Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor
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List Price: Our Price: $49.00 You Save: $14.00 (22%) Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 4 weeks Category: Tools See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor
Customer Review: A time saving tool with many uses
Summary: 5 Stars
The Starrett protractor has a very solid feel to it, and mine was dead-on accurate when it arrived. Initially I used it when installing trim, but over time I've found many other applications for the protractor. Now I use it in conjunction with a small level (the level is used to orient one leg of the protractor in a level or plumb position) to get rafter and stair runner angles when remodeling, help frame skylight light wells, and transfer various angles to material that I have to cut. Some of my coworkers have plastic protractors, but over time, these seem to warp if left in the sun and get easily damaged in job site conditions.Customer Review: Accuracy not quite perfect...
Summary: 4 Stars
This tool is very sturdy. It is constructed of high quality 1/4" x 2.5" aluminum stock. It is simple to use and once set to an angle, it generally stays put. It even has an Allen screw at the pivot point to control the hold-force.
Starrett could improve the accuracy of this tool by concurrently laser etching the inner and outer dial faces, instead of using decals. Click on "see customer images" under the above tool photos, and select the dial-face photo. ALL of the black numbers and lines of the outer ring should align perfectly with the inner ring's red numbers and black lines. As you can see, on my tool, some lines mismatch by just a tad - maybe 1/10 of a degree. While that's certainly good enough for most projects, a tool designed to precisely measure angles should not be off at all. Other reviewers noted more serious alignment errors with their 505A's, apparently because the factory didn't properly affix the decals on their protractor. So, if you buy one of these, you might want to check the dial accuracy on YOUR tool before deciding to keep it.
However, many times during house construction, I don't even look at the dial. Instead, the tool is set to match an existing angle, such as in a stairway. The tool is then carefully placed on the wood about to be cut and a penciled line is drawn against the tool face.
If the scale on this protractor were perfectly etched, it would be a 5 star tool.
Note: For projects needing more accuracy than offered by this tool, the Bosch DWM40L Miter Finder Protractor is an excellent choice.
Customer Review: Best layout and fitup protractor I have
Summary: 5 Stars
Starrett 505A-12 ProSite 12-Inch Dial Protractor
I own a 'pro' design, fab. & welding shop--so, I've got at least 6 other protractors.
However, upon seeing a write up by another fabricator, on Welding Web site--show
and discuss this item---I bought it.
1-It takes the math and headscratching out of figuring mitre joint angles.
2-It's tight, not sloppy and big enough to use very easily for angle fitups and measuring during fitup.
3-It's a Starrett tool (and I have other pricey, Starett items)---which means quality.
4-I'm too poor be able to afford cheap tools.
Customer Review: Best protractor for woodworking
Summary: 5 Stars
been using this tool for a couple months now at work. Its solid and holds the angle well for transferring to other places or just to read the values. The "miter angle" part of the dial is much more helpful than I expected. Each time I used it to measure an angle, then cut two pieces to the displayed miter angle, the joints have been flawless.
I can't fault the dial as it is bigger than most. However, my eyes are sometimes struggling to see which little mark the arrow is pointing to. Assume my only option would for it to have a digital readout, but then the cost would skyrocket.
Plan to keep one close to me in my tool box from now on.
Customer Review: Correction on picture
Summary: 5 Stars
Just wanted to say that the picture shown with the red face is NOT the one that I received. The one I got has a black face and it says it is laser engraved for accuracy. The numbers all align perfectly.