The Best Angle Tools to Stay Precise When Measuring
Here Is the Top Angle Tool of 2024
Best Overall
Featuring a sharp-angle locator, our first pick is meant to be kept away from children. It comes with dual functions that will aid you with your projects. If you are looking for a ruler while working, then GemRed’s protractor has you covered. Heading over to its durability, it features rulers that are made of heavy-duty stainless steel. Since the measurements are clearly etched with laser, they won’t fade away over time.
Pros
- The locking mechanism works brilliantly
- Accurate and dependable
Cons
- Requires coin batteries
Key Features
The accuracy of this angle locator is +/-0.3 degrees. This means it is ideal for DIY projects, daily use, and even woodworking. To top this off, the manufacturer also added a convenient locking function that allows you to lock the angle locator at your desired angle. If you’re looking for an all-around great and valuable product, we’ve chosen this one as our best overall pick.
Best Value
Make way for our next pick, because it has heavy-duty written all over it. Crafted from high-quality aluminum, this bad boy will last longer than tons of angle locators that you might have come across. What we have for you here is an industrial-grade tool, and you can trust its quality even while wearing a blindfold. Heading over to its features, it has four screw bolts that can be conveniently adjusted to fit your needs. This versatile angle tool has a multi-functional universal layout and it comes with instructions for your assistance. Plus, you get the product in a box and a protective pouch.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Works on almost all surfaces
- Lifetime guarantee for value
Cons
- The locking mechanism can be improved
Key Features
You can work on tiles, wood, flooring, metal, brick, and almost any surface that your mind can think of without wasting an extra second with this angle locator. This is backed by the seller’s lifetime guarantee, so if you change your mind later you can claim the refund.
Best Design
We have another aluminum angle locator up for grabs. Made from aluminum alloy steel that is CNC-machined and anodized, it grants you high quality and durability. The product is one of a kind. It features a unique, yet simple design. The markings are accurately engraved with a laser for convenient measuring. This makes the tool an ideal choice for plumbing, molding, and other carpentry-related jobs.
Pros
- Exceptional aluminum build
- Offers the right results
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Scale may be difficult at first
Key Features
LEXIVON’s protractor will erase guesswork from your life, allowing you to work with precision and accuracy on every project. The protractor has a special mechanism that comes to use during operation, making sure that you get accurate readings on both corners.
Best Accuracy
If you haven’t checked out Beewarm’s protractor yet, we advise you to take a quick peek. Ideal for woodworking and carpentry projects, the product is meant to copy shapes and duplicate the surface you are working on. Whether it’s tile flooring, wood, or any molding. This angle locator will help you find the right angle in one go. It works exceedingly well in awkward angles, allowing you to add finesse to your work.
Pros
- Works like a charm for hard cuts
- Simple to use
Cons
- Has no locking mechanism
Key Features
Beewarm’s angle tool is meant for precise and accurate work. It will grant you sharp accuracy, which is what every carpenter and woodworker looks for. To make things convenient for you, the protractor is designed to create ideal templates for cutting. The package includes two contour duplicators, one that is 5” and another that is 10”. The ergonomic design of these contour duplicators will make your life convenient.
Most Versatile
Our last pick on the list is meant for crown molding, carpentry applications, and trim work. For you, it has laser engraved scales that are very easy to read. This is backed by an “O” shaped design that grants better usability during work. With the Saker store’s protractor, you will be able to read inside and outside corners without hassle. Made of aluminum alloy, the angle locator is lightweight and convenient when it comes to carrying. Furthermore, it resists corrosion and any wear & tear, unlike other products that lose their worth after a couple of days.
Pros
- The engraved scale is easy to read
- Economical value for money
Cons
- It may be complex for some people
Key Features
What’s special about this protractor is its small size. You can use it for both professional and non-professional reasons, don’t fall for the size! Now you can manage direct angle reading without wasting time and effort.
A Buyer’s Guide: Purchasing the Right Angle Tool
People who are into carpentry and plumbing will know how important it is to have the right set of tools with you. There is no denying that the right set of tools can save you multiple hours during the day.
