Stanley No. 27 24 Inch Folding Ruler Restoration

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email: [e-mail]
instagram: @357.magdad
Music:
Zachariah Hickman - The Colonel
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My videos are intended for entertainment purposes only.
I do not recommend repeating anything you see me do in my videos that may be harmful or dangerous.
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Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@robertlevine2152]

I'm surprised Chuck didn't insist on polishing the brass.

[@supabiscuit]

Polished brass is Beautiful

[@357magdad]

Chuck thought the dirty thing did not deserve his attention. He can be a snob...

[@357magdad]

I agree!

[@Anonymous-it5jw]

Great job. Thanks for showing us how. A lot of your viewers have folding boxwood rulers in the same shape as yours when you started - now we know what to do.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching!

[@rogerstlaurent8704]

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

[@357magdad]

Thanks Roger! I used what I had on hand.

[@rogermcdonald1607]

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. ✌🇺🇸

[@357magdad]

Thanks Roger! We are a Palmolive family.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Excellent! Yes they had small brass pins. Noah’s Mom is a big collector of wooden rules! 😃👍

[@357magdad]

I'm surprised the brass pins disintegrated!

[@ruhtra-k]

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!”

[@357magdad]

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.

[@Resto-Rob]

​@@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.

[@uktony1525]

Hugely enjoyable but also very instructive, thanks 357 Magdad for posting.

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Tony!

[@patjohnson3100]

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.

[@357magdad]

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.

[@lrbrad4d]

Soap and water is a good start to any restoration IMHO. I saw Chris Schwartz use Bar Keepers Friend, which has oxalic acid in it. I cleaned up a Stanley No. 62 folding rule, and it turned out great. I have a No. 32 that belonged to a friend of the family, and I came home yesterday with a No. 32 1/2. I need to get both of those cleaned up. Great video!. 👍🍻

[@GuntersGarage]

Well done on that one for sure. Love those little rulers!

[@357magdad]

Thanks! I was glad I could save most of the markings!

[@stevewalker7822]

Very nice! The ruler turned out great!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Steve! I was happy the markings survived!

[@TheThriftyWoodworker]

I’ve used orange hand soap to clean them before. Most of the grime is just grease from your hands. Good job. Looks great.

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@ivanstiles7030]

Looks great! I see those from time to time....guess I'll have to pick one up

[@357magdad]

I have a couple older ones that I now have more confidence in cleaning.

[@EVILDR235]

Well done and you preserved the original finish.

[@357magdad]

I'm glad the markings survived!

[@IrishLion-re8bu]

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 :-).

[@357magdad]

Does it have the alignment pins?

[@IrishLion-re8bu]

@@357magdad I'll have to check, and get back to ya

[@davidcoats1037]

Great job Magdad! 😃👌🏼

[@357magdad]

Thanks David!

[@lv_woodturner3899]

That cleaned up nice. Looks good, well done. I did not appreciate these rules may originally have had alignment pins. Interesting. Dave.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Dave! I think there were also two more pins in the face of the ruler.

[@liljoeii6091]

I've never seen one of those kinds of ruler.Came out really good thank you for the video

[@357magdad]

Some of the older ones can be very collectible.

[@Dardrum]

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.

[@357magdad]

My dad had a couple of these - I wish I saved them!

[@805ROADKING]

Well done Mate!! Windex without ammonia is another light cleanser I use when tackling delicate items!!☻

[@357magdad]

Thanks RoadKing!

[@chriholt]

Beautiful job! My grandfather, who was a carpenter, had one of those rulers, and I was fascinated by it as a kid :)

[@357magdad]

My dad had a couple - I wish I had saved them!

[@terryrogers1025]

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.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Terry! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@noads1035]

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!

[@357magdad]

Thanks! I wonder if a previous owner pulled all the pins out?

[@johnbren1351]

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! 😂

[@357magdad]

Thanks John! Let me know how you make out!

[@joesteffens613]

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

[@357magdad]

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.

[@andyc972]

We are lucky here in the Uk these are readily available around £5 !

[@joesteffens613]

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.

[@bobmoondoggie]

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.

[@357magdad]

I may try the soapy water and a superfine scotchbrite pad next time.

[@garyjones2582]

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...

[@357magdad]

Alcohol can lift certain inks and finishes. I figured water would be the best way to start.

[@westhighlandsshop]

Great cleanup and the detail on the alignment pin was a great idea!

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@unwired1281]

You have the patience of a saint and it always pays off. Well done ‼️

[@357magdad]

Chuck wanted to take the angle grinder to it!

