From Family Handyman · Alex Shoemaker · · 50s
Why Rulers Have Holes
Rulers' holes help hang, store, and draw circles, their history dates back to slate boards.
In brief
Rulers' holes help hang, store, and draw circles, their history dates back to slate boards. Ruler holes were used to clean slate boards before paper notebooks, now help hang rulers and draw circles. Originally reported by Family Handyman.
Why Rulers Have Holes
Ruler holes serve practical purposes like hanging and storing rulers.
Historical Use for Slate Boards
Students tied cloth to rulers through holes to clean slate boards before paper notebooks.
Storage for Workshops
Holes let rulers hang on hooks, nails, or pegboards instead of drawers.
Three-Ring Binder Alignment
School rulers have three holes that align with binder rings for organization.
Circle Drawing Technique
A pin through one hole holds the ruler while a pencil traces circles.
Specialty Craft Uses
Quilting and paper craft rulers have holes for precise stitching and patterns.
The bottom line
Ruler holes were used to clean slate boards before paper notebooks, now help hang rulers and draw circles.
