Mr Magdad a guy like you that loves to restore old tools i am Surprised you did not break out a good old fashion can of Liquid Gold or Janitor in a Drum to clean up the folding ruler LOL all kidding aside the folding Ruler came out great and the alignment pin was not just to hold the ruler together but you cold use the alignment pin to draw out circles ... take care looking forward to next Sundays video
Nice job as always! Surprised you didn’t try Murphy’s Oil. It’s really good at cleaning gunk while not harming varnishes and paints and wood. I inherited a lot of tools from my grandfathers, I like it when I see your video and can say “I have one of those!”
Magdad, you need to try Dawn dish soap for cleaning. You can even clean baby ducks with Dawn! Lol. You could even bathe Chuck in Dawn! Thanks for the video. ✌🇺🇸
This video shows the value of the gradual methodical approach to tool restoration. I have always avoided wooden rules at yard sales etc. because I was afraid I would obliterate the markings if I tried to clean them up. This video shows what you can do if you are careful. I think this resto turned out well.
My grandfather had this EXACT ruler in his toolbox for years. A few years ago I finally got it from his belongings in BERMUDA. It was still in great condition and is now in my shop :-).
Fantastic job mixing the music just perfectly under your voice-over. Most people who add music to their videos are oblivious to the mix. Again congratulations on doing great work. I also enjoyed the ruler restoration.
Excellent job Magdad, In the olden days when I was a young shipyard worker, these type of rulers were very coveted by shipfitters, for measuring and scribing.
It turned out nice. I like your systematic approach to cleaning it. I’m still looking for one of those boxwood rulers. The ones that I’ve seen were priced a little high. Nice job. Thanks
Thanks Joe! I saw a couple at the flea market this weekend. One was a nice Stanley Sweetheart for $12 and the other one was in the dollar bin but it was damaged. Neither one came home with me.
Great job. I have worked with archaeologists on cleaning relics and your choices of dish detergent and mineral sports was right on. Steel wool is usually avoided though. Nylon no woven scrubbers are preferred. Bits of steel wool left behind can be a problem if they rust.
Excellent work on the clean up, nice approach to the clean up by stepping up the cleaning process as you went along. Thanks for the video sir, enjoyed it.
Nice Sunday night treat. I've got 2 or 3 of these and struggled to clean and align them but wasn't too bothered. Think maybe I'll have another go. So another inspiring video. No higher praise Magdad! 😂
A perfect example of a sensitive restoration or clean up of a tool. Beautifully done. The alignment hole was for alignment pins. I remember my dads old one I used to play with in the ‘50’s and’60’s as a kid had the pins which tore up careless little fingers very easily. From memory I think there were two pins down one side.
M.D. that came out beautiful... my first thought was alcohol... My grandfather had one of those exactly like it.. it looked almost new, but like so many of my sad stories, it disappeared... M.D. thx for bringing us along.. take care and God Bless...
I love those style rulers. I have several from my Granddad. Mine cleaned up pretty much the same way: soapy water and a lot of scrubbing. I didn't have acid, but some 409 helped a lot. A little Brasso and fine steel wool and they're all shiny again too. Mine have theorigional brass pins. I checked them against a modern steel ruler, and they're right on. Another fun resto good sir!
quite possible, not really something that would just fall out. Perhaps a case where someone nicked his hand on the pin one too many times and "fixed" it lol
Thanks 357 Magdad, I recently bought one just like it at a flea market and probably paid too much, I was having buyer's remorse when I got home but feel much better now after seeing how well you were able to clean it up, thanks
Excellent cleaning. I would have been really nervous cleaning some of my folding rules. I've got some very old Lufkins and thankfully, they dont need the cleaning. One thing I have found that works well on boxwood and beech is mineral spirits. I would obviously suggest trying it on a small space first, but it has worked wonders on the old planes in my collection.
That came out quite well! I have a pile of these things that I have been too timid to try and clean up. I was planning to try Murphy's Oil Soap. I suspect that with the superfine steel wool will work. If not, I will certainly give the mineral oil a try? Thanks for showing! 😁👍😉
@@357magdad I can see trying the palmolive first since it is supposed to be gentle on your hands (which is why I use it to make inexpensive foaming hand soap), it stands to reason it should be gentle on the painted markings! 👍😁👍
I just got an old Craftsman No. 3937 folding ruler for $1.00. Maybe aluminum? It says "Patent Applied For'. I'll for sure take my time cleaning it and I'll research it too. Other than being dirty it looks to be in great shape. Thanks for the tips in your video.
