Fireball 2R (!!!!) Rulers for Combination Squares

Pretty, pretty, pretty good....

An old Mitutoyo head with a new Fireball 2R rule.

Since the dawn of the Machinist Age, woodworkers have had a love-hate relationship with combination squares, which were developed for machinists.

The love: Just about everything about this adjustable-ruler tool.

The hate: The 32nds and 64ths on the ruler. They are rarely useful for most woodworking.

For many years, I’ve wanted a ruler for my combination square that was 2R, which means it displays only 8ths and 16ths on both faces of the ruler. That would be useful and easier on my eyes.

Fireball Tool, a company that specializes in tools for metalworkers, makes these 2R rules in useful lengths: 12", 18" and 24". They fit all standard combination square heads that accept a 1"-wide ruler with a center channel (such as Starrett, Mitutoyo, Lufkin, Brown & Sharpe etc.).

I ordered a 12" rule for my old Mitutoyo head (which came with a millimeter rule). The Fireball rules have a yellow chrome-like finish with black numerals. The numbers are deeply etched and quite readable. And yes, the rulers really are marked only in 8ths and 16ths.

A close look at the 2R engravings. The measurements on both edges are left-reading. Not a big deal. But unusual.

Hallelujah. Well, almost.