SE Stainless Steel SAE Metric Ruler Set - Stainless Steel Precision Ruler Measuring Tool - Detachable Clips - Set of 2 Pcs - 925PSR-2

Why I added this pocket ruler pair to my everyday kit

I reach for a pocket rule more than I do a tape measure. For layout at the bench, checking clearances, or jotting dimensions during a walkthrough, a slim piece of stainless steel does the job quickly and accurately. This two-piece SE ruler set—one 6-inch SAE rule with 1/64-inch divisions and one 150 mm metric rule with 0.5 mm divisions—has lived in my apron and laptop bag for a few weeks. It’s not fancy, but it’s undeniably useful, and the detachable sliding clips add a capability that most cheap pocket rules don’t bother with.

What you get and how it’s sized

• SAE rule: 6 inches long, 1/2 inch wide, divided down to 1/64.
• Metric rule: 150 mm long, 12 mm wide, divided in 0.5 mm.

The narrow widths are the first thing I noticed. At 1/2 inch and 12 mm, these are slimmer than many pocket rules. That’s a plus if you want something lightweight that disappears in a notebook or shirt pocket. The flip side is rigidity—you give some up with narrow stock.

Both rules include a conversion table on the reverse. I’ve used it when sketching parts that mix standard hardware with metric dimensions. It saves the “What’s 11/32 in millimeters?” detour to my phone.

Build, finish, and first impressions

The stainless steel stock is thin. That keeps weight and cost down, but it also means the rulers can be bent if you’re careless. I wouldn’t call them flimsy, but they won’t shrug off abuse. Treat them like precision references, not pry bars.

Edges are straight and consistent, but they came sharp. The corners, in particular, were pointy enough that I wouldn’t clip the rule inside a pocket without some attention. Five minutes with 600-grit sandpaper to break the edges paid dividends—no more snagging fabric or pricking a fingertip. I’d encourage anyone to do the same.

Markings are crisp and high-contrast. The inch rule goes down to 1/64, which is about as fine as I can reliably read without a loupe, and the metric rule’s 0.5 mm ticks feel like the right balance for quick work. Under bright overhead LEDs, the finish can throw a bit of glare, but not enough to hinder readability unless the light is at a harsh angle. Tilting the rule a touch solves it.

Accuracy and consistency

For pocket rules, I want two things: that the zero starts at the edge, and that the divisions match a known reference. Both boxes are checked here. The zero lines up right at the end, so measuring inside a slot or gauging depth off a surface is straightforward.

I compared both rulers against a digital caliper and a known-good machinist rule. Across their lengths, the graduations tracked closely—consistently within a hair of the mid-mark. The SAE 1/64 marks are surprisingly well executed for a budget piece; the half-millimeter metric increments are consistent and easy to parse at a glance. If you’re doing metrology or tolerance stacking, you’ll want a heavier, certified rule. For layout and checks, these are accurate enough.

The sliding clip: more than a pocket clip

The detachable clip is the feature that elevates this set. It slides along the ruler’s length with just enough friction to stay put but still move deliberately. I’ve used it in a few ways:

• As a stop for repeating measurements: Slide the clip to 27 mm, and you can step off several marks or scribe consistent offsets.
• As a depth gauge: Put the rule across an opening and slide the clip down to the contact point, then read the value.
• As a bookmark or quick hanger: The clip grabs a notebook cover or apron pocket securely.

Out of the box, my clips had a firm grip and didn’t drift during use. After a week of on-off clipping, one loosened slightly. The fix is simple: remove it and squeeze the bend a tad to increase tension. The clip’s inner edge is also sharp; I softened that edge along with the rule to prevent scratching parts.

One caveat: because the rules are narrow and thin, using the clip as a hard stop for forceful marking isn’t ideal. Treat the clip as a reference, not as a clamp.

Day-to-day use in the shop and field

These rulers have seen 3D-print post-processing, electronics enclosure layout, light metal work, and general desk duty. The thin profile is great for slipping between components or laying into a chamfered edge to get a truer reading. The inch rule’s fine divisions make it useful for transferring small measurements where a tape’s hook would get in the way.

The metric rule being marked in millimeters (not just centimeters) is essential for me. The 0.5 mm sub-divisions are enough to place center punches on small brackets, and the narrow width reaches places a broader 25 mm rule won’t. On the flip side, that same narrowness makes the rule less comfortable for drawing long lines with a pen; you’ll find the pen tends to wander off the edge unless you go slowly.

The conversion tables on the back aren’t comprehensive engineering charts, but the common fractions-to-decimal-to-millimeter references cover 90% of the quick conversions I need while sketching or picking drill sizes.

Limitations and small annoyances

No tool is perfect, and this set has a few trade-offs:

• Thin stock can bend: You won’t warp it by accident with normal use, but it doesn’t take kindly to a back-pocket sit or a stray clamp. Store it flat or clipped to something rigid.
• Sharp edges from the factory: Deburring is recommended. It’s a five-minute job that improves safety and feel.
• Glare under certain lighting: The bright finish can reflect; tilting the rule helps, but a matte etch would be nicer.
• Clip can loosen with repeated use: Easy to re-tension, but it’s a maintenance step worth noting.
• Not a machinist-grade instrument: If you need certified squareness of the end or absolute dimensional fidelity across the length, look at premium brands with thicker tempered stock.

Who it suits best

I see this set fitting neatly into a few workflows:

• Makers and DIYers who need both SAE and metric on hand for projects that mix fasteners and components.
• Technicians and field engineers who want a light, pocketable rule with a sliding marker for repeatable offsets and quick depth checks.
• Students and hobbyists who need readable, accurate rulers without investing in pricier machinist tools.

If you prefer heavy, rigid rules, these probably won’t satisfy. If you want a compact, do-most-things-well pair that you won’t baby, they fit the bill.

Tips to get the most out of it

• Break the edges: A light pass with fine sandpaper on all edges and the clip makes the set far nicer to use.
• Darken markings if needed: A wax pencil rub, followed by a wipe, can further increase contrast.
• Use the clip as a layout stop: For repetitive scribing, set the clip and run the rule along a straight reference rather than pushing the clip itself.
• Keep it in a sleeve or notebook: Protects against bends and eliminates pocket snags.

The bottom line

The SE ruler set is a practical, compact duo that emphasizes function over frills. The combination of fine SAE and half-millimeter metric scales, conversion tables, and a genuinely useful sliding clip makes it a reliable everyday companion. The trade-offs—thin stock, factory-sharp edges, and occasional glare—are real, but manageable with a quick deburr and sensible handling.

Recommendation: I recommend this set to anyone who needs an affordable, pocketable pair of rulers with dual scales and a versatile sliding clip. It’s accurate enough for layout, durable enough for regular use if you don’t abuse it, and the clip adds capabilities that punch above its price. If you require a rigid, certified rule for precision machining or you’re hard on your tools, consider a thicker, premium alternative. For everyday measuring and layout, this set earns a spot in the kit.