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A Better Steel Rule

I have a fascination with measuring tools — especially steel rules. I seem to collect them. I think it’s partly because I can never find one when and where I need it. And partly because they’re so inexpensive, I don’t break out into a cold sweat or have to come up with an explanation for my wife whenever I buy one.

But there’s a problem I’ve always had with steel rules. I have a hard time seeing the graduations. At least in my shop, I have to angle the rule just right in the light to be able to see what I’m doing. That’s true even for the better-quality rules that are etched (instead of stamped) and have a matte chrome finish.

I finally found something better, at least for my poor eyes. Enco sells a line of EZ-View® Rules that I really like. What’s different about them is that they have a matte black finish and filled white etchings for the numbers and graduations. You can see them on this catalog page. I have the 6″ pocket rule and the 12″ and 18″ steel rules. All of the ones I have are type “4R” (8th’s and 16th’s on one side, 32nd’s and 64th’s on the other). The ones I have are rigid, but they’re available in flexible versions, too.

Posted on Friday, October 26th, 2007 at 6:08 am. Filed under Hand Tools, Measuring Tape, Woodworking.
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2 Responses to “A Better Steel Rule”

Ewan said,

How would you rate the rules from Incra? http://www.incra.com/product_measuring_marking_layout.htm

(posted on October 31st, 2007 at 5:00 am)

Randy Maxey said,

Ewan,

I’ve always loved the concept of the Incra rules since I often use a mechanical pencil for my layout work. I especially like their Bend Rules:

http://incra.com/product_bendrules.htm

The only problem I have with them is their cost over a standard steel rule.

–Randy

(posted on October 31st, 2007 at 8:23 am)