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Customer Ratings and Reviews
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Memory
This is a great piece that reminds me of my great grandfather’s toolbox items. He let me use it when I was a kiddo and made it an important memory. -
Good as a toy, not as a tool
The idea of the tool is attractive. But when it comes to measuring tools I am looking at precision. Unfortunately accuracy of this tool is not good enough even if it would be made for school students. Metric and imperial scales on the rulers are offset from each other for about 1/2 mm (for both 6 and 12 rulers). A distance from edges of a level's bubble to the level markings is so big that making fair judgement of placing the bubble on the level's center is almost impossible.
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Casting is nice, ruler is weak
I purchased the casting with the 6” ruler, and bought the 12” ruler separately. The casting is nice for the money. It’s decent quality.The 12” brass sided ruler is fine. The 6” ruler that came with the tool is marginal. The wood is “blotchy” and the increment markings are very light and a bit hard to read. -
OK but not what it;s cracked up to be
I don't normally write reviews but I'm making an exception in this case. I have ordered several items from GW over the years. I am always excited when the package arrives (like a kid in candy store). For the first time I was truly disappointed when the box came. I ordered the odd job with the 12" rule. The end of the 12" rule was sticking out of the box! Instead of getting the next bigger box they just shoved the rule through the end of the box. Didn't even bother to cut a hole, just forced it through. Oddly enough, there are a couple of little dings on the end of the rule. It's fine, but not pristine by any means. Secondly, the tool itself is just OK. The "flat" end isn't. It rocks a good 1/64" on my surface plate. The 90 degree angle isn't. I put a precision engineers square on it and I can see daylight. I'd estimate it's off about 1/64" maybe a bit less. I'm sure that it is plenty close enough for most of the work I will use it for but still, it isn't right. -
Great Replacement
I purchased this to replace an original Stanley Odd Jobs my grandfather gave me and which saw daily use for nearly 20 years. This one actually has a more heft to it. I was pleased to see the wooden ruler markings matched my machinist rule. Great tool for the master carpenter or anyone - plus wow factor of having something unique and useful in your toolbox or shop apron - it’s purposeful design lacks exposed sharp points making it toolbelt or apron friendly -
The "odd job"
I love it. It is has a basic design that make it a work of art. I have to admit that it will not be the most used in my collection, but the construction is truly is beautiful and will only be worn out by my handeling it too look at admire. -
Useful, beautiful and way cool
This is the only tool I have ever bought just because it was so nifty. Sure, it works as a square, a level, a marking gauge, an arc drawing aid, and a paperweight. All that is covered in the videos, except for the paperweight part. But it's also a well-made thing of beauty that feels great in my hand, a conversation piece, and a link with woodworking history. -
Very good for me
Great all around "old man" tool. As I age, the number of tools I can carry to help younger family members is dwindling. Just too heavy to carry all of my individual tools. Older craftsmen/handymen will know how to utilize this tool in many different applications. Added to my "old man tool bag" this product covers a lot of bases with minimum weight. -
Odd Job + 12 inch rule
I bought the combination packet with both the 6 and 12 inch rules. Pleased with the entire set. My ONLY regret was they no longer produce the Jumbo size odd jobs. Versatile tool. -
Revolutionized my leatherworking
Most people probably think of the odd job as a woodworking tool, but I got it for my leathercraft. And it has revolutionized my process. Leatherworkers use awls to scratch lines and poke marks on the leather surface. The scribing tool works perfect for that. Used in conjunction with the ruler and square, I scratch square lines for cuts. And with the pivot point, I scratch circles. I use it in tandem with Garrett Wade's leatherworking knives. In addition to being functional and practical, the odd-job is just a beautiful tool. The brass and birch make it a pleasure to the eye as well as the hand. -
Works
I have a similar thing, this is longer with a couple of options the other doesn't have. Wish they still had the larger size though. -
A great tool for the odd job
This a neat tool. After you figured out how to use the tool it will server a number of functions. -
ODD JOBS - bubble level
Have both the small and large Odd Job with the 6” 12” and 18” rulers. Both Odd Job are very useful when checking square for small items, such as bird house, bird feeder or small boxes. The bubble levels seem to be off by 1/4 bubble. The smaller odd job matches with three other levels, but the larger odd job is off by about 1/4 bubble. Others have commented about machining being of poor quality, I found both odd jobs to be well made and all surfaces to be smooth and with NO sharp edges. The bubble level is of NO importance for me, at this time, since I have numerous levels Altogether I am pleased with both odd jobs and have recommended them to others. -
Great product
Great product. Well made and easy to use -
Get one!
