Had to pick between digital calipers and a good straightedge for layout

I was setting up for a kitchen cabinet layout in a new build over in Salem and realized I only had budget left for one tool. Went with a 48 inch steel straightedge from Starrett instead of the fancy digital calipers I was eyeing. Honestly the straightedge has been way more useful for marking long cuts and checking edges, saved me from a lot of crooked lines. Anyone else skip the fancy measuring gear for basic stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

ivan52220h ago

That straightedge has saved my bacon more times than any digital gadget ever did.

thompson.finley19h ago

You ever measure something twice with a tape measure and still end up cutting three times? That straightedge is probably already paying for itself in the wood you didn't waste. Digital calipers are great for showing off how precise you can be, but they can't help you draw a straight line across a sheet of plywood. I bet the guys selling those fancy digital tools never had to square up a cabinet box on a jobsite. Sometimes the old ways just work better, even if they don't look as cool in your toolbox.