Heavy-duty 24" ruler

[EngRDM]

Hey folks,

Looking for a nice wide durable 24" ruler. A couple things:

• Really emphasizing the durability, it doesn't need to be precision and it's gonna get beat up
• Need to read it left-to-right from the bottom edge. A lot of rules have centimeters there, but I don't need centimeters.
• About 1.5" wide or wider. Gonna drill a hole through it so I can hang it

Getting both the bottom edge thing and enough width have made it hard for me to find. What I've done in the past is take a T-square ruler and cut off the T part of it off. Unfortunately, the numbers are starting to wear off on this aluminum thing and I'd like to see if anyone else has a more elegant solution.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have a couple aluminum scales from an old drafting machine. Unfortunately they read left to right on the he top side.

 

[GeoBruin]

Hey folks,

Looking for a nice wide durable 24" ruler. A couple things:

• Really emphasizing the durability, it doesn't need to be precision and it's gonna get beat up
• Need to read it left-to-right from the bottom edge. A lot of rules have centimeters there, but I don't need centimeters.
• About 1.5" wide or wider. Gonna drill a hole through it so I can hang it

Getting both the bottom edge thing and enough width have made it hard for me to find. What I've done in the past is take a T-square ruler and cut off the T part of it off. Unfortunately, the numbers are starting to wear off on this aluminum thing and I'd like to see if anyone else has a more elegant solution.

Before I got to the part in your post where you talked about cutting one leg off a framing square I was going to suggest doing exactly that. You mentioned yours is aluminum but they come in both aluminum and steel. I think Home Depot carries the steel Empire version. It's got some sort of coating on it to prevent rust but in my experience the coding flaked off over years and it started to rust anyway. For that reason, most recently I went with an aluminum version by Milwaukee that has anodized aluminum with roll formed and painted markings. Good luck.

 

[bluedog225]

The big T square for sheet rock plywood was what I thought of.

 

[Old tool guy]

The big T square for sheet rock plywood was what I thought of.

Those numbers are just painted on, not very durable.

 

[Beerhippie]

Before I got to the part in your post where you talked about cutting one leg off a framing square I was going to suggest doing exactly that. You mentioned yours is aluminum but they come in both aluminum and steel. I think Home Depot carries the steel Empire version. It's got some sort of coating on it to prevent rust but in my experience the coding flaked off over years and it started to rust anyway. For that reason, most recently I went with an aluminum version by Milwaukee that has anodized aluminum with roll formed and painted markings. Good luck.

My 36" Empire (aluminum) has metric on the bottom. I. too, hate that. Give me a metric ruler and an imperial ruler, not a 2-in-1.

 

[GeoBruin]

My 36" Empire (aluminum) has metric on the bottom. I. too, hate that. Give me a metric ruler and an imperial ruler, not a 2-in-1.

This is the one I was thinking of. Inches on both sides. The only problem I can see is that the markings go from right to left on the bottom, and you won't have marks for the first inch and a half. Oh, and you'll have a little bite out of your ruler where the hole was.

Empire 16 in. x 24 in. Steel Framing Square 1110 - The Home Depot

Visit the Home Depot to buy Empire Framing Square 1110

www.homedepot.com

 

[lolaetype]

How about this one? CM on one side and inches on the other. Already has a hole drilled for hanging.

Amazon.com : Practical 24 Inch/60CM Metal Ruler with Inch and for Cm Graduations Stainless Steel for Engineers Drafters Desig Student Ruler : Office Products

Amazon.com : Practical 24 Inch/60CM Metal Ruler with Inch and for Cm Graduations Stainless Steel for Engineers Drafters Desig Student Ruler : Office Products

www.amazon.com

 

[dr_clyde]

How much do you want to spend? Answers will vary based on budget. Cheapest thing is to just buy a framing square or similar and cut off one end. On the more pricy end is a hard chromed Starrett rule. Excellent quality and precision, but probably more than you're looking to spend , especially given what you said you plan to do with it.

If I had to do this, I would make my own. This is easy-peasy to do on the laser. You can etch the markings however you like and put the hole wherever you want. You can also get it cut from stainless, aluminum or whatever you like, in whatever thickness you want. Probably would end up in the $50-75 range depending on material, etc.

