Looking for an accurate, high quality folding rule.

[scott vroom]

Any recommendations?

[Mike Kreinhop]

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but I got rid of all my folding rules and replaced them with a pair of these BMI Class II aluminum rules:

https://www.bmi.de/en/products-gauges-workshop-measurement-961-black-silver-division.php

There is also a black on silver version:

https://www.bmi.de/en/products-gauges-workshop-measurement-961-silver-black-division.php

[scott vroom]

Hi Mike,

How do they work? From the pic it looks like they fold? I should have mentioned that I need the ability to take accurate inside dimensions.

Thanks-

[Mike Kreinhop]

Scott,

These are 2-meter folding rules, but I think BMI also makes a folding rule in mm/inches. They function identically to every folding rule I've used.

The EC Class II has a tolerance of 2.3mm over 10 meters. The EC Class I has a tolerance of 1.1mm over 10 meters, but I have never seen a Class I folding rule.

[lowell holmes]

I have this rule from Lowes.

It is a good one.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lufkin-Ruler/1210209

If you look for them, they make a 96" rule as well.

[Paul F Franklin]

Lee Valley has some that look interesting, but I have no experience with them.....

[Von Bickley]

I have this rule from Lowes.

It is a good one.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lufkin-Ruler/1210209

If you look for them, they make a 96" rule as well.

That is what I use... Works for me.

[Derek Cohen]

Rather than a folding rule, how about a rolled up rule?


https://www.bmi.de/en/img/products/pocket-tapes/429-BMImeter/429-BMImeter-1.jpg

These are stiff enough to extend and also to scribe against.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[George Bokros]

The rule Lowell cites from Lowes will do internal measurements, I have two of them.

[Robert Engel]

I think any of them will work, just use it throughout the project.

I would mention in ww'ing (as opposed to machining) repeatability/consistency is more important than an absolute measurement (or do I mean precision need to ask Brian Holcomb LOL).

[scott vroom]

Mike, I Googled BMI 961 MFS and came up blank. Where did you purchase yours?

Scott



Scott,

These are 2-meter folding rules, but I think BMI also makes a folding rule in mm/inches. They function identically to every folding rule I've used.

The EC Class II has a tolerance of 2.3mm over 10 meters. The EC Class I has a tolerance of 1.1mm over 10 meters, but I have never seen a Class I folding rule.

[Mark Hockenberg]

Hi Scott,

I have a good folding ruler and for whatever reason I never reach for it. Sometimes I'll put a piece of blue tape along the inside measurement, make a random mark, then measure from both sides with a ruler or tape I trust and add. I know it's not an elegant solution, but way better than using a tape measure end to end.

I also use a laser measure: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006XA7HOI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's supposed to be good to 1/16" - I'm going to test this tonight and see. Quick and easy for sure, but maybe not accurate enough for cabinet work.

Cheers,
Mark

[Frank Pratt]

Rather than a folding rule, how about a rolled up rule?
These are stiff enough to extend and also to scribe against.

Regards from Perth

Derek



Derek, those look like they are crossing the line between rule & tape. How easily do they roll back up? Does the tab on the end move to compensate for inside/outside measurements? I like the compactness & lightness of it.

[Derek Cohen]

Frank, think of these as a rolled up rule. The tab is fixed, unlike a tape measure. They look like a tape measure, but they lie flat rather than become hollowed. You can stretched them out straight. They are stiff enough to write against. When you release the tension lever, they spring out. They are pushed back into a coil. Stainless steel, by the way.

They come in 2m and 3m lengths.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_dVHvOXMWg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Frank Pratt]

Thanks Derek. I found a place in Canada that sells them and am going to try one out.

[Mike Kreinhop]

Mike, I Googled BMI 961 MFS and came up blank. Where did you purchase yours?

Scott

Hi Scott,

I live in Germany, and these are readily available from dozens of vendors. I bought my from and Amazon.de vendor, but I can't find any U.S. vendors who carry them.

[Bradley Gray]

Another Lufkin fan - I've had the same 2 for 45 years, usually have one of them in my back pocket. One has a folding hook like a tape measure. I think Highland Hardware sells them.

I really need a new one - 1"-7" are getting worn. (I use the flip side)