[@HickSquatch]

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!

[@357magdad]

Thanks! I wonder if a previous owner pulled the pins out of mine?

[@HickSquatch]

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

[@timothyvanderschultzen9640]

Nice job! Nice music!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Timothy! I'm glad you liked the music!

[@kimbishop4734]

Loved the ruler. It came out great.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Kim!

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Nice gentle restoration Mate 🛠👍😊

[@357magdad]

Thanks! I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings.

[@shedmanx3640]

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.

[@357magdad]

I think there was two more pins - I can see the tiny holes.

[@hamroad1956]

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.

[@357magdad]

Thanks! Mrs Magdad and I try to get the volume levels just right.

[@larrydemaar409]

That was a very scary restoration, well done. Glad that you did it in steps, well done again. The pins sure helped, also.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Larry! I sort of held my breath each time I tried a new project. I'm glad the markings survived!

[@johnfix1]

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

[@357magdad]

Several viewers have suggested Murphy's. I may have to invest in a bottle.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

That was interesting - just the right amount of cleaning there Magdad - looks excellent. Thanks for sharing. Take care :-)

[@357magdad]

Thanks Michael! I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings.

[@karlmiller7500]

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

[@357magdad]

I figured this $1 yard sale ruler would be a good test subject for how to clean these.

[@joeheilm]

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

[@357magdad]

When I found this one for a buck, I figured it would be a good candidate for testing what worked.

[@ivanstiles7030]

That old rule looks great Magdad

[@357magdad]

I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings!

[@timeflysintheshop]

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]

Others have recommended the Murphy's soap. I just used what I had on hand.

[@timeflysintheshop]

@@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! 👍😁👍

[@brians654]

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

[@357magdad]

Maybe the last owner removed the pins for that reason.

[@corydriver7634]

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.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Cory!

[@Dalesworkshop]

It's looks good, patients paid off. Good job.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Dale! I'm glad I was able to save the markings!

[@briansworkshop01]

Great video and a very nice rule thanks for sharing your time 🍺🍺👍

[@357magdad]

Thanks Brian!

[@kennethromeo7711]

Great Job!!!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@timothymallon]

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.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching Timothy! I used mineral spirits on this project with success.

[@johnkelley9877]

The ruler looks great Magdad! This is something I will try out. Thanks for sharing this.

[@357magdad]

Thanks John! Let me know how you make out!

[@mikecurtis2585]

Very nice looks great! Great job always!!!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Mike!

[@jackthompson2132]

Nicely done Magdad! Thank You for sharing!

[@357magdad]

Thanks Jack!

[@Uwannawatch]

That came out fantastic. You were spot on with how to clean and restore the wood.

[@357magdad]

Thanks! It was good practice for when I find more of these!

[@bigpete4227]

Looks a lot better but it’s the sort of thing where you have to put up with a bit of patina.

[@357magdad]

It sure isn't perfect, but it is way better than it was!

[@kimbishop4734]

Good job. It's way too easy to damage things beyond repair. Working your way up is the way to go. 😊

[@357magdad]

Thanks Kim!

[@alexstools]

Very well done. It's a scary undertaking with those letters for sure! I liked the music you picked out too!

[@357magdad]

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.

[@oldguyknots]

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.

[@357magdad]

Sounds like you found a gem! I'd love to see some photos! [e-mail]

[@vanislescotty]

Great tips. I have three i think that need cleaning. I'm happy to have you experiment on yours first.

[@357magdad]

This $1 ruler was a good candidate for experimenting!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Wow! I have a similar ruler in similar condition but have been afraid to ruin it.

[@357magdad]

Give it a shot! Escalate gradually like I did.

[@wingnutsworkshop]

Well Done! Good for another 75 years!

[@357magdad]

Thanks! I wish I was!

[@tomdale1313]

great, txs for sharing...

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you enjoyed it Tom!

[@kenneyk5260]

Cool video. I always wondered if this was possible.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Kenney! It isn't perfect, but it is way cleaner.

[@choppermike3329]

Nice experimental cleaning. Excellent results. If Chuck got a hold of it he might have "Flitzed" it. That could have been catastrophic. 😂 Beautiful ending.

[@357magdad]

Chuck didn't think it was nice enough to Flitz. He can be a snob...

[@choppermike3329]

@@357magdad 👍🏻😆

[@bigvicsworkshop]

Those little rulers...rule! Nice!

[@357magdad]

There are folks that specialize in collecting these. I think there are even ones made of ivory.

[@rollerbald]

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.

[@357magdad]

Thanks! My dad had a couple - I wish I had saved them.

