Well, we have to start somewhere - so let's start with the most basic measuring tool in a shop: the 6-inch scale.

The scales that I use are manufactured by the L.S. Starrett Company, which has been building precision measuring equipment since 1880. Their scales are satin-chromed, which means no glare and no fingerprints - and are easy to read after years of use.

I have to admit that I see managers, engineers, and machinists walk around all day without a scale in their shirt pocket...it's kind of like playing golf and not having a few tees in your pocket. That's why they invented "pocket protectors" - i.e. "nerd packs" - to keep your scale and pencils from ruining your shirt. How do I know this?

Because almost every day a manager, engineer, or machinist asks to borrow my scale!