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Ruler or Scale
3

Ruler or Scale

Ruler or Scale

(OP)
We have several metal sticks with marks for measuring laying around the office.  I usually refer to such sticks as a ruler.  My co-workers like to correct me with the "A ruler is a King or Queen, do you mean a scale?" chestnut.  I tend think of a scale as an architects scale (ie not 1:1).

I don't think either is incorrect, but I am sick of hearing "A ruler is a King..." from my coworkers.  The dictionary supports my case, but engineering tends to have a language of its own...

-b

RE: Ruler or Scale

"Slide Rulers" slowly became "Slide Rules" and are now extinct.

Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org

RE: Ruler or Scale

I believe you are referring to lineaR analogUe spatiaL displacemEnt transduceRS.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: Ruler or Scale

You sure it's not a Standard Calibrateded Analog Length Estimator?

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."
Steven K. Roberts, Technomad
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: Ruler or Scale

I say forget the coworkers. They know what you are talking about. Who cares what it's called ... ruler or scale. The only thing that matters is you use the correct type.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

RE: Ruler or Scale

"Rule", "ruler" and "scale" are all acceptable. They are all recognised in the dictionary and they are all commonly used.

RE: Ruler or Scale

At school the ruler swerved dual purpose,one to measure the length and the other to beat us on the knucklesfor wrongly measuring. Anyone experienced with this punishment?

RE: Ruler or Scale

Well, our teachers were afraid to get too close. A well aimed blackboard cleaner (block of wood with a foam pad on it) was the usual weapon of choice.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

RE: Ruler or Scale

We would duck those missiles(duster) sent by the teacher and it would invariably hit the unsuspecting innocent guy.

RE: Ruler or Scale

The music teacher used a drumstick on the knuckles.
The gym teacher used a plimsole on the butt.
The geography teacher (female) launched chalk.
The math teacher used the blackboard cleaner.
The history teacher sent us to the Headmaster ... who used the cane.
The english teacher (primary school, old, female, battleaxe) just had to give "the look", and that was usually enough to shrivel the receiver of said look, pretty damn quick.

Fun times. smile Can you imagine any of that happening in todays schools?

cheers
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to find answers ... FAQ559-1091

RE: Ruler or Scale

When I started high school, the Vice Principal used a ruler to make sure girls' miniskirts were no more than 4 inches above the kneecap.  The rule was overturned on principle, thanks to a court ruling sought by the ACLU!

RE: Ruler or Scale

CorBlimeyLimey,

Blackboard or chalkboard?

DB

RE: Ruler or Scale

At my daughter's school, it's called the electronic board now.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

RE: Ruler or Scale

Blackboard in our part of the world

RE: Ruler or Scale

Hi Guys

I am new to the forum, read loads but this is my first post so be gentle on the grammar.

I usually call them rulers (as a rule!) but what I do is measure so maybe they should be called: -

Measure!
Measurer!
Oh its about 10.5 mm

Tim

RE: Ruler or Scale

A recent US court ruled that there are no kings here, so ruler is fine. That green thing they used chalk on was always called a blackboard in my school. Probably gone to whiteboards by now.

RE: Ruler or Scale

Well,

I got grief if I called it a ruler.  The accepted term by the grief giver was rule.

As for blackboard, I heard that these days for reasons of discrimination it had to be a Chalkboard, honestly I was told this I'm not making it up.  As far as I know a Whiteboard is still a Whiteboard though.

RE: Ruler or Scale

I think if I had co-workers like that I might be tempted to a nice sharp point on one of the rulers (or rules)

RE: Ruler or Scale

1:1 is still a scale.  Which reminds me of "Thomkinson's school days" episode of the "Ripping Yarns" where Thomkinson builds a "full scale model" of an icebreaker.

I call it a ruler.  Scales are those triangular thingies that show more than one scale - or a "ruler" that has markings on each edge, both faces with different scales.

RE: Ruler or Scale

I'm surprised how many pages of Google hits you have to wade through before you find the term "linear comparator" used in this context.

A.

RE: Ruler or Scale

Our blackboards were green too, but we still called then blackboards.

For me, I always referred to the 1 foot sticks made of wood or plastic with a crudely marked scale like used in grade school a 'ruler'.

Anything that is designed to measure with accuracy, I call a scale.

The metal sticks, I always called a machinists scale, the pocket sized ones anyway.

If I was bvanhiel, I would keep calling them rulers just to irritate the co-workers.

NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas

RE: Ruler or Scale


My two cents; if would think that a ruler is a straight edge stick that can be used to draw strainght line on paper, using as a guide to a pencil/pen. The notebooks with "lined" pages are called "ruled" notebooks or ruled pages. If the ruler has scales marked on it, it is a side advantage. A item with scale marks intended to be used primarily for measuring distance/length would be a scale, it may or may not be used as a ruler.

RE: Ruler or Scale

is a drawer an artist or something you put stuff in ?

my 2c ... a scale is used to measure, and a ruler is used to draw a straight line

RE: Ruler or Scale

A drawer is an enclosure in which you put things. Never considered a drawer as an artist.