Sounds amazing, right? We agree. One such tool that can make your job easy is an angle tool. It doesn’t matter whether your project is for professional purposes or not. Angle locators are very useful around the house if you like doing DIY projects over the weekend. This tool will add precision to your life, and you will be able to invest more time into perfecting your work. Rather than struggling to locate the right angles with a compass, you just need to rely on a handy protractor.
What to Consider When Buying Angle Tools
As a consumer, we understand that the price point might be the most important element for you. But, hear us out when we say that you are better off buying a high-quality protractor at a higher price than a low-quality tool that ruins your work completely.
Apart from price, there are multiple factors that one should consider before bringing an angle tool with them to their house. We’ll help you locate those factors in this guide.
Digital or manual?
It is time to acknowledge this debate once and for all. If you ask us, digital protectors are quite convenient to work with but of course, they are not meant for everyone. We suggest going for digital protractors if you have a big project coming up. This means people who work professionally should look into buying digital angle finders. They offer better accuracy and precision. Plus, LED displays can make your life so much easier in multiple ways.
On the second hand, we have manual protractors. If you like going old-school, then this will be your buddy from now on. Not only do they cost less, but they are easy to work with when it comes to small projects.
Accuracy
Here’s where things start to heat up. Undoubtedly, measuring angles requires focus and attention. If your accuracy is compromised, then you better leave the work altogether. Therefore, it is better to check the accuracy of the product you are choosing. Your ideal option is to be as accurate as possible. However, manual protractors are riskier due to human errors, and their accuracy is somewhere around one-tenth of a degree. Again, in case you are a professional then we recommend you to go for digital protractors.
This isn’t set in stone, since professional carpenters, woodworkers, and plumbers regularly use manual angle finders.
Locking mechanism
You must have seen us talk about the locking mechanism up there. Why is this feature necessary in the first place? The thing is, when you are calculating or measuring the angle, you want the tool to stop in its tracks. This will allow you to read and measure without making a mistake.
In case the locking mechanism is poor or if it’s too difficult to work with then you will end up measuring the angle multiple times. This will cost you valuable time, which brings us back to square one. Why purchase an angle finder in the first place if you’re fiddling with the locking mechanism for ages? That is why we want you to go for a simple design that comes with a decent locking function.
Design
As trends are changing, people are now into new designs and unique shapes. There’s nothing wrong with this. These shapes allow for accurate measurement. They can conveniently reach awkward areas that are otherwise hard to get into. Honestly, you can go for a design that looks convenient to you. There’s no limitation here. Just make sure that the manufacturer or seller isn’t selling you a showpiece that only looks good.
Measurement ranges
Here we can apply a simple rule: the more the measurement range, the better the angle finder. Traditional angle finders struggle a bit when it comes to this point. That’s because they can’t measure extreme angles most of the time. However, that’s where digital angle finders kick in. Again, if you are a professional then it is better to go for a digital angle locator, considering its advantages.
Weight and construction
Most manufacturers out there want their product to be as light as a feather. However, this isn’t possible if they go for heavy-duty components. Alloy steel angle tools are quite trendy these days for all the right reasons. These angle locators are top-notch. They offer quality, versatility, durability, and sturdiness. If you are someone who works around the house, then you might know how important quality is when it comes to tools.
Safety
When we talk about tools, your safety comes first. Work can always come later, and to be honest, the quality of the work won’t matter much if you manage to injure yourself during work. Angle locators can be pretty sharp, so watch out. Plus, it is better if you keep them away from children. This is where a pouch or a case would be convenient.
Either way, the metal arms can hurt your skin. That is why we urge you to wear gloves at all times when working with tools. If you are working with a plastic angle tool then you might not have a lot to worry about.
People Also Asked
Are angle tools and protractors the same?
They are used interchangeably, and both fulfill the same purpose: they help people find the right angles.
Can I use an angle finder to measure slopes?
Yes, of course. This tool is multi-purpose, therefore you can use it to measure the slope on, let’s say, a sidewalk. It can also be utilized to determine the angle of a surface that has a slope.
What is the most important feature of an angle tool?
If there is one thing that you should not compromise with, then that’s accuracy. Again, if the angle locator isn’t accurate then it defeats the purpose of buying one in the first place.