Searching for a good quality, metric-only, 300mm steel ruler

[Donald MacDonald 1Participant @donaldmacdonald1]

Hello

I am looking for a new steel ruler. Spec:
– 300mm long
– Metric only
– No 0.5mm markings (because I find them unusable).

EITHER
– A: double-sided, with one side reading right to left and the other side reading left to right
OR
– B. the rear size should be rubberised cork

Other issues:
– I don't mind if it does the engineers thing starting with the end being zero or whether there is a short (say 1cm) lead in.
– I want it to be tempered stainless steel so that I can cut against it without fear of accidentally damaging the edge.

I spend a while searching today but I found nothing. Maybe such a thing does not exist (??)

Any suggestions?

Donald

[Donald MacDonald 1Participant @donaldmacdonald1]

[Dave TParticipant @davet19446]

Any use?

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/measuring-and-test-equipment/rules-and-measures/300mm-flexible-rustless-rule-round-end/p/ZT1015249X

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

I treasure a 15 cm rule made by a US company called Products Engineering. It has cm/mm on both sides, and I'm afraid has the dreaded 0.5mm markings. But on one side it has mm on the top and mm/0.5mm on the bottom; on the other side the opposite. So whatever you are measuring you can find a convenient scale with mm only. I very occasionally use the 0.5mm markings but only with a magnifier. I also have a rather less useful 12in rule by the same make with mm/0.5mm on one side and inches by decimal and fraction the other – it would be better if it was a scaled up version of the shorter one. The rules are very readable with clear black makings on satin finished stainless steel.

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

**LINK**

workshop heaven have these but 300mm is out of stock.

Mike

[Robert ButlerParticipant @robertbutler92161]

Posted by Mike Poole on 21/03/2022 22:20:02:

**LINK**

workshop heaven have these but 300mm is out of stock.

Mike, no good as it upturns at one end and cannot lie flat as specifically requested by OP.

Donald? try Machine DRO, but it looks as 0.5mm is included on most of their stock items – but you can safely ignore every other division as most would under the circumstances when it comes to over graduation. I'm relieved to note on this occasion there is no requirement for high precision but perhaps more in keeping with an artists "broad brush approach".

Endlessly amusing!

Robert Butler

[Donald MacDonald 1Participant @donaldmacdonald1]

Posted by Dave T on 21/03/2022 21:44:31:

Any use?

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/measuring-and-test-equipment/rules-and-measures/300mm-flexible-rustless-rule-round-end/p/ZT1015249X

Nope. It has 0.5mm markings, long ones at that.

At least the workshop heaven don't have 0.5mm markings, but they aren't double sided and certainly cant be read both directions.

Robert by "Machine DRO" do you mean https://www.machine-dro.co.uk?
To be honest I find it impossible to "ignore" every other division, they actively get in the way.

That said, if I MUST have 0.5mm markings, then if they are properly short, then I don't mind them so much. And the best ruler compromise ruler I have found so far is probably this one:
"Mitutoyo Steel Rule, Fully-Flexible Rule / 300mm, Metric / Item number: 182-231"
**LINK**
https://www.machine-dro.co.uk/mitutoyo-steel-rule-fully-flexible-rule-300mm-metric-182-231

Also see:
**LINK**
https://shop.mitutoyo.co.uk/web/mitutoyo/en_GB/mitutoyo/01.05.056/Steel%20Rule%2C%20Fully-Flexible%20Rule/$catalogue/mitutoyoData/PR/182-231/index.xhtml

(Yes, their image is incorrect length, I know)

Don

Edited By Donald MacDonald 1 on 22/03/2022 00:28:42

[Pete.Participant @pete-2]

You're unlikely to find a rule with a non slip back, maybe a straight edge, because these are used more for scoring lines, not saying they don't exist, just might be easier to buy a straight edge, and a rule separately.

[Pete.Participant @pete-2]

Posted by Donald MacDonald 1 on 22/03/2022 00:26:29:

Posted by Dave T on 21/03/2022 21:44:31:

Any use?

