Helix Metal Safety Ruler, 12 inch / 30cm (32046)

This is a great sturdy ruler both inch and centimeter markings; at a great price, will be ordering 3 more for my home. The ruler is an aluminum extrusion the walls are about 1/32 inch thicker on the on both measuring edges. Two pieces of rubber set in the extrusion provides good Grips when you hold it in place but allows ruler to slides easily when you are positioning the ruler. Probably need a steel ruler if you want it for a lot of cutting the Aluminum will get nicked easily Acceptable for the occasional single edge razor cutting.

I like how the shape of this ruler makes it sturdy and less flexible. While there are times when I need flex, this ruler provides a more rigid feel when using it to hold down and cut items. It works very well for it's designed purpose of guiding while you cut things. It is shaped about like an M, with rubber lining running along the underside of the 2 bottom edges of the M to help hold it in place on the material you are cutting. Of course it also helps hold the material steady leading to better cutting results.I like rulers that have both US and Metric markings because I tend to use both depending on that I am working with. The overall length of the ruler is about 12-3/8" since there is a 3/16" gap on each end before the markings start. If you want a ruler that starts right at the edge this won't work for you.Be careful with how you hold your cutting knife as you can cut into this, it's aluminum and a bit softer than a steel ruler is when following the edge with a knife.5 stars, It's a great ruler and works exactly as desired.

As someone who needs sharp, high-quality rulers for both design work and woodworking/leatherworking, I absolutely love the Helix Safety Ruler, 12 Inch, Metal -- enough that I bought 3. I have one for my office, one on my desk at home and another one in my wood/leather kit.It is stiff and sturdy while remaining lightweight. The measurements are clear and the anti-skid tracks on the back mean that it stays in place when I'm measuring, drawing or cutting. The only thing this ruler isn't perfect for is flexible measuring (since it doesn't bend), but that's something rarely needed and easily worked around.I also use this as a straight edge for cutting with a blade and it has not worn at all. The channel in the middle is perfect for fingers, which helps keep them away from the path of an X-Acto. The ruler doesn't slip and my fingers don't slip -- it's well worth the extra few dollars to avoid getting sliced.

A little beveled edge is the reason I purchased this ruler, since my previous metal ruler I cut when I was using it to cut laminate flooring...oops.

EDIT: The one thing about this ruler that finally got to me is the lack of edge-to-edge measuring. There's a 1/4" space in front of 0 (I found a ruler to measure my ruler). I know it's a problem with some rulers where the edges could wear and effect accuracy, but a) this isn't a scientific tool, and b) the edges on this thing aren't going anywhere. It's fixed by subtracting 1/4" from measurements to include the gap, but it's an unnecessary work-around.It's a light and sturdy piece of measuring metal. I would hate to get one of these across the knuckles. It would be like getting kissed with a Craftsman.Has a very deep center for putting a pencil, and the no-slip bottom is grippy enough without feeling like a parking brake when you move it around.

I bought this for papercrafting, and it is serving its purpose pretty well.Two slight nitpicks:1. The edge isn't entirely straight. The middle is very slightly (less than 1/2 mm) bowed inward on both sides. For most cuts this isn't an issue, but it's noticeable on full-page cuts.2. The rubber strips are set back from the edge by about 1/4 inch, and are very narrow, meaning they won't hold small pieces well, and can slip unless sufficient pressure is used.Overall, I'm definitely satisfied with this purchase.

Family steals my wooden rulers. My plastic rulers break. The markings rub off the cool flexible plastic rulers if I can hang on to them long enough before they disappear. This ruler is strong and heavier than the others. The ends have enough of an edge to be dangerous or I can just use it as a very dull sword. The groove in the middle is supposed to prevent cut hands if a box cutter is used along the edge and slips. I put my name and cell phone number on the bottom. I'm planning to keep this puppy for a long time. (Yes, I have metal detector.)

Great product, just what I wanted !!

It works great but it does have a little bit of flex and wobble, the rubber holds it in place and accounts for minor deviations of the surface and cutting is good but I think it could be just a bit stiffer for my preference.

It’s ok but not too comfortable on my fat fingers when using the centre channel. The edges in the channel should have been rounded a little for comfort. Stainless steel would be better for wear.