Folding Rule for measurement?

[phmade]

I'm wondering why you would use a folding rule instead of a tape measure?  I worked with a European cabinetmaker and he always used his folding rule...  I use a 6" scale for small measurements and I use a tape measure for longer measurements.  Thoughts?

 

[GhostFist]

i use my folding ruler all the time. i like it for inside measurements and times when it's difficult to get a tape to do what you want. Don't see many others using them though.

 

[neth27]

I always use my folding rule for scribing, don't think i have ever measured anything with it..

John...

 

[AlexThePalex]

I have a folding rule that I cut in half, about 70 cm long now. I like it when working with smaller pieces because you can just leave it open instead of having to wind and unwind it all the time. But the tape measure gets a lot of use too.

 

[greenMonster]

Tape hook can get loose over time botching your accuracy.

 

[Kev]

It's something I'll use more when I'm better set up. Certainly a good thing when working on small items.

 

[peter halle]

My guess is that it is more accurate.  You don't have to deal with sliding hook ends, parallax for our eyes, it doesn't flop about etc.  

I am trying to go that route for shop work but admit that it is difficult to break the habit.

The one thing that I can say is that you have a wooden rule with a sliding extension, they are the utmost for inside measurements because you are in effect creating a story stick and don't need to read what the scale says.  Just mark the line and go.

Peter

 

[Julian Tracy]

Only way to get perfect inside measurements.  (that assumes you have one with the sliding brass ruler bar built-in)

Julian

 

[GhostFist]

keep in mind a folding ruler isnt as precise as a solid ruler due to the way it unfolds. But there are some advantages to it over a tape. It won't collapse on you, good for inside measurement, it's a depth gauge, I use it to set trammel points from time to time and works well as a quick dummy compass. It's pretty much a quick ruler that fits in your pocket. I'm certain the Europeans have alot more tricks and uses for them as I understand they're used more frequently over there. They're reasonably inexpensive and I'm always annoyed when I don't have mine. Pretty much a daily use tool for me.

 

[phmade]

Good point on the inside measurements... I haven't seen a folding rule with the sliding piece for this.  Does anyone recommend a certain brand / model?  I've always used a tape measure that I take very good care of to minimize wear on the hook.  While it's always worked well, I'm always interested in trying something new.  There are so many craftsman much better than I that use a folding rule and I just wondered why. 

 

[erock]

I have 2 Lufkin folding rules.

Have no problems with them.  I have used them for a few years.  Love them. 

I use one for mason work and the other for woodworking.

 

[spikfot]

Folding rule and tape measure:
2 different tools for two different jobs. I wouldn't want to be with out either.

 

[Timtool]

Every woodworker i know uses their folding ruler primarily, and the tape measure is usually used for measuring long stuff, things you don't need to measure with precision or measuring from corner to corner to check squareness.
In school they did teach me never to use the outer 0cm edge of a folding ruler to start a measure that needs to be accurate, in effect the tip of folding rulers is never exactly at the 0 mark, usually off by 0.5mm, so they thought me to either start at 1cm and remove 1 cm from the measure, or start at 10cm and remove 10cm which leaves less room for mistakes.

 

[Kev]

I always have a few metal and aluminium rulers about ... everything from 150mm to 1200mm - shame they're never at hand when I need them (one day I WILL get myself better organised).

 

[RONWEN]

As others have noted, I use a tape while breaking down lumber but when refining cuts the folding rule makes a handy adjustable length story stick for precise marking.  There is also no comparison between tapes and folding rules (with a slide) for inside measurement.

 

[tiralie]

Does anyone recommend a certain brand / model?  

I have a Starrett and I am pretty sure that Lee Valley sold them but I can't find them there any more.
It looks a lot like this Lufkin.
http://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-X46-6-Foot-Red-End-Folding/dp/B00002N5KI/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1325253516&sr=1-1

 

[GhostFist]

i had the starret from lee valley, broke it on site in front of this old carp who was so impressed i was using one he brought me in an old craftsman to give to me, which is what i'm using now. same exact thing as the starret but the brass extension is getting stiff. will have to gease it up some how.

 

[tbellemare]

Wax works well.

Tom

 

[RONWEN]

i had the starret from lee valley, broke it on site in front of this old carp who was so impressed i was using one he brought me in an old craftsman to give to me, which is what i'm using now. same exact thing as the starret but the brass extension is getting stiff. will have to gease it up some how.

Apply a little beeswax to the slide & hinges BEFORE something catastrophic happens.  [crying]

 

[GhostFist]

cool thanks lads