Galoots,
 
I purchased a folding rule this summer at a flea.  I pulled it out the other day
and started to wonder about when tape measures replaced folding rules for
on the job site carpenters?  Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When and
for
what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule?
 
Thank you in advance.
 
chuck
 
P.S. My folding rule is not battery powered, nor does it read out digitally so
it will
be useless to set my planes to the nearest 0.001". 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chuck, and assembled Galooterati:
 
Electricians prefer wooden folding rules because they don't conduct !  The first
time I found an antique Lufkin aluminum (aluminium, Jeff) folding rule, he sort
of shuddered when I showed it to him, saying something to the effect that he
would not want that on the job.
 
Pop's folding rules were one of the few tools I was not allowed to touch when I
was a boy. He bought nice ones; he used them every workday so this was not an
extravagance.
 
Before the days of "long extension" metal tapes, they were a convenient way to
measure above one's head.  A folding rule can even do a horizontal measurement
over head if you form the rule into an L-shape or a triangle.
 
There are many variations - there are versions that do inside measure, versions
intended for masons, and versions marked in tenths of a foot for use by
surveyors.  Highly collectable!
 
John Ruth
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Fri, Sep 26, 2014 at 8:30 AM, Chuck Ramsey  wrote:

> Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When and for
> what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule
>

Chuck

I use mine especially for inside measurements, as my favorite has one of
the little extending piece.  Most of the time it is used as a story stick,
just transfer the length without reading.the numbers.

When I want a vertical measurement, its a nice tool to prop up without
falling over, or worrying about the bending, etc.

I have one plastic one, in English and Metric, that I use at work where it
needs to be sprayed down prior to entering a room.  Can't get a roll up one
truly clean unless you roll it all out, and keep it out.

Other than that, mine don't get much use, though I have 3 or 4 others.


-- 
Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, CA

Chuck asks:

Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When and for
> what?  >

I guess you use what you are used to using. I seem to use a tape measure
almost exclusively for household stuff. But in the shop, I have a wooden
folding rule that is my go-to measuring device for nearly all basic layout
work.

Once I move beyond the limitations of the folding rule (in terms of
accuracy), I move to a metal rule, either 12 inches or 6. I love 6-inch
metal rules. In fact, I have several, and keep one on every work surface in
the shop. I still have to dig through the clutter to find one when I need
it, but I know there is always one nearby.

Greg Isola
Alameda, CA

I use folding rules for all my furniture work, and for any around the house
measuring. The exception is any time I need to get much beyond 4 feet (the
length of my longest folding rule), then I will get out the tape measure.

--
Zachary Dillinger
http://eatoncountywoodworke
r.blogspot.com/
The Eaton County Joinery
www.theeatoncountyjoinery.com
517-231-3374

On Fri, Sep 26, 2014 at 11:30 AM, Chuck Ramsey 
wrote:

> Galoots,
>
> I purchased a folding rule this summer at a flea.  I pulled it out the
> other day
> and started to wonder about when tape measures replaced folding rules for
> on the job site carpenters?  Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When
> and for
> what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule?
>
> Thank you in advance.
>
> chuck
>
> P.S. My folding rule is not battery powered, nor does it read out
> digitally so it will
> be useless to set my planes to the nearest 0.001".
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> http://rucku
s.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archi
ve/faq.html
>
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/">http://swingleydev.com/archive/
>
> OldTools@r...
> http://rucku
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>

> Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When and for
> what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule

Folding rule or zig-zag folding rule?  Different critters.

I have more than one of each.  For most use, I prefer the
bi-fold or tri-fold rules because they lie flat so that I
never wonder about the exactness of the measure.  I've
avoided the zig-zags until recently when SWMBO bought me
one for a present.  It's an old wooden Lufkin with the
brass extension.  Appreciating her thoughtfulness, I started
using it, and like it -- so I bought a second one.  One lives
in the shop and the other lives in my desk drawer.  They're
good for quick measures, especially for measures that need
a stiff ruler.  And they're convenient to use.

I've used one exactly once for an inside measure, and it did
the job well.  But I have a Stanley that is made exactly for
inside measures, and more often than not, I have three top-read
tape measures that I find outstanding. (I'd like to find a
longer top-read!  Had a 16 foot that met with a disastrous
end and I miss it sorely!)

I remember old carpenters using the zig-zags in days of yore
and they used them for everything, it seemed.  But I haven't
seen one out on a job in decades.

One advantage of a folding rule is that it's just fun to use.
Fun is good!

