OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

265862 CheekyGeek <cheekygeek@g...> 2018‑05‑17 Re: Use of zig zag rules
I agree with Ken, but we have to remember that there are Zig-Zag rules with
and without the Narrow brass 6” slide-out rule. It is those with THAT
feature that I find particularly useful. I've got a Stanley Sweetheart
aluminum one around somewhere that lacks that feature.

The other thing I have not seen mentioned yet, is that the longer ones were
supposed to allow you to measure something out away from you, where a metal
tape measure would break and drop.
This may be less true with some rules today (YMMV).

I seem to also recall seeing my dad use one as a square (folding it into a
right triangle). Not sure if I'm remembering that properly or how he did
it. By my calculations, a right triangle with a 4:5:6 ratio doesn't
translate to a 6' folding rule.
Seems like there was a book totally on Folding or Zig Zag rules out there
by Astragal Press, but I have no idea if they are still around or what the
title might have been.

Darren Addy
Kearney, NE

On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 2:23 PM, Ken Shepard  wrote:

> I find zigzags really useful because you can take a measurement and
> transfer directly to the piece to be cut without having to remember the
> actual dimension - a considerable advantage considering my memory.  Also,
> they are much better for inside measurements than a tape which makes them
> particularly good for trim work.  My favorite is a Starrett with the
> extension.
>
> Ken
>
> On Thu, May 17, 2018 at 12:27 AM Chuck Taylor via OldTools <
> oldtools@s...> wrote:
>
> > Esteemed Gentle Galoots,
> >
> > Bill Webber's thread about zig zag rules raised a question for me:  Does
> > anybody actually use a zig zag rule? For what application?
> >
> > I have several zig zag rules but most times find myself reaching for a
> > tape measure instead. Or a 2-foot folding rule.
> >
> > Chuck Taylor
> > north of Seattle
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> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> https://oldtools.swingleydev.com/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
> To read the FAQ:
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Recent Bios FAQ