanley branding. Variation 2 is much less common than Variation 1. The 4” size is the least common. (8", 6", 4")
[Var 1 Group] [Var 1 Patent] [Var 1/Var 2]
[Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
Type 2 Var 1 : 1898-1927
Type 2 Var 2 : 1928-1935
The nickel plated metal handle of the type 2 comes in two different variations, defined by whether the name “STANLEY” is contained by an oval or a notched rectangle. The style of stippling in the handle recess also changes slightly between the two variations. Multiple variations of the Stanley trademark can be found stamped on the blades. (12", 10", 8", 6", 4")
[Group] [Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
Type 3 Var 1 : 1928-1935
Type 3 Var 2 : 1935-1941
Type 3 are the same as type 2, but with black japanned handles instead of nickel plating. (12", 10", 8", 6")
[Group] [Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
Type 4 : 1942-1984
Type 4 loses the stippling and instead uses a series of ridges in the handle recess. The black finish remains, although it is not the same smooth japanning as found on the type 3. (12", 10", 8", 6")
[Group] [Full]
No 2
Type 1 : 1874
Called the “Winterbottom’s Patent Combined Try and Miter Square No 2”, this square was offered in Stanley's 1874 catalog, but was replaced by the Type 2 later that year in a revised catalog. This is Winterbotom’s June 29, 1869 patent, and was manufactured for a time by him in Philadelphia before the rights to the patent were acquired by Stanley. The author does not believe that Stanley manufactured this square, but rather sold out the last of Winterbottom’s original stock before transitioning to their own design (Type 2). There is no known way of determining which were sold by Winterbottom vs Stanley. There can wide variations in the height, width, and thickness of the handles. Some squares have an additional screw in the center of the brass cheek. Some have additional brass along the back of the handle. These squares are not common, and can be easily confused with a much more common square which looks similar. True Winterbottom squares have a flat spot at the top of the handle. The look-alike squares come to a point at the top (they were likely made by Stanley later on for the wholesale market and are rarely marked except for the occasional hardware store imprint.) (7.5", 6", 4.5")
[Group] [Patent] [Look-alikes] [Full]
Type 2 : 1874-1888
Designed to replace the original Winterbottom Type 1 design once existing stock ran out, this square features an interesting shaped escutcheon on a rosewood handle with a graduated blade. It was still called the “Winterbottom’s Patent Combined Try and Miter Square No 2”. It is difficult to find despite a relatively long production time. It features a circular mark of the June 29, 1869 patent date. (12", 9", 7.5", 6", 4.5")
[Group] [Patent] [Full]
Type 3 : 1888-1897
Similar to the Type 2, but has no escutcheon and the rosewood is pinned to the handle with two or three brass pins depending on the size of the square. The handle is double marked with the June 29, 1869 Winterbottom patent in a circle, and Justus Traut’s April 16, 1872 patent for the handle construction is marked in an arch. Its introduction coincided with its permenant assignment as the No 2. The 12” is the least common, followed by the 4.5” (12", 9", 7.5", 6", 4.5")
[Group] [Patent] [Full]
Type 4 : 1897-1984
Same basic design as the Type 3, but with the February 8, 1898 patented “Handy-Grip” grooves in the handle and the loss of the brass pins. The blade is now marked with various Stanley trademarks. (12", 9", 7.5", 6", 4.5")
[Group] [Full]
No 10
Type 1 : 1871-1898
Called the "Improved Try Square No 1", this was likely introduced as competition to many other infill handle designs from other companies, and marketed as a sturdier alternative to traditional carpenters squares. Anywhere from 1 to 4 screws (depending on handle size) pass through holes in the handle and screw into the other infill, essentially clamping the two thin pieces of rosewood onto the handle. The blade features the arched “beehive” Stanley mark. The mark can be located almost anywhere along the blade and is frequently a very poor stamp, making it many times hard to find. In 1888 it was permenantly designated the No 10. The 9” model is the least common. (12", 10", 9", 8", 6", 4", 3")
[Group] [Trademark] [Full]
Type 2 : 1898-1935
A complete redesign now featuring fastener free rosewood infill with the newly patented “Handy-Grip” grooves and a variety of different Stanley trademarks on the blade. Because none of the various design patents for the "Handy-Grip" feature specifically apply to this square, the patent is never stamped on the blade. (10", 8", 6", 4")
[Group] [Full]
No 12
Type 1 : 1871-1872
Introduced as the "Improved Try Square No 2", but commonly known as the “Half-Frame”, this square uses Justus Traut’s April 16, 1872 patent for the handle construction. This patent was also used for the No 2 Type 3. These are quite difficult to find as they were only offered for a short 2 years. There are three variations. All three variations will ususally have the Stanley "Beehive" style mark on the blade.
