The Swanson Speed® Square and the “One Number”sm method of determining the angular pitch of a roof were first developed in 1925 by a carpenter name Albert J. Swanson. As his fellow tradesmen began to appreciate the ingenuity of his idea, they wanted their own Speed® Square. Swanson began to hand make the squares to fill the requests for the tool. Demand for the work saving tool continued to grow and in 1930 the Swanson Speed® Square was first sold in interstate commerce. By 1945 Swanson started Swanson® Tool Company, Inc. to manufacture and sell the Speed® Square through recognized channels of distribution. His son, Ronald C. Swanson assumed control of the company in 1971 and added other quality tools to the line.
Today, Swanson® Tool Company continues to proudly manufacture and distribute the Swanson Speed® Square and other fine carpentry tools from its headquarters in Frankfort, Illinois. Under the direction of the Allemand Family the Swanson® product line has been upgraded and expanded to meet the changing needs of its contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.