Rulers

About Rulers

Accurate measurement forms the foundation of quality workmanship across all trades, and a dependable ruler remains an essential tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of rulers designed for precision measurement in workshops, construction sites, and design studios. From traditional folding wooden rules to modern stainless steel precision instruments, the collection includes materials such as aluminium, fibreglass, plastic, and steel to suit diverse working environments and applications.

Whether you're a carpenter marking timber, an engineer requiring exact measurements, or an architect working with scaled drawings, MyToolShed.co.uk offers the right measuring solution. The range features straight rules for general measurement, tri-scale rules for interpreting plans, and folding rules for portability on site. With trusted brands including Faithfull, Draper, Stanley, Stabila, Wiha, and Hultafors, lengths span from compact 150mm pocket rules to extended 2-metre folding rules, with graduations in metric and imperial measurements to meet specific professional requirements.

Applications

Rulers are indispensable measuring tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Carpenters and Joiners: Measuring timber, marking cut lines, and checking dimensions during furniture making and site work
• Engineers and Machinists: Precision measurement of components, tolerance checking, and machine setup
• Architects and Designers: Reading scaled drawings and creating accurate plans using tri-scale rules
• Electricians: Measuring cable runs, marking mounting positions, and planning installation layouts
• Plumbers: Measuring pipe lengths, marking cutting points, and checking fitting dimensions
• Metalworkers and Fabricators: Precise measurement and marking of steel, aluminium, and other metals
• Bricklayers: Checking coursing heights, measuring joint widths, and setting out work
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, crafting, and general household measurements

Choosing The Right Rulers

Material Selection: Steel rules offer maximum durability and precision for workshop use, whilst aluminium provides a lighter alternative with good accuracy. Stainless steel resists corrosion in damp environments, wooden folding rules suit traditional carpentry, and plastic options offer affordability for light-duty work.

Length Requirements: Pocket rules of 150-300mm suit general use and fit tool pouches, whilst 600mm and 1000mm rules handle larger work. Folding rules extend to 1-2 metres whilst remaining compact when closed, making them excellent for site applications.

Graduation Type: Standard rules feature metric graduations (millimetres), with some including imperial measurements (inches). Precision rules often display 0.5mm or 0.25mm graduations for fine work, whilst tri-scale rules show multiple scaled ratios for plan reading.

Accuracy Level: Basic rules suffice for general carpentry and DIY work. Precision steel rules manufactured to tight tolerances are essential for engineering and metalworking where accuracy is critical. Look for rules meeting BS or DIN standards for guaranteed precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a ruler and a rule?

The terms are often used interchangeably, though "rule" is the traditional trade term in Britain. Rules typically refer to measuring tools used in trades and engineering, whilst "ruler" is more common in educational contexts. Professional measuring instruments are generally marketed as rules.

Why choose a folding rule over a tape measure?

Folding rules don't suffer from spring-back, bending, or sagging issues common with tape measures, making them more accurate for internal measurements and marking straight lines. Their rigidity when extended makes them particularly favoured by carpenters and joiners, and they leave both hands free for marking without requiring button control.

How should I care for precision steel rules?

Store precision rules flat or hanging to prevent bending. Wipe clean after use to remove dust and moisture. Apply light oil to prevent rust during long-term storage. Never use steel rules as scrapers or pry bars, as this damages edges and affects accuracy. Keep them separate from other tools to avoid scratching graduations.