Mike in Sacto

On 9/26/2014 10:30 AM, Chuck Ramsey wrote:
> Galoots,
>   
> I purchased a folding rule this summer at a flea.  I pulled it out the other
day
> and started to wonder about when tape measures replaced folding rules for
> on the job site carpenters?  Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When and
for
> what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule?
>   
> Thank you in advance.
>   
> chuck
Tape measures were originally made of fabric.  Because they stretched, 
they were not as accurate as folding rules . . .  esp if the folding 
rule uses the brass pull out.  Cloth based tape measures continue in the 
form of 50', 100' and longer tapes.  At those distances accuracy is a 
myth anyway unless lasers are employed.

I have several folding rules which I use.  One is a white one with the 
markings typically used by masons (not the society, the workers).  I 
have several others that I use when a metal tape won't do.  That usually 
arises with I need to measure an inside dimension for accurately.

The downside of the folding rule is its fragility.  I cannot tell you 
how many I've destroyed in my lifetime (including a couple of my dad's, 
but shhhh, don't tell him)

Bob Hutchins
Temple, TX USA

On Fri, Sep 26, 2014 at 11:57 AM, Michael Blair  wrote:

> I remember old carpenters using the zig-zags in days of yore
> and they used them for everything, it seemed.  But I haven't
> seen one out on a job in decades.
>

We recently had a Swedish crew doing an installation here in the Bay Area.
Everyone of their guys had a zig zag, no one carried a measuring tape that
I saw.



-- 
Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, who forgot to see how much rain came through
the other night.

Chuck Ramsey wrote:

>
> > Galoots,
> >
> > I purchased a folding rule this summer at a flea.  I pulled it out the
> > other day
> > and started to wonder about when tape measures replaced folding rules for
> > on the job site carpenters?  Do any of you still use a folding rule?
> When
> > and for
> > what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule?
> >
>

I use it for shop related projects - furniture, fixtures, etc. I use a tape
measure for construction work...2 by 4's etc. Not sure why the distinction
I think it is the galootishness of it more than anything else. And I too
use the extension for inside measurements, checking square by equal
diagonals, and as a story stick sans actual measurements.

Scott G on the Eastern Side of the Country
Duluth GA

Hi Chuck

When I started my carpentry apprenticeship in 1977 I was issued with a
Metre/3' folding rule. I think I had to buy my own tape measure. I do recall
measuring using only the metre rule by marking it's length multiple times.
Slow and inaccurate, much like myself at the time.

2014 I have an 8 metre tape in the nail bag, and a metre folding rule in a
pocket. Mostly use the tape. A folding rule is not just for measuring. Often
used to scribe a butt joint, to extend a line marked with a square, as a
temporary packer (under a door for example), or to poke something out of the
way. I use the white Rabone-Chesterman-Stanley variety.

Zig-zag types rules are not used around here. I don't recall ever seeing one
on a site, but then I'm just a youngster. One of the local timber yards
(Provans, for Melbourne viewers) has Stabila zig-zag rules for sale at the
moment, but they are not selling well at all. Maybe I'll buy one and give it
a run.

A 150mm/6" rule is often in the nail bag also. I will admit that more often
than not it becomes a paint can opener, scraper, poker, screwdriver. They
are cheap, 50c at tool sales.

Got a wizz-bang Leica laser measure also.

Mick Dowling
Melbourne
Member, Hand Tool Preservation Association of Australia Inc.




On 27/09/2014 1:30 am, "Chuck Ramsey"  wrote:

> Galoots,
>  
> I purchased a folding rule this summer at a flea.  I pulled it out the other
> day
> and started to wonder about when tape measures replaced folding rules for
> on the job site carpenters?  Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When and
> for 
> what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule?

Galoots Assembled,
 
I use a zig-zag folding wooden rule for most of my furniture making.   When 
real precision is needed for layout I use the metal rule off of my 12"  
Starrett and a sharp 4H pencil or an Exacto knife.  I have several old  wooden 
folding rules, but never seem to use them for some reason.
 
Cheers,
John (who is Unpacking and Setting Up his New Shop today!!)
 
John M. Johnston
There is a fine line between hobby and mental  illness. Dave Barry.

On Sep 27, 2014, at 8:14 AM, Sgt42RHR@a... wrote:

> Galoots Assembled,
> 
> I use a zig-zag folding wooden rule for most of my furniture making.   When 
> real precision is needed for layout I use the metal rule off of my 12"  
> Starrett and a sharp 4H pencil or an Exacto knife.  I have several old  wooden
> folding rules, but never seem to use them for some reason.

I use Starrett rules, zig-zags are at the bench and in every toolbox (and the
kitchen and office), folding rules and tapes. It all depends on the task.
However, when it gets to close measuring on a project or repeated measurements
(as opposed to marking directly from something) I designate one device of the
appropriate length.