Var 1: Marked "Patent Apld For" on the handle and no pin present in the center of the handle.
Var 2: Marked "Patent Apld For" on the handle with a pin present in the center of the handle. (Shown above)
Var 3: The patent date is marked in an arch on the handle with a pin in the center.
(12", 9", 7.5", 6", 4.5", 3")[Handle Details] [Full]
Type 2 Var 1 : 1874~1887
Type 2 Var 2 : ~1887-1898
A complete redesign moves to an all metal handle, but it is still called the "Improved Try Square No 2". The blade is riveted to the handle and surrounded by lead, as detailed in Justus Traut’s May 26, 1874 patent. The Variation 1 features a black japanned handle and the patent date stamped into the lead surrounding the rivets. The patent date is many times unreadable though due to wear and abrasions in the soft lead. At some point Variation 2 was introduced which added Stanley in an oval cast into one side of the handle and the japanning replaced by nickel plating. In 1888 this model was permenantly designated the No 12. (12", 10", 8", 6", 4", 2")
[Var 1 Group] [Var 1 Patent] [Var 2 Group]
[Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
Type 3 Var 1 : 1898~1912
Type 3 Var 2 : ~1913~1940
The nickel plated metal handle of the type 3 comes in two different variations, defined by whether the name “STANLEY” is contained by an oval or a notched rectangle. The style of stippling in the handle recess also changes slightly between the two variations. Multiple variations of the Stanley trademark can be found stamped on the blades. (12", 10", 8", 6", 4", 2")
[Var 1 Group] [Var 2 Group] [Var 1 Full]
[Var 2 Full]
Type 4 : ~1928~1940
Type 4 are the same as type 3, but with black japanned handles instead of nickel plating. These are difficult to find and the author has only seen them with the notched rectangle design. (12", 10", 8", 6", 4")
[Full]
Type 5 : ~1941-1984
Type 5 loses the stippling and instead uses a series of ridges in the handle recess. The black finish remains, although it is not the same smooth japanning as found on the type 4, instead being rough and matte. Sometimes the raised lettering and notched rectangle of the handle is colored yellow or red. (12", 10", 8", 6", 4")
[Group] [Full]
No 15
Type 1 : 1874-1898
The "Improved Miter Try Square" features a brass handle with decorative cutout. These are uncommon squares despite their long production run. They are based on the April 21, 1857 McKenzie patent, but were produced after the patent protections had expired. These are never marked and come in only one size. In 1888 they were permenantly designated the No 15. (7.5")
[Full]
Type 2 : 1898-1935
The Type 2 takes a drastic turn from the earlier brass handle. It now has a heavy steel nickel plated handle with a beveled bottom. It is till produced in only one size and features various trademarks on the blade. (7.5")
[Full]
No 16
Type 1 : 1870
The Type 1 is a traditional miter square as was being produced by countless other companies at the time. The catalog referes to it simply as "Miter Square with Double Plated Handle". It features a rosewood handle with brass plating on both sides held on by screws. Four rivets with brass washers hold the blade to the handle. This is a very uncommon square, and looks similar to many others produced around that time period. It is not marked and examples must be closely compared to the catalog illustration. It was only offered in 1870. (12", 10", 8")
[Full]
Type 2 Var 1 : 1871~1885
Type 2 Var 2 : ~1885-1902
Type 2 transitions to an infill style handle nad is now called "Improved Miter Square". It is not untill 1888 that a permenant model of No 16 is assigned. 1 or 2 screws (depending on handle size) pass through holes in the handle and screw into the other infill, essentially clamping the two thin pieces of walnut onto the handle. The earlier variation features rounded tops and bottoms of the handle. The later variation changes these to be flat. It is not known when exactly this change happened, but neither variation seems to be more prominent than the other. They are marked with the arched Stanley “Beehive” mark on the blade. (12", 10", 8")
