The Rafter Square, or Speed Square, does more than mark perpendicular lines. Here's how to make sense of all the numbers on your square and get the most out of this tool.

Align the framing square one last time with your roof slope numbers and be sure the wider part of the square falls across this last line. It will form a 90-degree angle to the last vertical line.

Photo courtesy/Tim Carter A simple framing square, circular saw and a tape measure are just about all you need to make perfect angled roof rafter cuts. Those and a basic knowledge of trigonometry.

A speed square is handy for marking cuts, finding angles, and more. Here are a few good reasons why no toolbox should be without one.

Here’s how you use your framing square to measure and cut the lumber for a rafter: Starting at one end of the piece of lumber, lay the square on the flat board and use the outside edges of the ...