Starrett Spring Tempered Steel Rule, 6" Length, 4R Grad, 3/64" Thick

Precise and handy. Very legible. Little expensive but worth the money if you are looking for a quality made 6 inch machinist ruler. Highly recommend Starrett, old and established company.

I'm an artist and craftsperson, so I'm fussy about my rulers. This is probably the nicest ruler I've ever owned. It is expensive, but it has a nice weight, is easy to read, the markings don't wear off, and 0 IS AT THE END OF THE RULER! So many similar brands have a space between zero and the end of the ruler, which makes them useless for things like measuring the depth of a furniture mortise. Plus Starrett is known for it's measurement accuracy, so I've no doubts on that front. I feel confident this is a ruler that will last a lifetime.

This rule purchase was a replacement for my well used Starrett rule which was lost. I looked for that old rule everywhere, 3 or 4 times. Ordered a new one as soon as I accepted the fact it was gone.* I'm a hobby machinist making small steam engines (see Elmer Verburg) and use that 6" rule more than any other measuring tool in my box. I don't do much scribed lay-out work but usually use an edge finder to locate the mill tooling over the work piece and use the graduated hand wheels to move the table/work piece as needed. The rule is precise and so readable to be able to double check the tool location before starting a tooling operation. With a little care this is a tool that will last a lifetime and the modest price will start to fade from memory the moment you pick it up. *That lost rule was found but don't regret for a second having 2 of them. One at work and another for the bench at home.

Just as described in the listing. Starrett is one of the few premier tool makers left. It’s absolutely flawless, no other way to explain it. Easy to read, especially the 1/64” side. It comes with a thin plastic sheath to help protect it in the toolbox. The main thing I was worried about was how they would package it (arriving bent) and fortunately it was placed in a considerably large box with plenty of cushion. It also arrived same-day as advertised.

Why pay three (or more) times of the cost of this 6" rule over other models? Because it's the last rule you'll ever buy. In fact, this rule seems identical to the same rule my grandfather had in his shop. Starrett hasn't skimped on quality and so the price of this is probably the same (inflation adjusted) as when he got his! There are 4 scales on this: 1/8, 1/16 and on the reverse side, 1/32 and 1/64. These latter scales are "quick read" because they are marked to tell you how many 1/32 and 1/64 inches you have. Of course, the "zero inch" mark starts at the edge of the study, non-flexing piece of steel. Perfect for when you butt your workpiece up to a fence and want to measure. You even have two scales (1/32) on the ends of the rule to allow for measuring in tight places. Most importantly, you can feel every single gradation on this rule by touch since the markings aren't printed, but actually etched into the steel. As a result, they are a permanent part of the rule, even if solvent or oils drip on it. The overall finish is non-reflecting, so you won't be blinded by glare when you measure under a light. Finally, the rule comes in a simple plastic sleeve to protect it against gentle abuse when tossed in a tool box or bag. Yes, these details sound small in a review, but they are, in fact, highly important in the shop. My grandfather knew this. And I do, too!

The Side rule is so useful. i wish i didn't lose these so much. 7 in 10 years. under cabinets, maybe in walls... no reason to think i wont buy an 8th.

This is a solidly constructed rule with well defined (easy to read) markings. A lot of rules in the same category as the Starrett model C604RE are either a mixture of standard and metric or 10ths and 100ths of an inch markings. I chose this rule because it is standard on both sides and does not include 10/100ths, which I don't need. One side is 1/8th & 1/16th inch markings and the other side contains 1/32nd & 1/64th markings. This rule does not see heavy use, so, constructed as solidly as it is, will probably last a lifetime.

All the foremans and experienced journeymans use Starrett. They don’t rely on anything less. So I follow their example and have been pleasantly surprised. I tried engraving my name on it, I failed with hand tools and razors. Needed a dremel to mar the steel. It’s hard and flexible. Even with a dremel, the line was very fine, just enough to see my initials. I’m a big guy, I’ve sat on it when it was in my back pocket several times. Didn’t bend, just flexed and when I grab it to use it, it’s perfectly strait. Worth the money to me.

A great product, like all their tools are!

Custom sheet metal Quick reference for precise measurements

I like this. Quite suitable for my needs. Good quality. Starrett never fails to deliver on quality

Really straight!

Put your name on it so no one steals it, Handy tool