Any leads on a folding rule longer than 6’?

[Hakeem]

I’ve recently discovered the utility of a folding rule. Among other things, they are fantastic for transferring a measurement to a piece of stock to be cut. No measuring needed.

Another thing I’m finding them useful for is doing layout overhead, like on a ceiling. It’s quite vexing to use a measuring tape only for it to bend and collapse over and over. Folding rule works great for this. The only issue is, the 78” capacity is somewhat limiting.

Does anyone know of a composite folding rule that’s longer than 6 feet? 10 would be ideal, but even 8 foot would be nice.

 

[cvairwerks]

https://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-X48N-Wood-Slide-Extension/dp/B00002N7Q5?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RTM]

https://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-X48N-Wood-Slide-Extension/dp/B00002N7Q5?tag=atomicindus08-20

This one is wood and 3m. Does not look to have the sliders

Amazon.com

 

[dnschmidt]

Check with Wiha. They make a good variety of them. I personally don't have one over 6' but they have a pretty broad line of them as in Germany these are a carpenters first choice, not a tape measure.

 

[PopcornSutton]

It's been a long time, but 8 foot folding rules were common, Lufkin brand. Now days, even a 6 foot rule is scarce.

Looky what I found:

https://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-X48N-Wood-Slide-Extension/dp/B00002N7Q5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Hakeem]

Thanks for the leads, all. Looks like the Lufkin x48 is the only available option. The 3m BMI would be a good option—despite being metric—if it had a sliding extension.

The absence of 8’ folding rules is disappointing, given how many stock items in construction are sized in 8’ sections. Also, I see that the Lufkins USED to come with a handy little hook for catching the edge of a box or other item to be measured. Not sure why they removed it but I might see about adding one to mine

 

[rust in the eye]

This one is wood and 3m. Does not look to have the sliders

Amazon.com

Looks like 10 20cm sections to me. "2m" printed right on it.
Incorrect description on Amazon--shocking
Similarly: "Coopertools X48 8-Inch x 5/8-Inch Wood Spring-Joint Extendable Folding Ruler with graduated slide that extends up to full 6'."

 

[RTM]

Looks like 10 20cm sections to me. "2m" printed right on it

Could just be a generic picture, or you could be right.

The Lufkin X48 is listed as 8' on several sites, hope they aren't ALL wrong. All show the same scale count, so hoping generic picture again.

QnA on Amazon, many users saying 8'.

Also no longer made per one person in 2014, so stock up

 

[Beerhippie]

Overlap the ends of two 72" rules and tape them together?

Or just make an old-school wood slip-stick of whatever length turns yer crank.

 

[danski0224]

The Milwaukee plastic one is 78".

 

[Fix Until Broke]

Bumping this up - also looking for an 8' folding rule. Looks like the Lufkin X48 is no longer available.

Looks like the 3 meter BMI is still available, but hoping for one with inches if possible and I like the sliding part of the Lufkin.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

Found the Lufkin X48 at my local hardware store for $37

 

[ecotec]

I use my folding ruler all the time for bending pipe. I use inside- measuring rulers, though.

 

[niget2002]

Couldn't you just use a story stick at that length? No need to measure lengths, just mark directly on the stick. Any scrap of wood long enough would work.

 

[Beerhippie]

Couldn't you just use a story stick at that length? No need to measure lengths, just mark directly on the stick. Any scrap of wood long enough would work.

If it's for inside measurements, do what we used to do for door casings: make a slip-stick. Any two pieces of wood that can be slid into place and secured at the right length.

 

[RTM]

If it's for inside measurements, do what we used to do for door casings: make a slip-stick. Any two pieces of wood that can be slid into place and secured at the right length.

I made my first one with two pointed sticks, and two fat rubber bands.

My slightly better replacement uses some Lee Valley brackets, and planed to fit sticks.

Veritas Bar Gauge Heads - Lee Valley Tools

Discover the Veritas Bar Gauge Heads. Buy this product now on our Lee Valley online store.

www.leevalley.com

 

[alinc100]

I have a Lufkin X48 ,looks like brand new. Feel free to PM me if interested.