The Best T-Square Rulers for 2021
/For this post, I have put together a collection of the best T-Square rulers available for purchase.
UPDATED: June 4, 2021.
Along with a drafting table, board, pencil, and chair, a T-square is a must-have item for technical hand drawing. As an architecture student, this basic tool was one of my first purchases.
While the world has mostly moved to software for advanced drafting, the T-square is still an essential tool for drafting by hand.
I have included a range of lengths and materials so you are able to find exactly what you are looking for. The metal rulers will last longer and are more durable, but are more expensive than the plastic options.
Pro tip: if you will be using it as a cutting edge, go with a metal ruler instead of plastic, this will prevent ruining it with your knife.
So here is my list of The Best T-Square Rulers for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: 48" Alumicolor Ludwig Heavy Duty T-Square Ruler
The Alumicolor Ludwig Heavy Duty T-Square Ruler features a two-Inch wide x 48-inch long extruded aluminum blade.
Equipped with a 14-inch wide durable plastic head
Features a head that is calibrated to 5-inches on each side of the blade.
Includes both inches and centimeters for a range of uses.
Features large printed numbers for quick and easy reading.
Runner-up: 36" Alvin Aluminum Graduated T-Square Ruler
Features a 36 inch long aluminum blade.
Offers a durable design with high impact resistance.
Equipped with graduated markings in 16ths of an inch on both sides.
Best Transparent Edge: 42" Alvin T-Square Ruler
Equipped with a hardwood blade to provide a straight edge.
Features transparent acrylic edges allowing for smudge-free line work.
Includes a smooth wooden head.
Best Aluminum: 18" Pro Art Aluminum T-Square Ruler
Features a ruler made from aluminum.
Includes both inch and centimeter markings.
Equipped with a head constructed of impact-resistant ABS plastic.
Best Value: 18" Pro Art T-Square Ruler
Features a design made from hardwood.
Equipped with elevated clear acrylic edges.
Edges prevent smudging when drawing.
Best Affordable Option: 12" Pangda Junior T-Square Ruler
Features a ruler constructed from transparent plastic, allowing the user to view the work behind.
Equipped with a plastic head.
Features both inches and centimeters for convenience.
Includes a hanging hole at the end of the ruler.
Best for Transparency: 18" Westcott Junior T-Square Ruler
Made from clear plastic to allow for viewing through the ruler to the lines behind.
Includes both inch and centimeter calibrations.
Easy to see through to underline notes, to draw columns, or check the layout of drafting work.
Best for Kids: 12" Westcott Junior T-Square Ruler
Built from clear plastic.
Includes both inches and centimeters measurements.
Transparency allows for the viewing of work below the ruler.
Includes a convenient hanging hole.
Best Compact Plastic: 12" Helix Plastic T-Square Ruler
Features a beveled blade for drawing.
Offers both inch and centimeter graduations.
Designed for ink drafting or pencil drawing.
Best Detachable Head: 18” Pacific Arc Acrylic T-Square Ruler
Equipped with a detachable head that makes it easy to store and transport.
Features a clear acrylic blade that is durable and allows the user to view the work below.
Includes both inch and millimeter measurement gradations.
I hope this list of the best T-Square rulers has been helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C