Reader JeffD sent us another tip, this time about Wiha’s MaxiFlex folding rulers. These rulers are chemical, water, scratch, and impact resistant with deep embossed measurement scales. They’re also flexible and won’t rust or kink.
Jeff points out that the #61601 ruler is a particular good buy. Aptly described as the perfect tackle box ruler, the #61601 ruler is 39″/1 meter long with 1/16″ and 1mm/cm increments, and folds down to a pocket and toolbox-friendly 5″ x 1/2″ x 3/4″. This model is also currently on sale for half price ($3.83).
Wiha says their rulers are nearly indestructible while being tough yet flexible. Personally I think that’s a bit modest, but I’m also sure that someone trying to break one of these rulers could probably succeed.
Wiha 616 Series of Flexible Folding Rulers
Thanks again, Jeff, for the great tip! Once again, you’ve added to my tool wishlist!
I have a couple folding rulers handed down to me from my dad. I’ve used them in the past but there must be some special circumstances that make a folding ruler shine. What are the most common uses?
I would use that to discipline my kids.
A folding rule is rigid at lengths a tape measure might slack, and are nearly impervious to dirt, dust, and debris that could otherwise jam up a tape measure.
These flexible ones look like they’d be great for conditions you wouldn’t take an ordinary tape measure, such as on a fishing boat.
Ordinary folding carpenter rulers (wooden and/or flexible ones) are also MUCH easier to transfer measurements from. Furthermore, they can also be used to measure inside corner measurements that a tape measure just cannot conform to.
We use folding rules in geotechnical engineering (soil test boring, monitoring wells, etc.) and construction inspection, due to the amount of soil we deal with and ease of use. Its much easier to measure the depth of hole, check grade from a stake, and check rebar spacing or form dimensions with a folding rule. I see foundation drillers using them as for the same reason. I personally hate retractable tape measures for that kind of work. Too bad the Wiha rules are in inches and not engineering units like feet, tenths, and hundreths.