Straight Edges

About Straight Edges

Straight edges are essential precision tools used across multiple trades for marking, measuring, and checking the flatness and straightness of surfaces. Available in materials such as carbon steel and aluminium, these tools provide an accurate reference edge for drawing lines, cutting materials, and verifying workpiece alignment. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks straight edges from trusted manufacturers including Draper and Maun, suitable for both professional tradespeople and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.

Whether you're a decorator needing to mark long straight lines on walls, a metalworker checking the flatness of machined components, or a joiner verifying timber surfaces, a quality straight edge is an indispensable workshop tool. The range at MyToolShed includes both decorators' straight edges for general applications and precision carbon steel straight edges for engineering and metalworking tasks requiring higher accuracy.

Applications

Straight edges are used across numerous trades and applications:

• Decorating and Painting: Marking long straight lines on walls and ceilings, checking wall flatness, and guiding cutting knives
• Joinery and Carpentry: Verifying timber flatness, marking cut lines, and checking planed surfaces for straightness
• Metalworking and Engineering: Inspecting machined surfaces, checking flatness on lathes and milling machines, and precision layout work
• Plastering: Checking wall surfaces for straightness and identifying high or low spots
• Tiling: Verifying substrate flatness before tile installation
• General Workshop Use: Drawing accurate lines, cutting guides for sheet materials, and quality control inspections

Choosing The Right Straight Edges

When selecting a straight edge from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these important factors:

• Material: Carbon steel offers superior rigidity and precision for engineering applications, whilst aluminium straight edges are lightweight and ideal for decorating and general workshop use
• Length: Choose a length appropriate to your typical applications—longer straight edges (1200mm+) suit decorators and plasterers, whilst shorter lengths (300-600mm) are more practical for bench work
• Edge Quality: Precision ground edges are essential for accurate engineering work, whereas decorators' straight edges offer sufficient accuracy for marking and painting applications
• Thickness: Thicker straight edges resist flexing over longer spans, providing more reliable accuracy when checking large surfaces
• Bevelled or Non-bevelled: Bevelled edges prevent ink or paint seepage when marking, making them preferable for drawing applications

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a straight edge and a ruler?

Whilst both are straight, a straight edge is specifically manufactured for checking straightness and providing a precision reference edge, without necessarily having measurement markings. Rulers prioritise measurement over absolute straightness. Straight edges typically have higher accuracy standards for edge flatness.

How do I check if my straight edge is still accurate?

Place the straight edge on a known flat surface and look for light gaps underneath. Then flip it over and check again—any gaps should appear in the same positions. Alternatively, draw a line along the edge, flip the straight edge over, and draw another line along the same edge. If both lines align perfectly, your straight edge is accurate.

Can I use a straight edge as a cutting guide?

Yes, straight edges are commonly used as cutting guides for craft knives and marking tools. However, choose one with sufficient thickness to prevent the blade climbing over the edge, and ensure it has a non-slip base or use clamps to secure it during cutting operations.