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?