You can find larger versions of the images on this review where it was originally posted on my blog:

http://officesupplygeek.com/desk-accessories/inauguration-day-and-a-new-ruler/

Just click on the smaller pics there to see the full size.


Here we are on Inauguration Day with a brand new ruler. This is a ruler that gives us the hope of getting rid of an old ineffective ruler, while bringing the change of a new, more thoughtful and effective ruler. When I look at this new ruler I do my best not to see any color because I’ve always thought that color doesnt matter at all, it is really the results that you get from the ruler that really matter. We have 4 years to see what kinds of results we will have to measure this ruler against, so in the mean time lets just jump right into the reason we are here….its a ruler review if you have not figured that part out yet.




So I am sure that some of you are thinking “A review of a ruler?! What a stupid idea.” and to be honest with you, if I had never used this ruler before, I would be right there with you in that thought. This is one of those items that you really just need to use to realize the full effect of how much easier it can make your work. I don’t find myself doing as much data entry these days as I did when I first started out after graduating from school, but the few times I have, this ruler has been a life saver.


As you can see from the next picture the majority of the ruler is clear but the important part here is the translucent yellow stripe that runs the length of the ruler, with the surrounding red border. This yellow stripe is pretty much the perfect size to highlight a row of data that has been printed out using the standard width for an Excel spreadsheet. If you have ever spent any amount of time with a ruler and a printed spreadsheet, you really owe it to yourself to get this ruler. To me, the thing that speaks best to the benefits of this ruler is the fact that I had it stolen off my desk at work, and know one other person who had the same thing happen…luckily these can be found at your local Staples, Office Depot, or Office Max for about $3.00, so you might want to grab more than one. Also, I believe that the original manufacturer for these is Westcott, and they just rebrand them for all of the major stores.

Enjoy your new ruler America.

8)

Though I see the humour in your posting.....an interesting play on words, for sure, it reminded me of something.

My ruler of choice, 9 times out of 10, is a C-thru brand flexible clear plastic ruler. They come in both 6 inch and 12 inch versions....otherwise identical. Here's a link to a site that shows a partial pic:

http://www.office1000.com/data/c-thrurulerco/18CTR.html

I've seen the 12 inch ones at Michael's craft stores, and you may be able to find them in other like places. The 6 inch, though, is much harder to find. I finally ordered some through a college book store last fall, so got a few extras to have on hand. I've also gotten the 36" metal C-thru brand ruler as well, which is nice for longer work that you still need a bit of flex, though not as much as the plastic rulers.

What's wonderful about the 6 and 12 flexies is how useful they are. Since they are clear, other than the markings on them, you can place them over anything and measure it, including putting up to a monitor to check things out on the screen. But you can also wrap them around things.....since they are so flexible. Say a coffee mug for instance.....wrap the 12 inch ruler around it and you can know the exact outer cirumference in a flash! These rulers rock! I have had one for years, and now insist on having at least one at my work station at *all* times. It's my ruler of choice when I need to measure anything under a foot in length. The 6 inch version is even handier for small places and uses.

You can maybe find them for around a dollar, but you may have to pay up to $2 for the 12 inch version at some places. Westcott makes some nice stuff too, but these C-thrus are king to me when it comes to small, practical rulers! And no pun intended on my part here....just honest appreciation for a well designed and made tool! (btw, I'd used these for probably more than 20 year, so they definitely are good over many years and administrations!)

I think that I've seen these before, but I'm so old I'm probably imagining it...

I have a blue transparent 6" ruler with white markings that was a Kmart pharmacy giveaway that is extremely thin and flexible. I used to have quite a few but have lost them over the years. I use it for measuring on the computer screen when I'm doing my art work. It's invaluable for that. I also have a Helix "shatter resistant" clear blue 12" ruler but it's not quite as flexible as the 6" Kmart ruler.

I found both the 6" and 12" C-Thru rulers at MisterArt.com, both are under a dollar each (plus shipping).

onelonegunman - thanks for sharing that, it is always cool to see how something as simple as a ruler can offer so much flexibility :) in terms of what it offers. I totally see what you are saying though about the clear AND flexible properties of this ruler being so helpful.

I could definitely use a ruler like that to go through my various spreadsheets especially the ones that are so full they start to create an optical illusion ha ha. My Mom would probably appreciate one of these too, I will have to pick a couple up at the office supply store if I see some. Thanks for sharing your review with us :).