sevenmeasuringtools

Some handy measuring tools below. Not all of them result in a number, but then all measuring is comparing one dimension to another.

If you view any other image on this page, the next one is the one to view. These are lever clamping sliding bevel angle keepers. The rosewood version was made by Hold-Fast company years ago. Veritas used to made a copy of this. Once the angle is set by pushing in the lever (shown sticking up) you can use them with either side down. Can’t do that with the wing nut screw setting bevels. Sliding bevel angle keepers are especially helpful during bracing work because there are many different angled cuts to make. Working smoothed square brace pieces you "collect" the angle from the plan or markings on the guitar top, transfer the angles to your brace pieces, then cut the lap joints. Hold the bevel on the brace to guide the saw cut.

Below are two Starrett double squares. Quality is outstanding. Typical uses are locating center line, measuring depth, checking bridge attachment area for flatness, checking parts for square and setting other tools. I like these smaller versions because they are light and easy to handle. The small one is great for bracing work. I have owned many other brands of these tools and thrown them all away because the blades don’t slide easily. And these are dead on accurate at 90 degree. Cheaper versions are a PITA. Remember: cheap tools are cheaper because they are made cheaply. Cost cutting is the thing these days, or so it seems.

I managed to hang on to the tools below from my third grade experience. Use these to measure guitar side cracks to determine how long to make a patch or where to put the patch or brace. They easily conform to the inside or outside surfaces of any guitar side. Very handy for curved surfaces.

Below shows how handy a see-thru ruler can be. Here I am marking the center line between the middle two pin holes on a 12 string.

The next two images show both sides of my little pocket rule. Though OK for measuring, the best use for me is the side with the fraction to decimal conversion chart.

The next image is my el cheapo depth measuring tool. There are many brands and versions of this tool which all appear to be made by the same manufacturer. In my opinion, the best version is the cheapest. In guitar work, depth measuring is not a super precise operation.

Below is my go-no-go fret slot measuring tool. I have the little square version sold by Stewmac, but this is better. It is easier to push into a fret slot to make sure the slot is deep and wide enough. One of these days I will add a wood handle.

Below is my very old Starrett 12 inch rule. The lines are much too dim for measuring. But as an accurate straight edge this tool is great. Us this to check fret top alignment. You can locate frets that are very slightly too high after you checked with a fret rocker. Use this to verify zero relief when searching for slightly high frets or tracking down a buzzing fret. Use with a dial indicator to set relief which only affects frets 2 through 12 or 14 on most guitars.