All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(18166 products available)
Ready to Ship
Steel rulers are marking tools that come in different types and make distinct types of measurements in distinct applications. These are some common steel rulers:
Standard steel ruler
Standard steel rulers are straight-edge rulers made of stainless steel. These rulers bear markings in inches on one edge and centimeters on the other edge. Therefore, they are useful for both metric and imperial measurements. They are durable because stainless steel is rust-proof and will not wear out, making it a reliable measurement tool for the long term.
Foldable steel ruler
Foldable steel rulers, also called a 6-inch steel ruler, are portable measuring tools. They come in a collapsible design, allowing them to be easily stored as they take up little space. They are useful when taking short measurements because, when unfolded, they typically measure between 1 and 2 feet long. They are said to be versatile. Hence, they are suitable forhome, workshop, or field use.
Laser-etched steel ruler
Laser-etched steel rulers have their measurement markings lasered onto the surface of the steel. This adds to their durability as the markings are not prone to wearing off as easily as painted or printed ones. A steel yardstick ruler has its measurements marked in yards and inches,so it is ideal for use as a measuring tool in construction and woodworking.
12 inch steel ruler
As the name suggests, a 12-inch steel ruler is a straight-edge measurement tool that is usually made from stainless steel and comes with both inch and metric gradations. They are practical measurement tools because they provide the accuracy and rigidity of steel and the convenience of the 12-inch length.
Calibrated steel ruler
Calibrated steel rulers are measuring tools that bear precise, scientifically defined measurement scales on them for the most precise measurements. They are commonly made out of stainless steel. Hence, they are highly resistant to wear and corrosion, making it one of the most exact measuring tools available. A steel yardstick ruler is one of the calibrated rulers, and its long length makes it appropriate for large measurements.
Construction Industry
Steel rulers are useful in the construction industry for use in making accurate measurements of structural materials and components. Since steel is a rigid material that does not bend easily, rulers made from steel provide accurate measurement. Hence, they are essential tools for workers to take precise measurements of lengths, widths, heights, and distances to ensure structures meet their planned dimensions and specifications.
Manufacturing and machining
In manufacturing and machining, accurate measurements are critical for ensuring that parts and products fit together and function properly. Steel rulers are helpful hand tools in this process of making precise measurements and checking tolerances. Due to the durability of steel rulers, they are suitable for use in measuring hot and heavy production equipment or making measurements that are marks on machining jigs and dies. A steel yardstick ruler is helpful in this industry as it measures longer dimensions on machinery and production tools.
Automotive Industry
Steel rulers are useful in the automotive industry when the mechanical components require precise measurements for manufacturing and repair. Due to their resistance to oil and other chemicals, steel rulers are applicable when taking measurements on automotive parts and systems. They measure engine parts, transmissions, brakes, and other components.
Product Design and Engineering
In product design and engineering, accuracy plays a vital role in developing functional and reliable products. Steel rulers are useful in this industry to make the necessary measurements during the design phase. Engineers measure materials to create an effective and efficient design. They also do measurements to determine proportions or bring back measurements of old products that are required as a basis for the newer version of the product.
Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry deals with the production of aircraft, space vehicles, and their components. These machines are complex mechanical systems that require an exceedingly high level of accuracy during manufacture. Steel rulers are manufactured to these demands because of their precision in making measurements for parts and assemblies. Just like mechanical calipers, steel rulers are important when designing such sensitive equipment as aerospace equipment.
Material
Steel rulers are usually made of stainless steel because of its rigidity and resistance to rust and corrosion. This property makes it appropriate for use in a workshop and outdoors.
Length and graduation
Steel rulers come in various lengths; the most common are 6 inches, 12 inches, and 24 inches (or 1 foot, 2 feet, and 3 feet). Rulers such as the 3-foot metal yard stick are normally marked in both inches and centimeters for both imperial and metric systems. The graduations are typically 1/16 inch for precise work measuring in inches.
Edge and straightness
Steel rulers have a sharp edge that is used for making accurate lines in drafting. They are designed with a high degree of straightness because this is necessary for achieving precision in measurements.
End markings
For outside measurements, steel rulers bear notches or chamfered ends in mark graduations that allow them to be precisely placed on the work surface.
