"Prometheus" wrote in message
news
On 15 Aug 2006 15:27:29 -0700, "Richard" wrote:

snip

Well, you look like an interesting guy when you're using one.
Generally speaking, a rule is more accurate, but I wouldn't count on a
folding bit of wood to be signifigantly better than a tape, especially
considering the stepped nature of the extended rule- if you're doing
layout work, that thing is not going to lay flat, and it doesn't make
a good straightedge.

But! If you turn the folding rule on edge it does lay flat and as I
mentioned in an ealier post,
all parallax is gone. A tape is one of the least accurate measuring devices
in my opinion.
snip
I usually use a metal 4' rule or one of my smaller cabinetmaker's rules,
and even then I get
funny looks if I'm on a jobsite.

I use a folding rule or a cabinetmakers rule, however I use story sticks
more than either.
About the only time I will use a tape is to check diagonal dimensions, and
then I turn the tape on edge for accuracy. I don't care about funny looks
when I'm working. :-)