RE: Ruler or Scale

rb1957 ... A scale is also used to weigh things. smile

Anything which has a rigid straight edge can be used to draw a straight line.

Can a scale (triangular or flat) not be used to draw straight lines?

If a rule(r) is just used to draw straight lines, why is it graduated in units of measure?

cheers
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to find answers ... FAQ559-1091

RE: Ruler or Scale

draw?er?
3. a person or thing that draws.  

RE: Ruler or Scale

corblimey,
i don't think people would confuse a scale for measuring length with a scale for measuring weight, and (length) scales i've seen don't include units of weight measurement.

as for the other responses all i can say is "crikey"

RE: Ruler or Scale

rb1957 ...
"i don't think people would confuse a scale for measuring length with a scale for measuring weight"
Neither do I, thats why I placed the smile ... to show (or try to) that it was a tongue-in-cheek statement, much like your drawer = artist/storage question ... at least I assumed it was tongue-in-cheek.

cheers
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to find answers ... FAQ559-1091

RE: Ruler or Scale

corblimey,
cool

RE: Ruler or Scale

In English the general rule is that a ruler is someone who rules or has ruled over people.

If you wish to weigh up and set a hard and fast rule as to whether a rule or ruler is the correct term for a measuring devise then scales are probably your best option.

RE: Ruler or Scale

ajack:

rule has other meaings too..like drawing a line.

RE: Ruler or Scale

... thus ruler seems correct if not used for measurement after the line is drawn.

RE: Ruler or Scale

ajak:

It also depends on "whose" English.



RE: Ruler or Scale

A straightedge is used to draw a straight line.
A ruler (measuring stick, rule, etc) measures length in actual space.
A scale allows one to measure distance in virtual space by applying a modification factor to actual space (a scale).

Me, I use CAD. :]

RE: Ruler or Scale

no one uses the word straigedge in common discussion. It may be a technically correct term to some, but it not the word non-technical or common people use.

Word rules must have the roots in 'ruling'.

See a excerpts for a wikipedia:

"A ruler or rule is an instrument used in geometry, technical drawing and engineering/building to measure distances and/or to rule straight lines. Strictly speaking, the ruler is the instrument used to rule lines and the calibrated instrument used for determining measurement is called a measure. However, common usage is that a ruler is calibrated so that it can measure.
"

Wikepedia is more authentic than some "bibles" or encyclopedias who tries to force their own interpretations on others, instead of just reflecting the evolution of language and words.


RE: Ruler or Scale

A straightedge could also be a triangle, as it would have a staight edge on it for drawing lines (three actually).

RE: Ruler or Scale

rbulsara,

"no one uses the word straightedge in common discussion. It may be a technically correct term to some, but it not the word non-technical or common people use."

I beg to differ...  The term straightedge is introduced in early grade school in Oklahoma and Texas, USA and is in common use from then on. Maybe it doesn't pop up in a discussion of a movie review, but it does when discussing making charts, graphs related to math and science, art or other creative projects.

NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas

RE: Ruler or Scale

nozzletwister:

There you go.."introducing" term is same as "forcing" your definition on others.  What about people in the world who did not go those Texas schools?

RE: Ruler or Scale

The very fact is that word ruler exists as described above...you can keep denying it,,it does not change the fact.

RE: Ruler or Scale

I was introduced to the compass and straightedge (straight edge?  straight-edge?) in geometry class in Pennsylvania, the straightedge being distinguished by having no markings.  I still occasionally use one, and call it by its name.  Triangles (30-60-90 or 45-45-90) are good sources of straight edges.  In a pinch, I take a blank piece of paper and make a good fold in it.  Business cards are adequate for small work.

rbulsara, just about every term for anything was "introduced" at some point in your life.  I guess my parents "forced" their definition of banana on me as a child, as well as "momma" and "poppa".  Reminds me of the old Steve Martin joke about raising children by teaching them the wrong words for everything and then sending them off to kindergarten.  Certainly there are regional differences (as well as languages, where they use different words for everything).  When I moved to Massachusetts, all my Pennsylvanian hoagies turned into subs. smile

RE: Ruler or Scale

rbulsara,

I didn't mean to get your shorts in a bunch, LOL.

And I'm not tyring to force my defintion on anybody. I was responding to your statement, "no one uses the word straightedge in common discussion."

That's just not true, a lot of people do, maybe just not in your region.

NozzleTwister
Houston, Texas

RE: Ruler or Scale

I feel the need to "introduce" definitions of the words as I see/use them in Ohio.
Straight-edge usually has no markings. Used on a fairly regular basis (both as a word and an insrument).
Rulers are generally wood/plastic and found in grade schools.
Rules are metal rulers with much finer resolution.
Scales are found in drafting classes.


I cannot "force" these definitions without the ability to impose some type of unpleasantries to those who choose to not see things my way.

