🔧 Johnson Level & Tool 405 Stair/Square Gauge Set – 2/Card, Brass Plated, Pack of 2 Review

These gauges are actually thinner than the edge radius of the 2x8 rafters I've been working on, defeating the idea of quick repeatable accuracy. These sensors approximated the square, but each line required visual inspection and adjustment, which was only slightly faster than not having a sensor on the square.

These are high quality step stoppers that make the riser marks almost reliable. With a carpenter's square and some knowledge of the pitch and tread widths, you can achieve reproducible accuracy. The biggest problem is finding a safe place to keep them as they tend to get lost.

I've had them for a few months now and yesterday I used them for the first time to build a staircase. They worked well except they tended to detach from the frame during use. They would probably work better if they used a thinner knurled eyelet so you have more leverage when tightening (reduces the chance of those stops slipping on the frame square).

I've had several ladders throughout my career. They are always sold in pairs so I'm not sure why they call it a "2 pack" as only one gauge really fits on a frame square. But they're well made, and since they're made of brass, they should work fine for several years. Just don't lose. They've been the same for at least 20 years. The only thing I would have liked was that the thumbscrew looked more like a wing nut. I like to make sure they're really tight on the square, so I usually tighten them…