John Rabone Tools

by Stable MARK

Rabone produced a wide range of precision tools—from spirit levels and folding rules to squares and pocket measures—renowned for their accuracy and durability.

In this article, you’ll discover a curated selection of Rabone’s finest measuring and marking tools, including spirit levels, folding steel rules, carpenter’s and combination squares, as well as a variety of pocket measures, each presented with details on their design, function, and craftsmanship.

Illustrated catalog cover of Rabone Tools featuring various measuring tools such as tape measures, folding rulers, wooden rules, and a level, arranged in a diamond-shaped frame. — Image: A mid-20th century Rabone Tools catalog cover showcasing precision measuring instruments, including tape measures, folding rulers, boxwood rules, and a spirit level.
Source: Internet Archive.

Table of Contents

John Rabone Measuring Tapes John Rabone Folding Boxwood Rules John Rabone Boxwood and Brass Calliper Gauges John Rabone Spirit Levels John Rabone Canoe Shaped Bakelite and Aluminium Spirit Levels John Rabone Bricklayers' and Constructional Engineers' Aluminium Plumb and Spirit Levels John Rabone Machine Divided Steel Rules Surveyors' Folding Boxwood Laths Straignt Boxwood Bench Rules and Tee Squares Bricklayers’ Spirit Levels and Plumbs Engineers’ Iron Spirit Levels Machine Divided Folding Steel Rules Carpenters’ and Combination Squares Pocket Measures

John Rabone Measuring Tapes

Fibron Measuring Tape No. 2911

Close-up of a vintage blue Rabone Fibron measuring tape with white fiberglass tape extended, showing black inch markings and metal loop end. — Image: A mid-20th century Rabone Fibron fiberglass measuring tape, housed in a blue plastic-coated case. Designed for durability, the tape was marketed as resistant to stretching and unaffected by moisture.
Source: Internet Archive

Manufactured from Fibre Glass and coated with P.V.C. These tapes have outstanding length keeping properties and remain constant in length even when wound wet into the case. Marked on both sides of tape with any two measures.

Metallic Woven Measuring Tape No.4011

Close-up of a vintage Rabone metallic woven measuring tape in a round brown leather case with brass details, showing white tape with large black inch numbers. — Image: A Rabone No. 4011 metallic woven tape measure housed in a traditional brown leather case with brass fittings. The tape is reinforced with interwoven metal threads for durability.
Source: Internet Archive

This quality metallic tape is woven from best Egyptian cotton with eight tinsel threads interwoven throughout the length of the tape. It is supplied in traditional leather case with heavy brass fittings. It is not recommend this tape to be used where there is any possibility of electrical contact.

Black Etched Steel Measuring Tape No. 4151

Close-up of a vintage Rabone black etched steel measuring tape in a round brown leather case with brass crank handle, showing black tape with white etched inch markings. — Image: A Rabone No. 4151 black etched steel measuring tape in a brown leather case with brass winding handle. The black tape with bright etched markings ensured strong contrast and easy readability.
Source: Internet Archive

The Black Etched Steel Measuring Tapes are made from premium-grade steel, designed for accuracy and long service life. Their dark background provides a sharp contrast with the bright etched figures, making them easy to read even in low light. They are offered in a choice of traditional leather cases with sturdy brass fittings, plastic-coated steel cases with chromium fittings, or plain black steel cases.

White Bond Steel Measuring Tape No. WB. 4851

Close-up of a vintage Rabone White Bond Steel measuring tape in a red case, with white tape extended showing black markings and a metal loop end. — Image: A Rabone White Bond Steel tape measure in a bright red case with chrome winding knob. The white steel tape provides clear contrast for easy reading and durability.
Source: Internet Archive

This tape is designed as a versatile, general-purpose tool, suitable for everyday measuring tasks where excessive wear is not expected. It is offered in a choice of durable cases: traditional leather with brass fittings, plastic-coated steel with chromium fittings, or plain black steel.

Chrome Bond Steel Measuring Tape No. CB. 4151

Close-up of a vintage Rabone Chrome Bond Steel measuring tape in a brown stitched leather case with brass winding knob, showing white tape with black markings. — Image: A Rabone Chrome Bond Steel measuring tape in a brown leather case with brass fittings. The tape is chromium-coated and lacquered for resistance to rust and abrasion.
Source: Internet Archive

Chrome Bond Measuring Tapes are an advanced alternative to standard steel tapes, offering strong resistance to rust and corrosion. The steel blade is protected by multiple chromium layers and finished with a synthetic lacquer that resists abrasion. They are available in a range of cases, including traditional leather with brass fittings, plastic-coated steel with chromium fittings, or black steel.

