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Internet # 100118266

Model # 4004

Store SKU # 395870

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48 in. Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler

$15.97
  • Can be used as straight edge for tracing and drawing
  • Heavy-duty aluminum construction
  • Ideal for measuring and marking up to 48 in.
  • View More Details

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Product Details

About This Product

The Empire 48 in. Aluminum Straight-Edge Ruler has many uses in the home and workshop. It has a heavy-duty aluminum frame for strength and features easy-reading inch-scale graduations, allowing measurements to be more accurate. It is designed to measure surfaces up to 4 ft., and its straight edge can also be used as an edge for tracing and drawing straight lines.

Highlights

  • Designed to measure surfaces up to 4 ft.
  • Can also be used as a straight edge for tracing and drawing straight lines
  • Easy-to-read inch-scale graduations for precision
  • Includes 8ths and 16ths graduations
  • Made with heavy-duty aluminum for strength and durability
  • Can hang on hooks for easy storage
  • Shop All Milwaukee Products
  • Return Policy

Product Information

Internet # 100118266

Model # 4004

Store SKU # 395870

Additional Resources

Shop All Empire
From the Manufacturer

Specifications

Maximum Length (in.): 48 in

Dimensions

Maximum Length (in.)

48 in

Details

Hand Tool Type

Ruler

Material

Aluminum

Measurement System

Inches

Returnable

90-Day

Tools Product Type

Hand Tool

Unit of Length

Inch

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Product is warranteed on a manufacturer's defect.

Questions & Answers

How wide is this ruler?
ByJul 27, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

The 48 in. Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler is 2 in. wide and 48 in. long, with a low-profile design for accurate marking and cutting guides.

By|Jul 28, 2026


    How accurate in flatness?
    ByJul 3, 2026
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    The 48 in. Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler is manufactured to be precision-accurate within ±0.010 in. over its full 48" length, which is suitable for layout, scoring, and general straight-edge applications.

    By|Jul 6, 2026


      Will the numbers rub off, or are they embossed into the aluminum?
      ByJan 6, 2026
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      The numbers are painted on and will eventually rub off

      By|Jan 7, 2026


      what is the width of ruler?
      ByDec 27, 2025
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      A 36 in. Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler typically has a width of about 2 inches (≈50 mm). This size provides stability while keeping it lightweight and easy to handle.

      By|May 28, 2026

        (1)

        What is the diameter of the ruler?
        ByNov 16, 2025
        0 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        does this 32 of an inch on it
        ByDec 19, 2024
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        The 36 in. Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler (SKU: 48-22-7236) does not have markings for 32 of an inch. The ruler features standard inch and metric measurements, but it does not include 1/32 inch increments.

        By|Dec 27, 2024


          Is it magnetic?
          BySep 16, 2024
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          Hello, the 36 in. Aluminum Straight Edge Ruler is not magnetic.

          By|Sep 19, 2024


            Is this ruler stiff enough so that I could clamp both ends and use my circular saw to cut a straight line?
            ByFeb 28, 2024
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            This ruler is made of aluminum, which is sturdy but still has some flexibility. While it's great for measuring and drawing straight lines, it might not be rigid enough to stay perfectly straight if you clamp both ends and use a circular saw. The force of the saw could cause the ruler to bend slightly, resulting in an inaccurate cut. For cutting straight lines with a circular saw, a more rigid guide like a metal straight edge or a purpose-built saw guide is recommended.

