General Tools 1201ME 12-Inch Flex Precision Stainless Steel Ruler

Very accurate and sturdy

I had been using those wood and plastic rulers I found at the Supermarket. Those things break. This one should last me a long time. It is thinner than I expected and that is good, because it is flexible and it bends. I broke a cheap wooden ruler with a metal edge by using it as a punch to put creases in a cardboard box I was making, so I can fold the box along the creases. Then I figured I should be using a metal ruler to do that instead. This one does not work well as a punch either because it is so thin, so I bought another metal ruler that is thicker and stiff (non-bending) but cheaper, and that worked. I will use this one as a ruler, not a punch.

It works as intended I used it to measure around spheres about the size of bowling balls. It's somewhat stiff so it's a little hard to bend, hopefully over time it'll soften up a bit. Price was cheap so I bought it, plus being made out of metal made it durable and having all those graduations made it worth while to me.

This is a great tool for taking accurate measurements and making accurate marks on all kinds of work projects. I especially like the flexible aspect of this tool I also like the divisions all the way to the 1/64 th of an inch. It also has metric measurements in mm. Great shop tool I use mine in my woodworking business daily.

I really like this rule. It is accurate, well made and I like the 1/16 inch marking. I'm really happy that it is still made in America!

The General 1201ME is always in my pocket. It's highly flexible, but holds its shape (it returns to straight even after years of daily use, and abuse). The markings are clear, crisp, and permanently etched into the steel. I teach log home construction ( Log Construction Manual: The Ultimate Guide to Building Handcrafted Log Homes ), and build log homes, and for drawing straight lines on curved surfaces this ruler just can't be beat (and I've tried a lot of rulers--including the ones from expensive tool companies). It's also a great way to probe into tight spots (finding nails, hangups in the fit . . . .) I don't know what kind of spring steel they use for this, but General has been producing this gem for decades, and other rulers don't come close. Author, Log Construction Manual

I've owned a succession of rulers that I disliked for one reason or another. I bought one of these awhile back and really like it because: 1. It's thin, allowing you to lay it on paper, wood, etc., and be able to place your marks very precisely; 2. It has some flexibility allowing it to follow a curved surface (like a warped board); 3. It has both English and metric markings; 4. Millimeters are at the top of one side, which I like for many things because it's easier to work with 162 mm than 6 7/16", for example) 5. It has a handy hole at the end for hanging; 6. The markings are dark and easy to read; 7. It's inexpensive :-)

Used my last one until the fill on the digits wore off and that took a few years. Actually, I still use it. I just wanted an extra so I'd always have one on hand. I fight people over both of them at the work place. Very easy to read, perfect consistency... I think I really like this ruler...