In stock

Rabone Chesterman 66 Ft Metal Tape Measure

Rabone Chesterman 66 Ft Metal Tape Measure

1950s

$ 54

Ref: 34CM21

John Rabone Folding Boxwood Rules

Folding Boxwood Rule V Joint Two-Feet Two-Fold No. 1166

Close-up of a vintage Rabone folding boxwood rule, No. 1166, with brass joint, black printed inch markings, and Made in England stamp. — Image: A Rabone No. 1166 folding rule made of boxwood, featuring a brass V joint and precision inch graduations in 8ths, 16ths, or millimetres.
Source: Internet Archive

Folding Boxwood Blindman's Rule V Joint Two-Feet Two-Fold No. 1167

Close-up of a Rabone No. 1167 Blindman’s folding boxwood rule with large black numerals, brass V-joint, and Made in England stamp. — Image: A Rabone No. 1167 Blindman’s Rule, a folding boxwood rule with extra-wide markings for easy reading. Features a brass V-joint and graduations in 8ths and 16ths of an inch.
Source: Internet Archive

Folding Boxwood Rule Arch Joint Two-Feet Two-Fold Incorporating a Spirit Level and Circular Protractor No. 1190

Close-up of a vintage Rabone No. 1190 folding boxwood rule featuring a brass arch joint, built-in spirit level, and circular protractor, with inch and auxiliary scales. — Image: A Rabone No. 1190 folding boxwood rule with brass arch joint, incorporating a spirit level and circular protractor. The rule is marked in inches subdivided into 8ths and 16ths, with four additional scales.
Source: Internet Archive

Folding Boxwood Rule Arch Joint Two-Feet Two-Fold No. 1377

Close-up of a vintage Rabone folding boxwood rule No. 1377 with brass arch joint, black printed inch markings, and Made in England stamp. — Image: A Rabone No. 1377 folding boxwood rule with arch joint, showing precise graduations in 8ths, 16ths, 10ths, 12ths of an inch, or in inches with millimetres.
Source: Internet Archive

Folding rule with arch joint. Graduated in inches subdivided into 8ths, 16ths, 10ths, or 12ths, or alternatively in inches with 16ths, 10ths, 12ths, and millimetres.

Folding Boxwood Rule Arch Joint Two-Feet Two-Fold No. 1380

Close-up of a vintage Rabone No. 1380 folding boxwood rule with brass arch joint, clear black inch markings, and Made in England stamp. — Image: A Rabone No. 1380 folding boxwood rule with brass arch joint, scaled in inches subdivided into 8ths, 16ths, 10ths, and 12ths, or alternatively in inches with millimetres.
Source: Internet Archive

Folding Boxwood Rule V Joint Two-Feet Two-Fold No. 2078

Close-up of a vintage Rabone No. 2078 folding boxwood rule with brass V-joint, showing dual scales in millimetres and inches in 8ths. — Image: A Rabone No. 2078 folding boxwood rule with brass V-joint, marked in millimetres and in inches divided into 8ths.
Source: Internet Archive

In stock

Hockley Abbey 6 No 1621 Clear Spirit Level

Hockley Abbey 6 No 1621 Clear Spirit Level

Early 20th century

$ 26

Ref: 5BN7

John Rabone Boxwood and Brass Calliper Gauges

Brass Calliper Gauge No. 1466

Close-up of a Rabone No. 1466 brass calliper gauge with dual scales in 32nds of an inch and millimetres. — Image: A Rabone No. 1466 brass calliper gauge, marked in 32nds of an inch and in millimetres, with a sliding scale for accurate measurements.
Source: Internet Archive

Boxwood and Brass Calliper Gauge No. 1206

Illustration of John Rabone & Sons caliper gauge No. 1206 made of boxwood and brass. The tool has a sliding scale for circumference and diameter and includes tables of breaking loads for galvanized steel ropes, with rope weights on the reverse side. — Image: Boxwood and brass caliper gauge No. 1206 with sliding circumference and diameter scales, featuring tables for steel rope breaking loads.
Source: Internet Archive

Boxwood and Brass Calliper Gauge No. 1464

Illustration of Rabone No. 1464 brass and boxwood calliper gauge showing a brass sliding scale marked in 32nds, with additional inch markings, designed for internal and external measurement use. — Image: Brass and boxwood calliper gauge No. 1464 with brass slide, marked in inches and designed for both internal and external measurements.
Source: Internet Archive

The gauge features a brass slide graduated in 32nds of an inch, with the reverse side marked in 8ths and 16ths. The caliper jaws are designed to allow both internal and external measurements.

