As Phil Davy finds, these pocket rules, inspired by professional woodworker Greg Paolini, offer a thoughtful calibration scale layout and simple add-on rule-stop.

Woodpeckers tools are relatively new to Britain, though they’ve been available the USA for more than 30 years. Each product from their huge range of woodworking kit is made in America, which reflects the relatively high prices. Many of these items are designed for measuring or marking, though with unique features that tend to make them slightly out of the ordinary. These Paolini Pocket Rules are no exception, available in 150mm, 200mm and 300mm sizes and both metric and imperial versions.

Some woodworkers may prefer a rule marked with both metric and imperial graduations, though I’d see this as a minor disadvantage. And, unlike a combination square, there’s no 45° mitre function; however, as pencil gauges, both pocket rules are impressive tools and beautifully engineered, and whichever one you choose, it’s not going to rust.

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