Question for Ernest DuBois (AKA Ernest of the Wood)

J

John A. Larsen

Joined
Jan 15, 2001
Messages
3,772
Watching various videos of men in Europe using froes to make shingles and other videos of knife makers, I note that they often or usually use a folding ruler, while in the USA it is normally a Tape measure, the kind with a metal tape that you pull out of metal container, and lock into place, and which will retract into the housing when you are done. Is there some historical reason why so many Europeans use a folding ruler? Thanks, John
 
I think you are right that this folding rule predominates in many places in Europe, at least I have also seen it most frequently used in particular in Sweden and Germany as well here in the Netherlands. In fact on the one big job I've worked on with carpenters from different countries I have no memory of seeing one of these retractables even.
For the most part it is simply a matter of tradition, many woodworkers maintaining a more or less conservative attitude. The folding rule is a revision of a simple stick marked with critical measurements usually individuated per job since it's a way of measuring that predates standardized units.
But for a big part is also a matter of precision, the fixed unit more reliable that the flexible. Plus with your folding rule you don't have that hook at the end that needs accounting for when making your mark, this I always find a real irritation. In fact I remember it well that in furniture making school use of the tape measure was particularly discouraged. And I even have a funny anecdote from the time when, me being fresh off the boat and fearing the demise of the folding rule was imminent in the face of globalization's infectious influence, I purchased a hand full of these rules so I was sure to have my lifetime's supply, which I still have, just in case, you know.
But these things also do not exist in isolation, for example the pants I wear have their special accommodation for holding these rules. Unfortunately for me this pocket is without exception always on the right side and I happen to be a lefty, in a radical way so I can never get used to whipping out the rule right-handed and therefore always have to reach across in order to grab hold.
I will say this in addition. When I came here to live I'd had a modest collection of tools brought with me to include my Luftkin 8 meter tape measure. Well last year or so it finally gave out and I had to reluctantly dump it in the trash but still my faithful "duimstock" is giving me reliable measurements and it's looking like it will even outlast my eyes ability to keep reading it.
 
Last edited:
Ernest, thank you for the explanation, makes perfect sense. Glad you got some extra folding rulers so you will never run out of them! Now that I check, apparently the pocket on the side of my around the home Duluth Hardware trousers has a pocket for the folding ruler. Guess I had better go look for one! John
 
John A. Larsen said:
Ernest, thank you for the explanation, makes perfect sense. Glad you got some extra folding rulers so you will never run out of them! Now that I check, apparently the pocket on the side of my around the home Duluth Hardware trousers has a pocket for the folding ruler. Guess I had better go look for one! John
Click to expand...
Probably my fears were unfounded and the tape measure will prove to be a passing trend, at least within a segment. I haven't noticed many willing to part ways and the folders are still widely accessible. The Carhart I used to take were also similarly foreseen, even though the intent behind its pocket was doubtless something other than holding a rule, but these are a worthless piece of attire, falling apart within the year or so, so I was happy to find a shop not to far with traditional French largeot or alternatively the moleskins, favorite of the compagnons/wandergesellen of the guilds. But, availability does vary depending on locations.
 
Last edited:
My father used a folding rule up until the early 80's when he hired some help to put rafters on a larger house he was building. The help my father had hired was a great guy, and very knowledgeable as well, he was just impatient. While watching my dad layout a pattern for another set of rafters on the second day, he grabbed my dad's ruler and threw it as far as he could and handed him his Stanley PowerLock and said keep it, I'll get another!
 
Most of my construction apprenticeship was served with older tradesman who invariably carried a folding rule and usually a steel retractable. I ended up typically carrying both because each has their place. I typically use a retractable for rough framing and linear trim pieces. I have a definite preference for a folding rule when laying out and installing door hardware.
 
My father was an electrician and he often used a folding rule. This was in the 60's and early 70's. Back then the folding rules could extend further without collapsing than metal tapes. The Stanley Fatmax is great for that now but they are kinda fat to carry. I don't like them for that reason. My favorite for 35 years has been the Stanley 25' Powerlock. They put a 30' in the same case now but these are more likely to jam up with a little dirt than the 25' is.

The hook on modern tapes is designed to move forward and back to compensate for the thickness of the hook when either butting against an object or hooking on an object. I've tested many Stanley's and Klein's and found them to measure accurately. Some cheap tapes don't.

Steel long tapes, 50'-100', are more accurate than the plastic landscape tapes. Those plastic one's stretch over time.
 
I buy lever locks, and always the smallest that will do. I'm usually caring a 16' lever lock and a laser. But that's just what works for my situation. Naturally I have a bucket full of 32's as well.

I picked up the preference for lever lock when i was doing that custom cabinetry. They journeyman carpenter who was teaching me told me that's what I was going to buy, so I did. The preference stuck!

The laser is pretty useful for writing up estimates quickly. I'm often ordering hundreds of feet of product, they've been a real revelation. I use a Bosch with a bevy of features I don't use. Just length and the inclinometer. Lots of limitations with the laser, but for distance they're just great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top