How this tool ever fell out of favor or production is beyond me! On the job it ends up in my hands constantly for good reason. I use a steel ruler in it because the wooden one didn’t hold up. That’s my only complaint. Well worth the $! -
Great tool
Just starting to use the product. Quality is excellent. I think it will meet all my expectations. -
Useful tool, but could use some improvements
This is a well made, brass and wood tool, machining could use some additional cleanup, and it would help if the fit of the rule was closer tolerance. -
Odd Job Saves Steps
Great tool. Makes it easy to accomplish tasks without chasing various tools. Gifted one to my son for Christmas. -
Larger and heavier than I expected
Larger and heavier than I thought it would be. Wish I'd ordered the smaller one. Delivery took longer than expected.
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Fun Tool
Functionally similar to a combination square. It does have a pivot point that can be lowered for use as a compass (arc and circle drawing). The double 45 degree angles are also a bit different. I mostly use it as a depth gauge. It has a large scribe included. The wood ruler has brass sides for long life. -
Great tool, just a little tune-up needed
Great tool. Out of the box it had some minor finish issues: many of the milled edges had burrs or were ridiculously sharp. A few moments with a jewelers file or india stone will fix that. Also the gradations on the ruler part are extremely light and hard to read...fortunately I had a 12" steel rule from an old combination square that fits perfectly. I'll wipe some black paint into the markings on the stock one to make it more legible. -
Disappointing fit and finish
Initially, I am a little disappointed in the fit and finish. My wife bought me this for my birthday. It came with no instructions. After viewing a Youtube review I saw that the reviewer had a set of instructions. Next, I noticed that the brass edges on the ruler were offset. One was shifted about 0.5mm off one end and the other is shifted 0.5mm of the other end. This is not acceptable since it ruins the use of the ruler for depth measurements and many other things. Then I noticed that the machining of the flats in ruler ways was very ruff and not deburred. The little piece at the 90-degree end has raised burs that scratch the face of the ruler. When I attempted to use the little screwdriver to extend the set screw pivot point the round part would not fit in the hole and turned up a little brass shaving as I turned the screw. There is evidence of poor machining practice on the brass. Being a metal worker my self it seems that these are little details that any competent machinist would have taken care of. Most of them I can take care of with the exception of the brass ruler sides. Not sure what I will do about that. For the price, I expected better execution of a use full tool.
Response By: Garrett Wade Tech Department
Thank you for your review on the Historic Odd Job. We're sorry to hear that you received, what we feel, is a defective one. Please feel free to return it for replacement which our product specialist will inspect upon request. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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might be odd but it does the job
we build boats when bored or just between other things; we use tools to find angles, depths, forms, inside and outside hollows rolling bevels ect. you name it we need a tool for it. well we have one now that does all of this and we are still finding other things it can be used for.
now it has some up sides and down sides like anything does. downsides are its a fairly rough finish to the tool so if you want it in a case in your living room as a conversation starter; dont bother buying a working tool. If however you are planning on doing real work that requires sturdy well made tools that can take a good deal of wear and tear then this is a tool you will soon learn to love. this is a tool that any beginning wood worker should have in her/his tool box right along with a good hand saw, a good hammer, a good wood working hatchet. a good square, good knife and a true level. its basic and like all of the basic tools the better you are with them the more you use them, the less you need the dodad tools. it is a great basic tool that will do most anything you need done along with the other basic tools I mentioned. in lofting it makes a good tool to lay out parts on rough stock. use it as a slipping point to fair a curve, in combination with a t squaire it can be used to find other angles, in combination with a bit of cordage it makes a good plumb bob, in combination with a ruler point it makes a good joggle stick, it can be used to give you a true profile, compute angles, mark the center of dowels figure the hollow for planks to fit ribs, compute spring back on steam bending, compute birds mouths on hollow masts and spars, size scant-lings so they fit with the rest of the wood sizes, camber a deck, set a rolling bevel and on and on. makes a good set up tool for machine tools like table saws, band saws, drill presses, jointers ect.prior to buying one of these we usually just made what we needed out of scrap and this took a pretty fair amount of time away from the build itself. now we just reach for the odd job and story board. then there is all the other work you do on a boat from laying out the mast boot, to fitting and tailoring the sails to working out the rigging angles, to the center of force for dividing up a rig. the odd job works in all of these places. it is a truly versatile basic tool just about as versatile as your deck knife. yes you can work all of these things out with a square, dollar bill, or even by rack of eye if you have enough experience. but its sure nice to have a good tool that is so basic that you dont need to search out alternatives. the finish of the odd job is good the finish of the rulers is good the points on the odd job are nicely sharp but for some things you will want to touch them up a bit. you will need to use the instruction book till you have a good idea of what all this tool can do, but once you are comfortable with the basics you will find that you will use it for a whole lot more than the basics. as i mentioned using it in conjunction with your other basic tools expands its capabilities almost infinitely.
