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Internet # 100356500

Model # E280

Store SKU # 395838

Top Rated

16 in. True Blue Combination Square

$20.97
  • BLADE-LOCK for fast adjustment and secure hold
  • DUAL-PITCH Vial for checking level, 1 and 2 degree slope
  • Precision Machined Head with Rational Dimensions
  • View More Details

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Return this item within 90 days of purchase.

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Product Details

About This Product

The Empire 16 in. TRUE BLUE Combination Square (e280) features precision machined working surfaces and a head with rational dimensions for a quick check of common measurements. The square features the BLADE-LOCK self-aligning drawbolt which allows users to make quick adjustments with a secure hold. The DUAL-PITCH TRUE BLUE Vial allows users to easily check level, one-, and two-degree slope. The 16 in. etched stainless steel blade will not fade over time and features high-visibility markings. The combo square also features onboard storage for a hardened scriber.

Highlights

  • High impact acrylic e-band mono vial offer superior durability
  • Blade lock aligns blade for quick and accurate adjustment
  • Heavy duty machined head for guaranteed accuracy
  • Scriber pin stored on board for convenient marking of materials
  • Etched markings
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Note: product may vary by store
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  • Return Policy

Product Information

Internet # 100356500

Model # E280

Store SKU # 395838

Additional Resources

Shop All Empire
From the Manufacturer

Specifications

Product Width (in.): 5.312 in

Dimensions

Product Width (in.)

5.312 in

Details

Features

No Additional Features

Hand Tool Type

Square

Material

Steel

Package Quantity

1

Returnable

90-Day

Square Length

16 in.

Square Type

Combination Square

Tools Product Type

Hand Tool

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Empire True Blue product has a lifetime warranty to be free from imperfections in materials and workmanship.

Questions & Answers

Are the graduations (markings) on the ruler in inches on BOTH sides of the 6" pocket rule? Every picture is taken from the same side of the rule, not a single picture of the other side, and I can't find anywhere in the description that tells me. Thanks.
ByJan 17, 2025
2 Answers | 
Answer This Question

Yes, 8ths and 16ths on one side. 16ths and 32nds on the other.

By|Apr 19, 2026

    (2)

    This is for the 12" #E250 but I assume the 6" is the same. From the 360 view and their website, it's 16/32 label side, 8/16 'grove' side.

    By|Mar 6, 2025


      What size, 6” or 12”, is the best for a beginner woodworker?
      ByJan 3, 2025
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      If you only have 1, it's got to be the 12 inch.

      By|May 7, 2026

        (2)

        Where is it made?
        ByJul 26, 2024
        2 Answers | 
        Answer This Question

        From their website (empirelevel.com) it's : "Assembled in the USA with foreign components".

        By|Aug 2, 2025

          (2)

          This product is made in the USA.

          By|Sep 29, 2025

          (1)

          The lock blades wear out quickly. Is a replacement part available? Very poor designed part!
          ByJan 2, 2023
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          TimL, could you send our team an email at Social.media@milwaukeetool.com, so we can assist? Thank you - Milwaukee Tool Social Team

          By|Oct 20, 2025

            (3)

            Hello everyone, I am a teacher at a high school shop and I have several of the Empire 6",12", and Texas size combination squares. My question is: Can I get parts for these squares?
            ByDec 6, 2022
            3 Answers | 
            Answer This Question

            Nothing ever noted re parts .. suggest checking the company web site, go to Contact Us page .. call company and ask re parts availability .. do not expect so if only a few needed May also offer an Educational Discount for bulk purchases

            By|Dec 28, 2025

              (2)

              It's 2025, and this question was asked in 2022, but if anyone needs info on this you can send an email to the following address hopefully it is still active: Social.media@milwaukeetool.com

              By|Oct 27, 2025

                John I would contact the manufacturer about where to purchase parts or if parts are available 

                By|Feb 25, 2023

                  (1)

                  Will a center finder piece be made / sold for this combination square?
                  ByDec 6, 2022
                  0 Answer | 
                  Answer This Question

                  Do they sell replacement parts for the 12" comb square? Mine fell off the sawhorse and the pin that locks the ruler and head together snapped. I have all the other parts. I just need that pin.
                  ByNov 20, 2022
                  1 Answer | 
                  Answer This Question

                  The square has a limited lifetime warranty. I suggest you contact the company for a replacement.

