Festool folding rule

[ericbuggeln]

Brice, since I started this thread in shear fear that I wouldnt be able to get another Festool Folding Rule once my 2yr old nephew snapped mine in half, let me answer that question. First, the folding rule cannot be used without a good tape and I believe that a good tape is best used in conjunction with the folding rule. That being said i carry both on me. The number one technique that a folding rule is better then a tape is when you extend it to bump against a surface and then are measuring to a point from there. Tapes can krinkle and bend and just get plain squirrely on you. The rigidity of the folding rule excels here. Example would be while installing base cabs that are supposed to house a DW in between. Measuring from one cab to the next is easy bc you can position the folding rule up against the installed one, while moving the second cab to your mark. It could be done with a tape, but easier with the folding rule. Thats just one way. It is my go to measuring device in the shop.

Its a nominal cost, the Stabilas are like $10. Having seen your work over the last five years I would be shocked if you did not like one and couldnt find numerous ways to use one if you gave it a chance. I am so pleased with mine and so confident that you will like one that I will send money to your PayPal account to reimburse you if you buy one and find that its not for you, Eric

 

[tbellemare]

When I worked as an apprentice electrician, the required tools were:

• two screwdrivers
• two pair of Channellocks
• pair of Kleins
• 6' folding rule

I don't know if it's still the same but back then, electricians only used tapes for really long measurements. As I recall, masons always used folding rules also. It seems to me that carpenters were the only ones that really used tapes.

Tom

 

[Ken Nagrod]

If you wear pants, you should own and use a folding rule. Brice, your shorts may be the exception.
[tongue]

 

[promhandicam]

If anyone would like one of these and is prepared to pay the postage and packing then I have a new one that I won't use.

Send me a PM

 

[ericbuggeln]

Ken, we have something in common, our love for the folding rule, Eric

 

[peter halle]

Brice,

Take Eric up on his offer and then order two or three different types.  [eek]

For those elsewhere in the world, when I mention stick rule here it will mean a folding ruler.  Stick rule is an older phrase.

The stick rules are handy.  I imagine that their initial purpose was in cabinet shops where shorter distance measurements were the norm.  Additionally, made out of wood, they would similar expansion and contraction characteristics as the products being made and they were cheap to manufacture.  Additionally, you don't have to worry about bending a tape or whether or not the tape end compensates properly for inside versus outside measurements (slides correctly).

The American stick rules I own have a sliding brass extension that allows you to take accurate inside measures.  I have not seen that feature on Euro models.

I have been using a Stabila model the most lately and have reacquainted myself to the usefulness of them. 

Peter

 

[ericbuggeln]

Peter, clearly that offer was only for a single redemption. I would pick one with all Imperial, but it wouldnt have a picture of my favorite track saw on it, Eric

 

[mlfaber]

If you wear pants, you should own and use a folding rule. Brice, your shorts may be the exception.
[tongue]

Wait a minute... now that I have a folding rule, I need to go buy pants!  [eek]

 

[MrToolJunkie]

These are so useful and better than a tape measure for many measuring operations in my opinion, especially measuring up against an edge as was mentioned.  The Stabila/Festool version have a nice lock to them and they are very rigid.  A square, a six inch rule and a folding rule are my three most used measuring devices, followed by a tape measure.  For setting up machines like stops and double checking lengths or distance, they cannot be beat.  Give one  a try if you get a chance and I think that you might agree.

Scot

 

[promhandicam]

If anyone would like one of these and is prepared to pay the postage and packing then I have a new one that I won't use.

Send me a PM

Taken

 

[joiner1970]

Cheers Steve  [big grin]