Folding rules & tape measures
Folding rules & tape measures
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE METER RODS AND RULES
Depending on the application, the Material of the scale can be relevant. We therefore offer folding rules in wood, plastic and metal. There are also metre rules in different lengths. From the pure metre rule with a length of 1 m to the most common length of 2 metres. Originally designed as an inflexible measuring stick, the use of links made it possible to fold it up into small dimensions and take it with you on the go. As the inch was the leading unit of measurement in the English-speaking world at this time, the term folding rule also became established - which professionals do not appreciate. Metre rule, yardstick or folding rule are the preferred terms.
What should you look out for when buying a metre rule?
Measuring rods are available in many variations, so it can be a challenge to find the right one. Plastic metre sticks are more flexible and bendable, which can of course be advantageous, but the wood version is most commonly used in the trade. Wood rulers are more robust and are usually coated to protect them from the sun, abrasion and moisture. This means that the scale can be read for longer. Working to an exact angle is of course also important for many crafts. While it has become the norm for the links to lock at 180°, many metre sticks, such as the Hultafors fibreglass metre stick, also have a lock at 90° angles.
Metre sticks are sold in different lengths, so you should be aware of what length you need from the outset. The standard is a two metre metre rule, but there are also metre rule lengths and longer.
Even though the term folding rule has become rather uncommon due to the introduction of metric units of measurement, there are special metre rulers that have the metric dimensions stamped on one side and in inches on the other. These are mostly used by carpenters or joiners. However, most metre rules are printed with the metric scale on both sides.
How accurate are metre sticks?
Length measuring tools are categorised into three accuracy classes in accordance with European Directive 2014/32/EU:
| Accuracy class | Measuring tolerance |
|---|---|
| III | +/- 1.4 mm to 2 m |
| II | +/- 0.7 mm over 2 m |
| I | +/- 0.3 mm over 2 m |
Accuracy class I is mainly used for measuring rods made of wood or plastic. Accuracy class II is used for measuring rods made of aluminium or special plastic and the third class is mainly used for laser length measuring devices and roller tape measures.
How can you measure angles with a metre rule?
If you don't have a protractor to hand and need to measure the angle of a workpiece, you can also do this with a metre rule. Some metre rules have a scale for measuring angles next to their joints or along the limbs. If this is not the case for you, we will show you how you can measure angles without such a scale. Fold the front two consecutive links together so that they form a triangle. Now align the edge of the folding rule to 67.7 cm to create a right angle at the top of the triangle. If you need other angles, use the following table as a guide:
| Angle size | Point of the metal edge |
|---|---|
| 22,5° | 47.3 cm |
| 30° | 49.6 cm |
| 45° | 54.6 cm |
| 60° | 59.3 cm |
| 67,5° | 61.6 cm |
| 90° | 67.7 cm |
If you want to be as precise as possible, you should still use a protractor.
What information is on a metre rule?
All the necessary information can be found on the first link of the scale. You will find the most important information in the following graphic.
Matériau du manche length measuring devices
A tape measure is suitable for measuring work that requires more ergonomics. These usually correspond to accuracy class I and are available in various lengths. There is no standard length here and can therefore extend to lengths of up to 5 metres. As the measuring tape is rolled up in a housing, the roller tape measure is a very compact measuring device. Telescopic measuring rods are often used for bricklaying work. These have two extendable rails as a special feature. These make it possible to measure lengths far beyond the 2 metres of a normal measuring rod.
