The Bottom Line
The rib that pops the ruler back into shape also makes a great ergonomic handle. The extra control lets you place the ruler more accurately and hold it more securely during use. It also helps those little hands.
Pros
- Accurate inch and centimeter marks
- Flexible rubber/plastic composite
- Durable, rugged material
- Thick rib returns the ruler to a straight and true shape
- Thick rib act as a handle when using the ruler
Cons
- Measurement lines offset from the edge of the ruler
- Not to be used as a cutting guide (no metal edge)
- Not to be used with ink (no raised lip)
Description
- The inch and centimeter gradations are accurate over the length of the ruler.
- The flexibility of the ruler allows you to crush it, fold it or even ball it up without damaging it.
- The material used is strong and durable, resisting tears and deformations. Don't burn it or cut it though.
- A structural rib returns and holds the ruler straight and flat when it is not being crushed or otherwise deformed.
- The rib makes a great ergonomic grip anyone will benefit from and makes this ruler even more accessible to younger kids.
- Depending on where the measurement lines are printed, they may be set back from the edge slightly hindering accuracy.
- There is no metal edge to guide a cutting edge. Running a knife along this ruler will most likely cut the ruler.
- This ruler sits flat on the underlying surface and would cause any ink to run and smear. Get an elevated ruler for ink use.
Guide Review - Westcott 12-inch Flexible Ribbed Ruler
A good ruler is an essential school supply. You should also have one at home or in the office. A ruler is the quickest way to get a measurement or scribe a straight line. A good ergonomic ruler makes those tasks even easier.Westcott has made a good innovation with this flexible, ribbed ruler. You can put it anywhere without fear of breaking or bending it. It is also rugged enough to put up with all the torture a teenager or toddler can dish out (short of melting it).
The ruler is a plastic/rubber composite that reminds you of a stiff silicone. It is tear-resistant and can be stretched, bent and folded without affecting its shape memory.
A substantial rib runs down the middle of the ruler. This rib is the backbone of the ruler keeping it straight and true when in use. It also causes the ruler to snap back into shape after when de-crumpled. The size of the rib serves as an ergonomic grip / handle as well.
Printed measurement lines top off this ruler. Inches are numbered 1 to 12 and graduated every 1/16. Centimeters are numbered 1 to 30 and graduated every 1/10. The printing may be set back from the edge up to a 1/16 inch.
Since this ruler is extremely flexible, it does require a hard, flat surface underneath it to work accurately. Without a good bearing surface the edge might be a little wavy, and any pressure you put against it might cause the edge to deflect. But you typically have a desk or book or something to work on so this should not be much of an issue.
