Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor
Customer Review: A Great Concept Requires Accurate Execution
Summary: 1 Stars
The protractor I recieved was out at least 1/2 a degree, closer to a full degree. I went as far as to send it back to Starrett for repair. I got it back unchanged with no explanation, needless to say I was shocked! In reading other reviews I'm glad to see that some folks have recieved protractors with the decal placed correctly on the tool. It would appear Starrett feels that a degree here or there is acceptable for woodworkers. Maybe it is just the price, I don't intend to spend $300.00 + for their 24" builder's square to find out.Customer Review: A Must Have for Every Trim Carpenter
Summary: 5 Stars
Trim carpenters are forever measuring angles and making cuts with a miter saw. The advantage of the Starrett 505A is that it makes the job easier. You simply place the protractor into the corner, and it does all of the calculations for you. It reads the angle and the miter saw setting at the same time, with two different sets of arrows.
The thing I like about it, is that it holds a setting, and that is adjustable. There is a setting screw in the back that enables you to adjust the amount of play. The way it comes out of the box, it is almost too tight. If you are laying it up against something, then it is fine, but when you want to pre-set it to an angle, then, use it to align something, it is a little tricky to pre-set. It is so snug that a gentle push will not change it, then with a little more effort, it will change a lot. I used a little WD 40 and loosened the screw just a hair, and now it adjusts perfectly, and still holds a setting. If you are a trim carpenter, and are taking measurements off of walls, the way it is right out of the box is great.
Another thing I like about it, is how ruggedly it is built. Thick aluminum and with this new model, large easy to read numbers.
I checked the accuracy with an expensive Bosch digital protractor, which is accurate to 1/10th of one degree. (Like having 3600 dots in a circle instead of 360) Every setting was either dead on accurate or was accurate to within a few tenths of a degree. That's accurate, although with a paste on measurement face, it is entirely possible for them to make them with less accuracy than the results I am getting on this one as has been mentioned in some of the other reviews.
I like it better than the Bosch digital protractor, because it is beefy, and easy to use and store. The Bosch with its glass LED readout, and bulky frame is great for setting up tools and the like, but not as practical for the job site. That is why I have both. I also use the Starrett combination square for setting up saw blades and other tools that require a perfect ninety. Starrett makes great stuff.
I spoke to Starrett in an email about this protractor, and they said this 505A was specifically designed for the job site, every day use in the shop, and to come in at a price that everybody could afford. It's a great unit for the money. Highly recommended. A great addition to your arsenal.
Customer Review: A bit Disappointed
Summary: 2 Stars
I've been wanting a Starrett 505A yet never purchased it until last week, because I read and heard so many complaints about its inaccuracy going back to 2004. I also understand Starrett was made aware of the problem 4 or 5 years ago and therefore I made a presumption that the inaccuracy was fixed over the period 4 to 5 years. I think I've stumbled on the problem.
and hope it will help someone.
Depending on whether you open the levers with the Starretts Label to the right or left makes a huge difference.
If you swing the Label Arm to the right (clear aluminum to the left) the reading on mine is. (At a 45 degree Miter cut reading), the Zero to 90 reading is off, that will be the reading of the wall angle.
The net being 1/8 inch per foot inaccuracy. [visa versa at a perfect 90 degrees the Red Miter Arrow is off by 1/8 of an inch.
To the contrary when you swing the Label Arm to the Left & Plain Alum to the right -- I get a near perfect 45 degrees. Wall measurement 45 (red) to Zero (Black) and the Miter arrow points to 45 (red).
Don't ask me why. I tested this a good 10 times, each with the same readings. It's just the way the dial label was made and doubt Starrett will change it.
NOTE: An easy way to remember -- always point the "BLACK Zero" "0" into the corner of the wall, irregardless whether taking an inside or outside measurement.
I gave it a 2 Star because Starrett could have saved me a lot of aggravation if it had instructions for that. Also, that piece of aluminum is expensive enough that they could have added a scribe or a label Ruler to one of the arms. It could be made thinner, as is, it is 1/2 inch thick and weights over 1 lb. (Est. 1 1/2 lbs) I can see the potential to make this tool do more than just find an angle, that carpenter can carry in his pouch to do more and weigh less.
Customer Review: A must for Floor and Crown moulding
Summary: 5 Stars
Starrett is an old and well-respected name for measuring devices. They make high-quality products, used in many industries. This Protractor keeps up that tradition of quality. It is accurate to 1/2 degree. The digital protractors claim accuracy to 0.1 degrees, but good luck setting your miter saw to anything closer that 1/2 degree. It is big and rugged; I expect years of use from it.Customer Review: A must for installing moulding
Summary: 5 Stars
I've installed trim moulding in our house which has multiple angled walls, this protractor saved me a lot of cuts in the mitter saw, not all cuts were 45 degrees exactly, couldn't have done it without this tool; Another rerason I like it is the fact that you can measure both inside as well as outside angles. HIghly recommend buying one, you won't be sorry.