0-35-455 Wood Folding Rule, Brown, 2 m/15 mm

This is the traditional capenter's rule, the kind invented in Germany in 1851. I grew up with this - my parents and grandparents had it, and it was an essential part of every household toolkit, as well as of every craftsman's equipment. The bendy wobbly rolled-up metal rules commonly used in the UK these days are all right for some purposes, but useless for distances. For measuring something long - such as the dimensions of a garden bed or the length of a wall - a folding rule is much better. You just lay it flat, and it stay flat. You can even point it ahead of you, to measure a distance above ground. It's very practical. I'd been looking for a good wooden folding rule for some time. The plastic one I bought in the UK snapped the second time I used it. I came close to ordering one from Germany. When I saw this one - which looks almost exactly the same as the ones my father and grandfather had in their toolkits, not German-made but by established tool brand Stanley - I gave it a try. I'm pleased. It has the right weight, feel and construction. The joints are well made. They open smoothly and close firmly. Notes: If you haven't used a folding rule before, be aware that folding rules are stepped, not flush, with each section sloping from the 3mm of the previous one. The difference is tiny, and in terms of meters and centimeters the overall result is exact. It's not a product flaw, it's how traditional folding rules work. Builders, carpenters and craftsmen have been using this type of rule for a long time. This particular folding rule has centimeters only. But since I calculate everything in metric system (my German background) this is fine for me, and I won't confuse the readings. You may find it more practical to use a slide rule that has both centimeters and inches for easy conversion.

Neat stick with cm, m, and inches and feet

I bought this for some odd measurements at work and I'm surprised how good and accurate this ruler is. Well made. Wood is treated and folding mechanism locks firmly once open. I compered length marks to steel rule and class 1 tape measure and they are spot on. Much better them specified class 3.

Took a bit of getting used to and opening the measure but still very useful.

The depth of the rule is 16mm and the thickness 3mm. It gives a varying incorrect length of 3mm (according to a solid tape measure)therefore it is not reliable for precision work. For its small build dimensions it is made quite well, but it remains undersized and a bit floppy. Ok for measuring curtains, ie. kept in a kitchen draw, but not for trade use. I was a bit disappointed to buy mine for £6.10 only to then see it the next day for 3.99 delivered. Probably good for a seamstress, but not a carpenter.

Such a useful product for rough measurements, as well as detailed ones down to ~0.5cm scale. It is strong and very flexible, given that it is made of wood. The joints are quite well done, they don't bite, and they don't get stuck to your clothes ruining them. I broke mine when playing with my cat (not exactly the main purpose of the product) as he loves jumping up to grab it whenever I'm using it; so I got another! It is very well priced too.

Easy to store away and I can slowly open to any size or for measuring in corners.

Broke within 30 seconds of me removing from packaging. About as much use as no use!! Apart from that - quality product 👍👍