            By|Jan 31, 2025


            Viewing 1-8 of 30

            Customer Reviews

            4.7 out of 5

            • 4.7 out of 773 reviews
            • 93% recommend this product
            Filter by:
            Showing 1-10 of 773 reviews
            Good metal yard stick, but Home Depot shipping needs improvement
            Cheap and simple tool that I needed for a project. However, if Home Depot will post it, I’m attaching a photo of the box it came in. The ruler was sticking out the end of the box, in shipment, not because it tore through, but because it was packaged in a box shorter than the metal ruler!
            by
              • Recommended
              It is a good deal if you are careful
              The ruler is rather accurate. However, don't get anywhere near it with any solvents like acetone because the printing will wipe right off.
              by
                • Recommended
                2 found this review helpful
                Arrived earlier than scheduled. Box was mangled
                by
                • Verified Purchase
                Very helpful tool for flooring
                This is the tool you want to make measurements for laminate floors. It is long enough for any cut you need to make, the two measurement sides are quite accurate, and it lines up perfectly with the edges of your flooring. Would hugely recommend this for any DIY installer
                by
                  • Recommended
                  We used the Empire 36 inch and 48 inch rulers...
                  We used the Empire 36 inch and 48 inch rulers to protect the edges of three 2x3 foam board posters. This allowed us to check 3 combined posters as baggage on our flight to a conference where the posters served as exhibits.
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  Great for fishing
                  Bought this for a fishing tournament and it worked out great durable and a last forever thank you home Depot
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  • Recommended
                  1 found this review helpful
                  I originally bought this 48" AL ruler to use as a guide to cut insulation, it worked great for ...
                  I originally bought this 48" AL ruler to use as a guide to cut insulation, it worked great for unfaced 16" R15 but not lengthwise on R49 batts, I ended up using a 2x4 for that. It's a well made ruler with easy to read numbers and has some weight & thickness to it (1/8") so it should last a long time. The numbers are painted on but not etched & there is a hole at one end for hanging. The back side has no numbers, so it can be used as a story stick, marking your measurements in pencil for repeated cuts. I used it this way to quickly mark the hight of electrical boxes around the room and to mark a 12" cut on 24" wide insulation that had to be cut in half lengthwise. This can be a huge time saver and prevent measuring mistakes & product waste. Just find your length and transfer it around to the back (using a small square if you want to be accurate) & mark it. Due to it's thickness, this product can be used for jigs that require measurements like an insulation cutting table. It comes wrapped in clear plastic which I chose to keep on so I could use a marker to write my slash marks right on it, later to be wiped off. You could also put tape on the back and use marker on that. If you find this review helpful please click on the thumbs up button, thanks!
                  by
                  • Recommended
                  28 found this review helpful
                  We bought this product and a 36 in ruler at the same time. After getting to work on Monday I peel...
                  We bought this product and a 36 in ruler at the same time. After getting to work on Monday I peeled the plastic protection wrap from them along with the barcode sticker on the back side. I wet a shop towel with acetone to remove the rest of the glue residue left by the barcode sticker. On the 36 inch ruler I turned it back over I noticed that where some of the towel had touched the graduations it melted the graduations. Quite surprised I took a better look and saw that the graduations were printed on instead of embossed, the 48 inch is the same way. No way will I ever buy another one of this vendors products or recommend something they 'made'
                  by
                  • Verified Purchase
                  23 found this review helpful
                  A well made yard stick. It is durable aluminum and good for the price. It is also very easy to re...
                  A well made yard stick. It is durable aluminum and good for the price. It is also very easy to read , and no need to turn around the ruler since both sides are marked.
                  by
                  • DIY
                  • Recommended
                  4 found this review helpful
                  A good 6' ruler
                  This is a good 6' aluminum ruler and straight edge. I have owned a similar 4' empire straight edge ruler for years, and never had any problems with that one. This 6' ruler has a distance scale in inches from each end (so there is a 1" and a 71" number at either end), and is marked in easy-to-read black printing on light aluminum in 1/16" increments. The long edges are very slightly rounded to make it comfortable to handle, while the ends are a square cut with sharper edges. There is a 1/2" hole at one end so you can hang this from a nail or similar hook. A few additional items to note: 1) The easy-to-read marks are printed on fairly thickly (I can feel them running my finger across them), but they are not engraved, so in theory they could wear off given sufficient use; 2) the scales are printed only on one side (the back has nothing on it); 3) this ruler is only marked in inches (so if you wanted metric for some reason, look for a different scale).
                  by
                  • Recommended
                  7 found this review helpful
                  Showing 1-10 of 773 reviews

                  Compare Key Features

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                  Product Snapshot

                  Great for homeowners needing precise measurements. Heavy-duty aluminum ensures durability and accurate readings with inch graduations.
                  Great for precise marking and layout, this pocket-sized aluminum ruler offers durability and accuracy for various woodworking tasks.
                  Ideal for bricklayers needing precise measurements with oversized brick, featuring a brick mason scale and clear markings.
                  Great for DIYers and pros seeking a versatile ruler. Magnetic laser, 20 ft. range, enhances accuracy for various projects.

                  Measurement Length

                  48 in
                  2 in.
                  72 in
                  36 in.

                  Material

                  Aluminum
                  Aluminum
                  Wood
                  Aluminum

                  Measurement Units

                  Imperial
                  Inches
                  Inches
                  Imperial

                  Precision

                  1/16 in
                  1/32 in.
                  1/16 in

                  Flexibility