 

[Dave455]

PEC Tools make lovely rules.

Not too expensive, satin chromed so easy to read, and made in the USA too.

They make a huge variety, so “sans centimetres” is no problem. Can’t recall if they make a 1.5 inch width but worth finding out.

 

[RTM]

Here is my choice, real beefy. Live with the fact that it's a bit bigger than you wanted.

They have others too.

Veritas 24" Shop Rule - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Rulers - Lee Valley Tools

Looking for Hand Tools for your next woodworking project? Shop Rulers Collection on Lee Valley, and explore our large Tools collection.

www.leevalley.com

 

[GeoBruin]

Here is my choice, real beefy. Live with the fact that it's a bit bigger than you wanted.

They have others too.

Veritas 24" Shop Rule - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Rulers - Lee Valley Tools

Looking for Hand Tools for your next woodworking project? Shop Rulers Collection on Lee Valley, and explore our large Tools collection.

www.leevalley.com

Ooh, that looks nice.

 

[EngRDM]

Here is my choice, real beefy. Live with the fact that it's a bit bigger than you wanted.

They have others too.

Veritas 24" Shop Rule - Lee Valley Tools

www.leevalley.com

Rulers - Lee Valley Tools

Looking for Hand Tools for your next woodworking project? Shop Rulers Collection on Lee Valley, and explore our large Tools collection.

www.leevalley.com

Looks like we have a winner.
The width is no issue if it's oversized, just that too thin of a ruler might wave over time.
Only comment is that I might want the bottom numbers to face up, but at that point I'm just grasping at straws.

@dr_clyde I thought about doing this, but I'm not well versed in this and wasn't sure about price/how long it would take. Was just hoping that someone just sold a match (or something close that I can modify), because surely I haven't been the only one who's in the need for this type of thing

 

[RTM]

Here is another version for those who cut along the straight edge. Really pricey, but comes in left and right hand, but keeps an edge between blade and fingers.

Had a similar 60" in the drafting room at the last job.

CutterPros.com

www.cutterpros.com

Search for Safety Ruler for choices

 

[alinc100]

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Ruler-non-skid-backing/dp/B074CN3DVD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[txvwnut]

Combination Square F2R Blade

fireballtool.com

go down the rabbit hole and browse the offerings.

 

[BillK]

McMaster Carr They have several. Here is just one:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[LOW1]

Woodpecker makes nice ones.

Also a Woodcrafters or Lee Valley store if you have one nearby would be worth checking out.

 

[RTM]

Lee Valley store if you have one nearby would be worth checking out.

Thanks, just rub it in. 16 hours to a real store in Vancouver, but apparently a LV Express just across the border in Reno Nevada

 

[tarbellb]

McMaster Carr They have several. Here is just one:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Looks a lot like a PEC, not surprisingly being both high quality and USA made- standard McMC guidelines

 

[whateg01]

...
If I had to do this, I would make my own. This is easy-peasy to do on the laser. You can etch the markings however you like and put the hole wherever you want. You can also get it cut from stainless, aluminum or whatever you like, in whatever thickness you want. Probably would end up in the $50-75 range depending on material, etc.

Only need a $10k fiber laser, right? Lol

I would make my own if I needed this. I tend to want what I want. Start with a chunk of steel or aluminum and scribe lines on it on the mill then punch numbers in whatever direction I wanted them facing. Maybe full the numbers with some nail polish to make them easier to see. Yeah, I know. Only need a $5k milling machine, right? Lol

 

[dr_clyde]

Only need a $10k fiber laser, right? Lol

I would make my own if I needed this. I tend to want what I want. Start with a chunk of steel or aluminum and scribe lines on it on the mill then punch numbers in whatever direction I wanted them facing. Maybe full the numbers with some nail polish to make them easier to see. Yeah, I know. Only need a $5k milling machine, right? Lol

Add a couple zeros to that 10k lol. I don't expect people to have a $1M+ laser capable of cutting metal in their home shop.

