For starters, this is not a full six inch scale (ruler). It measures an overall length of 5-59/64" and the actual marked measurements end up at 5-47/64" when measured with a calibrated caliper. Comparing this Starrett scale to the Products Engineering 501-006 scale I also have, I would not buy again but would purchase a Products Engineering scale (ruler) instead. Working in the aerospace and automotive industries, I learned to always check my measurement tools before using them.