Does your ruler still have a perfectly straight edge?
 

I just verified that one of my favorite rulers has a curve on both edges from being worn down by use.

I can slide a folded index card under the centers when I stand the ruler on edge.

Is it significant? It's enough so that when I move the ruler, the cut edge does not follow a straight line on the ruler.

So - now to replace that ruler - it's a 3 x 18 ominigrid with the 1/8 inch markings. It is/was one of my favorite rulers - which is probably why it is worn down.

Doesn't it seem odd/irritating/frustrating that the used items wear out sooner than the unused ones?

I replace my rulers when I get a nick or chip in them or when they get worn looking. My most used ruler is the 8 1/2 x 24 to cut the yardage then use the size ruler I need to make the sub cuts.

I've replaced a number of worn rulers over the years. You can't do precision cutting with a curved straight line ;) and those straight edges get shaved over and over.
Bear, we could barter for you know what, I'd be happy to replace your beloved. ruler...

I have had to replace a couple of my rulers, the 6 1/2 square and the 6 1/2 by 24 inch ruler I purchased the Creative Grid ones and now they are my favorite

Not warped - "eroded" from use

I have any number of rulers where the lines and numbers have worn off. Some have nicks or like yours are no longer straight lines. Yes, this is frustrating. I have replaced many, and cutting mats too, over the years. The last one replace was my 24" Omnigrid ruler and bought at Quilter's Select ruler this time around. I was set in my way and did not really want to change until I compared the differences in the 2 rulers for accuracy and control. This time around the Quilter's Select won out. I have also use Fiskar rulers and they wear out the quickest, IMHO. There is no guarantee that the QS ruler will last any longer but it is offering so much better control I am finding it worth the extra $$ I paid for it.

I tend to mow over the corners when doing HSTs, especially when there is just one corner where the diagonal line works best.

hugs,
charlotte

Yes, over time, my acrylic rulers become wavy, uneven, arched - in other words - completely not straight. As sad as it is, I toss them and buy new ones. Just part of this craft I guess.

Another one of those "duh" insights for me.

I need to think of replacing the no longer straight rulers in the same category as replacing a dull rotary blade. When something is used a lot, it tends to become worn out and no longer does the job it is supposed to.

PS - Please do not donate those rulers - where some newbie will think she/he is getting a bargain - and is just buying frustration and inaccuracy!.

I think it is significant enough to replace. I had a 6" square ruler that was worn down on one corner because of my rotary cutter getting too close and shaving off just a sliver every time I used it. This will not give you a straight cut.

My very first quilting supplies purchase was a package that came with a small cutting mat, rotary cutter and 6 x 18 inch ruler. Along with a quilting 101 type book. Nothing ever came out accurate, everything was too short, but I kept fussing along. One day I used my husbands carpenter's ruler, the metal roll up kind, and measured that ruler. Come to find out, the 1/4 inch mark was not a full 1/4 inch. It's a wonder I hadn't given up on quilting before I found that out. Needless to say, I bought a better ruler!

Periodically I put my rulers on edge to see if are warped or curved and I store them nicely and flat. I drop stuff a lot, partly because of my lack of depth perception I think. But my iron gets dropped, my coffee cups get dropped and my rulers get dropped and shatter often enough to be replaced.

We each have a slightly different hand to our cutting whether we are completely perpendicular to the ruler or slope in or out. I prefer to use all of one brand of rulers on each project if I can, I think some are better used on the line and some are next to the line.

Out of caution I replace my ruler every 6 months. A 1mm difference can really set off my block.

Mine may be but not where it makes a difference. I just keep using them.

I agree! I don't donate my used rotary blades so why would I donate used ruined rulers?

This discussion leads me to wonder... are our old rulers recyclable?

I'd better check my rulers today. I do have a new favorite, though, Creative Grids 2 1/2X 24". My others are omnigrids and they are going to get checked today, one is 3"X18" and one 3 1/2X24. I think they have probably earned their way to the trash bin.

Never thought of this and I have been using the same rulers for o/12 yrs...Guess it's not making any diff so no replacements here..

I asked Bear awhile back if she had any halloween themed scraps. I'm hoping she is looking!

I'm the type of person that replaces my toaster oven when it looks groady even after cleaning. I have no qualms about replacing any of my sewing tools when they start to look too used. I do hang on to my car until it falls apart and that makes DH nuts. LOL

Sharyn, I think I might have a FQ or two. PM me your addy and I'll pop them in the mail.

I noticed that my long ruler, which gets the most use, has had some "trimming" at both ends right where I start my long cuts--to counter this, I've started moving the ruler so that my starting point of the cut is about at the 2" mark on the ruler where it's still very straight.

I recently cut out a quilt with a new ruler and was amazed at how well all the pieces fit. Now I think I know why. My favorite go to ruler has been around since I started quilting and I am now thinking that it should be replaced. Of course, it is the most expensive one and that is why I have been putting it off but I guess I have to remind myself when when not to worry about cost.

My ruler markings have faded away with time, but I am still using it.

I was just using mine to make a chart to track times tables learning progress for a little girl I'm tutoring, and that's how I found out there was a nick in mine! I was drawing a line and Hello! where did that come from???

Great thread!!! Have recently replaced a few rulers as the markings were getting worn off and chipped corners. Bet they were 'shaved' from all of the use. Another thoughtful thread, Bear. Thank you.

Hmmmm. Nice to know. I will have to check.

Hmmm... Think I better check mine too.

I have replaced some of my very old rulers over the course of time. And I'm not buying the June Taylor strip cutter anymore at all. It's to flimsy and thin. Gets nicked the first time you use it. I've found I can cut as straight anyway.

after 30 yrs of use on my 6 x 24 it's got nicks in the edge because i get too close to the ruler. I did have my 12 x 12 warp after 20 or so years. I hold onto mine forever. i'm too cheap to buy a new one. I still have my original rotary cutter. Remember when if you bought a quiting book, you'd get a free small rotary cutter? I have 3 of them. and yes, it takes me forever to change a blade. then i ask why i waited so long.