# Why Rulers Have Holes

> Rulers' holes help hang, store, and draw circles, their history dates back to slate boards.
- Title: Why Rulers Have Holes · Family Handyman | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: ruler, hole, slate board, storage, circle drawing, paper crafts, Family Handyman
- Source: Family Handyman — https://familyhandyman.com/article/rulers-with-holes
- Author: Alex Shoemaker
- Published: 2026-11-04T21:40:34+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ruler, hole, slate board, storage, circle drawing, paper crafts
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Ruler holes were used to clean slate boards before paper notebooks, now help hang rulers and draw circles.