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/measuring-and-test-equipment/rules-and-measures/300mm-flexible-rustless-rule-round-end/p/ZT1015249X

Nope. It has 0.5mm markings, long ones at that.

At least the workshop heaven don't have 0.5mm markings, but they aren't double sided and certainly cant be read both directions.

Robert by "Machine DRO" do you mean https://www.machine-dro.co.uk?
To be honest I find it impossible to "ignore" every other division, they actively get in the way.

That said, if I MUST have 0.5mm markings, then if they are properly short, then I don't mind them so much. And the best ruler compromise ruler I have found so far is probably this one:
"Mitutoyo Steel Rule, Fully-Flexible Rule / 300mm, Metric / Item number: 182-231"
**LINK**
https://www.machine-dro.co.uk/mitutoyo-steel-rule-fully-flexible-rule-300mm-metric-182-231

Also see:
**LINK**
https://shop.mitutoyo.co.uk/web/mitutoyo/en_GB/mitutoyo/01.05.056/Steel%20Rule%2C%20Fully-Flexible%20Rule/$catalogue/mitutoyoData/PR/182-231/index.xhtml

(Yes, their image is incorrect length, I know)

Don

Edited By Donald MacDonald 1 on 22/03/2022 00:28:42

You could just flip that around and use the the side that doesn't have half mm increments, even the side that does has the half mm increments a shorter length so it's easy to see.

[jimmy bParticipant @jimmyb]

I use the 15cm and 30cm of these metric only rules.

**LINK**

Any use?

Jim

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

I have no doubt that this will fail to meet specification on several counts, but [at least when new] they have clearly legible graduations : **LINK**

https://www.atasiab.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=765933

Widely available, but I linked that page because it has detail images.

MichaelG.

.

Note: __ they’re available in sizes from 15 to 50cm

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 22/03/2022 06:56:17

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Art shops tend to sell the ones with rubber on the backs, failing that just stick your own onto one that meets the other criteria.

Personally I'd use one rule to mark out and then a separate straightedge to cut against.

Better still use a rule designed for cutting with mm along one edge and an inset stainless strip on the other for cutting against and a ribbed rubber insert on the bottom so it does not slip. They are also about 40mm wide so you don't slice off the end of an overlapping finger.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, here's two that I have, but they are not new, I got them at one of the model engineering exhibitions and were on the Home and Workshop Machinery stand. This first one has just mm divisions on one side (shown) and half mm divisions on the other side and is; No. 49R BS4372 and was probably made by Rabone Chesterman.

This second one has just mm divisions on one side and is plain on the other side, this is a Rabone Chesterman; No. 47R BS4372, and this is my preferred type for most measuring/marking out jobs.

Regards Nick.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

This is the one I mentioned, clear 1mm divisions though only in one direction. Not sure if there is a real need for both directions, I measure and mark out 100s of sizes a day with a tape measure and that only runs in one direction.

Back has rubber strip so it does not slide and you can just see the inset cutting edge

make has worn off due to use but put non slip cutting rule into google and there are plenty of options

[Henry BrownParticipant @henrybrown95529]

Might be worth a look at this one: Link

I have the SSR6B and have found it to be a great little rule for machining the smaller hobby stuff, nice and flexible too.

I also have a M&W422ME (6" but I'm sure they do a 300mm) which is a nice rule to use but rigid.

Unfortunately both have imperial markings and 0.5mm graduations, which I think are a complete waste of time, in some areas but they are the bast I've found for day to day workshop use.

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

As you mention a requirement that you will use as a cutting straight edge I would seriously consider a proper cutting rule, I had probably used a standard rule hundreds of times as a cutting guide until the day came that I had a couple of rashers of my finger tips on my cutting blade rather than on my fingers, no great harm done but it bled well and was sore for a couple of days.

