What does a plumber’s rule help with?

A plumber’s rule, often designed with specific features that cater to plumbing tasks, is primarily used for measuring distances, particularly when working on installations and layouts. It typically has markings that aid in identifying specific increments, allowing the plumber to accurately determine lengths of pipes and fittings required for a job.

The versatility of the plumber’s rule assists in measuring both straight lengths and curves, enabling precise placement of fixtures and assistance in aligning installations within a plumbing system. The rule can be folded for convenience and often features a sturdy design that ensures reliability while measuring.

While measuring angles may be an important skill in plumbing, it is not the primary function of a plumber's rule, as there are other tools, like protractors or angle finders, that are specifically used for that purpose. The process of cutting pipes is more efficiently done using dedicated tools like pipe cutters or saws. Aligning fixtures requires a combination of measuring and leveling tools, making it a task that typically goes beyond the standard use of a plumber’s rule.