t square

A T-square is a drafting tool shaped like the letter T, used to draw straight lines and right angles on drafting surfaces. The horizontal arm slides along the edge of a drafting table, maintaining perpendicularity. The vertical arm draws horizontal or vertical lines. T-squares are essential equipment for architects, engineers, and technical draftspeople. Traditional T-squares are manual tools; digital equivalents exist in design software. Quality T-squares must be precisely manufactured or they introduce errors. Plastic, aluminum, and wood T-squares offer different durability and costs. Drafting culture developed sophisticated tool traditions; T-squares are foundational. As computers replaced hand drafting, T-square use declined dramatically but hasn't disappeared entirely. Precision drafting still requires accurate tools.