Mike

[Dave SParticipant @daves59043]

I would suggest you look at a Maun Safety Rule: Maun rule

Dave

[Donald MacDonald 1Participant @donaldmacdonald1]

Posted by Pete. on 22/03/2022 00:34:23:

Posted by Donald MacDonald 1 on 22/03/2022 00:26:29:

Posted by Dave T on 21/03/2022 21:44:31:

Any use?

https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/measuring-and-test-equipment/rules-and-measures/300mm-flexible-rustless-rule-round-end/p/ZT1015249X

Nope. It has 0.5mm markings, long ones at that.

At least the workshop heaven don't have 0.5mm markings, but they aren't double sided and certainly cant be read both directions.

Robert by "Machine DRO" do you mean https://www.machine-dro.co.uk?
To be honest I find it impossible to "ignore" every other division, they actively get in the way.

That said, if I MUST have 0.5mm markings, then if they are properly short, then I don't mind them so much. And the best ruler compromise ruler I have found so far is probably this one:
"Mitutoyo Steel Rule, Fully-Flexible Rule / 300mm, Metric / Item number: 182-231"
**LINK**
https://www.machine-dro.co.uk/mitutoyo-steel-rule-fully-flexible-rule-300mm-metric-182-231

Also see:
**LINK**
https://shop.mitutoyo.co.uk/web/mitutoyo/en_GB/mitutoyo/01.05.056/Steel%20Rule%2C%20Fully-Flexible%20Rule/$catalogue/mitutoyoData/PR/182-231/index.xhtml

(Yes, their image is incorrect length, I know)

Don

Edited By Donald MacDonald 1 on 22/03/2022 00:28:42

You could just flip that around and use the the side that doesn't have half mm increments, even the side that does has the half mm increments a shorter length so it's easy to see.

Obviously. But sometimes one needs to measure (and/or cut) using the far/top edge of a ruler and sometime from the near/bottom edge. Likewise, sometimes one wants to measure from left to right and sometimes from right to left.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

It's should not hard to read upside down or sideways, as I said I can use a tape measure 100s of times in a day, it only measures from one end and only one edge is metric but I have no problem measuring up, down, left, right or at angles

You also seemed to dismiss some suggestions as the rule was not double sides, if you are wanting a non slip back then you can't really have both as the non slip surface is quite likely to cover any engraving on the back.

[Bill PhinnParticipant @billphinn90025]

Posted by Donald MacDonald 1 on 21/03/2022 21:22:48:

Hello

I am looking for a new steel ruler. Spec:
– 300mm long
– Metric only
– No 0.5mm markings (because I find them unusable).

EITHER
– A: double-sided, with one side reading right to left and the other side reading left to right
OR
– B. the rear size should be rubberised cork

Donald

"double-sided, with one side reading right to left and the other side reading left to right".

Do you mean "double-sided, with one edge reading right to left and the other edge reading left to right"?

[Donald MacDonald 1Participant @donaldmacdonald1]

Jim, Re "AXMINSTER PRECISION HOOK RULE 300MM"
A shame about the 0.5mm markings. Worse, they are LONG markings, making the entire edge more or less unusable for me at least.

I can't decide about that hook. On one level it's absolutely brilliant. However it's connector sticks up into the Z-direction, meaning that the far side (unless you unstew the hook) becomes unusable.

Thought: Maybe one could scratch out the ink from the 0.5mm markings, to make the thing visually usable again.

Jason, yes, using 2 separate rules or even different edges on the same rule… I do that but it just wastes time. Also some surfaces are quite hard to mark…

Nicholas, It's a shame that the "Rabone Chesterman No. 47R BS4372" doesn't have a reverse side – ideally one working in the opposite direction, however it looks like a reasonable compromise. Sadly I couldn't find one to buy online.

Jason, yes if I can't have double-sided then a non-slip back is would be very helpful.

Henry, nope it has 0.5mm graduations.

Dave, yes I hear you, however I have learned to cut carefully and I prefer working with a flat ruler.

