The folding rule was the measuring instrument of choice amongst carpenters and other tradespersons until the tape measure occurred. Now, the measuring tape gets all the magnificence, but the age-old folding guideline still has its fan base. Here's how these two instruments compare.
Tape Measure
The measuring tape includes a steel ribbon or tape with linear distance measurement markings. The tape is stiff enough to remain stiff when extended for measuring functions yet versatile sufficient to retract into the real estate when not in use. The tape real estate is typically square in shape and made from metal or plastic.
Determining tapes been available in a variety of different lengths from about 6 feet to 50+ feet. For daily use, tapes in the 12 to 25 foot range are most typical. Tapes are offered with metric markings, English markings, or both metric and English markings.
The first patent for a retractable steel measuring tape was submitted by Alvin Fellows in 1868 but it wasn't until the early 1900's that the gadget started to make serious inroads into the folding wood ruler market. By the latter half of the 20th century, measuring tape were ubiquitous around the house and in the building industry.
Folding Rule
A folding guideline consists of multiple rotating sections that unfold and lock in location to form a rigid ruler for taking length measurements. A typical folding guideline is 6 to 8 feet long when extended. When not in use, the sections are folded back together into a compact bundle that is normally about 6" long. A folding rule is also called a carpenter's folding guideline, a mason's rule or a zig-zag rule. Guidelines are offered with metric or English markings, sometimes with both.
The folding guideline has been around since a minimum of because the mid 1800's. It was the standard determining device utilized by tradesperson until the development of the retractable measuring tape. Originally made from wood, folding guidelines are now made from aluminum, steel, fiberglass, and wood. The pivoting hinges are often made from brass. The very best folding rules have a moving brass extension that works for taking inside measurements. Measuring Tape Advantages
Compared to the folding ruler, the tape measure is far more compact and more efficient in use. It can likewise be utilized with just one hand. Include its ability to determine within and outside ranges and it's not surprising that the retracting steel measuring tape has ended up being an indispensible tool for home and service use. Unlike a wood folding rule, the precision of a measuring tape is not affected by modifications in humidity. However, it needs to be completely dried after use in damp conditions to prevent rusting of the tape and the internal coil spring.
It is much quicker to extend or retract a determining tape than a folding rule. Most determining tapes will retract instantly unless pressure is applied to a sliding lock. Other styles will remain extended by default unless the operator explicitly presses a release lock.
Folding Rule Benefits Although the folding rule has actually mostly been changed by tape measures, it still has its advantages. It is simpler to take and transfer inside measurements (entrances, cabinet openings, etc.) with a folding guideline thanks to the built-in extender. And it's easier than using a yardstick. Old-fashioned carpenters were also understood to use a folding rule to clean the sweat from their brow. Masons have actually long favored folding guidelines for spacing courses of bricks using guidelines made with equally significant graduations for each brick course. Because of its rigidity, the folding guideline also permits masons to take accurate measurements above their heads without climbing up a ladder.
Experienced users will typically open the guideline to the greatest length that fits in between the points being measured, and after that slide out the brass extension for the staying distance. The prolonged folding ruler rule can then be reached the board to be cut which can then be marked directly from the guideline without the need to keep track of any numbers. Expense
A basic measuring tape in the 12 to 16 foot range costs around the exact same or less than an 8 foot folding guideline (somewhere in between $5 to to $10).