John Rabone Spirit Levels

Spirit Level No. 1621

Canoe Shaped Plumb and Spirit Level No. 1625

Illustration of John Rabone & Sons canoe-shaped spirit levels. No. 1625 is made from rosewood, and No. 1626 from walnut. Both feature a brass top plate, reinforced base, and are fitted with one level tube and one plumb tube. Sizes available: 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 inches. — Image: Canoe-shaped spirit levels No. 1625 (rosewood) and No. 1626 (walnut), each fitted with one level tube and one plumb tube. Available in 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 inch sizes.
Source: Internet Archive

Plumb and Spirit Level No. 113

Illustration of Rabone Spirit Level No. 113 with wooden body, brass cover plates, tipped ends, one level tube, and one plumb tube, adjustable design, shown in 24–36 inch sizes. — Image: Rabone Spirit Level No. 113, a precision plumb and level tool with adjustable brass cover plates and tipped ends, equipped with one level tube and one plumb tube. Available in lengths of 24, 27, 30, and 36 inches.
Source: Internet Archive

John Rabone Canoe Shaped Bakelite and Aluminium Spirit Levels

Canoe Shaped Bakelite Spirit Level No. 1623

Illustration of John Rabone & Sons spirit level No. 1623, made from Bakelite in canoe shape, featuring one plumb tube and one horizontal level tube. — Image: Canoe-shaped Bakelite spirit level No. 1623, fitted with one plumb tube and one level tube.
Source: Internet Archive

The No. 1623 canoe-shaped Bakelite spirit level is equipped with one plumb tube and one level tube, using “Rainbow” tubes for clarity. The No. 1624 version, also 9 inches in length, includes the same features plus an additional 45° angled plumb tube for versatile use.

Canoe Shaped Die Cast Aluminium Plumb and Level with Rainbow Tubes No. 1420

Image of John Rabone canoe-shaped die-cast aluminium spirit levels, models No. 1420 and No. 1421, each 9 inches long. The tools feature brass-colored fittings and Rainbow glass tubes, with one plumb tube and one level tube (No. 1420), and an additional 45° angle plumb tube on No. 1421. — Image: John Rabone canoe-shaped die-cast aluminium plumb and level, No. 1420 and No. 1421, both 9-inch models fitted with Rainbow tubes for precise vertical and horizontal measurement.
Source: Internet Archive

John Rabone Bricklayers' and Constructional Engineers' Aluminium Plumb and Spirit Levels

Heavy Section Adjustable Aluminium Alloy Die Cast Spirit Level No. 1410

Illustration of John Rabone aluminium die-cast spirit level No. 1410. Heavy section, adjustable design, 2 5/8 inches high by 1 1/8 inch wide, available in lengths of 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches, fitted with two pairs of plumb tubes and one pair of level tubes. — Image: John Rabone aluminium alloy plumb and spirit levels (No. 1410–1414), heavy-duty and adjustable, available in 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches with dual plumb tubes and level tubes.
Source: Internet Archive

Non-Adjustable Aluminium Alloy Die Cast Spirit Level No. 1416

Illustration of Rabone non-adjustable die cast aluminium spirit level, rectangular frame with central cutouts, fitted with two vertical plumb tubes and one horizontal level tube. Shown in 24-inch (No. 1415) and 30-inch (No. 1416) sizes. — Image: Non-adjustable aluminium alloy die cast spirit levels, 2⅝ inches high × 1 inch wide. Available in 24-inch (No. 1415) and 30-inch (No. 1416) versions, each fitted with two plumb tubes and one level tube.
Source: Internet Archive

Learn More Still qurious? Click here to learn about the The History and the Legacy of John Rabone & Sons.

John Rabone Machine Divided Steel Rules

Machine Divided Steel Rule Marked on Two Edges No. 34

Close-up of a John Rabone & Sons steel rule, No. 34, available in 6-inch and 12-inch lengths. The rule is machine-divided and marked on two edges with measurements in inches (16ths, 32nds, 64ths) and in metric millimetres and half millimetres. — Image: Machine-divided steel rule No. 34, 6-inch and 12-inch versions. Marked on two edges with divisions in 16ths, 32nds, 64ths, millimetres, and half millimetres.
Source: Internet Archive

Steel rules, machine-divided, available in 6-inch by ¾ inch (0.03 in. thick) and 12-inch by 1 1/8 inch (0.04 in. thick) versions.

