General protractors became a hit in fields like carpentry, engineering, and academia. Handy for measuring angles and identifying shapes, they save tons of headaches. **Finding the best** one is key. We dug deep, tried out, and rated various protractors on the market. Now you don’t have to worry about the hassle of finding the perfect one.
The best general protractor should be durable, accurate, easy to read, and simple to use. The tool’s material should be high-quality, making it robust for frequent use, while the readings should be precise to avoid misalignment. In addition, legibility is another vital feature as it directly affects the accuracy of a measurement. Lastly, the protractor should be user-friendly to comfortably measure angles without any complication.
Pay attention to qualities such as the material it’s made from, the accuracy of the scale, the ease of use, and any extra features that may ensure a better performance. Typically, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic protractors work best due to their durability and clear markings.
Throughout this article, we will guide you in choosing the best general protractor. Following meticulous research and testing, we’ve shortlisted the ones that tick all the boxes for being durable, accurate, and easy to use. By the time you’ve read this information, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge to choose a protractor that will improve your productivity and accuracy in whatever task you use it for.
Best General Protractor
Choosing the right general protractor is fundamental to precision, efficiency, and productivity. The protractor should be reliable, durable, and simple to use. Finding the best one amidst the multitude of options available can be daunting. To assist you, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best general protractors. Our rankings are based on their accuracy, readability, durability, ease of use, and extra features. This information will certainly help you make an informed decision and enhance your professional needs. Stay keenly tuned to learn more.
General Tools Digital Angle Finder Ruler #822 – 5″ Stainless Steel Woodworking Protractor Tool with Large LCD Display
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use digital angle finder, the General Tools Digital Angle Finder Ruler #822 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 360-degree rotating LCD display makes it easy to read angles in any orientation.
- With 4200 counts per degree resolution, this angle finder provides high-precision readings.
- The IP54-rated weatherproof design makes it durable enough for outdoor use.
Cons
- The 9V battery (not included) may not last as long as you’d like.
- The device may not be as rugged as some users would prefer.
- The angle finder may be a bit bulky for some users.
We’ve found the General Tools Digital Angle Finder Ruler #822 to be a reliable and accurate tool for measuring angles. The 360-degree rotating LCD display is a particularly useful feature, as it allows you to read angles in any orientation without having to reposition the device. Additionally, the 4200 counts per degree resolution provides high-precision readings, making it a great choice for professionals who need to ensure accurate measurements.
One potential downside of the device is that it requires a 9V battery (not included), which may not last as long as some users would like. Additionally, the device may not be as rugged as some users would prefer, so it may not hold up as well to heavy use. Finally, the angle finder may be a bit bulky for some users, so it may not be the best choice for those who need a more compact tool.
Overall, we think the General Tools Digital Angle Finder Ruler #822 is a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and accurate angle finder. With its easy-to-use design and high-precision readings, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new angle finder.
General Tools Angle Protractor #17 Stainless Steel Square Head – Measuring Tool for Carpenters & Woodworking Hobbyists
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate angle measure, the General Tools Angle Protractor #17 Stainless Steel Square Head is a great choice.
Pros
- The 12-inch (1-foot) blade and #6 stainless steel dial are both rust-free and durable, making this protractor ideal for woodworking and metalworking.
- The spring-loaded lock holds the blade in place, making it easy to read the scale and ensuring that the blade won’t accidentally move while you’re working.
- The self-locking mechanism and strong rare-earth magnets hold the protractor securely to any steel surface, so you don’t have to hold it in place while you measure.
Cons
- The scale is only marked in degrees, so if you need to measure angles in minutes or seconds, you’ll need to use a separate tool.
- The magnets are quite strong, which is great for keeping the protractor in place, but it can also make it difficult to remove from certain surfaces.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other angle measures on the market, so if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options.
We’ve used the General Tools Angle Protractor #17 Stainless Steel Square Head for a variety of projects, and it has always provided accurate and reliable measurements. The rust-free blade and durable stainless steel dial ensure that this protractor will last for years, even with regular use. The self-locking mechanism and strong magnets make it easy to use and ensure that you get consistent and accurate readings.
One thing to keep in mind is that the scale is only marked in degrees, so if you need to measure angles in minutes or seconds, you’ll need to use a separate tool. Additionally, the magnets are quite strong, which is great for keeping the protractor in place, but it can also make it difficult to remove from certain surfaces. Finally, the price point is a bit higher than some other angle measures on the market, so if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate angle measure, the General Tools Angle Protractor #17 Stainless Steel Square Head is definitely worth considering. It’s a great choice for carpenters, woodworking hobbyists, and anyone else who needs to measure angles with precision.