RE: Ruler or Scale

Damn dictionaries are forcing their definitions upon us:

straight·edge (str?t'?j')
n.
A rigid flat rectangular bar, as of wood or metal, with a straight edge for testing or drawing straight lines.

The very fact is that word straightedge exists as described above...you can keep denying it,,it does not change the fact.

Also taught in Michigan elementary schools.


RE: Ruler or Scale

straightedge word may exist, it is used much less than the word ruler is. I never denied existence of the name (not the word) straightedge.

RE: Ruler or Scale

nozzletwister:

Your comments does not affect me or to rest of the world who understands what a ruler is and they will continue to use it.

Stevenal:

Exactly my point, the word ruler probably older than when that dictonary came in print. You are one of those who beleives dictionaries are mother of languages and they define language.

The dictionaries are the just collection of words that people use and they "try' to define in what sense they are used. People's use of language decides what dictinary may say, not other way round. No if some ediotors (or idiots) manage to misjudge how people communicate, does not change the language.





RE: Ruler or Scale

Isn’t it strange how we all defend what we use?

To me and in English (English) if there is such a thing, a ruler is someone who rules over people. A rule is a device for measuring true size whatever it is made of. A scale is something to measure things but not in true size for example on a map or as used by a pattern maker where things shrink. A straight edge is some thing that is used to check things are flat and has no markings on it.

The only “misuse” I have heard is people calling a rule a ruler. I have never heard a rule called a scale or a straight edge, but that does not mean I am correct.

Just out of interest what would people call a steel tape rule or tape? That thing that roles up and is a thin band of metal for measuring longer distances?

RE: Ruler or Scale

I just checked in my desk.  I have a wooden slat 12 roughly 12 inches long, one edge is reinforced with a metal strip and graduated in sixteenths of an inch.

Embossed & printed are the words "WESTCOTT RULER"  "MADE IN U.S.A   NO.R501-12"

It's a ruler.

RE: Ruler or Scale

Thank you jimkirk.


ajack:

Tape is a tape measure. I only have used and heard the word 'tape measure' of that and so it is.  A ruler could be a scale too if it has scale marking on it. It is not a misuse. Primary function of a ruler is to aid in ruling the lines.

A screwdriver does not become a can (lid) opener, just because it can be used to do so. Nor does that make all can openers a screwdriver.

RE: Ruler or Scale

"MADE IN U.S.A" .... well that just negates your point. poke

OK, I'll get back under my bridge now. wink

cheers
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to find answers ... FAQ559-1091

RE: Ruler or Scale

http://www.oldtools.co.uk/tools/measuring/rules/rules.php

Please find above a fine selection of rules, not a ruler in sight. As I said in the previous post we can all defend what we use and it is probably correct to us and those around us, in English (English) a ruler IS someone who rules over people.

I may walk down the pavement wearing a pair of trousers, whilst you may walk on the sidewalk wearing a pair of pants, we are both doing the same thing, who is say which if either is correct?

RE: Ruler or Scale

Oh, its not called straightedge anywhere? Probably they did not go to Texas schools.
tongue

RE: Ruler or Scale

It took just one google search for word "ruler". It may be a surprise to many people, but the word does exist and is widely used.

Cheers!

RE: Ruler or Scale

The final  ruler:

RE: Ruler or Scale

What scale was that drawn at/with?
tongue

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

RE: Ruler or Scale

Hmmm ... that cutting edge doesn't look very straight.

Ken ... that sketch Rules

cheers
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to find answers ... FAQ559-1091

RE: Ruler or Scale

Quote (The Grim Reaper):

Final Rule: Death to whomever appends to this thread!

Thanks to rbulsara (image from Google search).

RE: Ruler or Scale

Dislexia lures OK

RE: Ruler or Scale

ok, this has gotten silly ...
it started out as a rather good thread about the different meanings the same word has, eg "A rule is a device for measuring true size whatever it is made of.", well a rule is also something like a law, and i guess it could also describe the reign of a monarch, and what is "true" in any case.

and now somehow we're discussing death, neat tho' the picture was.

oh death, were is thy sting ?

RE: Ruler or Scale

Back to the blackboard.  I didn't think I was getting that old, but blackboards that were black are part of my early schooling. I remember being put off a bit when I started a school year in a new school and the blackboards were green!  They took most students and probably the teacher a bit of getting used to.  Most of us found that glare is more of an issue with green blackboards than with the old slate blackboards, which have more of a dull matte finish to them.  The green ones are much more polished.

RE: Ruler or Scale

Guess what? My colleague approached me and wanted to borrow my "straightedge" yesterday. Luckily, I knew straightedge from this forum and didn't act like a dummy in front of him. For my entire life, I was calling it as a ruler. smile

RE: Ruler or Scale

fglass:

If your colleague did not know a ruler, he would be a dummy why are you worried?. Plus why do you need a certificate from your collegue for your smartness?

:)

RE: Ruler or Scale

From my part of the world:
Ruler; what school boys use
Scale rule; what drafties use
Measuring tape; what I have in the pocket of my dacks while walking on the footpath.

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