Levels, Compasses & Calipers

Take accurate measurements during your building project with the right level, square, caliper, and other measuring and layout tools. These handy devices are essential hardware for DIYers and professionals undertaking home repairs, renovations, and construction. Browse the large selection of home improvement products and accessories at Staples to find different types of hand tools.

Calculate dimensions with calipers and other measuring tools
A caliper measures the distance between two points. Taking a measurement involves placing the edges of the tool’s jaws against both points and then reading a graduated scale or readout on the tool. The most common types of this tool are Vernier, dial, and digital models. Squares and compasses are also ideal for taking measurements. When used as a divider, a compass can measure short distances on technical drawings and wood surfaces.

Find the right tools to draw and make precise layouts
Besides serving as a ruler, a square also measures the accuracy of straight angles. For a versatile first square, choose a speed square because it’s a useful guide for cutting 45- and 90-degree angles. A pencil compass is another precision tool used by craftsmen to mark layouts on workpieces. It’s especially useful for marking edges and drawing circles for drills and saws. Squares are also handy for checking corners and edges. Use them to map out cut lines on wood and drywall and to bisect angles for mitering.

A level is another precision instrument needed for making straight cuts. Like most layout tools, it can also double as a straight edge and take measurements in a pinch. Its primary function is verifying that multiple points are in the same horizontal plane. Some levels can also verify vertical alignment or plumb.

What are the differences between Vernier, dial, and digital calipers?
Vernier units use the Vernier scale, an improvement on the accuracy of a regular slide caliper. A dial model has a dial gauge that’s easier to read than a Vernier scale. A digital unit replaces analog scale and dial with a digital readout that makes taking and recording measurements easier.

What are the major squares available?
Besides speed squares, there are also sliding, framing, combination, drywall, and try squares. A sliding or T-bevel square has a movable blade that allows copying and transferring angles to a workpiece. Drywall squares have an extra-long 4-foot blade suitable for laying out lines and for marking drywall and large surfaces like plywood. A framing square has a long blade and a short section forming its L shape. It’s useful for confirming the squareness of wide workpieces.

Combination squares have a sliding head that makes accurately transferring measured distances possible. They are ideal for marking layouts for crosscutting, mitering, and ripping. A try square is a simple tool for measuring the accuracy of a right angle when marking wood pieces.

How do different types of levels compare?
The most popular types are crosscheck, digital, box or I-beam, laser, and torpedo levels. A crosscheck level is a small tool that verifies horizontal and vertical alignments at the same time. An I-beam unit is a long level that has an I or rectangular profile when viewed from the end. Both laser and digital levels are battery-operated devices. A laser level shoots a laser beam when verifying alignment and measuring distances, while a digital level has a digital display and measures angles and distances. A torpedo level is a pocket-sized unit for verifying level and plumb in tight spaces.