No. 11: Marked in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths of an inch.
No. 34: Marked in 16ths, 32nds, 64ths, millimetres, and half millimetres.
No. 45: Millimetre divisions only on two edges.
No. 28: Marked in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, 64ths; one edge divided along the entire rule length.
No. 42: Marked in 16ths, 32nds, 64ths; also in 10ths, 20ths, 50ths, 100ths, plus 12ths, 24ths, 48ths, 96ths; with millimetres and half millimetres.
No. 64: Marked in 16ths, 32nds, 64ths; 10ths, 20ths, 50ths, 100ths on one side; millimetres along the top edge and half millimetres along the bottom edge.

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

Close-up of Rabone No. 29 steel rule showing both sides with precise machine-divided graduations. Rule is marked on four edges with divisions in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths. — Image: Rabone No. 29 machine-divided steel rule, marked on four edges and both sides. Available in 6-inch by ¾-inch (0.03 in thick) and 12-inch by 1-inch (0.04 in thick) sizes.
Source: Internet Archive

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

Image of a Rabone No. 11A narrow flexible steel rule, showing a 6-inch steel rule with finely divided markings in inches and sub-divisions, designed for precise measurements. — Image: Rabone No. 11A Narrow Flexible Steel Rule – 6-inch and 12-inch versions, marked on two edges on one side.
Source: Internet Archive

Surveyors' Folding Boxwood Laths

Surveyors' Folding Boxwood Lath Marked on Both Sides No. 1530

Straignt Boxwood Bench Rules and Tee Squares

Straignt Boxwood Bench Rule No. 1138

Straight wooden bench rule (No. 1138) made of boxwood, shown with clear inch markings in 8ths along both sides. Available in 24-inch and 36-inch sizes. — Image: Straight Boxwood Bench Rule No. 1138 – 24-inch and 36-inch versions, 1 inch wide × 3/16 inch thick. Marked in 8ths on both sides.
Source: Internet Archive

Glaziers' Tee Square

Bricklayers’ Spirit Levels and Plumbs

Non-Adjustable Plumb and Level No.77

A vintage wooden spirit level for bricklayers, shown in a non-adjustable design with brass-tipped ends. Available in lengths from 24 to 48 inches, models No. 77 (one plumb, one level) and No. 78 (two plumbs, one level). — Image: Bricklayers’ Spirit Levels and Plumbs – Non-adjustable models No. 77 and No. 78, available in sizes 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 inches. No. 77 fitted with one plumb and one level tube; No. 78 with two plumbs and one level tube.
Source: Internet Archive

Non-Adjustable Level Lead Plumb Bob No. 79

Vintage John Rabone & Sons No. 79 wooden spirit level for bricklayers, 2 7/8 inches deep by 1 inch wide, with one level tube, one plumb tube, and an attached lead plumb bob with line. Offered in 42-inch and 48-inch versions. — Image: John Rabone & Sons No. 79 Non-Adjustable Bricklayers’ Spirit Level with integrated plumb and line, featuring a lead plumb bob (8 oz). Available in 42-inch and 48-inch sizes.
Source: Internet Archive

Adjustable Plumb and Level No.80

Wood and brass bricklayers’ adjustable spirit level and plumb, John Rabone & Sons No. 80, with level and plumb tubes, available in lengths from 24 to 48 inches. Variant No. 90 fitted with rubber buffer tips. — Image: Adjustable bricklayers’ spirit level and plumb by John Rabone & Sons, No. 80, made of wood and brass, 3 inches deep × 1 inch wide, available in 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48-inch sizes. Also shown is No. 90, the same model fitted with protective rubber buffer tips.
Source: Internet Archive

Engineers’ Iron Spirit Levels

Adjustable Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1381

Black-and-white illustration of John Rabone & Sons engineers’ iron spirit level (No. 1381) with nickel-plated revolving tube protector, shown mounted on a grooved iron base. Offered in 4, 6, and 8 inches. — Image: Engineers’ iron spirit level, pattern no. 1381, with adjustable level mounted in a nickel-plated revolving tube protector on a machined and grooved base. Available in 4, 6, and 8-inch lengths.
Source: Internet Archive

Adjustable Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1382

Black-and-white illustration of John Rabone & Sons Engineers’ iron spirit levels. Model No. 1382, 12 inches long, includes an adjustable plumb tube and cross level. A larger version, No. 1385, measures 18 inches and is equipped with two adjustable plumb tubes. — Image: Engineers’ iron spirit level No. 1382, 12 inches, with adjustable plumb tube and cross level. Also available as No. 1385 in 18 inches, fitted with two adjustable plumb tubes.
Source: Internet Archive

Non-Adjustable Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1387

Black-and-white illustration of Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1387. The cast-iron frame features decorative cut-outs and includes one fixed level tube and two adjustable plumb tubes. Available lengths: 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 inches. — Image: Engineers’ Iron Spirit Level No. 1387 with non-adjustable level tube and two adjustable plumb tubes, available in 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 inches.
Source: Internet Archive