[Var 1 Group] [Var 2 Group] [Trademark]
[Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
Type 3 : 1902-1935
The nickel plated metal handle of the type 3 features the name “STANLEY” contained by an oval set in a stippled recess in the handle. Multiple variations of the Stanley trademark can be found stamped on the blade. (12", 10", 8")
[Group] [Full]
Type 4 : 1928-1935
Type 4 are the same as type 3, but with black japanned handles instead of nickel plating. These are difficult to find and the author has only seen them with the Stanly in an oval on the handle and a sweetheart mark on the blade. (12", 10", 8")
[Full]
No 17
Var 1 : 1909-1910
Var 2 : 1910-1942
Featuring only two variations, the No 17 was popular among high school shop classes. The earlier variation has a third handle cutout in the shape of a diamond where the blade and handle meet. This is eliminated in the later variation. Variation 2 is more common. (7.5")
[Group] [Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
No 20
Type 1 Var 1 : 1859-1870
Type 1 Var 2 : 1859-1877
Type 1 Var 3 : 1867-1870
All three variations were at one point offered at the same time. They represent different features and price points. None are marked. Variation 1 was called "Best Plated Try Square No 1" and features a beefier handle, thicker brass face plate, better steel, and most obviously, a star inset into the handle. These are quite uncommon. Variation 2 was called "Plated Try Square No 2" and is the “normal” square that would have been bought by the masses. These are quite common. Variation 3 was called "Plated Try Square, Brass Back" and should be identical to variation 2 except for the addition of a brass back plate along the back edge of the handle. The author has never even seen a photo of one. A more complete Type Study for the No 20 is available. (18", 15", 12", 10", 9", 7.5", 6", 4.5", 3")
[Var 1 Group] [Var 2 Group] [Var1 Full] [Var 2 Full] [Var 3 Full] [Var 3 Back]
Type 2 : 1877-1897
This is the continuation of the Type 1 Variation 2. Variations 1 & 3 were discontinued by the time the escutcheon changes shape to be rounded rather than pointed. The blade is now graduated and features hand stamped numbers. In 1888 it recieves its permenant designation of the No 20. They are never marked. A more complete Type Study for the No 20 is available. (18", 15", 12", 10", 9", 7.5", 6", 4.5", 3")
[Group] [Full]
Type 3 : 1897-1984
The December 29, 1896 and March 16, 1897 patented “Handy-Grip” grooves are added to the handle and the graduation numbers are now machine stamped. A more complete Type Study for the No 20 is available. (18", 15", 12", 10", 9", 7.5", 6", 4.5", 3")
[Group] [Full]
No 22
Type 1 Var 1 : 1859-1877
Type 1 Var 2 : 1859-1877
Type 1 Var 3 : 1867-1877
The No 22 squares feature levels in the handle. They can be spotted by the crescent shaped level side view ports and a narrow viewing slot in the face plate. All three variations were at one point offered at the same time. They represent different features and price points. Variations 1 & 2 were called the "Plumb and Level Try Square No 1". Variation 3 was called the "Plumb and Level Try Square No 2". None are marked. All three feature longer handles than would normally be found on squares of the same blade length. Variation 1 was only available with a 12” blade and feature back plating and an extra escutcheon protecting and decorating the side view of the level vial. Variation 2 was only offered in a 7.5” length and featured back plating. Variation 3 was essentially a normal square with an elongated handle and added level. All three are very difficult to find. Variation 1 was the most expensive square or bevel ever offered by Stanley. (12", 7.5")
[Group] [Levels] [Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
[Var 3 Full]
Type 2 Var 1 : 1877-1879
Type 2 Var 2 : 1877-1897
