Finding the best parallel rule suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Best parallel rule
1. Alvin PXB36 Portable Parallel Straightedge Board 24" x 36"
Feature
Professional-quality.Straightedge glides smoothly.
Brake mechanisms on each end.
16 inches x 21 inches.
Rubber grip tracks.
Description
Professional-quality portable 24 inches x 36 inches drawing and drafting board with built-in parallel straightedge for all kinds of creative and technical applications. Perfect for students and those who need an accurate drawing surface but don't have the space for a full-size drafting table. Fully assembled! Aluminum straightedge with soft, rubber edges for enhanced grip, comfort and control. Straightedge glides smoothly up and down the board while the cross-wire and pulley system underneath keeps it parallel in any position. Crystal clear acrylic blade is 0.12 inches thick and includes inking edges underneath to minimize smudging. Blade clearance is 3/16 inches for use with foam board, cutting mats, and more. Straightedge has brake mechanisms on each end for secure, positive locking in any location on the board. Large brake knobs include rubber grips for comfort. Straightedge has top-mounted adjustment knobs on each end for fine-tuning parallelism. Especially useful when reinserting a drawing on the board for additional work. Smooth, white Melamine surface for bump-free drawing. Particle board substrate is 0.63 inches thick for strength and durability. Folding metal legs are set at an angle to prevent accidental collapse and include rubber-dipped ends to prevent scratching. PXB36 has 5 inches legs. Boards can be used in the elevated or flat position. Rubber grip tracks underneath allow front of board to overhang a table edge up to 8 inches . This increases the working angle and brings the drawing surface closer to the user. Compact, folding design for convenient transportation and storage. No assembly required. Ready to use. Drawing board is CARB compliant and all components are phthalate and lead-free.2. Alvin 1101-42 Paral-Liner 42 inch Mobile Parallel Straightedge
Feature
Rigid phenolic construction with a black satin finish.Mobile straightedge affords frictionless operation through the floating action of the nylon rollers mounted on the blade.
The rollers retract at a touch, securing the blade for accurate drawing.
Comes with all mounting hardware and installation instructions.
Size: 42.
Description
Rigid phenolic construction with a black satin finish. Mobile straightedge affords frictionless operation through the floating action of the nylon rollers mounted on the blade. The rollers retract at a touch, securing the blade for accurate drawing. Acrylic edges are elevated to prevent ink smears and steel ball-bearing pulleys provide smooth movement. Comes with all mounting hardware and installation instructions.3. WEEMS & PLATH Marine Navigation Parallel Ruler (Brass Arms, 15-Inch)
Feature
15 inch length, 0.14 inch thickness, solid brass arms and handles.Description
15 inch length, 0.14 inch thickness, solid brass arms and handles. Wt. 7 oz.4. Alvin 295 Professional Parallel Glider 10 inches
Feature
Easy-to-useConvenient aid for drafting
Smooth gliding action
Durable acrylic blade with printed graduations
Detailed instructions included
Description
Alvin 295 Professional Parallel Glider 10 inches5. WEEMS & PLATH Marine Navigation Parallel Ruler (Aluminum Arms, 15-Inch)
Feature
Weems & Plath Parallel Ruler, 15Description
15 inch length, 0.22 inch thickness, aluminum arms and handles. Wt. 7.5 oz.6. MyLifeUNIT Multi-Purpose Drawing Parallel Rolling Ruler Balancing Scale
Feature
Clear metric parallel multi-purpose drawing rolling rulerIncludes mini protractor at center
Increments in inches and centimeters
An excellent universal tool for making parallel lines, hatching, circles etc
Suitable for drawing parallel lines, circles, angles and other geometrical shapes
Description
This 12" multipurpose ruler is ideal for designers, artists and students. It functions as a compass, horizontal ruler, straightedge, protractor, circle template and angle template all in one. Measures in inches and centimeters and includes many useful formulas and conversion factors. Quick and easy draw in quadrants, squares, circles, angles, crosshatching, vertical and horizontal parallel lines.7. WEEMS & PLATH Marine Navigation Parallel Ruler (24-Inch)
Feature
Milled acrylic with bevelled edgesIncludes protractor scale
Lifetime warranty
Description
The 24 Inch Parallel Rule is primarily used for commercial purposes due to its extra long 24 inch acrylic construction, rigid chrome arms and handles. Parallel rulers are used to plot direction on nautical charts. Two straightedges are hinged so that they maintain the same angle. By alternating the moving edge, and securely holding down the non moving edge, you can move the rulers about the chart while still maintaining the same angle.8. Alvin A1500-12 12" Folding Parallel Rule
Feature
Transparent bladesEasy reading
Metal parts are non magnetic
Corrosion resistant
12 inches length
Description
Transparent blades for easy reading with non-skid pads. Sturdy aluminum links provide the right amount of tension for drawing a line parallel to another line or reference point. Metal parts are non-magnetic and corrosion resistant. Opens to 3 inches spacing between blades. 12 inches length.9. Alvin 312 Rolling Parallel Ruler, 12 Inch
Feature
High impact plasticGraduated in both english and metric
Draw horizontal and vertical parallel lines with ease
Includes many useful formulas and conversion factors
Use the built-in protractor to draw angles
Description
A multi-purpose drawing tool made from high impact plastic for students, artists, and designers. Graduated in both English and metric. Includes many useful formulas and conversion factors. Draw horizontal and vertical parallel lines with ease. Draw circles, curves, or arcs. Use the built-in protractor to draw angles. Blister-carded, instructions on back.10. WEEMS & PLATH Marine Navigation Parallel Ruler without Protractor Markings (15-Inch)