I just rub them down with polishing or rubbing compound. Leaves them clean and with a glossy surface to both the boxwood and brass. Flitz might’ve worked just as well
Thanks Magdad, yes I think these all had alignment holes, I'd be interested to hear of you think the results would be any different if you had done straight for the wire-wool and mineral spirits ? Good to be cautious obviously !
Nice experimental cleaning. Excellent results. If Chuck got a hold of it he might have "Flitzed" it. That could have been catastrophic. 😂 Beautiful ending.
Nice cleaning try. Does look a lot better. You could make some waterslide decals using some computer programs and than use some light sanding to remove all the dirt. Than use the exact decals to apply the new numbers followed up with a clear coat of polyester spray to protect it. Just an idea...
I was waiting for you to clean up the metal parts on the ends of the ruler. They might have cleaned up as good as the brass parts did with the mineral spirits. Then Chuck could have helped flitz then too.
Before WW2, men had professional trades, and Stanley sold many sizes of folding pocket rulers… Though it’s been lost to history, men of different trades, carried a different ruler, for a different trade skill… The public, glancing at a man’s ruler, in his Brest pocket, knew without asking, what his trade profession was…
I have 3 ,one was my father's. Now I will clean the other 2 ,not my dad's as I feel him when I use it . See you at the Jacktown spring met , I have the red mobility scooter
Hello from New Britain. I've wondered what was the best method for cleaning my grimey stanley wooden stuff. I didn't know they had a pin, my guess is everyone removed it at some point because it was probably stabbing them in the hand and snagging on stuff all the time.
50/50 alcohol/water or acetone/water works well. VMP naptha is excellent for many oil & grease and adhesives. tongue oil (spit) also cleans well. I would not use oxalic acid.
I'm surprised Chuck didn't insist on polishing the brass.
Polished brass is Beautiful
Chuck thought the dirty thing did not deserve his attention. He can be a snob...
I agree!
Mr Magdad a guy like you that loves to restore old tools i am Surprised you did not break out a good old fashion can of Liquid Gold or Janitor in a Drum to clean up the folding ruler LOL all kidding aside the folding Ruler came out great and the alignment pin was not just to hold the ruler together but you cold use the alignment pin to draw out circles ... take care looking forward to next Sundays video
Thanks Roger! I used what I had on hand.
Nice job as always! Surprised you didn’t try Murphy’s Oil. It’s really good at cleaning gunk while not harming varnishes and paints and wood.
I inherited a lot of tools from my grandfathers, I like it when I see your video and can say “I have one of those!”
Thanks for watching! I don't have any Murphy's Oil. I'll have to keep an eye out for it at the yard sales.
@@357magdadMurphy's oil soap isn't that expensive and can be found at Walmart and other stores. Mom used it all the time growing up.
Magdad, you need to try Dawn dish soap for cleaning. You can even clean baby ducks with Dawn! Lol. You could even bathe Chuck in Dawn! Thanks for the video. ✌🇺🇸
Thanks Roger! We are a Palmolive family.
This video shows the value of the gradual methodical approach to tool restoration. I have always avoided wooden rules at yard sales etc. because I was afraid I would obliterate the markings if I tried to clean them up. This video shows what you can do if you are careful. I think this resto turned out well.
Thanks Pat! Good old soap and water removed a lot of the grime. I bet I could have used a super fine scotchbrite pad along with the soapy water.
I’ve used orange hand soap to clean them before. Most of the grime is just grease from your hands. Good job. Looks great.
Thanks!
Hugely enjoyable but also very instructive, thanks 357 Magdad for posting.
I'm glad you enjoyed it Tony!
Excellent! Yes they had small brass pins. Noah’s Mom is a big collector of wooden rules! 😃👍
I'm surprised the brass pins disintegrated!
Well done on that one for sure. Love those little rulers!
Thanks! I was glad I could save most of the markings!
Very nice! The ruler turned out great!
Thanks Steve! I was happy the markings survived!
Well done and you preserved the original finish.
I'm glad the markings survived!
My grandfather had this EXACT ruler in his toolbox for years. A few years ago I finally got it from his belongings in BERMUDA. It was still in great condition and is now in my shop :-).
Does it have the alignment pins?
@@357magdad I'll have to check, and get back to ya
Fantastic job mixing the music just perfectly under your voice-over. Most people who add music to their videos are oblivious to the mix. Again congratulations on doing great work. I also enjoyed the ruler restoration.
