Things you did not know about a folding ruler

A folding ruler is well-known for its functions in:

• geometry,
• technical drawing,
• printing and designing,
• engineering,
• construction and roofing.

But there are so much more you can do with it.

Use it to:

• scribe a line,
• draw a square,
• draw a circle (2 methods),
• transfer a bevel
• or use it as a protractor.

[storyboydave]

As an IBEW electrician, first year apprentices used to have to to carry and use wooden folding rules. Safer than metal tapes around energized electrical equipment .

[philjohnson]

Nice video. These are very underappreciated tools that used to be in every carpenters tool box (and should be again).

[Sevil]

I bought one from the Habitat ReStore because it looked so vintage and reminded me of my childhood. It's nice to know I can use it many, many ways.

[TM-Ohio]

I was taught by a experienced carpenter to use a folding ruler to measure spacing for shelves in pantries and linen closets. Much easier then trying to hold a flexible tape while marking the locations.

[RandyCrane-qj]

I was raised using a folding rule. Doing the tip one procedure was no problem. The skin on the side of my finger was so tuff it broke of the splinters. Splinters were removed with a pocket knife. Tapes and folding rules are both useful. People go for the less effort of tape use. Same they are not using both as a rule has many more benefits than shown. Glad these were shared.

[commentatron]

For tip #1, always have tweezers on hand to remove the splinters from the guide finger. ;-)

[terryzak]

Most folks don't know the proper way to "open" a folding ruler. You should show that sometime!

[urbe]

In 1968 I hired on with Ma Bell as a construction lineman. After issuing me my pole climbing rig my boss gave me a folding ruler. He broke off all but three sections and gave them to me. I carried it in a ditty bag on my climbing belt. It was used to be sure all bolts, clamps were spaced to telephone specs.

[dalenees]

Get one that has a built in slider (6 inch at end) Perfect for inside measurement. I use it to measure door openings

[DinJaevel]

This was nice. Neat small tricks someone with bigger brains than I have, did some heavy thinking.

[Okurkaarrgghh]

3:20 The OUTER edge is at 96.5.
3:27 The INNER edge is at 96.7.

No way that's the same angle.

[Allegedlyright]

I did that first trick on a pane of glass I was in A&E for 2hours thanks very much.

[michellewright]

😮 I love learning things like this. I'm so excited now lol!

[stephenalexander]

Worked as a lineman, we preferred inside readers so we could unfold only as much rule as we needed.

[spokes]

Good tips. I would add tip #11, they break easily.

[doubledrats]

When I was a young g child in the 1960s I found my dad’s folding ruler in his basement workshop. I had a lot of fun playing with it. Until it broke. I thought my dad would kill me but he was OK with it and showed me how to properly use a folding ruler. Thanks and RIP, dad.

[randyscott]

Great Video ! I just got a folding ruler today .

[rogerhart]

I used a folding ruler when I was a grade checker in my construction days.

[paulforester]

My grandfather made these things. He worked for Lufkin rule.

[kathyrepak]

received your reply to my question. Is it possible to ask you more questions? I have an invention and need this type of hinge for it. I have seen another similar hinge that doesn't use a plate. Any chance I could talk with you? I have called all over the place and nobody can help.