I bought it to replace others that broke in service. Before we jump to conclusions, they're plastic and I always carry one in my work shirt pocket. But this prevents them from bending and being subjected to other abuses like when I lift firewood or other heavy objects. I avoid pocket metal gauges because they are impractical. My only complaint/suggestion is that I wish there was a way to highlight the size/fractional numbers so they are easier to read (like my metal drill gauges in my shops). But "painting" figures etched onto a cheap piece of plastic is more than I can possibly comprehend and too much to ask at this price point!