This is how Hultafors' folding rules are made

Our classic folding rules with the red ends are made in the folding rule factory in Hultafors, Sweden. All parts of the folding rules are made locally and most of the machines used in the process have been constructed and built by our experienced hands.

The downy birch from the county Dalecarlia arrives in Hultafors sawn into wooden blocks. Before the manufacturing can begin the birch is dried to the exact right humidity. The blocks are then sawn into pieces and planed before the ends are painted red. Before assembly, the scale is printed and all pieces get lacquered.

Each piece is controlled five times

During the production process, each piece of the folding rule is photographed twice by high speed cameras and is closely inspected three times by experienced staff. This is to make sure that no piece shows signs of anything but excellent wood and that every printed scale is clear and exact.

Lacquer under each joint

To make the folding rule extra durable; being able to resist both wear and moisture, we make sure to lacquer every piece before assembly, even under each joint. By doing this we seal the wood and minimize the risk of moisture finding its way into the wood, causing it to swell.

Oiled hinges

The smooth yet stable joints of the Hultafors folding rule is an important part of the original invention contributing to the user experience of the tool. The hinges are made in our factory from cold rolled strip steel. To achieve the right smoothness, they are greased at three different spots.

Assembly and fold

Before the final assembly, one last close inspection of each piece is made by experienced eyes. The smallest of errors and a piece is discarded. The shorter end-pieces get a brass end tip before the steel joints are added. Finally, the machine folds each folding rule together.

Every day 400 000 pieces pass through the factory transforming into 40 000 folding rules, ready to use.

It’s all in the details

So, how come Hultafors folding rule has remained the first choice of professionals during the years? The answer to that question is as easy as it is complicated. We believe it’s the attention to detail and the pride in knowing that we remain the superior maker of the iconic measuring instrument we invented ourselves more than 140 years ago.