Imperial Precision Tiny T-Rule, 3 Inch

I won't waste your time repeating advertised features of this tool. If you're reading this, you probably already know about Incra quality and features. If you do NOT know, visit their website to learn more. I especially like this particular model for its small size and the way it registers so securely against two surfaces. It fits neatly into a breast pocket of my shop apron. (marking tools need to be "at hand" constantly!) Shinwa Japanese squares are also great for marking & measurement and I will always have one around. Those are better for machine set-up or marking miters. This is faster, more convenient and easier for marking all square-joinery: tenons, mortises, lap-joints etc. DESIGN: The RED aluminum "T" is easy to hold and is visible on a crowded bench. The flat-plate and symmetric WIDE "T" handle makes it rest comfortably in its pocket without dropping into the "black-hole" all my apron pockets seem to have, so it's easy to grab or replace. Because the plate is flexible, not stiff, it doesn't stab me in the ribs or puncture a kidney when I reach for things. The RED T also makes it easy to notice if I forgot to put it back in the traveling tool-box or in the shop tool-rack. THE SIZE: Most joinery (about 95%) only requires this small size. I mean really... when was the last time needed mortises or tenons larger than three inches? Unless you are timber framing, this size is better most of the time. Although I have numerous Incra tools, this is the one I use most. It's inexpensive and convenient, so I have TWO of these: one in the shop, & one for a portable tool box. BTW: These are durable! Not because they are heavy & rigid, but because they are lightweight and flexible. I have bent a couple of the bigger ones though and they still work accurately. This petite version withstands the rough & tumble environment of a portable tool-box well. If you were to drop it on cement, you might knock it out of adjustment, but the two screws make it a cinch to readjust quickly using your favorite reference square. It came perfectly square in the package and agrees with my Starrett squares and German engineer's squares. Anytime I can get a high-quality, American Made tool that's so useful with great features for a low price, it tickles my frugal bone. This is certainly in that narrow category.

Ordered the INCRA TINYT03 3-inch and the INCRA T-RULE06 6-Inch precision T-rules (different sellers) and am very impressed with both INCRA products. The precision and costruction are superb. My only request would be the inclusion of a rigid storage case. These are not something you just toss into your toolbox. But with proper care, they will last a long time. Most of the complaints I've read seem to center around the "tiny holes" and "flimsy" material. Both are necessary to preserve the precision of the instrument. You just can't accurately mark a 1/32nd increment using a standard #2 lead pencil thru a deep hole. Using a (required) 0.5 mm mechanical pencil, you can mark 2 lines 1/32nd apart and still see them as individual lines! This is incredibly difficult using a standard pencil no matter how "sharp" it is. Out of curiosity, I measured the thickness of the ruler at 0.010" using a Starrett micrometer. The ruler will never lie "perfectly flat" on its own, and it doesn't matter! In use, your fingers and the pencil will easily keep it "flat" against the work surface. Another common compaint seems to be the small writing on the ruler. There is a LOT of information being presented on the ruler, and it is very clearly ENGRAVED. Yes, it's small, and I must use my reading glasses to insert the pencil into the correct hole. But the text is all necessary and probably as big as it can be and still fit in the available space. I'm getting to be a bit old, so I don't blame the instrument - I blame my eyes. Being an "intermediate" level woodworker, my skills don't yet allow me to work to the level of precision possible with this instrument. With this ruler, I can now mark 2 perfectly parallel lines at a precise location. But for me, actually making an accurate cut along those lines - well, I'm still working on that! Overall, I'm quite impressed with the Incra T-rules and would definitely buy them again.

I was looking for a small T square for marking my garage projects. I don’t use one enough to justify a super expensive Woodpecker version and this Incra T square seemed to fit the role at a more affordable price. When I first saw just how small it is I thought it would be flimsy for sure. I was pleased to see I was wrong. Once it was assembled it was plenty sturdy for most shop uses. The only problem I have with this tool is the size of the marking holes. The holes are so fine none of my current shop pencils fits the holes. I tried it using a regular mechanical pencil. The standard .07 lead was still too big unless I rubbed it down on one side. So this tool really needs to just be sold with the specific marking pencil you need. I can make a regular pencil work but it is tedious, this tool price should just include the marking pencil you will need or get rid of the 1/64 markings and just go to 1/32 and make the holes a little bigger. I really like the size and convenience this tool can provide, just not a fan of the pencil size issue.