Which tool is primarily used to lay out right angles?

The framing square is specifically designed for laying out right angles, making it the correct choice for this question. It consists of two arms, with one being longer (called the blade) and the other shorter (known as the tongue), which are at a 90-degree angle to each other. This design allows users to easily mark and measure right angles, which is crucial in various construction and carpentry tasks—such as ensuring that walls are perpendicular to the foundation or that corners of structures are squared properly.

Framing squares also have measurement markings along their edges, providing additional functionality for measuring lengths, calculating angles, and ensuring precision in layout work. This versatility makes them a fundamental tool for many projects in park maintenance and construction.

In contrast, while a combination square and a speed square can also be used for layout work, they primarily serve other specific functions. A measuring tape, while essential for measuring lengths and distances, does not inherently provide a mechanism for establishing right angles. Thus, while they have valuable roles in the maintenance and construction process, they do not specifically excel in laying out right angles like the framing square does.