My friend who makes custom furniture, timber framing and custom stairs for a
living, and sells side tables for $$$$ and conference tables for $$$$$ uses only
a zig-zag. He uses plastic German made rules because he is concerned about
strength of the rule and he works in metric.

Bill------------------------------------------------------------------------

I really feel uncomfortable using a tape for any measurement that I really
care about. I have a Starrett 2 foot rule, a variety of old fold out 2 ft
rules and a Starrett 6 inch rule that I use when I have to.  I am more and
more trying to avoid measuring. I make story sticks,and on any pieces that
need to be the same size, I mark one from the other.

I use my tape at the lumber yard, and for rough carpentry.

I make no claim that my way is the right way

On Saturday, September 27, 2014, William Ghio  wrote:

>
> On Sep 27, 2014, at 8:14 AM, Sgt42RHR@a...  wrote:
>
> > Galoots Assembled,
> >
> > I use a zig-zag folding wooden rule for most of my furniture making.
>  When
> > real precision is needed for layout I use the metal rule off of my 12"
> > Starrett and a sharp 4H pencil or an Exacto knife.  I have several old
> wooden
> > folding rules, but never seem to use them for some reason.
>
> I use Starrett rules, zig-zags are at the bench and in every toolbox (and
> the kitchen and office), folding rules and tapes. It all depends on the
> task. However, when it gets to close measuring on a project or repeated
> measurements (as opposed to marking directly from something) I designate
> one device of the appropriate length.
>
> My friend who makes custom furniture, timber framing and custom stairs for
> a living, and sells side tables for $$$$ and conference tables for $$$$$
> uses only a zig-zag. He uses plastic German made rules because he is
> concerned about strength of the rule and he works in metric.
>
>
> Bill------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> http://rucku
s.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archi
ve/faq.html
>
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/">http://swingleydev.com/archive/
>
> OldTools@r... 
> http://rucku
s.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>

Chuck Ramsey  wrote:
> Galoots,
>  
> I purchased a folding rule this summer at a flea. 

I have 3 of the Lufkin "red end" rules with extensions
scattered around the shop and use them for everything -
actually one is marked Craftsman with black ends, but it is
identical.  I buy them when ever they are around $5 in very
very good condition - the numbers near the ends wear off
first.  I had one with a folding brass tab at the end for
hooking over the end of a board, but it wore out and I
haven't found a replacement yet.

The very best one of these zig-zags is one that has both
sides marked with the "1" at the same end, so one is an
outside read and one is an inside read.  I gave the only
one I had to an older gent working as a volunteer carpenter
on our tall ship.  Over the years I found 2 others that I
gave him because he raved about them so much.  (He also had
a lightly used set of 7 Stanley 720 chisels - the long
ones).

I also have a couple of the Lufkin 066F that has both "1's"
on the inside.  They can be handy but I am used to the
regular Lufkins.  I also have a Craftsman version of the
inside read that has much thicker legs and is labelled 3938
RR.

I keep a 6 and 12 inch Starret combo square near the bench
and when there is precision afoot I reach for them and
other various tools, including a cheap electronic caliper.
 One of my favorites is a Chesterman 24" steel ruler.

I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900 (named
Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to its
full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for the
cognoscenti.

Ed Minch
---------------------------------------------------------------------
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On Sep 26, 2014, at 8:30 AM, Chuck Ramsey  wrote:

> Galoots,
> 
> I purchased a folding rule this summer at a flea.  I pulled it out the other
day
> and started to wonder about when tape measures replaced folding rules for
> on the job site carpenters?  Do any of you still use a folding rule?  When and
for
> what?  What might be the advantages of a folding rule?
> 
I don't think I have told you guys this one before. Back in 1988 I hired on at
Ameron Pipe Company as a "Large Diameter Pipe Layout Man." Everything over 24"
in diameter is considered "large diameter," and there are special skills needed
to do this kind of layout work, the most important being trigonometry. So I took
the test and passed. The first couple of days I followed the senior layout man
around to get the feel of the place and the work. At this shop they made pipe
and fittings only up to 13 feet in diameter (it is called "156" because pipe is
always referred to in inches, never feet), because that was the largest size
that could legally be transported on California highways. Bigger pipe can be
made, but it has to be made on site. We made 21 foot diameter pipe for the
Arizona Water Project.


