Chartpak 238 Adjustable Triangular Scale for Architects, 12 Aluminum w/Scale Dial

by Chartpak

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 1.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0006HW8TS
• Item model number: 238
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,251 in Office Products (See Top 100 in Office Products)
  • #8 in Office Products > Educational Supplies > Writing & Correction Supplies > Technical Drawing Supplies > Triangular Scales
  • #46 in Office Products > Educational Supplies > Teaching Materials > Drafting Tools & Kits
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 18, 2005

Product Description

Versatile design lets architects work quickly with maximum efficiency. Change units quickly and easily by rotating dial at either end of scale—no need to move the scale from the work surface. 12" measuring length, exact calibrations. Manufactured of the highest quality aluminum. Adjusts to 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1:1 and 2:1.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Slow to use, buy a standard scale, July 29, 2011

By 

Lives up North "Engineer" (Traverse City, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chartpak 238 Adjustable Triangular Scale for Architects, 12 Aluminum w/Scale Dial (Office Product)

This is a quality product and well built. A nice and unique feature is the edge of the scale has an elevated edge. If you draw in ink, the ruler won't smear your lines. The raised edge keeps the ink on the paper, not on your ruler.

These compliments having been paid, I don't use it. 2 reasons:

It's harder to read than a regular scale. The way you have to read the numbers on the universal hash marks, you can't easily see 1/4, 1/2, etc. This is because the hashes are universal; An ordinary scale has a long hash (whole feet), shorter hash (6"), still shorter hash (3" & 9"), etc. On this ruler that works at 1/4"... go to 1/2" and every other long mark is a foot. The medium hash marks are 3" and 9"... how about the short hashes? I guess those are 1 1/2", 4 1/2", etc. You get the idea; if you use a scale often, you'll quickly find yourself putting this one down.

The second reason not to get this scale is it doesn't have as many scales as the regular triangular ones. It has 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 2:1, 1:1. A standard scale has also 3/16, 3/32, 3/8, 3/4, 3", 1 1/2" .... These scales are common in sections, elevations and details, so now you're keeping two scales on your desk.

Almost a great product. For the right person, it is may work well, but not for most.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Poor quality paint., February 14, 2011

By 

Casey Voigt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chartpak 238 Adjustable Triangular Scale for Architects, 12 Aluminum w/Scale Dial (Office Product)

I used this scale for one semester in one three credit class. Basically 3-6 hours a week for 15 weeks. The numbers and scale are painted on and the paint has worn off in many places already from pretty light use. Basically if it rubs against anything, it has a chance or rubbing off the paint.

Nice concept, poor quality.

edit: I did carry it in my bag a few times. If the product came with a case, the paint probably wouldn't have scratched off.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Handy Scale, December 14, 2008

By 

James Moyer "Dr Jim" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chartpak 238 Adjustable Triangular Scale for Architects, 12 Aluminum w/Scale Dial (Office Product)

Nice construction. Like that you can change scales without moving the rule. Handsome addition to desktop.