[@billchiasson2019]

“ new old stock” great job!

[@357magdad]

It is way better than it was!

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

I have a couple of those rulers. Interesting process for cleaning. Thanks

[@357magdad]

I'm glad I was able to preserve the markings!

[@quasarguitar-hi7hs]

Nice job! I keep hoping to find one of these at a garage sale but no luck yet.

[@357magdad]

I was lucky to find two at the same sale!

[@richardgreen3068]

Try Simple Green. I use it to clean my guns. Takes off oil and dirt, but doesn't hurt the gun.

[@357magdad]

Simple Green is not recommended for bare wood.

[@larryborkstrom3580]

Neet old ruler 📏 good job on cleaning it up

[@357magdad]

Thanks Larry!

[@lotsatrains]

Wow it really looks great now 👍

[@357magdad]

Thanks! It looks way better than it did!

[@johnr1878]

Outstanding! As always a great job.

[@357magdad]

Thanks John!

[@andyc972]

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 !

[@357magdad]

I may start with soapy water and a super fine scotchbrite next time.

[@garymucher4082]

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...

[@357magdad]

Thanks Gary!

[@alpine1600s]

I was thinking, would he post the video if the mineral spirits stirpped the paint right off the ruler?🤦‍♂️🤣

[@357magdad]

I tried each treatment on a small section first to avoid that exact situation.

[@gayle525]

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.

[@357magdad]

I went over the metal with the steel wool. Chuck didn't think it was nice enough to Flitz.

[@jackcollins2344]

Great job, Magdad

[@357magdad]

Thanks Jack!

[@tonylenge424]

I’m always worried about losing the markings on a ruler. Nice work. Are you going to the show this weekend?

[@357magdad]

We're planning on going Friday morning!

[@Resto-Rob]

Awesome demonstration. Great clean up. What was Chuck doing? Napping? 😂

[@357magdad]

Chuck didn't think the project was worth his time. He can be a snob...

[@lotsabirds]

,looks good now! Nice job!

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@MCAS1924]

I used WD-40 & 0000 steel wool on one that belonged to my Grandoa. It worked great.

[@357magdad]

I'm glad you had success!

[@liveoak4124]

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

[@357magdad]

I didn't want to start with anything abrasive.

[@Ezzell_]

How accurate are the markings?

[@rogerstlaurent8704]

Believe it or not i have a few Folding Rulers and they are surprisingly Accurate

[@357magdad]

Good enough for basic carpentry.

[@michaellindsay8934]

Great stuff as always

[@357magdad]

Thanks Michael!

[@milchman3611]

MD we know you always set the refurb bar high, but where was chuck and the flitz of the brassware...

[@357magdad]

Chuck did not think the ruler was nice enough to Flitz. He can be a snob..

[@milchman3611]

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 !

[@LittleRestorers]

Nice job 👍

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@chrisgreth2125]

You should try TSP to clean. It is in the solvent/stripper section of the two main big box stores.

[@357magdad]

Thanks Chris!

[@johnmcclanahan2272]

I have one and it has the alignment pin like you added.

[@357magdad]

I think there might have been two more in the face.

[@s0nnyburnett]

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.

[@357magdad]

The pins would be a bit pokey. The misalignment was bugging me!

[@oldsailorsworkshop]

Great video and informative project..stay safe... captjack

[@357magdad]

Thanks Captain!

[@speedwagon7562]

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…

[@williammarshall2935]

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

[@357magdad]

Hope to see you there!

[@sodapops408]

I know your done, but may I recomment TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). We enjoy your videos.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@mr.b.4048]

Just bought a rosewood and brass 2ft rule on eBay as my regular carry ruler.

[@357magdad]

Sounds like a beauty!

[@alansmith4734]

I wonder if Simple Green would clean it?

[@357magdad]

I think you would want to dilute with water first.

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Great information...

[@357magdad]

It was a good candidate for experimentation.

[@BobBlarneystone]

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.

[@357magdad]

Thanks for watching Bob! I was concerned that alcohol or acetone might remove the lettering.

[@pickletreewoodcraft7858]

Very nice!

[@357magdad]

Thanks!

[@doitnow3291]

Have one of those in original pristine condition!

[@357magdad]

Sounds like a keeper!

[@sodapops408]

Removes the dirt , and leaves the paint. I use it on vintage lettered wooden boxes and soda pop crates (flats).

[@357magdad]

Gotcha!👍

[@mnmike6884]

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.

[@357magdad]

You do you Mike!

[@Desert-Tan-Whiskey]

👍👍👍