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I use more than one
Just picked up the 6" - already had the 12" and have gifted a 12" to my father last year. A very handy tool that I find myself using about every other day. I picked up the 6 for my repair shop and can now keep the 12 in my fabrication shop. -
Beautiful and functional
Very close to the original 1800s version. I love the looks of this tool as well. Still figuring out how to use all the features. Online videos by others have been helpful with that. -
Odd Job
Unique tool, like the looks of it as much as using it. Would prefer to have the instructions come with it so you can utilize all of its capabilities. -
Useful Tool
Too heavy for a carry around but will serve well as a bencher. Out of the box the thumb screws were a bit tight, easy fix. It is a pretty little tool. -
Odd job tool
I have enjoyed using this tool, it is well done and my only issue is that it is a bit heavy to carry in my apron, however as a bench tool it is not only attractive it is useful. -
Useful tool
Have not used yet. Just recieved it 2 days ago. Anticipate it being very useful. -
Nice little tool
Fittings for ruler were a bit tight but some work and it slides well. Overall, useful, got it and used immediately on a kitchen repair job. Lots of little things this critter does, up to your imagination on it's limits. Nice multi-tool. Needs a case though for it and both the short and long rulers. -
retired
caught my eye will use it to replace several tools now in my kit part time remodeler and craft maker. also got the 12" ruler for longer layouts
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Joiners Tool
This tool is a faithful reproduction of the Stanley original. It is well made and attractive. While seeming to have been designed for the working carpenter as a hand tool oriented joiner I would recommend it have a place on every joiner's workbench. Living in the depressed area of their Roubo style workbench it is quickly available to preform its multiple tasks. -
Great tool
This tool is awesome, leather man for the carpenter. -
Odd Job
Quite a neat tool .small enough for your pocket -
Perfect tool
Very cool. A perfect tool for every new woodworker and the seasoned pro. I use these almost daily. -
Odd tool, great ort odd jobs...
Very impressed with this tool so far. -
Right tool for the Right Job
Great addition to my arsenal of devices to measure and mark things. Well thought out and designed. -
Large odd job ruler
Exceptioally well ruler. The quality was unexpected and I would recommend this product to those looking for a quality ruler. -
Large Odd Job - Christmas 2016
REALLY, really like the large Odd Job! Nice craftsmanship, great heft and balance. I have had the regular Odd Job for more than 10 years and it has been super handy to use. Looking forward to using the LOJ. Also kudos on the rules, both 18 & 12 inch, easy to discern with heavier brass that they are for the LOJ not the regular. Great tools!! Thank you Garrett Wade! -
Superb Quality. Great Gift.
I bought this as a gift for a friend who is the most skilled woodworker I have ever met. He is "getting back to basics" and is building all of his own woodworking tools. I found the Odd Job and thought it would be a great addition to his tool chest and offer a great multi-purpose tool for his move to manual woodworking. He was greatly impressed by the quality and multi-function of the Odd Job. -
Wonderful Tool
This is a very solidly constructed tool. I don't see any of the defects described in other reviews. They must have received defective tools and should get them replaced. Mine has already come in handy. It works wonderfully for inscribing arcs and the brass-lined ruler really comes in handy. I may get the large Odd-Job so I can use it for bigger projects. I will definitely be purchasing the longer ruler. Because of the construction and great looks this tool has earned a place in my wooden tool box which I reserve for only my most special tools. -
Great little tool - but watch the screws.
Really like my Odd Job. I have used it a lot lately. One thing I do not like. The brass screws loosen easily. I have tried some putty on the grooves to keep them snug but this failed. At this time I have lost the scribe tool which slipped out somewhere in the yard.