Thanks! Mrs Magdad and I try to get the volume levels just right.
Looks great! I see those from time to time....guess I'll have to pick one up
I have a couple older ones that I now have more confidence in cleaning.
Excellent job Magdad, In the olden days when I was a young shipyard worker, these type of rulers were very coveted by shipfitters, for measuring and scribing.
My dad had a couple of these - I wish I saved them!
That cleaned up nice. Looks good, well done. I did not appreciate these rules may originally have had alignment pins. Interesting.
Dave.
Thanks Dave! I think there were also two more pins in the face of the ruler.
Well done Mate!! Windex without ammonia is another light cleanser I use when tackling delicate items!!☻
Thanks RoadKing!
I've never seen one of those kinds of ruler.Came out really good thank you for the video
Some of the older ones can be very collectible.
Beautiful job! My grandfather, who was a carpenter, had one of those rulers, and I was fascinated by it as a kid :)
My dad had a couple - I wish I had saved them!
It turned out nice. I like your systematic approach to cleaning it. I’m still looking for one of those boxwood rulers. The ones that I’ve seen were priced a little high. Nice job. Thanks
Thanks Joe! I saw a couple at the flea market this weekend. One was a nice Stanley Sweetheart for $12 and the other one was in the dollar bin but it was damaged. Neither one came home with me.
We are lucky here in the Uk these are readily available around £5 !
Not as easy to find in Montana, and when you do they want around $20. Then there’s eBay, but about the same price with shipping.
Great job. I have worked with archaeologists on cleaning relics and your choices of dish detergent and mineral sports was right on. Steel wool is usually avoided though. Nylon no woven scrubbers are preferred. Bits of steel wool left behind can be a problem if they rust.
I may try the soapy water and a superfine scotchbrite pad next time.
Excellent work on the clean up, nice approach to the clean up by stepping up the cleaning process as you went along. Thanks for the video sir, enjoyed it.
Thanks Terry! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Nice Sunday night treat. I've got 2 or 3 of these and struggled to clean and align them but wasn't too bothered. Think maybe I'll have another go. So another inspiring video. No higher praise Magdad! 😂
Thanks John! Let me know how you make out!
Great job Magdad! 😃👌🏼
Thanks David!
A perfect example of a sensitive restoration or clean up of a tool. Beautifully done.
The alignment hole was for alignment pins. I remember my dads old one I used to play with in the ‘50’s and’60’s as a kid had the pins which tore up careless little fingers very easily. From memory I think there were two pins down one side.
I think there was two more pins - I can see the tiny holes.
Now it needs the little alignment pins that belong in those holes along the edges and inside.
I really like those old rulers.
Good job!
Thanks! I wonder if a previous owner pulled all the pins out?
Looks a lot better but it’s the sort of thing where you have to put up with a bit of patina.
It sure isn't perfect, but it is way better than it was!
M.D. that came out beautiful... my first thought was alcohol...
My grandfather had one of those exactly like it.. it looked almost new, but like so many of my sad stories, it disappeared... M.D. thx for bringing us along.. take care and God Bless...
Alcohol can lift certain inks and finishes. I figured water would be the best way to start.
I love those style rulers. I have several from my Granddad. Mine cleaned up pretty much the same way: soapy water and a lot of scrubbing. I didn't have acid, but some 409 helped a lot. A little Brasso and fine steel wool and they're all shiny again too. Mine have theorigional brass pins. I checked them against a modern steel ruler, and they're right on. Another fun resto good sir!
Thanks! I wonder if a previous owner pulled the pins out of mine?
quite possible, not really something that would just fall out. Perhaps a case where someone nicked his hand on the pin one too many times and "fixed" it lol
Loved the ruler. It came out great.
Thanks Kim!
Great cleanup and the detail on the alignment pin was a great idea!
Thanks!
You have the patience of a saint and it always pays off. Well done ‼️
Chuck wanted to take the angle grinder to it!
That was a very scary restoration, well done. Glad that you did it in steps, well done again. The pins sure helped, also.
Thanks Larry! I sort of held my breath each time I tried a new project. I'm glad the markings survived!
Thanks 357 Magdad, I recently bought one just like it at a flea market and probably paid too much, I was having buyer's remorse when I got home but feel much better now after seeing how well you were able to clean it up, thanks
I figured this $1 yard sale ruler would be a good test subject for how to clean these.
Good eye catching the alignment pin holes. I’m glad I saw this video, I have several of this type of ruler I need to clean up. Cheers.