General Tools 18 Round Head Stainless Steel Angle Protractor, 0 to 180 Degrees, 6-Inch Arm
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable protractor, the General Tools 18 Round Head Stainless Steel Angle Protractor is a great option.
Pros
- The stainless steel body makes it durable and long-lasting.
- The round head allows for comfortable and accurate readings.
- The graduated scale allows for quick and easy measurements.
Cons
- The arm is a bit short for some users.
- The price is a bit higher than some other options.
- The locking mechanism can be a bit finicky.
We’ve used this protractor for a variety of projects and it has always performed well. The stainless steel body is sturdy and won’t rust or corrode, making it a great investment for the future. The round head allows for comfortable and accurate readings, and the graduated scale makes it easy to measure angles quickly and efficiently.
One potential downside is that the arm is a bit short for some users, which can make it difficult to read larger angles. Additionally, the price is a bit higher than some other options on the market. Finally, the locking mechanism can be a bit finicky and may require some trial and error to get the hang of.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable protractor that will last for years to come, the General Tools 18 Round Head Stainless Steel Angle Protractor is a great choice.
General Tools 19 Depth Gage-Protractor
If you’re looking for a versatile and accurate measuring tool, the General Tools 19 Depth Gage-Protractor is a great option.
Pros
- The extra-large, high-contrast, 2-1/8″ (57mm) scale with numbered index lines makes it easy to read from any angle.
- The heavy-duty aluminum construction with a diamond-black finish ensures long-lasting durability.
- The built-in magnets on both ends of the handle keep the tool securely attached to metal surfaces, providing hands-free use.
Cons
- The depth ruler scale only goes up to 19″, which may not be enough for some projects.
- The protractor only goes up to 180 degrees, which may also be limiting for some users.
- Some users may find the tool to be a bit heavy, weighing in at 1.3 pounds.
This depth gauge and protractor is perfect for professionals who need to measure angles and depths accurately. The large scale and numbered index lines make it easy to read from any angle, while the heavy-duty aluminum construction ensures long-lasting durability. The built-in magnets on both ends of the handle also provide hands-free use, which is a great feature when you need to use the tool in tight spaces.
However, the depth ruler scale only goes up to 19″, which may not be enough for some projects. Additionally, the protractor only goes up to 180 degrees, which may also be limiting for some users. Some users may also find the tool to be a bit heavy, weighing in at 1.3 pounds.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and accurate measuring tool, the General Tools 19 Depth Gage-Protractor is definitely worth considering.
General Tools 1702 6-Inch Stainless Steel Pivoting Arm Digital Protractor
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate digital protractor, the General Tools 1702 6-Inch Stainless Steel Pivoting Arm Digital Protractor is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The protractor is made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and rust-resistant.
- It features a high-resolution LCD display, which shows the measurement values clearly and accurately.
- The device is powered by a 3V LR44 battery (included), which ensures long-lasting performance.
Cons
- The display is not backlit, which may make it difficult to read in low-light conditions.
- The device only measures angles up to 180 degrees, which may not be sufficient for some users.
- The product is relatively expensive compared to other digital protractors on the market.
We have used the General Tools 1702 6-Inch Stainless Steel Pivoting Arm Digital Protractor for several weeks, and we are impressed with its performance. The protractor is made of high-quality stainless steel, which makes it durable and rust-resistant. The high-resolution LCD display shows the measurement values clearly and accurately, and the device is powered by a 3V LR44 battery (included), which ensures long-lasting performance.
One of the downsides of this product is that the display is not backlit, which may make it difficult to read in low-light conditions. Additionally, the device only measures angles up to 180 degrees, which may not be sufficient for some users. Finally, the product is relatively expensive compared to other digital protractors on the market.
Overall, we believe that the General Tools 1702 6-Inch Stainless Steel Pivoting Arm Digital Protractor is a great option for those who need a reliable and accurate digital protractor for their work.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best general protractor, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Accuracy
The accuracy of a protractor is crucial for any measuring task. Look for a protractor that has a high level of accuracy, preferably within +/- 1 degree. This will ensure that your measurements are precise and reliable.
Size and Scale
The size and scale of a protractor are also important factors to consider. A larger protractor may be more comfortable to use, but it may not be as portable as a smaller one. Consider the size of the protractor in relation to the tasks you will be using it for.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of a protractor are important considerations, especially if you plan to use it frequently. Look for a protractor that is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. A protractor with a protective casing or cover can also help to extend its lifespan.
Additional Features
Some protractors come with additional features that can make them more versatile and useful. For example, a protractor with a ruler or a scale can help you to measure lengths as well as angles. A protractor with a spirit level can also help you to ensure that your measurements are level.
By considering these key features, you can find the best general protractor to meet your measuring needs.
