What tool has earned a permanent spot in your kit?

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Every toolbox seems to have one tool that gets reached for on nearly every project. What is yours, and what makes it indispensable?

Share the tool, the kinds of projects you use it for, and one feature or technique that helps you get the most out of it.

A compact combination square has become one of my most-used tools. I use it for quick layout lines, checking 90- and 45-degree angles, setting consistent offsets, and even rough depth checks. Keeping the blade clean and verifying it against a known square helps it stay reliable.