Straight Edge or Rule? How to Choose the Right Tool
Buy the least expensive tool that will do the job reliably. If you mainly need to measure, buy a rule. If the line itself has to be dependable, buy a straight edge with…
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Straight edge buying guides
Our guides explain how to choose a straight edge: the length you need, how accurate it should be, which material to go for and how to compare prices. Each one finishes with the straight edge we’d recommend.
What Length Straight Edge Do I Need?
Choose the shortest straight edge that covers your longest regular line in one pass. Every time you move a straight edge part-way through a line, you add another…
Read the guide →How Accurate Should a Straight Edge Be?
Buy the accuracy the job needs, not the most impressive number. For rough layout, a rule with no stated straightness is often fine. For dependable marking, cutting and…
Read the guide →Choosing a Straight Edge for Metalwork, Fabrication and Machine Set-up
For marking, scribing and fabrication, choose a rigid steel workshop straight edge with a published tolerance. For machine set-up and inspection that must be measured or…
Read the guide →How to Choose a Straight Edge for Cutting
For hand-guided knife and scoring work, choose a purpose-designed safety straight edge that protects your fingers, grips the work and has a published straightness…
Read the guide →Steel, Aluminium, Stainless or Plastic Straight Edge?
No material is best for every job. Choose carbon steel for weight and a hard-wearing edge, aluminium for low weight and long lengths, stainless steel for corrosion…
Read the guide →Can You Use a Straight Edge to Check Flatness?
Yes: for practical checks. A rigid workshop straight edge with a stated tolerance will show visible bow, gaps or misalignment when you place it on a surface with a light…
Read the guide →Best Straight Edge for the Money: How to Compare Price and Value
The best-value straight edge is the lowest-cost class of tool that meets your real requirement. If an error would only affect appearance, buy economically. If it would…
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