metric rule

[Jason Musgrave]

Long story short I need a new metric rule and I guess I'm kinda picky about this stuff. Are folks really paying $300+ for them or is there something I'm missing? I'd be totally happy with another one just like my 30+ year old unit - meter long, rigid steel (1.25" wide), metric only (both sides), etc, etc.

[Curt Goodrich]

I've got one of these-
C635-1000 1000mm Spring-Tempered Steel Rule with Millimeter Graduations, Graduations at mm and 1/2mm on Both Sides

Not inexpensive but less loot than what you were asking about.

[zetroc]

The C635-1000 can be had for under 200 on the bay - here's one for $182 with free shipping.

Starrett C635 1000 Steel Rule Spring Tempered 1000mm | eBay

[Michael Gordon]

Check out McMaster Carr ( McMaster-Carr ). They have 1 meter aluminum rules starting at about $5, and 610 mm cork backed stainless rules for about $10. These work fine for me, but hey, I'm only half way through my first frame, so take that for what it is worth. I'll say however, my front triangle came out straight as an arrow when I checked out on an alignment table at friends shop.

McMaster also has a 48" stainless backed metric/inch rule for about $40, and they have the certified precision rules for upwards of $650. Huge selection... Check it out.

My only thought is, consider how precisely you can cut a tube with a hack saw blade and file, before you decide on the precision you need form your rule.

Mike Gordon
Highland Park, IL

[Jonathan]

Wade Patton linked me to some guy named metric Mike or something on eBay who sells really nice Japanese metric rules. Higher quality stuff.

[Rosko]

General still make their stuff right here in NY: Stainless Steel Rulers, Standard, Certified, Imprinted and Custom Manufactured most are available through McMaster-Carr

[EnginCycles]

General still make their stuff right here in NY: Stainless Steel Rulers, Standard, Certified, Imprinted and Custom Manufactured most are available through McMaster-Carr

How can we trust a company that claims to make kings and queens! A debate that I have with many people unless they are British then they agree with me (and who taught me). As indicated in the OP it is rule. General says they make rulers. No thanks I want a rule or scale or straight edge but not a ruler.

[Mark Kelly]

As long as they're not called Battenburg or Windsor, I'm fine with "ruler".

[WadePatton]

Wade Patton linked me to some guy named metric Mike or something on eBay who sells really nice Japanese metric rules. Higher quality stuff.

Yeah, Love those. I have multiples--not sure if he sells "metric only" as mine have that pesky monarch-based system on the "off" side.

This guy, but he just has combos. rule from mikemetric | eBay

But i did see some other good-looking rules on the 'bay. Think Japanese yo.

[Jacques]

Starrett's been shit for over 30 years now. Those still buying it are invariably either reenactors, xenophobes or masturbators.

I'm sure its already clear to anyone who's contemplated a $300 rule purchase, but don't get anything with the gradations printed on! They're inacurate, hard to read and won't last. My favorite rules are the satin chrome Mitutoyos. I've gotten tons of them by buying toolboxes from geriatric machinists on their death beds, but you'll probably find one that fits your description in a store. It might cost a hundred bucks.

[Alistair]

Long story short I need a new metric rule and I guess I'm kinda picky about this stuff. Are folks really paying $300+ for them or is there something I'm missing? I'd be totally happy with another one just like my 30+ year old unit - meter long, rigid steel (1.25" wide), metric only (both sides), etc, etc.

I bought a set of these, Stainless-Steel Cabinetmaker's Rules - Lee Valley Tools

They've served me well for the last few years. I'd buy them again.

Alistair.

[RylandWB]

I have been wondering about this for a couple weeks and I am really glad someone else asked. This is how I felt when Garro posted that file thread.

[surlypud]

Yeah, now this is what I'm talk'n bout!

Shinwa 1000mm rule

[Jacques]

Forget the rest, buy the best.

[Craig Ryan]

Sorry, but you guys must have boatloads of extra money laying around to spend this amount on a ruler.

[crumpton]

a big fan of this set. use em daily. Buy Set of 4 Stainless Steel Cabinetmakers Rules at Woodcraft

[Jacques]

Sorry, but you guys must have boatloads of extra money laying around to spend this amount on a ruler.

I don't mean to be an ass, but this forum's whole raison d'être is to allow priviledged jerks a place to show off their discerning shopping habits. So while no one bats an eye at spending $400 on a pair of spandex shorts, $100 is somehow too much to pay on a precision measuring instrument that will last a lifetime and never depreciate. People can do what they want with their money, but since tools put food on my table, I've got my priorities set.

[Jason Musgrave]

Thx guys!

[Mark Kelly]

Forget the rest, buy the best.

Mitutoyo rules.

[Mike Mcdermid]

I don't mean to be an ass, but this forum's whole raison d'être is to allow priviledged jerks a place to show off their discerning shopping habits. So while no one bats an eye at spending $400 on a pair of spandex shorts, $100 is somehow too much to pay on a precision measuring instrument that will last a lifetime and never depreciate. People can do what they want with their money, but since tools put food on my table, I've got my priorities set.

seriously people spend 400 dollars on shorts?