Appreciation post: That old wooden folding rule my grandpa gave me

I spent years using a tape measure on every job, but last month I tried out my grandpa's old wooden folding rule on a cabinet install in Denver. Turns out it's way easier for measuring inside corners and transferring marks without the tape bending. I used to think it was just old-timer nostalgia, but that thing is dead accurate and doesn't wiggle like a tape. It took me a few tries to get the hang of reading it right, but now I'm using it for rough framing layouts too. Has anyone else switched back to an old tool and found it actually works better?

2 comments

2 Comments

joel2803d ago

3 foot model my dad had in his shop for 40 years. I always thought it was just a decoration until I actually grabbed it for a crown molding job and realized the thing doesn't flop around on you. Changed my mind completely after that.

robinmason3d ago

Oh man, that's the best kind of surprise! Those old aluminum ones are rock solid, perfect for crown. Just make sure you give the joints a quick wipe before you use it, dust and grit from sitting around can mess up your cuts.