Johnson Johnny Square Mach-1 Takes Layout Tools to the Next Level
When it comes to precision in framing and carpentry, the right tools can make all the difference. The Johnson Johnny Square Mach-1 stands out as a modern take on the classic rafter square, offering not just the standard features Pros rely on but also thoughtful upgrades designed to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use on the jobsite. I’m going to walk you through the key features so you can decide if it’s time for an upgrade.
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Johnny Square Mach-1 Design Notes
The Johnson Johnny Square Mach-1 features all the typical squaring and layout markings you’d expect, but with some big improvements that make life a little easier.
Smart Mark Cutouts
One of the key highlights of this rafter square is the Smart Mark cutouts. These innovative cutouts are instrumental for notching layout markings and scribing lines on your material. What sets these notches apart from what we’ve seen on other rafter squares is their size. The Smart Mark cutouts offer plenty of room for a moderately sharp carpenter’s pencil, and the larger notches make it easy to accurately scribe lines on your material.
High Visibility EZ-Read Precision Laser Etched Markings
During our testing, there was one aspect of this square that Tom kept referring back to, and that was the hi-vis laser-etched markings. Rather than low-contrast or darker stamped markings, Johnson opted for a high-contrast laser-etched white that really makes them stand out against the black anodized aluminum. These marks are easy to read and help improve your overall accuracy.
Integrated Level
Another cool feature on this square is the integrated bubble level. This level offers 320° of visibility and indicates level and plumb, and measures angle or roof pitch on existing structures, replacing a torpedo level in many applications.
When there is a simple integration of another tool into a tool I already use, in this case the square with a level, it means one less thing to carry in my tool belt and a simplification of tasks.
Tom Gaige, Pro Tool Reviews Co-FounderOther Notable Features
- 1-Inch Wide Heel: stays seated on split and irregular materials
- Common Angle Markings: 22.5°, 30°, 45° and 60° slots for marking out commonly used angles
- Large Roof Pitch Notches: V-notches at roof pitches for greater speed and accuracy when marking top cuts
- Matte Black Anodized Aluminum Finish: minimizes glare and improves visibility
- CNC Machined Edges: provides greater accuracy when marking lines
- 7 1/4-Inch Frame: easily mark and measure the full width of 2×8 material
Pricing and Final Thoughts
It’s always exciting when a company can take a simple tool like a rafter square and give it genuine upgrades that make it more useful for industry Pros. Overall, the Johnson Johnny Square Mach-1 proves to be more than just another layout tool. Its Smart Mark cutouts, high-visibility markings, and integrated level bring added functionality and clarity to every task.
Innovation does come at a price, though. This square retails for $44.95, which is about triple the cost of the original Johnson Johnny square. However, it is arguably more feature-heavy than comparable squares, which helps justify the higher price tag. Whether you’re a seasoned framing Pro or just expanding your toolkit, this square is a reliable and smart addition that’ll help you get the job done right.