                  By|Apr 28, 2026


                    How wide is the milled surface of the blue body?
                    ByOct 22, 2022
                    0 Answer | 
                    Answer This Question

                    Viewing 1-8 of 19

                    Customer Reviews

                    4.6 out of 5

                    • 4.6 out of 1,773 reviews
                    • 87% recommend this product
                    Filter by:
                    Showing 1-10 of 1,773 reviews
                    This combination square was exactly what I needed for my relatively small woodworking project. It is well built and I anticipate it will last for numerous years to come. No question I would recommend others to buy it if in need of a solid combination square.
                    by
                    This review is from 12 in. Combination Square
                    Achilles Heel
                    The locking pin broke for no apparent reason, so it usable only as a ruler. The locking pin appears to be made of cast aluminum. Lasted about 18 months from purchase. Probably used it a couple of times a month. Otherwise, seems to be decent quality. I will look elsewhere for a combo square the next time. The last combo square I owned lasted a long time, until the numbers were no longer legible.
                    by
                    This review is from 12 in. Combination Square
                      3 found this review helpful
                      Bolt retainer tip broke off
                      bolt's retainer tip that holds the ruler/blade broke after several uses. Not as strong as the Stanley combo square I used for years until it was lost.
                      by
                      This review is from 12 in. Combination Square
                        2 found this review helpful
                        Don't drop it
                        Used it one time. I admit I dropped it like I have many in the past but never doing I think the locking pin would break by just falling to the dirt from my Saw horse. But if you want to waste your money it's the thing to buy.
                        by
                        This review is from 12 in. Combination Square
                          2 found this review helpful
                          The inner pin that draws down the ruler/scale of the square breaks very easily. These used to be better 10+ years ago, now they only last until you drop them. Perhaps some shock resistant tool steel (S7) for the pin would work better. Everything else is about this square is top quality.
                          by
                          • Verified Purchase
                          2 found this review helpful
                          Paired this with my 2 pack carpenter squares, quality Combo Square at a reasonable price.
                          by
                          This review is from 12 in. Combination Square
                          • Verified Purchase
                          Big defect
                          Bought two of these and in both the pin the holds the ruler broke. Very disappointed
                          by
                            Dont drop it.
                            Worked well for a while and did its job as expected, but the clip that holds the ruler to the combination peice is very brittle and weak. Had a 2' drop once and it snapped instantly. As long as you never drop it even once from a small height it is a decent square, but if you do drop it, atleast you will have a nice metal 12in ruler.
                            by
                            This review is from 12 in. Combination Square
                              2 found this review helpful
                              These are perfect for tile , I used them to...
                              These are perfect for tile , I used them to make all of my marks with red China pencils so that my cuts would be square and accurate
                              by
                              • Verified Purchase
                              Bolt that holds ruler in constantly breaks
                              It is made from some cheap metal. Ruler use to be great it is now garbage
                              by
                              Response from Milwaukee ToolMar 2, 2022
                              Thank you for your feedback on the Empire 16 in. True Blue Combination Square. Please email us at socialmedia@milwaukeetool.com if you have additional feedback for us. -Cayla with Milwaukee Tool
                                2 found this review helpful
                                Showing 1-10 of 1,773 reviews

                                Compare Key Features

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                                Product Snapshot

                                Ideal for professionals and DIYers needing precise measurements and adjustments with its blade lock and etched markings for lasting visibility.
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                                Built for durability and versatility, this rafter square features high-visibility markings and scribe notches for easy lumber ripping. Ideal for professionals.
                                Built for durability and versatility, this framing square features high-visibility markings and scribe notches for precise measurements. Ideal for professionals and DIYers.

                                Square Accuracy

                                Measurement Markings

                                Etched, high-visibility markings
                                High visibility laser etched markings
                                High visibility laser etched markings
                                Laser etched, high-visibility

                                Material Type

                                Steel, High impact acrylic
                                Aluminum
                                Aluminum
                                Aluminum

                                Angle Adjustment

                                Ruler Integration