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Printers and machinest use hook rules. Starrett will make them, probably quite expensive. PEC makes them (Taytools website and Amazon), and Woodpeckers has a version. Probably others, too. Check the tick marks, some may measure in 10th/100ths vs the 1/16" type fractions.
I've got "regular" PEC 6" and 12" metal rules from Taytools (or was that the Harry Epstein website? Another fun site to peruse.). They are black bodies with white etched markings. I like this, the white ticks are very easy to see and concentrate on, esp. at the 1/32" mark. $9.95 (non-hook, but black body), a discount price due to a mfr. blemish that you'll not see.
"Utilitas products are not the same as Veritas, though they are related.
Utilitas is described as the "down-market" or "not Veritas" brand used by Lee Valley for products that don't meet the strict criteria for the premium Veritas brand. These criteria include being a novel design (not copied), made in North America, and designed by Lee Valley, according to the Sawmill Creek Woodworking Community.
Veritas represents Lee Valley's premium line of products, generally adhering to the aforementioned criteria.
Therefore, while both Utilitas and Veritas products are associated with Lee Valley, Veritas denotes a higher standard based on specific design and manufacturing principles. "
So perhaps there was a name change because the design is not novel. Though I do think my Veritas rulers are excellent.
I like the look of the Lee Valley ones. I’m not sure I need one myself at the moment. But if that changes I *should be able to make one like that below using a standard rule? Just as well as apparently they aren’t available over here.
* Stainless rules can be a bit difficult to drill at times without a carbide drill.
I've cut small holes in stainless, in HSS, and in hardened tool steel, not by drilling, but by basically grinding with small diamond burrs in a Dremel. Not very precise but works.
For my eyes the easiest to read scale is the Starrett satin chrome. I've not found anything comparable except for Shinwa. I can't tell the difference and the Shinwa is a lot cheaper. It's a old time Japanese company. Lee Valley sells them as do others. I did find a hook rule made by them at Amazon UK. You might check em out.
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