Thanks Cory!
Great job on the rule. I use mineral spirits as a cleaner on a lot of items. Also Murphy Oil Soap on wood items. Thanks for showing your experiments
Several viewers have suggested Murphy's. I may have to invest in a bottle.
Excellent cleaning. I would have been really nervous cleaning some of my folding rules. I've got some very old Lufkins and thankfully, they dont need the cleaning. One thing I have found that works well on boxwood and beech is mineral spirits. I would obviously suggest trying it on a small space first, but it has worked wonders on the old planes in my collection.
Thanks for watching Timothy! I used mineral spirits on this project with success.
Wow! I have a similar ruler in similar condition but have been afraid to ruin it.
Give it a shot! Escalate gradually like I did.
Thanks that was very helpful! I have several rulers in various states of disrepair and i had no idea where to start. Thanks again. Cheers
When I found this one for a buck, I figured it would be a good candidate for testing what worked.
The pin seems perfectly designed...to snag you, your clothes and anything else it comes in to contact with. Enjoyed the vid, thanks from the UK
Maybe the last owner removed the pins for that reason.
That came out fantastic. You were spot on with how to clean and restore the wood.
Thanks! It was good practice for when I find more of these!
The ruler looks great Magdad! This is something I will try out. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks John! Let me know how you make out!
That came out quite well! I have a pile of these things that I have been too timid to try and clean up. I was planning to try Murphy's Oil Soap. I suspect that with the superfine steel wool will work. If not, I will certainly give the mineral oil a try? Thanks for showing! 😁👍😉
Others have recommended the Murphy's soap. I just used what I had on hand.
@@357magdad I can see trying the palmolive first since it is supposed to be gentle on your hands (which is why I use it to make inexpensive foaming hand soap), it stands to reason it should be gentle on the painted markings! 👍😁👍
It's looks good, patients paid off. Good job.
Thanks Dale! I'm glad I was able to save the markings!
That was interesting - just the right amount of cleaning there Magdad - looks excellent. Thanks for sharing. Take care :-)
Thanks Michael! I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings.
That old rule looks great Magdad
I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings!
Good job. It's way too easy to damage things beyond repair. Working your way up is the way to go. 😊
Thanks Kim!
Great video and a very nice rule thanks for sharing your time 🍺🍺👍
Thanks Brian!
Nice gentle restoration Mate 🛠👍😊
Thanks! I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings.
I was thinking, would he post the video if the mineral spirits stirpped the paint right off the ruler?🤦♂️🤣
I tried each treatment on a small section first to avoid that exact situation.
Nice job! Nice music!
Thanks Timothy! I'm glad you liked the music!
Those little rulers...rule! Nice!
There are folks that specialize in collecting these. I think there are even ones made of ivory.
Cool video. I always wondered if this was possible.
Thanks Kenney! It isn't perfect, but it is way cleaner.
Great tips. I have three i think that need cleaning. I'm happy to have you experiment on yours first.
This $1 ruler was a good candidate for experimenting!
Very well done. It's a scary undertaking with those letters for sure! I liked the music you picked out too!
Thanks Alex! When I found this one in bad shape for a dollar, I decided it was gonna be my guinea pig for testing how to clean them.
Very nice looks great! Great job always!!!
Thanks Mike!
great, txs for sharing...
I'm glad you enjoyed it Tom!
“ new old stock” great job!
It is way better than it was!
Well Done! Good for another 75 years!
Thanks! I wish I was!
Neet old ruler 📏 good job on cleaning it up
Thanks Larry!
Wow it really looks great now 👍
Thanks! It looks way better than it did!
I just got an old Craftsman No. 3937 folding ruler for $1.00. Maybe aluminum? It says "Patent Applied For'. I'll for sure take my time cleaning it and I'll research it too. Other than being dirty it looks to be in great shape.
Thanks for the tips in your video.
Sounds like you found a gem! I'd love to see some photos! 357mdad@gmail.com
Great Job!!!
Thanks Kenneth!
Try Simple Green. I use it to clean my guns. Takes off oil and dirt, but doesn't hurt the gun.
Simple Green is not recommended for bare wood.
Nicely done Magdad!
Thank You for sharing!
Thanks Jack!
MD we know you always set the refurb bar high, but where was chuck and the flitz of the brassware...
Chuck did not think the ruler was nice enough to Flitz. He can be a snob..