Change to the new rounded escutcheon rather than pointed. Variation 1 has never been seen by the author, but was only produced in the 12” size, would have a quatrefoil escutcheon, and feature back plating. It is equivelent to the Type 1 Variation 1. Variation 2 was essentially a normal square with an elongated handle and added level and is equivelent to the Type 1 Variation 3. The Type 1 Variation 2 was not continued. (12", 7.5")
[Var 2 Full]
No 312
Var 1 : 1929-1935
Var 2 : 1929-1935
The No 312 features an aluminum handle. It looks very similar to the No 12 Type 3, but the easily spotted difference is the sort of wide plus sign shape where the blade and handle join. This shape is unique to the 312. Variation 2 adds the model number and size to the side of the handle, otherwise they are identical. It is not known when the handle change occured. (10", 8", 6")
[Group] [Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
Triangular Miter
1870
Offered only in 1870 and never assigned model number, Stanley’s “Triangular Miter” featured a steel triangle with a beveled wood base marked with graduations. The author has only ever seen two. (9")
[Full]
Bevels
No 18
Var 1 : 1874-1960
This was Stanley’s standard metal handled bevel line for almost 100 years. The No 18 saw three different mechanical designs and 12 style variations, not even including the cheaper designs after 1960. There are too many designs and changes to show here, so please see the dedicated page to the No 18. (12", 10", 8", 6")
[Full No 18 Type Study]
No 24
Type 1 : 1864-1867
Type 2 : 1867-1879
Type 3 : 1879-1892
Known as the “Patent Combination Try Square & Bevel” when first introduced, it was numbered 24 in 1888. These are based on the April 5, 1864 Shelly patent. The size is measured by the inside edge of the large arm of the blade. Type 1 had no slot in the blade and only rotated around the central point. These were only made for a few years at the start of production before the slot was added, giving the tool more versatility. These type two bevels have variations in the design of the thumbscrew. See the No 25 type study for more details. In 1879 the wingnut was switched to a lever, which is the type 3. Stanley introduced the lever in 1877 and it originally had a flat face. It seems logical that these would appear on the No 24 as well, but the author has seen no examples. (12", 10", 8", 6", 4")
[Type 1 Full] [Type 2 Full] [Type 3 Full]
[Type 1 Group] [Type 2 Group] [Type 3 Group]
No 25
1858-2015
The No 25 was Stanley’s standard wood handled bevel for 157 years! Not many tools have such a long and direct lineage. The long period though results in 9 different types and a total of 31 distinct variations, way too many to show here. Please visit the dedicated page to the No 25. (14", 12", 10", 8", 6")
[Full No 25 Type Study]
No 42 1/2
1858-1936
Known as a Shipwrights Bevel, the 42 ½ had a long production time, but was not a popular seller and are difficult to find. The 14 brass blade is quite thick and is either unmarked or has a trademark and model number. (14")
[Full]
No 225
Var 1 : 1927-1928
Var 2 : 1928-1929
The No 225 is known as a double bevel because it has an additional short blade. Unlike the rosewood body No 25, the 225 used a boxwood body. There are two variations based on how the blades are marked and how the lever is attached. Variation 1 is frequently found with a Stanley decal. Examples are hard to come by. (12")
[Var 1 Full] [Var 2 Full]
Improved Sliding T Bevel
1871-1872
Stanley's "Patent Improved Sliding T Bevel" patented by Justus Traut on May 9, 1871. This was Stanley's very first metal handled bevel and was only offered in the 1871 insert and 1872 catalog. It is a very clever design, with an integrated rest that allows the fully extended bevel to stay placed on the edge of a board. The rest's usefulness is somewhat limited though by the fact that the blade must be fully extended and not more than 35 degrees or so from 90 for it to balance correctly. (10", 8", 6")
[Full]