Rabone machine-divided steel rules were precision measuring tools manufactured in Birmingham, England. Produced in various patterns, they featured both imperial and metric graduations for engineering and workshop use.

Explore the full range of Rabone’s machine-divided steel rules, from folding models and narrow flexible types to precision workshop standards. Learn about their construction, measurement systems, pattern numbers, and historical production details.

John Rabone Machine Divided Steel Rule Marked on Two Edges No. 34

Rabone machine-divided steel rules were produced in Birmingham, England, during the mid-20th century. Pattern No. 34 featured graduations in 16ths, 32nds, 64ths of an inch, as well as millimetres and half millimetres, marked on both edges. These rules were manufactured in 6- and 12-inch lengths, from either carbon steel or rustless steel, with a width of ¾ inch (6") or 1⅛ inch (12"). The division process was mechanically engraved for accuracy.

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John Rabone Machine Divided Steel Rule Marked on Four Edges Both Sides No. 29

Rabone Pattern No. 29 steel rules were manufactured with square ends and marked on all four edges, both sides. Produced in 6- and 12-inch lengths, they were available in carbon and rustless steel. The edges carried divisions in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths of an inch, with 32nds and 64ths numbered. These rules conformed to dead length standards and were ¾ inch (6") or 1 inch (12") wide.

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John Rabone Machine Divided Steel Narrow Flexible Rule Marked on Two Edges One Side No. 11A

Rabone narrow flexible rules, Pattern No. 11A series, were produced in ½ inch width and 0.02 inch thickness. Marked on two edges on one side, these rules were manufactured in carbon or rustless steel and supplied in 6- and 12-inch lengths. Pattern variants included a range of divisions from 8ths to 100ths of an inch, as well as millimetres and half millimetres, depending on the model.

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John Rabone Machine Divided Folding Steel Rule No. 1638

Rabone folding steel rules, Patterns No. 1637 and 1638, were produced in 2-foot lengths with two folding sections. Made of carbon steel, they measured ¾ inch in width and 0.03 inch in thickness. Both patterns were machine-divided with graduations in 8ths and 16ths of an inch. Pattern 1637 was supplied without tips; Pattern 1638 included N.S. (narrow spring) tips.

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John Rabone Machine Divided Folding Steel Rule No. 1667

Rabone folding steel rules, Patterns No. 1667 and 1291, were manufactured in 2-foot lengths with two folds and a width of ¾ inch. Pattern 1667 featured a spring stop joint and machine-divided graduations in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths of an inch, without tips. Pattern 1291 was marked in 8ths and 16ths and included bright raised figures and N.S. (narrow spring) tips.

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John Rabone Machine Divided Folding Steel Rule No. 229

Rabone folding rules, Patterns No. 226 and 235, were produced with spring stop joints and measured ½ inch in width and 0.02 inch in thickness. Pattern 226 was a 1-foot, 3-fold rule with divisions in 16ths, 32nds, 64ths of an inch, as well as millimetres and half millimetres. Pattern 235 was a 1-metre, 10-fold rule marked in millimetres, half millimetres, and inches down to 64ths.

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