Machine Divided Folding Steel Rules

Machine Divided Folding Steel Rule No. 1638

Machine Divided Folding Steel Rule No. 1667

Folding steel rule No. 1667 by John Rabone & Sons, 2 feet long, 2 folds. Made of carbon steel, ¾ inch wide and 0.03 inch thick. Marked in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths, with spring stop joint. — Image: John Rabone & Sons machine-divided folding steel rule No. 1667. Two-foot, two-fold carbon steel rule, ¾ inch wide × 0.03 inch thick, with spring stop joint. Graduated in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and 64ths.
Source: Internet Archive

Machine Divided Folding Steel Rule No. 229

Close-up of John Rabone & Sons machine divided folding steel rules, models No. 226 and 235, with dual markings in inches and millimetres. Dimensions: ½ inch wide × 0.02 inch thick. Equipped with spring stop joints. — Image: Machine divided folding steel rules, No. 226 and No. 235, showing precise inch divisions (16ths, 32nds, 64ths) as well as millimetres and half-millimetres. The rules are ½ inch wide × 0.02 inch thick and feature spring stop joints for durability.
Source: Internet Archive

Carpenters’ and Combination Squares

Carpenters’ Square No. 1908

Black cast iron carpenter’s square with steel blade, precision ground and marked in 16ths on both sides. Sizes range from 4 to 12 inches. Model No. 1908 by John Rabone & Sons. — Image: Carpenters’ Try and Mitre Square No. 1908 by John Rabone & Sons, with a cast iron stock and precision ground blade. Available in lengths from 4 to 12 inches, marked in 16ths.
Source: Internet Archive

The blade edges are machined to be parallel, and the cast iron stock is precisely ground. The squares are well balanced and finished with durable stove enamel.

Combination Square

The combination square unites several functions in one tool: try and mitre square, depth gauge, height gauge, marking gauge, and rule. Each function can be used separately when needed. The steel rule is machine-divided and ground for accuracy. Options are available with or without a built-in spirit level. Scales include inches in 8ths and 16ths, with some models also providing millimetre markings.

Pocket Measures

Pocket Measure The NUFLEX Rule No. 383

Green Rabone 'Nuflex' pocket measure with retractable white blade, marked in inches and metric units, offered in 6 ft and 2 m lengths. — Image: Rabone pocket measure 'Nuflex' rule with green thermoplastic case. Available in 6 ft and 2 m lengths, with markings in 8ths, 16ths, 32nds, and millimetres.
Source: Internet Archive

The blade is ½ inch wide and housed in a green, high-impact thermoplastic resin case. The material is highly durable and designed to withstand heavy use.

Pocket Measure The EASIFLEX Rule No. 363

Black D-shaped Rabone “EASIFLEX” tape measure, No. 363, with 6 ft and 2 m blades. Features a ½-inch wide white blade, durable plastic case, and automatic 2-inch compensation for internal measurements. Marked in inches (8ths, 16ths, 32nds) and metric divisions. — Image: Rabone “EASIFLEX” Pocket Measure No. 363 – 6 ft and 2 m versions. The ½-inch wide white blade is housed in a durable black D-shaped plastic case, 2 inches wide, allowing 2 inches to be added for inside measurements. Available in inch and metric markings.
Source: Internet Archive

The ½-inch wide white blade is housed in a highly durable black plastic D-shaped case, measuring 2 inches across. This design ensures that 2 inches are automatically added when taking internal measurements. Known as the “EASIFLEX” Rule No. 363, it is available in both imperial and metric markings.

Pocket Measure The CHROME FLEX Rule No. 3205

Vintage Rabone Chrome Flex Rule No. 3205, pocket measuring tape available in 6 ft, 8 ft, and 2-metre versions. Features a chromium-plated D-shaped case, rust-resistant steel tape, and adds 2 inches for inside measurements. — Image: Rabone Chrome Flex Rule No. 3205 – 6 ft, 8 ft, and 2-metre pocket measures in chromium-plated D-shaped cases. Made with premium steel tape and rust-resistant chromium coating.
Source: Internet Archive

The Chrome Flex Rule represents the highest quality in this type of measuring tool. The tape is made from premium steel and coated with multiple layers of chromium, including a rust-resistant finish. Its blade is housed in a chromium-plated, D-shaped case that measures two inches wide. For inside measurements, two inches are automatically added to the reading. The cases are produced in England, while the tapes themselves are manufactured in Canada or the U.S.A.