160 VS 185
Three Weeks. Six Carpenters. One Frame-Up.
When we designed the new 160mm Chippy Square, we weren’t trying to replace the 185mm.
The question was simple:
Could we fit everything people loved about the 185mm into a more compact square?
Instead of making that decision ourselves, we handed both sizes to six carpenters on a Mornington Peninsula frame-up and told them to use whichever one they preferred.
No instructions.
No favourites.
Just real work.
Over the next three weeks, both squares were put through everything that comes with a busy jobsite. Wall frames, trusses, plate layouts, marking out, setting heights, scribes, cuts, and everything in between.
What We Found
Some of the crew immediately preferred the 160mm Chippy Square.
It took up less room in the nail bag, slid into pockets easier, and was always within reach when they needed it.
Others stuck with the 185mm Chippy Square.
The larger footprint, longer heel ruler, and extra surface area gave them a little more reference when squaring, marking, and checking material.
But what surprised us most was how quickly the conversation stopped being about size.
Because whichever square they picked up, they still had access to the same features they relied on every day.
Shared Features
- ✔ Patent-Pending Scribe Hole System
- ✔ New 3mm & 5mm Precision Scribe Holes
- ✔ Plate & Joist Markers
- ✔ Stud Centre Markers
- ✔ Door Latch Centre Markers
- ✔ Heel Ruler
- ✔ Laser-Engraved Markings
- ✔ High-Grade Aluminium Construction
No Clear Winner
The biggest difference came down to personal preference.
Some carpenters liked the 160mm because it disappeared into the nail bag and was always within reach.
Others preferred the 185mm because the extra length gave them more reference when squaring and marking material.
Neither was right or wrong.
It simply came down to which one felt best in their hand and suited the way they worked.
After three weeks, there was no clear winner.
And that's exactly what we wanted.
The 160mm wasn't designed to replace the 185mm.
It was designed to give carpenters another option.
One for those who want maximum compactness.
One for those who prefer a larger square in hand.
The only question is:
Which one's going in your nail bag?