The Thorvald Square: The must-have tool for every DIYer

Every DIYer, amateur or professional, knows that a good tool can make all the difference in completing a project. The Thorvald square is just such a tool, offering a multitude of essential functions in a single piece. Let's dive into this tool and discover how it can transform your work.

Try Square

The try square is one of the most fundamental functions of this tool. It is perfect for ensuring straight cuts and precise right angles, and for making sure your projects are properly aligned.

Drilling Jig

Drilling is a common task in DIY, and the Thorvald square is here to make it easier. With its drilling jig, you can quickly measure the diameter of wall plugs, screws, threaded rods and pipes, to make sure you use the right accessories or tools.

Hat-Shaped Square

The Thorvald square has a unique feature: its hat shape. It lets you butt it against the edge of a workpiece. As you slide it along, you can use the marking gauge to draw parallel lines or the perpendicular ruler to repeat 90° lines.

Marking Gauge

The built-in marking gauge is one of the most practical functions of the Thorvald square. The holes spaced every 5 millimeters let you draw precise parallel lines, making your marking easier and ensuring great accuracy.

Protractor

The Thorvald square is equipped with a protractor that lets you mark angles with great precision. Here is how to use it:

1^st Direct Method: Align the square with the edge of the workpiece, position the desired angle against that edge, and mark the angle along the perpendicular part of the square.

2nd Pivot Method: Leave the square in place on the workpiece, mark the point of the desired angle, then pivot the square to that mark to draw the angle.

The Perpendicular Ruler: For Repeated 90° Lines

The perpendicular ruler built into the Thorvald square is a major asset for anyone who wants to draw repeated perpendicular lines. Start by drawing a first 90° line. As you then slide the square, that line aligns with the perpendicular ruler, directly giving you the spacing needed for the next 90° line.

The Half-Circle Trick

The Thorvald square offers a unique trick for anyone who wants to draw half-circles. Thanks to the marking gauge holes and the square's pivot point, you can easily draw half-circles by pivoting the square to one side and then the other. To succeed, it is essential to first draw a 90° reference line. This line will guide you to reposition the square correctly when pivoting from one side to the other.

With these tricks and features, the Thorvald square stands out as an indispensable tool for every DIYer. Its smart design and multiple functions make it a powerful ally for all your projects.

Beyond the square: getting the most from the whole range

The same philosophy — several tools in one, zero compromise on precision — runs through the entire Thorvald catalog:

• Carpenter pencils: gray H leads for wood and metal, yellow and red leads for concrete, stone and tile. Removable grip to turn it into a deep-hole marker, built-in sharpener. To go further with parallel marking, see also our marking gauge and drilling jig pages.
• 300 mm Carpenter's Square: the same 5 functions in a large format, plus automatic roof pitch calculation for framing, pergolas and timber frames.
• Folding Japanese pull saw: you cut on the pull stroke, not the push — less effort, more precision. Three blade positions for cutting lengthwise, crosswise or flush.
• Lockable contour gauge: copy the shape of a door frame or a pipe, lock it, transfer it onto tile or flooring — no measuring or calculating.
• Universal toilet float valve: guided installation in 5 minutes, gaskets and instructions included — the step-by-step installation video is on the product page.

Each product page contains high-definition photos and demo videos so you can see the tool in action before you buy. Browse the whole catalog →