Obviously you would sub out the cutting if you don't have access to a laser.

 

[four.cycle]

I have a 24-inch GREAT NECK. Aluminum. Stout enough to stay straight if it's not dropped from too high up.
Not sure this is what you're looking for.
Great Neck rules (Mayes)

 

[drokihazan]

I'm not sure if they still make it, but my 24" Starrett came from McMaster years ago and is tempered steel with cm on one side and inch on the other, and painted engravings - and it seeme invincible. Pretty much the only thing I use for carpentry is a tape, that Starrett, and the little magnetic Milwaukee speedsquare, which also is pretty tough

 

[MichaelP]

I use 24" version of this: https://www.amazon.com/THD-TH-2003-Stainless-Steel-Ruler/dp/B079JB42TC?tag=atomicindus08-20
It's flexible. I like it very much.

Or this: https://www.rmleathersupply.com/pro...nbh1YiQptPkKI-1fSCAQCGQoF4&variant=1109874139

Here is a rigid one if 1"-wide works for you: https://www.amazon.com/Taytools-Mac...s-MRSAE-24/dp/B071FZ1NNJ?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RoninB4]

-Not knowing the use of this I don't have a recommendation to make. I do have an opinion (what a surprise) regarding them.
I always preferred Starrett because of the depth of the hash marks. They tend to hold the black paint better/longer than others. I like/use different brands for their own merits but I've seen most other brands with the markings washed/wiped out. The satin finish is also far easier to read without the glare of the "shiny" types. PEC used to make nice tools that I might have bought but haven't seen one in a long time to evaluate. If this ruler/scale is expected to be abused then buy a cheaper one than Starrett and consider it disposable.

 

[134k]

.

 

[alinc100]

I use straight edges all the time for work. We just buy combination blades by themselves, as they are already thick and heavy duty. No need to buy a "special" ruler that's advertised as such.

How many do you have at 24" and over 1-1/2" wide?

 

[134k]

.

 

[alinc100]

I have a 36" and 1.25" wide. Although it's all metric, 900mm. Not sure if you're being hostile or curious.

Not trying to be hostile but the OP had specific requirements. Sadly even this Starrett doesn't measure up https://www.starrett.com/details?cat-no=C416R-24

 

[EngRDM]

-Not knowing the use of this I don't have a recommendation to make. I do have an opinion (what a surprise) regarding them.
I always preferred Starrett because of the depth of the hash marks. They tend to hold the black paint better/longer than others. I like/use different brands for their own merits but I've seen most other brands with the markings washed/wiped out. The satin finish is also far easier to read without the glare of the "shiny" types. PEC used to make nice tools that I might have bought but haven't seen one in a long time to evaluate. If this ruler/scale is expected to be abused then buy a cheaper one than Starrett and consider it disposable.

Using it as a ruler (hopefully you expected that )
But what you're probably looking for is that I'm also using this thing to scribe marks at specific measurements onto whatever I need to scribe (typically sheet metal).

Width for rigidity + marks left-to-right on both sides for making it easier to do my scribes. Very much going to get beat up and scratched.
I did get some good answers already but honestly I do appreciate the continued replies from everyone

 

[RTM]

Over the weekend I fished a 48" long 2" wide ruler out of the garage, saw the left to right, both edges, both right side up. But the marks were inked on, not scribed. I took note of the name, something like "way home", and said to myself, not going to get a recommendation here, and sent on to use it as a cutting straight edge. It survived that role, but I did my layout with a folding metric ruler.

 

[RoninB4]

Using it as a ruler (hopefully you expected that )
But what you're probably looking for is that I'm also using this thing to scribe marks at specific measurements onto whatever I need to scribe (typically sheet metal).

Width for rigidity + marks left-to-right on both sides for making it easier to do my scribes. Very much going to get beat up and scratched.
I did get some good answers already but honestly I do appreciate the continued replies from everyone

-To that I'll add: A thicker "ruler" may be more durable but will also add the difficulty of scribing exactly where the hash mark is. You'll have to get your eyes directly over the mark for best results. The flexible/thinner rulers are much easier to match a scribed line to the hash mark but are not as durable as the rigid types. It's a trade-off, I bought both. I still feel that the depth of the hash marks on the ruler makes a big difference in longevity of the paint in the grooves. Hope this helps.

