Just try that well known auction site and feed in the term 'Metre rule metric'.

The second one is Stainless, the fourth is aluminium.

Other sites and other rules are available.

As my mate used to say, 'I've got a foot but I don't use it as a rule'.

Cheers, Tim

There's this one **LINK** or here **LINK**

Bob

I too have the same problem as Pete (SPURY) reading rules with 1/2 mm markings. I find the same thing with 100ths & 1/64 ths. The length of the line engraving does have a bearing on this . The shorter length markings seem to be easier to read. Surely rule manufactures are aware of this problem ??

Glad I'm not the only one.

1/2mm markings have been the bane of my life even when I could see, in fact I reckon it's the 1/2mm that have made me go blind [ pass me white stick ]

My ideal rule is one with full mm on the top and full mm on the bottom because sometimes you use the top scale and other times the bottom. I can easily judge a 1/2 mm if I need to [ one end of the white stick has been specially sharpened ].

I very rarely use an imperial rule but again they are a miss match of anything from 1/100th's, 50th's 1/64, 1/10 to furlongs perches and poles.

Try buying a rule marked ALL in 1/10's with a sub division for 50 thou. You can get them, or could. Deb's showed me one she brought back from the States but don't think they are common in this country.

Answer ?

I make my own and put on it what I want.

I like the layout of that rule.

Mind if I pinch it ?

Sir John

No, you can't pinch it, it's mine, it's mine. Sorry could not resist.

By all means copy the layout. Is the picture suitable, or do you want a better one?

Pete

IIRC from reading New Scientist many years ago that method of marking was developed by NPL based on human factors research. Somewhere I've got a plastic ruler like that but it would be great if engineering rules were available. I also think the half mm scales are useless.

The other day at the club committee xmas dinner the Sec got a nice little 3 in long ruler in his cracker. Kindly gave it to me. Will hopefully remember to put it in top pocket when going to the next show for measuring the odd collet etc. Used to have a nice little freebie ruler with white filled engraving on bright red plastic. Very readable. I'd like to make a set of handwheel dials with black lines on white background like the Hardinge ones.

The Americans though just HAVE to be different.

Oh Neil – that brings back memories!

Many years ago, back when Adam was a lad, I had the good fortune to attend one of the "new idea " technical schools. One of the lessons was "Engineering" with practical sessions in a very well equipped workshop. One day there was a tinplate project and I was using a large treadle operated guillotine. Having lined up the metal carefully I stood on the operating pedal and, as the blade descended, I saw the 12 in steel rule also under the blade – hey presto two nearly 6" rules. I confessed to the master and was told sternly to come back and see him after school. He was a north countryman with, I suspect, considerable experience in industry. I was not looking forward to my interview. I decided that a fulsome apology was the best course and accept gracefully any punishment. He looked at me and said – ay lad – it was a good thing it wasn't your willy then!

I've never used a guillotine since without thinking of him!

Norman

Edited By NJH on 19/12/2015 15:45:41

I managed to find a couple of vertical scale rulers which are designed for use in a rule holder on a surface plate. Saves having to tilt your head on one side to read the measurement when setting a surface gauge.
Mick