What makes our Woodworking Rule better than your average yardstick? First, its much more accurate with precise laser engraved markings. Second, its straighter and heavier. Third, it sits flat because of a recess down the center of the bottom surface. Fourth, it has both a standard and a center scale. Fifth, the markings are engraved on a 30 degree bevel for easy alignment to pencil marks. And finally, it looks nicer. When you look at all the different rules being sold in retail stores, theyre all pretty much intended for framing houses or general purpose use without any thought on how to make them better for those of us who build furniture and cabinets. Tape measures are great if youre building a shed. Theyre not dependably accurate enough for finished furniture parts. Tape measures also dont make good straight edges to draw lines with. For that we usually look for the nearest scrap piece of lumber that we hope is straight.