Laying out, cutting, and forming plate steel into large pipe fittings is most of
the work in the fittings shop, and large diameter fittings require big pieces of
plate. Plate steel is quite expensive, and mistakes are not suffered gladly. Big
reducers sometimes have to be made in 2 or more pieces and welded together,
because steel plate just doesn't come that big. The large end of a 156 reducer
will have a  circumference of more than 40 feet. Very difficult to buy a plate
that long.

So when the senior guy showed me how he laid out a large reducer, I was rather
surprised. What they did in this shop was to use the angle to calculate a
percentage of the circumference, which gave them the arc length. Then they swung
this arc with a very large trammel type device. Now they used a steel folding
rule to measure the length of the arc. The ends of the arc were then drawn back
to the center. This gave them the layout for a reducer.

To bend the rule they used large magnets on the plate and bent the rule around
these magnets. This was a really cumbersome method. It worked, but it was from
another century. I immediately offered to show him how to lay out the chord,
which would give him the intersections on both ends of the arc, and eliminate
that arc measurement altogether. He just looked at me like a bull at a bastard
calf, and informed me that they had always done it this way, and would continue
to do so. The truth was, he didn't know if he could trust the calculation of the
chord to give him an accurate arc.

A few years later I was Superintendent of the plant, but I never was able to get
anyone to believe me. They still do the same layout today. I still own two
different 12" long steel folding rules, and one in aluminum. I never use any of
them.

On Sep 27, 2014, at 8:03 PM, ruby@m... wrote:

> I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900 (named
> Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to its
> full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for the
> cognoscenti.

No picture, didn't happen. Got a uTube of this?

Bill

All

Bill lives-1/2 miles from me.  Will you accept his word if
I show him??

Ed Minch



 William Ghio  wrote:
> 
> No picture, didn't happen. Got a uTube of this?
> 
> Bill


> 
> > I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900
> (named
> > Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to
> its
> > full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for
> the
> > cognoscenti.
> 

> 
> 

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider.
http://www.nni.com/

I will.


On Sep 28, 2014, at 4:08 PM, ruby@m... wrote:

> 
> 
> All
> 
> Bill lives-1/2 miles from me.  Will you accept his word if
> I show him??
> 
> Ed Minch
> 
> 
> 
> William Ghio  wrote:
>> 
>> No picture, didn't happen. Got a uTube of this?
>> 
>> Bill
> 
> 
>> 
>>> I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900
>> (named
>>> Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to
>> its
>>> full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for
>> the
>>> cognoscenti.
>> 
> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> Web mail provided by NuNet, Inc. The Premier National provider.
> http://www.nni.com/
>

Ed wrote:
 
> Bill lives-1/2 miles from me.  Will you accept his word if
> I show him??

Ed,

Only if Bill films it and posts the video.... :-)

Cheers,
Chuck Taylor
north of Seattle
who wants to see this too
 
> 
>  William Ghio wrote:
> > 
> > No picture, didn't happen. Got a uTube of this?
> > 
> > Bill
> 
> 
> > 
> > > I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900
> > (named
> > > Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to
> > its
> > > full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for
> > the
> > > cognoscenti.

On 09/28/14, William Ghio wrote:

I will.


On Sep 28, 2014, at 4:08 PM, ruby@m... wrote:

> 
> 
> All
> 
> Bill lives-1/2 miles from me. Will you accept his word if
> I show him??
> 
> Ed Minch
> 
> 
> 
> William Ghio  wrote:
>> 
>> No picture, didn't happen. Got a uTube of this?
>> 
>> Bill
> 
> 
>> 
>>> I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900
>> (named
>>> Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to
>> its
>>> full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for
>> the
>>> cognoscenti.

I have never broken one.  This is also a good way to open a
rule, say, 1/2 way if that's all you need.

However, don't let the 11 year old neighbor kid try it
behind your back - DAMHIKT

Ed Minch


> Me too.  
> 
> Hey, Ed.  If you are not a skilled practitioner, please
> use a rule that is sacrificial.  This seems like a
> prescription for a busted rule.
> 
> Regards,
> Steve
> 
> 

---------------------------------------------------------------------
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http://www.nni.com/

On Sep 28, 2014, at 4:08 PM, ruby@m... wrote:

> 
> 
> All
> 
> Bill lives-1/2 miles from me.  Will you accept his word if
> I show him??
> 
> Ed Minch
> 
> William Ghio  wrote:
>> 
>> No picture, didn't happen. Got a uTube of this?
>> 
>> Bill
> 
>>> I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900 (named
>>> Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to its
>>> full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for the
>>> cognoscenti.
>> 


Ed stopped by yesterday to show me how to open a rule to its full six feet in
seconds. And yes he can and he did. But I couldn't. First, it takes some
practice to learn how to hold the rule. 2nd, you need to oil the joints. My
almost new rule w/ dry joints was way to stiff. Finally, since the process is to
draw your two hands away from each other w/ outstretched arms as the rule
unfolds, if you are not six feet plus as Ed is, you won't get there. I tried it
today w/ my much more worn bench rule and did much better, but given a lack of
practice I still only get it open about 4 feet. Moving very slowly, my 5'6"
frame only allows me to get the rule open more than 60 inches, but still faster
than doing each segment individually.

