Measured Words

One joy of rule collecting and research comes from an unexpected discovery. This Stanley #18 2FT 2Fold special is a first for rule collectors.  (See Figure 1)

The special rule has a 3/8 diameter round joint. I believe the joint was used to lower the cost of production. It would also make the rule very fragile and it would have had a short life in the school shop. (See Figure 2)

The #29 catalogue rule has the same configurations but the joint is 1/2  inch in diameter and made of heavier brass. So why the small round joint???? (See Figure 3)

The #18 2foot 2 fold standard catalogue rule has a square main joint.  This rule was commonly called a School Rule. It was Stanley’s best selling and cheapest 2 foot 2fold ruler.

As always the research in this article  may not be exhaustive. I encourage any and all to contact me with additional information or speculation about the origin and history of Stanley Special or Custom Rules. Scott Lynk  802-877-3775