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Quality not normally found in today's market
I enjoy collecting and restoring antique tools. Although this is a "NEW" production tool, and not an antique, it has that flavor that you usually only find in very old antique tools that were made more than a century ago. So... a year ago I purchased this for myself for my Christmas present. The workmanship was great and the tool has a solid feel about it that just reeked of quality. My son-in-law saw the tool and was impressed with it too. He made comments about how much he liked it quite a few times, so for this Christmas, I bought him one of his own.
September 2016 Rate & Review Grand Prize $100 Winner. Congratulations, Loren!!
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lg odd job- an art piece
The beautiful brass square was so carefully made, and reminded me of all the years of tradition in fine woodworking, and how nice tools last and last. -
Great Gadget
Frequently at a loss for solutions to small project problems. This tool lets me think out loud with something in my hands. No longer to fret what do I need or how to attack the issue. Solutions are best thought out with the help of the hands. -
Very Helpful
These come in handy for odd jobs, hence the name. The base is solid, but the rulers feel more delicate and may not stand up to heavy use. -
A Craftsman's Christmas Gift
I purchased Garrett Wade's Standard Odd Job for a craftsman neighbor. He is proud of his knowledge and skills, and while he can do the McGiver thing better than McGiver his own tools are the best. The Standard Odd Job is an elegant little multi-purpose measure and square made of wood, steel, and brass. In a world cluttered with disposable, mass-produced tools, the Standard Odd Job is a perfect example of the quality workmanship that makes Garrett Wade the go-to supplier for those who love quality. -
Still on the (Odd) Job
On the job since 1870's I believe. Marking, measuring and cutting are still necessary. No need to reinvent the wheel. Bought this for my brother his grew little feet. -
Great Little Tool
A great, handy little tool for so many things, from table saw blade heights to scribing circles. Makes hard jobs easy. Lives up to the catalog writeup in all respects. -
A Little Doer
I have used the regular Odd Job for about ten years and have found it to be brilliant. It really is the tool I reach for from my top drawer the most. I am seriously considering the Large Odd Job now that I know it is available. An absolute " must have" tool for any woodworker/ handyman." -
MR
I wish I hadn't waited so long to order the odd-job, I've used it everyday, and couldn't be happier! -
Most Used Tool In The Drawer
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True and Square
Since doing a lot of chests of drawers (antique) I needed a way to line up the new drawer guides square and even as the old ones are usually poor and need replacement with original wood to match. The 18 inch odd job goes all the way to the back of the chest and makes it easy to line up the hard to get at places. A great tool for this. -
Great For Circles But
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Uncommon Excellence in a Layout Tool
Odd-Job is not only beautiful to look at but it's inspirational in its layout capabilities. I've only had my Standard Odd-Job for a few days but find it indispensable. I'll most likely be ordering the Jumbo-sized one in the near future. -
Odd Job Rule
Odd rule would be a nice addition to any woodworkers tool box. Designed to measure standard and metric elements. The numbers are easy to read and great for any sawdust covered work shop. Comes in Standard size and Jumbo size. -
For The Nephews
These are clever tools, useful for many jobs still unknown. The feel of each piece is the feel of a classic. I know I would like one for myself. -
Odd Plus Perfect; A Nice Combination
The perfect tool for that odd job. Very nice quality for a very reasonable price. -
Historic #1 Odd-Job
Excellent service and fast shipping. Two of the top things you look for when dealing online with a company. But the top one is quality of the products they offer. Garrett Wade offer the best! -
Just Plain Fun To Use
I have other tools that will do what the Odd Job does, but for some reason it's just fun and satisfying to use. I've laid out a couple of decorative projects with it, in one case using it in lieu of a miter box (loaned to a neighbor) to cut door trim. It's slightly unintuitive at first, but soon becomes familiar. I do believe the 12-inch ruler should be standard, though--it greatly increased the utility of the tool. -
Odd Job
Very neat concept. Useful in laying out tenons, square and 45 degree miters, and especially as a depth gauge. Precisely ground brass body. Heavy construction. The longer rule also useful alone or with odd job. -
Love It
I love this little tool. makes setting up tools fast. A joy to hold and use. -
Nice Tool
Bought this tool for my brother, He does woodworking and leather working. The Odd-Job was a heavy, well made tool. -
Works Beautifully But...
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Thanks For Product/Good Shipping.