Placement
For any measurement, the straight edge of the steel ruler should first be placed against the material, making sure the zero mark is at the starting point of the measurement.
Measurement
After placement, the desired measurement should be read at the closest graduation mark for accuracy.
Marking
When cutting or drawing a line, a sharp pencil or blade should be used along the edge of the steel ruler.
Cleaning
It is important to clean steel rulers after they have been used to remove dust, debris, or any other material.
Prevention of rust
As much as most steel rulers are made from stainless steel, older and weaker models should constantly be wiped clean with a dry cloth. Occasionally, they should also be rubbed with a light oil to guard against rust.
Check for straightness
Rulers such as the 35 cm steel ruler are usually very durable. However, it is important to check for wear and damage over time. Any dents or bends will cause measurement inaccuracies, hence a need for replacement.
Calibration
If the ruler was used heavily, the user should ensure its accuracy by checking the markings against a known standard or another ruler.
Steel rulers come in various lengths, the most common being 6 inches, 12 inches, and 24 inches. However, lengths can be adjusted to specific requirements. For instance, opt for a steel ruler 36 inches long for large measurements or a compact 6-inch for smaller tasks.
Stainless steel is the dominant material used in making steel rulers because of its strength and resistance to rust. Nevertheless, other metals can be used to manufacture rulers as well. Titanium steel is highly impact-resistant, while carbon steel is rigid and finely edged.
Steel rulers mainly differ in the spacing of their measurement graduations. Some are marked in imperial units by inches, while others are spaced in metric units by millimeters. A majority of steel rulers bear both systems for convenience. Special laser-etched work rulers have more accuracy because the graduations are permanently etched into the material.
Steel rulers are given different finishes. Polishing provides the ruler with a shiny surface, while brushing gives it a rough feel and look. Bright finish rulers are well-suited for aesthetics and work environments where cleanliness is necessary. Matte-finish rulers, on the other hand, are less slippery.
Steel rulers have different edge types. The sharp edge type is intended for use in precise work, such as drafting or cutting. It is also chamfered to enhance precise placement. An angled edge is easier to use to hold the ruler in place when making measurements because it provides a better grip. Bell end edges are rounded with a graduation line across them to improve their durability.
Users can add accouterments such as hanging holes in the end of a ruler or attach a built-in level and handle a folding ruler. Built-in levels help make the ruler a measuring and leveling tool, which is extremely useful when taking measurements in a level position. Folding rulers also have a locking mechanism that helps secure the ruler at a defined length for easy storage.
A1: The major difference between a steel ruler and a measuring tape is where a steel ruler is rigid, and a tape is flexible. Steel rulers are made for precise measurements and where the surface demands straight edges. Steel rulers provide more accuracy in working conditions than tape. Measuring tapes are adaptable in work environments where there are curves and spaces.
A2: Yes, steel rulers are appropriate for outdoor use, especially because they are made of rust-resistant stainless steel. Thus, they are not affected by moisture or environmental elements. Since they are rigid, they hold their accuracy in measurement even in harsh working conditions, which makes them work in different industries.
A3:Cleaningaftereachuseandensuringthatitisoncallyinstoredhelpinmaintainingitsaccuracyaswellasmeasuringitscalibrationbystandingaradmuststandardhelpskeepitaccurateovertim.
Rotating or servicing a commonly used ruler, ensuring it is free of debris or dust, and sometimes applying a light coat of oil for protection are all ways that help preserve a ruler's accuracy. Calibration against known standards periodically helps maintain accuracy in specific applications.
A4: Steel rulers are, indeed, customized for specific industries. Another example is in the construction industry, where long, tough-edged rulers with level vials are used. Special laser-etched work rulers offer high-resolution measurements for precision engineering tasks. Rulers are made of corrosion-resistant materials for marine work environments.
A5: The machining workload demands a steel yardstick or 30 cm steel ruler with a fine graduation, rust-resistant-quality, rigid, and high-precision laser-etched ruler. A rigid ruler stays accurate under pressure. Laser-etched graduations increase precision. Lastly, stainless or other corrosion-resistant materials keep the ruler functional in challenging environments.
