Help me find an unfindable tool

[williaty]

Growing up, my grandfather always used a folding ruler with an extension on it like this:

I've finally come across a job where I understand WHY he always used that kind of ruler and I'd like to get one for myself. The only hitch is that I live in the US and I only work in metric. So, does anyone know of a seller of metric graduated folding rulers with the extension that can get a ruler to Ohio within a week?

As far as I can tell, they don't exist. You get either metric or the extension, take your pick. Since I need to measure linear inside distances, I have to have both.

 

[Bumknee]

Check Epstiens?

 

[williaty]

Check Epstiens?

They've got the Lufkin metric folding ruler, which doesn't have the extension.

 

[TinKnocker]

Check lufkin or malco's websites.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I believe this is it...http://www.wiha.com/england/Onlines...orced-folding-rulers-Wiha-Longlife-All-in-One

Now I'll try to source one w/in a week for ya....

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I can't find it anywhere in the world. Ebay, online seems to be out of stock in England tool stores....if you're up right now, get on the horn to someone in Europe and hunt it down.

EDIT: I think this is it. There is a "2" on the end of the part number, but I think it's the same...http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wiha-410200...d=100011&prg=8015&rk=1&rkt=5&sd=350801002587&

 

[CWP1616L]

KLEIN

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/levels-measuring-tools/folding-rules

 

[stratman977]

Cheaper option than the klein

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N5KI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Edit: I see poor reviews on it. Maybe the klein is a better choice but there's no reviews on it on amazon..

 

[CWP1616L]

The Klein is standard issue for union ironworkers, so I assume it's a good one. They use it for measuring out rebar.

 

[rlitman]

Guys, the Klein and Lufkin are not metric. Read the whole OP.
I too have never seen anything other than an inch carpenter's rule with the extension.

This sort of rule comes in all sorts of scales (metric, tenths of a foot, etc), but I've never seen any of those scales with an inside measuring extension. Good luck.

 

[George in Rancho Cordova]

I ruined 2 or 3 of those as a child.
They do not work like an accordion!

 

[williaty]

So far, the Wiha that Mohawk Dave suggested is the only one that's both metric and extending.

 

[theknurl]

williaty;
i can't fathom why you'd want to use a folding rule......just because your Grandfather used one maybe?????

in 1939 my Grandfather used a team of mules to excavate my Father's garage......doing the same job today do you think i would?

 

[williaty]

williaty;
i can't fathom why you'd want to use a folding rule

I have to reinforce a wooden I-joist floor that's moved due to lateral loading. I need to be able to make distance measurements between both I-joist chords and the webs to create blocking that will tie the first 4 I-joists together and then to the plywood subflooring. The blocking needs to fit VERY precisely and, since the I-joists have already moved, every single piece is going to be unique, no duplication of measurements. The most accurate way I can think of to get up in that confined space and make measurements to a sub-millimeter precision is to use a folding ruler with the little extension rod in it.

Like I said, prior to this, I never wanted one and never could understand why he liked them so much. Turns out, it's because he worked on houses and had to make a lot of inside measurements.

 

[mrtoolfool]

How about using a Laser measuring device? They will get down to the "gnats ***".

I have a Leica that I've had for years and it is VERY accurate.

They can measure from different points on the unit to make getting the measurements easier.

The price on these has dropped over the years and the accuracy has gone up.

They are good to 1/16 of an inch or even 1/32 if you want real precision.

I would think that would be precise enough for what you are doing.

You have to get a good one. Don't buy a Stanley, StraightLine, etc and expect it to work well and be accurate.

Check these out http://www.tigersupplies.com/Departments/Rule-and-Measure/Disto-Laser-Measuring-Tools.aspx?gclid=CILdl4am7LgCFenm7AodKCgAtQ

 

[Mohawk Dave]

How about using a Laser measuring device? They will get down to the "gnats ***".

I have a Leica that I've had for years and it is VERY accurate.

They can measure from different points on the unit to make getting the measurements easier.

The price on these has dropped over the years and the accuracy has gone up.

They are good to 1/16 of an inch or even 1/32 if you want real precision.

I would think that would be precise enough for what you are doing.

You have to get a good one. Don't buy a Stanley, StraightLine, etc and expect it to work well and be accurate.

Check these out http://www.tigersupplies.com/Departments/Rule-and-Measure/Disto-Laser-Measuring-Tools.aspx?gclid=CILdl4am7LgCFenm7AodKCgAtQ

That's exactly what I was thinking. I use the Leica D2 EVERYDAY! Best thing since sliced bread.

 

[never enuf time]

The quickest way to cut blocking is not to measure , put block up to joist & mark with a pencil. Leave the line when you cut. For the web, just add the amount of the difference to block you just cut.

If you don't care for this method, an accurate measurement can be taken if you hold up 2 small rips of scrap wood. **** each to opposite sides, put a vertical mark on both , set it down & measure.

 

[alinc100]

The quickest way to cut blocking is not to measure , put block up to joist & mark with a pencil. Leave the line when you cut. For the web, just add the amount of the difference to block you just cut.

If you don't care for this method, an accurate measurement can be taken if you hold up 2 small rips of scrap wood. **** each to opposite sides, put a vertical mark on both , set it down & measure.

This is almost exactly what I was going to say other than a spring clamp will hold the two pieces together and transfer the marks to the board/blocking to be cut.

 

[NY_treeguy]

Why measure at all? You just need a reference gauge to transfer the length from the project to the pieces. The numbers have no meaning at all. Use an imperial folding rule, set it to the length between the joists, place a spring clamp on the sliding extension to lock it in place, and transfer the length to the blocking. Who really cares if it is 550mm or 21.65"? You just need the pieces to fit.

 

[Jim C.]

I have three of them, but they're only inch measurements. I've never seen one with metric graduations.

Jim C.

 

[pendragon1998]

Laser

 

[TwoInch]

The quickest way to cut blocking is not to measure , put block up to joist & mark with a pencil. Leave the line when you cut. For the web, just add the amount of the difference to block you just cut.

If you don't care for this method, an accurate measurement can be taken if you hold up 2 small rips of scrap wood. **** each to opposite sides, put a vertical mark on both , set it down & measure.

Why measure at all? You just need a reference gauge to transfer the length from the project to the pieces. The numbers have no meaning at all. Use an imperial folding rule, set it to the length between the joists, place a spring clamp on the sliding extension to lock it ion place, and transfer the length to the blocking. Who really cares if it is 550mm or 21.65"? You just need the pieces to fit.

exactly my thoughts. i wouldnt worry about sourcing such a rare and specific tool for a job that doesnt really even require it. there are plenty of easy solutions to the issue you are fixing. sourcing this tool would be the last thing i would be trying.

my .02

 

[williaty]

The joists are already bowed and twisted. Part of the deal is going to be finding the average spacing at the place the blocking has to go and then forcing the joists to conform to the blocking. I deliberately want the blocking to fit improperly. However, I need it to fit improperly in a very precise and accurate way. Transferring lines doesn't give me numbers to average.

I also have a vinyl graphics side-business. A folding ruler with extension would be extremely useful for measuring the actual glass size in windows with deep sashes where you'd otherwise have to bend the tape measure and try to guess where it would fall if it could actually get up to the glass.

 

[TwoInch]

maybe a standard version and a calculator to do the conversion and averages...