Just a thought, but may be the flitz of the brass may make a suitable "short" for your channel - just might get you a little closer to 50k subs !
I just rub them down with polishing or rubbing compound. Leaves them clean and with a glossy surface to both the boxwood and brass. Flitz might’ve worked just as well
I didn't want to start with anything abrasive.
I have a couple of those rulers. Interesting process for cleaning. Thanks
I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings!
Very nice job! My father used to have one of those, not sure what ever happened to it. Your restoration came out beautifully - I enjoyed the video.
Thanks! My dad had a couple - I wish I had saved them.
How accurate are the markings?
Believe it or not i have a few Folding Rulers and they are surprisingly Accurate
Good enough for basic carpentry.
Thanks Magdad, yes I think these all had alignment holes, I'd be interested to hear of you think the results would be any different if you had done straight for the wire-wool and mineral spirits ?
Good to be cautious obviously !
I may start with soapy water and a super fine scotchbrite next time.
I used WD-40 & 0000 steel wool on one that belonged to my Grandoa. It worked great.
I'm glad you had success!
Nice job! I keep hoping to find one of these at a garage sale but no luck yet.
I was lucky to find two at the same sale!
Nice experimental cleaning. Excellent results. If Chuck got a hold of it he might have "Flitzed" it. That could have been catastrophic. 😂 Beautiful ending.
Chuck didn't think it was nice enough to Flitz. He can be a snob...
@@357magdad 👍🏻😆
Nice cleaning try. Does look a lot better. You could make some waterslide decals using some computer programs and than use some light sanding to remove all the dirt. Than use the exact decals to apply the new numbers followed up with a clear coat of polyester spray to protect it. Just an idea...
Thanks Gary!
I have one and it has the alignment pin like you added.
I think there might have been two more in the face.
You should try TSP to clean. It is in the solvent/stripper section of the two main big box stores.
Thanks Chris!
I was waiting for you to clean up the metal parts on the ends of the ruler. They might have cleaned up as good as the brass parts did with the mineral spirits. Then Chuck could have helped flitz then too.
I went over the metal with the steel wool. Chuck didn't think it was nice enough to Flitz.
Removes the dirt , and leaves the paint. I use it on vintage lettered wooden boxes and soda pop crates (flats).
Gotcha!👍
Before WW2, men had professional trades, and Stanley sold many sizes of folding pocket rulers…
Though it’s been lost to history, men of different trades, carried a different ruler, for a different trade skill…
The public, glancing at a man’s ruler, in his Brest pocket, knew without asking, what his trade profession was…
Just bought a rosewood and brass 2ft rule on eBay as my regular carry ruler.
Sounds like a beauty!
I have 3 ,one was my father's. Now I will clean the other 2 ,not my dad's as I feel him when I use it . See you at the Jacktown spring met , I have the red mobility scooter
Hope to see you there!
Outstanding! As always a great job.
Thanks John!
Hello from New Britain. I've wondered what was the best method for cleaning my grimey stanley wooden stuff. I didn't know they had a pin, my guess is everyone removed it at some point because it was probably stabbing them in the hand and snagging on stuff all the time.
The pins would be a bit pokey. The misalignment was bugging me!
Have one of those in original pristine condition!
Sounds like a keeper!
,looks good now! Nice job!
Thanks!
Great job, Magdad
Thanks Jack!
I would have stopped before the oxalis acid wash. I’ve got one just like this. I’m not going to play with the patina.
You do you Mike!
I’m always worried about losing the markings on a ruler. Nice work. Are you going to the show this weekend?
We're planning on going Friday morning!
I wonder if Simple Green would clean it?
I think you would want to dilute with water first.
50/50 alcohol/water or acetone/water works well. VMP naptha is excellent for many oil & grease and adhesives. tongue oil (spit) also cleans well. I would not use oxalic acid.
Thanks for watching Bob! I was concerned that alcohol or acetone might remove the lettering.
Awesome demonstration. Great clean up. What was Chuck doing? Napping? 😂
Chuck didn't think the project was worth his time. He can be a snob...
I know your done, but may I recomment TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). We enjoy your videos.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Great video and informative project..stay safe... captjack
Thanks Captain!
Nice job 👍
Thanks!
Great stuff as always
Thanks Michael!
Great information...
It was a good candidate for experimentation.
Very nice!
Thanks!
Murphy's Oil Soap? Your way is less expensive, but maybe try Murphy's.
Several viewers have suggested Murphy's. I don't have any on hand.
👍👍👍