Empire Brass Stair Gauge 2-Pack

The Empire Brass Stair Gauge 2-Pack (model 105) consists of two solid brass gauges that clamp onto framing squares for marking consistent angles on stairs and rafters. At 0.15 pounds for the pair, these 3/4-inch diameter gauges fit standard framing squares from Empire and most other brands. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 272 reviews and professional contractors praising their durability and ease of use, these are the stair gauges most pros reach for on framing jobs.

Skip them if you’re just cutting a single stringer for a shed. These shine when you need precision and repeatability across multiple workpieces. At their core, they solve the measuring-and-remeasuring problem that eats time on stair and rafter layouts.

Why Brass Matters for Job Site Durability

The solid brass construction delivers corrosion resistance that matters in Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles. Unlike aluminum gauges that oxidize and bind up after a winter in the truck, brass keeps working smoothly season after season. The non-magnetic properties mean they won’t grab metal filings or interfere with other tools in your belt.

Empire finishes these in natural brass/gold color for high visibility on the job site. You’ll spot them instantly against dark lumber or in a cluttered tool bag. That visibility matters when you’re hustling to beat weather or daylight.

The sure-grip thumb screws tighten and loosen easily by hand – no fumbling for pliers to adjust settings. Professional contractors specifically highlight this feature as a strength, noting how the thumb screws provide both durability and ease of use. After watching too many guys strip out cheap wing nuts on competitor gauges, hardware that holds up to daily use makes the difference.

Specification	Value
Material	Solid Brass
Diameter	3/4 in.
Height	1 in.
Weight (pair)	0.15 lb
Warranty	1-year limited manufacturer warranty

Real Applications That Save Time

These gauges handle laying out stair stringers and treads, making fast repeated angle cuts on roof rafters, setting angles for framing and deck construction, and transferring consistent measurements across multiple workpieces. The real value shows up in repetitive tasks where consistency matters.

Installation takes seconds: slide the gauge onto your square’s blade or tongue, align with your measurement, tighten the thumb screw, repeat for the second gauge, then use the square to mark repeat angles on your workpiece. Once set, they stay put through dozens of markings.

The gauges fit all standard Empire squares plus most other brands of steel or aluminum framing squares. That compatibility matters when you’re grabbing whatever square is handy on the job site.

For deck stairs on Montana’s sloped lots, these gauges earn their keep. Set your rise and run once, then mark every stringer identically. The consistency shows in the finished product – no wonky steps that ice up differently in winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do these compare to aluminum stair gauges?

Swanson makes aluminum stair gauges that are lighter weight and often taller to clear thicker square edges. The trade-off is durability. Brass outlasts aluminum in tool bags and harsh weather. If weight matters more than longevity, aluminum works. For daily professional use, brass wins.

Q: Will these fit existing framing squares?

They fit all standard Empire framing squares, carpenter’s squares, and rafter squares, and are generally compatible with most other brands of standard-thickness steel or aluminum framing squares. The 3/4 inch diameter is the industry standard.

Q: What’s the actual benefit over just marking with a pencil?

Speed and accuracy. These excel when precision and repeatability are required. On a 16-tread staircase, saving 30 seconds per marking adds up. More importantly, every tread ends up identical, which matters for code compliance and user safety.

Q: Are there any downsides to these gauges?

Customer reviews note that the small size may be difficult to handle for those with large hands, and the short height may not clear thick rafter square edges in some specialized cases. California Proposition 65 requires a lead warning for the brass components. Neither issue affects their core function for standard framing work.