6'' Pocket Rule with Sliding Hook

I understand the previous reviewer's comments about this product if it is being used as anything but a finely graduated layout rule. It is thin and flexible and could easily be bent. The crossbar is quite difficult to move and it also is thin so it could cut into or bruise your fingers. In my case, I measure to 1/64th of an inch in my layouts and a thin rule like this one is absolutely necessary to avoid parallax errors. When I do layouts, the gradations are clear and sharp under my 3X magnifiers and I appreciate the dark black color of the markings - unlike some that are gray or are engraved but not over-painted to make them stand out. As far as the stiff crossbar movement, it is a big benefit if I set it and then don't have to worry about it moving when I use the rule at three or four places along the length of a piece of stock to get an accurate width line for ripping or routing. I avoid finger pain or bruises when setting the crossbar by using a paper towel or wearing some thin cotton gloves. All-in-all, for layout work it can't be beat at the price. I also have a 12" version and I'm using both of them just about every day. Now if Rockler would just start stocking some 3H or harder pencils so I could avoid trips to some other store.