 

[whateg01]

Hey folks,

• Really emphasizing the durability, it doesn't need to be precision and it's gonna get beat up

-To that I'll add: A thicker "ruler" may be more durable but will also add the difficulty of scribing exactly where the hash mark is. You'll have to get your eyes directly over the mark for best results. The flexible/thinner rulers are much easier to match a scribed line to the hash mark but are not as durable as the rigid types. It's a trade-off, I bought both. I still feel that the depth of the hash marks on the ruler makes a big difference in longevity of the paint in the grooves. Hope this helps.

There are also scales that have a beveled edge so the meat of it is thicker but the edge is thin.

 

[eejack]

I'm gonna go with the Wen 24" ruler. Right to left on the bottom edge, fanastic durability and accuracy, easy to read, beveled edge for accurate marking, already has a hole for hanging.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-24-in-Measuring-Ruler-With-Hook-Stop-ME824R/328669035

The hook stop is removable, though I use mine all the time for layout.
Yes it has metric on the top, but imperial on the bottom.

It gets a lot of recommendations on the woodworking channels ( comparable to woodpeckers but many less sheckels ).

nvm...I misread left to right as right to left. apologies.

 

[alinc100]

I'm gonna go with the Wen 24" ruler. Right to left on the bottom edge, fanastic durability and accuracy, easy to read, beveled edge for accurate marking, already has a hole for hanging.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/WEN-24-in-Measuring-Ruler-With-Hook-Stop-ME824R/328669035

The hook stop is removable, though I use mine all the time for layout.
Yes it has metric on the top, but imperial on the bottom.

It gets a lot of recommendations on the woodworking channels ( comparable to woodpeckers but many less sheckels ).

nvm...I misread left to right as right to left. apologies.

Unless I have the terminology wrong the Wen looks like it reads left to right across the bottom and is what the OP is looking for.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Here's a PEC 24" rule that may work for you. It's a blem but still might work for you.

PEC 24" 4R Rigid Tempered Rule (32nds/64ths & 8ths/16ths) w/ Blemish (

24" Products Engineering 4R Rigid Tempered Ruler 8ths/16ths 32nds/64ths (780061)

www.harryepstein.com

Jori is one of the owners and is a member here. If you have any questions about it, I'm sure he can help you out. Browse through the site, you may find more that you'd like. Keep in mind, we have a HJE Day on July 4th.

There's a few more styles available as well.

24" PEC Flex Rule (10ths/100ths & .5MM/MM)

24" PEC Flex Rule (10ths/100ths & .5MM/MM)

www.harryepstein.com

 

[whateg01]

Here's a PEC 24" rule that may work for you. It's a blem but still might work for you.

24" PEC Flex Rule (10ths/100ths & .5MM/MM)

24" PEC Flex Rule (10ths/100ths & .5MM/MM)

www.harryepstein.com

Jori is one of the owners and is a member here. If you have any questions about it, I'm sure he can help you out. Browse through the site, you may find more that you'd like. Keep in mind, we have a HJE Day on July 4th.

There's a few more styles available as well.

PEC 24" 4R Rigid Tempered Rule (32nds/64ths & 8ths/16ths) w/ Blemish (

24" Products Engineering 4R Rigid Tempered Ruler 8ths/16ths 32nds/64ths (780061)

www.harryepstein.com

Seems to me something called a "flex rule" is unlikely to meet the requirement the it be rigid!

 

[RoninB4]

There are also scales that have a beveled edge so the meat of it is thicker but the edge is thin.

-I have two of them I forgot about, purchased them for that very reason. Thanks for jogging my failing memory.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Seems to me something called a "flex rule" is unlikely to meet the requirement the it be rigid!

There's also the link to the rigid one.

Including both, (they were supposed to be reversed but I screwed that up clicking back and forth, now corrected) was to show the OP that HJE carried some stuff that might work for him and familiarize him with the site. We'll be having a HJE Day coming up soon.