WHAT KIND OF MEASURING TOOLS?

[zzmikeg]

Hello Leather People

I keep thinking that a 2x3" inch or 3x4"  inch (mini?) steel square would come in handy.  I know it depends on what's being measured and all that, but I mean in general.  Does anyone use one of these?

Also - Now that I'm thinking about it, can we do a sort of "impromptu" poll on what folks use to measure out their projects? I'm still a newb and trying everything to see what works, or is most practical.

So far I have a 6, 12, 18 inch ruler, combination square, square, tape measure, compass, but I keep wondering about one of those mini squares.

Thanks in advance!

[wizard of tragacanth]

For measuring, I often use a transparent orange, plastic 12" ruler, and for cutting, I use a cork-backed 12" stainless steel ruler.

I have a 48" stainless steel ruler, to cut the long straight edge that I need for a strap cutter.

I don't need a square because I don't make anything square, in leather. Maybe some day though, I will make a wallet.

nick

[Grumpymann]

I have and use 5 different kinds of transparent grid rulers all with a 0 point in center. 2 are 2 inches wide, a 24 inch and a 12 inch. 2 are 1 inch wide 12 inch and a 3 inch. And the last is 1 1/2 inch wide and 8 inches long square. Those are my main ones. About 3 to 4 dollars American. https://www.amazon.com/Westcott-12-Inch-Beveled-Transparent-B-70/dp/B001THRMGS/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt5zsBRD8ARIsAJfI4Bi1tcGsS2RD9TorVDcpMVhbjk5rrOQtFe_xR6_xi8HxnsRbAp8xewYaAvJcEALw_wcB&hvadid=174210550008&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=1024620&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=7139902621506263621&hvtargid=aud-647006051489%3Akwd-150120118857&hydadcr=24657_9648987&keywords=plastic+grid+ruler&qid=1569149221&s=gateway&sr=8-3 . I also have a cork backed steel one 12 inches, a 24 inch steel ruler and finally a 48 inch ruler for when I really want to get my measuring on.

[mike02130]

I recently bought that exact square.  I really like it for squaring up straps and handles.  

[battlemunky]

I use a Johnson square, an Olfa quilters thingy, an aluminum meter stick (for longer runs), and a steel ruler (metric and imperial units on each side). I put non-slip tape on them so they don't move, all except the Olfa thingy since it is frosted and doesn't move anyhow.

 

 

Edited September 22, 2019 by battlemunky
fixed pic upload

[battlemunky]

That quilter's square thingy was a great addition to the measuring toolbox.

[zzmikeg]

Thanks for all the great input.

[Tugadude]

Do yourself a favor and buy a clear centering ruler.  Mine also has hole spacing guides on it.

[zzmikeg]

2 hours ago, Tugadude said:

Do yourself a favor and buy a clear centering ruler.  Mine also has hole spacing guides on it.

Tugadude,

To my chagrin I've seen but have never really known, or thought about, what a centering ruler really  was until now. And holy crap, I'll be doing myself a HUGE favor by getting one.  Thanks for that.

[Tugadude]

Yes, happy to help.  They are great for centering snaps on things and pretty much any time you need to keep an even margin on both sides of a component.