I've had my 6"x18" ruler for about a year and a half and I use it a lot. I've noticed little nicks in the edges from my rotary cutter and the rotary cutter gets caught in them once in a while. Is there a quick fix for this or should I just replace it?

Jennifer, it could probably be sanded but I would not suggest doing that as it would no longer be true and your measurements would be off. I would look for a coupon and replace it.

Yep, It is time to replace it. Grab your 50% coupon and head to JoAnns.

I agree,a new ruler is in order.

When I first started I had a 12 1/2 ruler that ended up with rounded corners and ++ chips I had to replace it. I have taken it to our workshops just to show our new quilters what not to do with rulers.I made quilted bags for transporting my rulers now and am not so slap happy with them.Lesson learned :) :)

I had a fairly new 6x24 ruler last winter when we went to Az. First time to get together with quilting friends in club house. I had everything on a luggage carrier, with the wheels. I proped the ruler on back and when I went to tip to pull, guess what happened? You are right, it slid down and when I tipped I heard a crack. my ruler was in two...Took my plexiglas blade and cut the end off. Now I also have a 6x15" ruler. Lesson learned.

It's time for a new ruler when I find one on a clearance sale. I can't pass up a good ruler buy.

Set the edge of the ruler on a level table or counter. Squat down and look at the edge -- does it meet the counter top 100%??? even a little curve to it will cause your cuts to be untrue. I kept having problems, and DH did that. I was amazed how much I'd cut out of the ruler!!!!

Time to replace.. Why spend hours, days months working on a project only to find that the 'ruler' wasn't true to size.. Grrrr.. .. yea just bite the bullet and get you a new one.. You are sooo worth it so go ahead !!

It does wear down eventually - I finally did that, too, when I kept getting curved cuts !

I have one htat is 2 years old and is missing a few inches on the top but I love it and it works just fine!!

Can you turn the ruler around?

some measure and cut with the ruler, others,like me, learned to measure off the mat and cut with the ruler.

i really wish i had learned to use the ruler..

I took a class once in basic quilting. She told use not to depend on the mat as they are not all the same when they are marked at different manufacturers. But, if you do it that way, you have some beautiful quilts, so I guess that is not always true huh?

i saw Alex Anderson cut using the ruler for the measurement, and i thought, that is the way to do it!
Bad habits are hard to break...i have tried! i have to actually, stop and think to do it that way..!
I know it is the better way to measure and cut..
thanks for the compliment though! but i usually don't do anything to complicated!

I have an Olfa 6 x 12 that I just adore. One corner is knicked, and I need to replace it. I just can't see with the ones with the yellowl lines.

I know what you mean. When I took the class, I was using the mat instead of the ruler to measure. And it is very hard to break the habit. After about 6 years, I now use the ruler!!

Definitely time for new ones if they become nicked, for safety reasons also. I was cutting along last week, and the rotary cutter hit a ruler nick and the cutter jumped the ruler, narrowly missing hitting one of my fingers. It wasn't even a visually noticeable nick, so I didn't think it was a big deal, but that scared me, and I went out the next day and bought 2 new rulers. I've had more than my share of quilting injuries. :O)

I would replace it.

I personally have a hard time throwing them away. I have a 3" X 24" that I used as a fly swatter and it's in three pieces now. I replaced it, but still have the other three parts that I use when I need a short ruler. I'm just cheap, what more can I say.

I vote to replace it. I actually just found some brand new (older) ones at goodwill for $1 and $2 each! I went ahead and got them. I'll have to check my ruler against our counter top. I think it's still good to go, but I have had it for a couple years so who knows. I measure by my mat b/c that's always been easier. I can't think how to measure with the ruler, especially for larger squares and things.

replace it

This has happened to me too.. it is a good habit to check them this way before each project :D:D:D

have you tried the rulers with the lime green lines? i have trouble seeing the yellow ones but the green ones work fine for me.

Recycle...Depending on the width of the ruler, or if you or someone can cut it down for you, you could use it for a bag or purse bottom.

Wish I had thought of this before I tossed my "bad" ones.

The reasons I did toss my bad ones were:

1) I didn't want to grab them again and use them

2) I admit that I was tempted to pass them on - but that would have been tacky to stick an inexperienced person with inaccurate equipment. It's challenging enough to "get things right" when the rulers are still straight.

Lime green gives me an instant headache. I looked at the Olfa website a bit ago and they have the clear and black ruler. I will place an order.

I could have it cut down to a 5 x 5 square, or 5.5 x 5.5... I had thought of that, but finding someone to cut it precisely may be tricky.

I am so relieved to see that I'm not the only one who wore out a ruler.

I should really test mine and see if I should replace it! I've had it forever!!

I have a "quilt in a day" that is perfectly fine! it has been going good for 8yrs :D

that said, I have other brands that I have nicked on the first use :(

Go Splurge. You wouldn't think twice about replacing a flat tire would you? Well, your rulers are just as important.

When you replace it, get one of the frosted ones made by Omnigrid. It does not slip. Plan to replace mine one at a time with the fronted ones.

Suzanne

I have lightly sanded with an emery board, but the time comes when you just have to replace it. Bite the bullet, its an important tool

I may not be entirely on topic, but these are my thoughts about your post and the responses regarding whether or not to keep the ruler: I don't think it matters if you measure and cut by ruler or by mat as long as you don't switch back and forth. You can use the mat to square the fabric, then measure and cut by ruler OR use the mat to square and measure, then just use the ruler as a cutting guide. I think the trick is to be consistant. A dear cousin, who's my quilting mentor, also advised me to stick with one brand of ruler because they're usually consistent within a brand, but not necessarily so from brand to brand. I'm guessing this is probably also true for cutting mats. Hope this helps you make your decision.

Great advice.

I save old rulers also. if you have access to a band-saw, they make great templates for all kinds of straight shapes.have one cut 6 1/2" square, 3 1/2", etc. cut your old mat into an 18 1/2" square for when you cut out panels, make pillows, etc. while talking band-saw---don't forget that you can cut through a full roll of freezer paper and make shorter rolls instead of wasting paper cutting off the big roll all the time. I do 3",4,5,6".

I would suggest replacing it before you have an injury. A good tip is to angle your blade so that you are cutting the material and not the rule,( for your new one).

Wow, thanks "smitty" - never thought about cutting down a whole roll of freezer paper!! That just makes soooo much sense.

You know, I just saw an add for a new type of ruler that supposedly sharpens your cutter with each cut. I believe it is called Creative Edge. One side of the ruler has a carbon edge. I have not seen one in the store yet, but were I replacing, I might consider this type.

My 6X24 ruler was still fairly new when I stepped on it (don't ask why it was on the floor)and now it has a heel-shaped void. My son cut it down & made a template for me with the leftover piece.