Rulers

A ruler, also known as a measuring rule, is an essential measuring tool in any workplace where accuracy is critical. It is widely used in fields such as geometry, technical drawing, architecture, and engineering for measuring distances and drawing straight lines.

A ruler is a flat, straight-edged instrument with evenly spaced markings etched or moulded along its length. These markings form a precise measuring scale, available in either metric or imperial units. Metric rulers are typically graduated in centimetres (cm) and millimetres (mm), while imperial rulers are marked in inches (″), allowing for accurate and consistent measurement across a wide range of applications.

RS Australia offers a comprehensive selection of rulers from trusted brands, suitable for workshops, professional environments, and technical applications. Order online today and have your ruler delivered directly to your doorstep anywhere in Australia.

How Rulers Work

Rulers are precision tools used to measure the length of an object or its edge accurately, as well as to guide the drawing, marking, or scoring of straight lines. They function by aligning a graduated scale along the surface being measured, allowing users to read dimensions directly from evenly spaced markings.

To ensure precise measurement, it is important to understand how to read the ruler’s scale correctly. For example, on a metric ruler graduated in millimetres (mm), each small division represents 1 mm, with larger markings indicating centimetres. Accurate alignment of the zero point with the object’s edge is key to obtaining reliable results.

Features & Benefits

The key features and advantages of using a ruler include:

• Permanent Markings: Etched or deeply engraved scales ensure measurements remain clear and readable throughout the ruler’s lifespan.
• Optimal Accuracy: Manufactured to defined accuracy classes, ensuring consistent and reliable measurement results.
• Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel rulers resist rust, moisture, and chemical exposure, making them suitable for use in workshops, laboratories, and harsh industrial environments.
• Durable Construction: Some rulers are designed to withstand repeated handling and heavy use on production floors, inspection benches, and industrial sites.

Applications of Rulers

Different types of rulers are used across industries depending on their material, flexibility, and level of precision. Common applications include:

• Manufacturing & Workshop Use: Rulers are widely used in workshops for layout work, marking out materials, setting dimensions, and aligning components during fabrication or assembly.
• Quality Control & Inspection: In quality assurance and inspection settings, calibrated rulers are used for dimensional checks, tolerance verification, and visual inspections. Clear, precise scales support consistent measurement and help maintain quality standards across production batches.
• Maintenance & Industrial Engineering: Flexible steel rulers are commonly used for measuring curved surfaces such as pipework, cylindrical machinery housings, and irregular components. Their flexibility allows accurate measurement without damaging surfaces or distorting results.

Rulers Types

The choice of material, size, and format determines the ruler’s suitability for different applications, from everyday measuring to industrial and workshop use.

By Size and Format

Rulers are commonly available in different lengths to suit various tasks:

• Short Rulers (150 mm): Compact and portable, ideal for carrying in toolkits or pencil cases.
• Standard Rulers (300 mm): Suitable for technical drawing, layout work, and measuring larger objects.

By Material and Construction

Type of rulers based on material and construction include the following:

• Transparent Plastic Rulers: They provide a clear view of the surface underneath, making them ideal for precise measuring, marking, and technical drawing. Their lightweight design makes them suitable for office, educational, and light-duty applications.
• Stainless Steel Rulers: These metal rulers are highly durable and ideal for workshop and industrial use. Many feature a satin chrome, anti-glare finish to ensure clear visibility of the scale under bright lighting conditions. Steel rulers are available in rigid and flexible designs and can be used not only for accurate measurement but also as guides for scoring, marking, or cutting when rigidity is required.
• Wooden Rulers: These types of rulers offer a smooth surface, clear readability, and resistance to splitting. They are well suited to light manual tasks, as they are less likely to break if dropped or subjected to repeated use.
• Flexible Rulers: They are ideal for measuring curved or irregular surfaces. They can bend to follow contours, allowing accurate measurement of circumference, length, width, or height.

How to Choose the Right Rulers

When selecting a ruler for your application, consider the following factors to ensure accuracy, durability, and suitability:

• Material and Durability: Choose a ruler made from a material that can withstand your working environment, whether it’s stainless steel for industrial use, aluminium for lightweight precision, or plastic/wood for everyday tasks.
• Flexibility and Format: Determine whether you need a rigid metric ruler for straight-line measurements or a flexible or folding ruler for measuring curves, irregular surfaces, or hard-to-reach areas.
• Marking Type: Select a ruler with clear, durable markings, preferably etched or engraved, so measurements remain legible over time and with repeated use.

Rulers Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS is a manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of rulers in Australia, offering a wide range of products for industrial, engineering, and inspection applications. Our rulers are available in multiple materials, accuracy classes, and formats, with pricing based on length, material, and precision level. Shop all types of metric and imperial rulers from trusted global brands such as Vogel, Facom and SAM. We also offer other types of measuring devices, including measuring tapes, machinist square sets, scribers, and more.

Purchasing from RS is easy and convenient with our fast delivery. For more information on our delivery options and fees, please visit our delivery page.