I'm sure the Odd-Job will be a very useful tool for my son. It seems an appropriate gift; however, I will want to include the description so that he is aware of its purposes. Thanks. -
Proud To Give It
A quality tool. We were proud to give as a gift. -
Wowiewow Wow Wow
The maple and brass rulers are absolutely handsome. The 18 inch ruler has a thicker and heavier brass inlay that adds to its beauty and usefulness. I have the Standard Odd Job and all three lengths of the rulers. They have proven to be most helpful in the design, manufacture, and assembly of projects from jewelry boxes to a twelve foot square shed for my work shop. Thank You, Case. -
Versatile Addition - Great Gift
I received the Odd-Job with 6 rule, plus the 12" rule together as a gift. I have admired the Odd-Job for a while in the catalogs, but it isn't a tool I would have bought for myself - it looks so fancy! Now that I have it I can't imagine not having it withing easy reach at all times. I keep finding new applications for the different marking and measuring aspects built into this compact tool. I feel spoiled having it, but I love it. It is well made, nicely detailed, and endlessly practical." -
Odd Job's Not Odd At All
Well made, very nice, handy, and very cool! The markings on the rules could be darker for better readability. -
Historic #1 Odd Job + 12
I recently bought Odd Job and haven't had a chance too use it much but like everything I get from Garrett Wade it appears to be top notch. -
Odd Job Does The Job
Our forefathers knew a thing or two about utility as demonstrated by this handy little layout and marking tool. Simple in appearance yet fully featured. Perfect for quick projects, especially away from the shop. A definite must have for any tool box. -
An Odd Tool
Yep... odd tool... but a useful one! Besides magnifying glasses, a rule, and a pencil, this is the one tool I always carry with me. Useful and convenient -- they claim you can build a house with it, drawings, saw, hammer and nails. I believe it! -
Quality Tool
I bought this tool as a measure, t-square and scribe. It is solid brass of very high quality. I keep it on my workbench, and now find it indispensable part of my working go-to" tools that get used. I don't know how I dealt with measuring issues before it arrived." -
Great Tool
Quality tool...I don't know how I worked without one...but you could do a better job on the instructions sheet. -
Terrific Tool
This is a terrific tool! Besides a pencil, a chuck key, and a Sharpie this is what I carry in my 'bib overalls' as I head for the shop! Indispensable friend for the woodworker. Get acquainted! -
Measuring a 45
Lastly there seems to be no way to capture a 45 with the tool on a counter trim edge." Remove the ruler and place it against the two flats along long edge. You will have to hold it, but you will get a true 45. This is a very handy tool and a great 'quick' set-up tool. The ruler does need trimming to a precise 6" so you can measure off both ends of the ruler (or to the closest cm if using metric). " -
Has Potential but Disappointing Workmanship
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Odd Job
This tool has become so essential in my work that I pocket it as I walk past my workbench because sooner or later in the next hour, I'm going to need it. I just ordered another one. -
Shiny
This lil guy is named brilliantly. He's not a framing square, and not really a speed square, but if you need a quick square, or to scribe something or mark a small circle, it's in your pocket and will do that. -
This Just Feels Right!
I doubly enjoy doing something when I get to use my Odd-Job. There is such a quirk" element to this handful of brass! I have a complete collection of "speed" and try squares and each of them is usually way bigger than they need to be for whatever the task at hand. The Odd-Job comes out of my tool pouch and sets things straight ...maybe I should say perpendicular! I get such pleasure when a tool looks good, feels good in my hand AND does a job of work without fuss and furor. Everyone needs an Odd-Job." -
A Great Tool To Have In Your Tool Box
I have a very complete collection of measuring and layout tools in my shop. However, this is the tool that sees a lot of use. I try to have it close at hand for virtually all projects in the shop. A no muss no fuss tool. -
Odd Job A Bit Odd
This tool really will do it all if you take the time to learn how to use all of its features. I have found that it really is about the only layout tool I need to complete a variety of measuring and marking tasks from the very simple to the complex. The optional 12 ruler is a must though, to get the full advantage of this finely designed and manufactured tool. The only criticism I have is that if you turn the tool wrong side up without firmly securing the retaining screw, the brass head will fall off. I solved this by cutting two "rubber bands" from an old bicycle tube and looping them over the body. The ruler slides under them and they keep the whole thing together neatly. Overall a really good item to have in the tool box."
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If we are out of stock on something you have ordered, we ask you to be patient. We won't forget you or your order, and will ship the missing item within 24 hours after we get it in our warehouse (the expected date on your order is based on the information available at order time). You can cancel a backorder at any time by notifying us by phone, mail, fax or e-mail.
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