Empire 12-in. Hook Ruler (32nds, mm, cm) (27308)
Empire 12-in. Hook Ruler (32nds, mm, cm) (27308)
Out of Stock - Available to Order - Usually ships in 19-28 days
Product Details
Product Details
Key Features
Overview
The Empire 27308 12-in. Hook Ruler is a stainless steel measuring rule built for edge-based layout and quick reference marks. This is a ruler designed for measuring and marking from an edge with better control than a standard straight rule. Model Number: 27308. If you do bench work, trim layout, hobby work, or general shop measuring, the hook end is the part that matters because it gives you a positive starting point instead of asking you to line up a plain ruler by eye.
This 12-inch ruler uses multiple scales, including 1/32 inch graduations plus millimeters and centimeters. That makes it useful when you switch between SAE and metric measurements or need finer inch layout than a basic carpenter's rule gives you. For marking short parts, checking offsets, or repeating the same dimension across a run of pieces, a hook ruler is faster than trying to pinch a tape measure in place.
The stainless steel body is a good call for a shop ruler because it resists wear better than softer materials and stays easy to wipe clean. At 12 inches long and 0.5 inches wide, it is slim enough to keep in a drawer, apron, or toolbox without taking up much room. The narrow profile also makes it practical for detail work where a bulky framing square or tape measure would just get in the way.
One of the better features here is the mixed-unit layout. The Empire 27308 12-in. Hook Ruler gives you inch, millimeter, and centimeter readings on the same tool, which is useful for woodworking, model making, machine setup, and general measuring where dimensions may come from different plans or materials. If you regularly move between imperial and metric fasteners, hardware, or drawings, that saves time and keeps mistakes down.
This ruler is best suited for users who want a compact measuring and layout tool with a hooked reference edge, not a long-span measuring tool. It makes the most sense for woodworkers, carpenters, hobby builders, remodelers, and anyone doing bench-top measuring where a tape measure feels clumsy. If your work is mostly close-in layout and repeat marking, this style of ruler earns its keep fast.
Register Off the Edge and Go
The hook end is what separates this ruler from a standard straight rule. It gives you a repeatable reference point for measuring from the edge of a board, panel, or workpiece, which is exactly what speeds up layout work.
- 12-inch length works well for short-run measuring, marking, and setup tasks
- Graduated in 1/32 inch, millimeters, and centimeters for mixed-unit work
- Stainless steel construction is better suited for everyday shop and toolbox use
Key Specifications
| Length | 12 in. |
|---|---|
| Width | 0.5 in. |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Measurement Type | Metric & SAE |
| Graduations | 1/32 in., millimeters, centimeters |
| Color | Silver |
| Package Quantity | 1 |
| Made In | India |
Built For
Pro Tip
When you are laying out repeat marks on the edge of stock, keep the hook seated the same way every time instead of flipping the ruler around between marks. That keeps your reference consistent and makes the most of the hook ruler design.
Tool Nut's Take
Empire 27308 12-in. Hook Ruler Is a Handy Shop Rule
If you like tools that solve a simple problem well, this is the kind of ruler that earns a permanent spot near the bench.
- Who it's for: Anyone doing close-in measuring and layout, especially woodworkers, trim carpenters, remodelers, and hobby builders.
- Why it stands out: The hook edge gives you a reliable starting point, and the mixed SAE and metric graduations make it more useful than a basic straight rule.
- Worth knowing: This is a compact 12-inch layout ruler, not a replacement for a tape measure. It makes the most sense when accuracy and edge registration matter more than reach.
Common Questions
- What measurement scales are on this ruler? It includes 1/32 inch graduations along with millimeter and centimeter markings.
- What is the ruler made from? The Empire 27308 is stainless steel.
- How long is the ruler? The overall length is 12 inches.
- Who is this hook ruler best for? It is best for close-range measuring and marking where the hook edge can register off a workpiece for repeatable layout.

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