The trick is to hold the rule in one hand so the width of the closed rule is
vertical w/ reference to the floor (numerals face up). Cup it in your hand so
your fingers cover all but the top segment of rule. Grasp that top segment in
your other hand and pull it away, extending it from the rule. As it extends,
slip your fingers down to allow the next segment to follow. You just keep moving
your fingers down as each segment unfolds. If you let the rule tilt w/ respect
to the plane in which you are pulling the segments it will either stop opening
... or break.

Have fun, be careful.

Bill

I use my folding rule or a 12" metal ruler Grandpa left me. The folding rule is
short since the GIT broke it like I did my Dad's . My parents bought me a new
one but it was in 1/10's foot for bricks or something do I wasn't upset when
that one broke too  . I have grandpa's four fold blind mans rule safely tucked
away in the hidden drawer of my hanging chest.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 30, 2014, at 4:31 PM, William Ghio  wrote:
> 
> 
>> On Sep 28, 2014, at 4:08 PM, ruby@m... wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> All
>> 
>> Bill lives-1/2 miles from me.  Will you accept his word if
>> I show him??
>> 
>> Ed Minch
>> 
>> William Ghio  wrote:
>>> 
>>> No picture, didn't happen. Got a uTube of this?
>>> 
>>> Bill
>> 
>>>> I worked under a 74 year old carpenter born in 1900 (named
>>>> Joe Shingle) and he showed me how to open the rule to its
>>>> full 6' length in 1/2 a second - great parlor trick for the
>>>> cognoscenti.
> 
> 
> Ed stopped by yesterday to show me how to open a rule to its full six feet in
seconds. And yes he can and he did. But I couldn't. First, it takes some
practice to learn how to hold the rule. 2nd, you need to oil the joints. My
almost new rule w/ dry joints was way to stiff. Finally, since the process is to
draw your two hands away from each other w/ outstretched arms as the rule
unfolds, if you are not six feet plus as Ed is, you won't get there. I tried it
today w/ my much more worn bench rule and did much better, but given a lack of
practice I still only get it open about 4 feet. Moving very slowly, my 5'6"
frame only allows me to get the rule open more than 60 inches, but still faster
than doing each segment individually.
> 
> The trick is to hold the rule in one hand so the width of the closed rule is
vertical w/ reference to the floor (numerals face up). Cup it in your hand so
your fingers cover all but the top segment of rule. Grasp that top segment in
your other hand and pull it away, extending it from the rule. As it extends,
slip your fingers down to allow the next segment to follow. You just keep moving
your fingers down as each segment unfolds. If you let the rule tilt w/ respect
to the plane in which you are pulling the segments it will either stop opening
... or break.
> 
> Have fun, be careful.
> 
> Bill
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
> 
> To change your subscription options:
> http://rucku
s.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
> 
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archi
ve/faq.html
> 
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/">http://swingleydev.com/archive/
> 
> OldTools@r...
> http://rucku
s.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools

Thanks to all of the Galoots who responded. My $1 flea market purchase has just
sat on a table staring at me.  In 1959 or 1960 my father bought a house that had
been that had been built in the 1850's.  I was just a wee tyke but I remember
the fluidness of the carpenters using their "zig-zag" folding rulers.  In the
1970's when I was framing houses I never saw a folding ruler on a job site.
Never. I think that I will clean this Lufkin No. X45 (or maybe it's X46?) with
some Murphy Oil Soap for the wood and use a brass tooth brush for the metal
joints.  Then add a drop of 3-in-1 oil to each joint and work the joint back and
forth.  Unless someone has a better method of cleaningthis tool?  Then I'll
probably stick it in the back of a tool box with my other smaller folding
woodenrules and forget about it for the rest of my life.   I use a tape measure
for the big stuff.  I reach for a 25' most of the time just for the extension of
the blade.  For more precise stuff I use 6"  (I bet I have a dozen or more of
them), 9", 12" (I bet I score adozen of these too), 16", 18", or 1 meter rules.
But my favorite measuring devise is a story stick. Thanks again. chuck P.S. I'd
love to see a video of the magic way of opening a 6' folding rule.
------------------------------------------------------------------------