Don

 

 

Edited By Donald MacDonald 1 on 22/03/2022 13:58:08

[Donald MacDonald 1Participant @donaldmacdonald1]

Posted by JasonB on 22/03/2022 13:01:39:

It's should not hard to read upside down or sideways, as I said I can use a tape measure 100s of times in a day, it only measures from one end and only one edge is metric but I have no problem measuring up, down, left, right or at angles

You also seemed to dismiss some suggestions as the rule was not double sides, if you are wanting a non slip back then you can't really have both as the non slip surface is quite likely to cover any engraving on the back.

JasonB – no disrespect, but you obviously are not doing the same work as I am. I am working very precisely and I am working on flat surfaces including thin/flat materials. Yes, I have a tape measure however it is of no use to me for the majority of my work. In my life 1mm error is a huge error. But I don't like using 0.5mm markings simply because their lines are so long that personally I find them impossible to read off correctly. If the 0.5mm marking lines are sufficiently short, then I find them to be fine.

Jason, you said:
> You also seemed to dismiss some suggestions as the rule was not double sides,
> if you are wanting a non slip back then you can't really have both…

No, to recap, this is what I originally specified:
>>>
EITHER
– A: double-sided, with one side reading right to left and the other side reading left to right
OR
– B. the rear size should be rubberised cork
>>>

i.e. To get clear, I am fully aware that you cant have a rear surface that is non-slip AND readable. But if single-sided then at least the rear should be non-slip and if double-sided why not have a ruler that can be used to measures from both ends? Many double-sided rulers turn out to be identical on both sides, which is of course almost totally pointless.

Donald

[Donald MacDonald 1Participant @donaldmacdonald1]

Posted by Bill Phinn on 22/03/2022 13:04:38:

Posted by Donald MacDonald 1 on 21/03/2022 21:22:48:

Hello

I am looking for a new steel ruler. Spec:
– 300mm long
– Metric only
– No 0.5mm markings (because I find them unusable).

EITHER
– A: double-sided, with one side reading right to left and the other side reading left to right
OR
– B. the rear size should be rubberised cork

Donald

"double-sided, with one side reading right to left and the other side reading left to right".

Do you mean "double-sided, with one edge reading right to left and the other edge reading left to right"?

 

Nope. I meant this:

i.e. On one side of the ruler, both edges read left to right, but on the other side of the ruler both edges read right to left.

Don

 

 

Edited By Donald MacDonald 1 on 22/03/2022 15:06:44

Edited By JasonB on 22/03/2022 16:16:39

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

I've never seen a steel rule for real or in a catalogue that meets Donald's specification. My feeling is what he wants is more likely to be sold in Metric only countries. In the UK the need for both Metric and Imperial Scales on the rule dominates what's available. The range of metric only rules sold in the UK is quite limited, and it's hard to fine any that don't have 0.5mm graduations.

I suggest Donald starts looking in Germany and Japan because both countries make 'quality*' steel rules with lots of metric scale choices. Unless Donald gets lucky on the forum, he'll have to do the research himself. Identifying the right rule abroad is only the first problem – also need to find a vendor who sells it to UK customers.

Is it worth the bother? None of my steel rules is perfectly scaled, which is why I own several. Between them they mostly meet the bill and I've long given up expecting one rule to do everything. I often use two rules at the same time.

Eyeballing a steel rule isn't a good way of doing precision work. I occasionally set dividers more exactly with a loupe, pin-prick the work, and then cut between the marks, which is better. Much the same technique as marking out on blued metal, with calipers and set-squares etc. Templates are another possibility.

Dave

* I hate the word 'quality' – it's meaningless! Would Donald be happy if I recommended a high-spec steel rule costing £25 plus another £50 for a calibration certificate? He did say "I am working very precisely", so obviously money isn't a problem.   Except it always is in my workshop!

 

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 22/03/2022 15:18:55

[Ex contributorParticipant @mgnbuk]

Axminster combination square

Steel rule with no 0.5mm graduations, but doesn't have a reversed scale.

I have a vague recollection of having used a combination set that had a rule with the readings reversed on top & bottom edges of the rule but can't recall the make at the moment.

Nigel B.

[Author]

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