ALVIN Parallel Gilder Professional Rolling Ruler 10" Model 295 Drafting and Architecture Tool for Students, Hobbyists, and Professionals, Ideal For Drawing Parallel Lines, Circles and Arcs - 10 Inches

For work, I used to draw a lot on a drawing board with a "T" square. The drawings were then copied in a blueprint machine and mailed. Now however, since most people send small drawings via email, the rolling ruler comes into play. I bought and used some cheap rolling rulers and always felt they were pretty much a joke. The wheels were plastic and slid on the paper, which made them non-functioning as a rolling ruler. After breaking the last one (the plastic is very fragile) I decided to splurge, and buy this more expensive ruler. This is a nice little desk-top tool. The rubber "O" rings which are used as "tires" actually make the tool functional. I am very pleased with this tool, and wish I would have spent the extra money years ago. I don't know if the plastic is any more durable? We'll see?

This is a must for people that still like to draw by hand! Small enough not to lose the parallel lines quickly. I own four.

I don’t use many rulers or stencils while drawing but for me this glider was worth the investment. This glider is very versatile; in fact one of my favorite unconventional uses for it is being able to easily hold it up and check the proportions and angles of what I’m drawing. I also like that the glider has holes drilled in it so that you can easily mark measurements. The metal wheels are well made; and still roll straight even after getting bashed around in my bag. The shipping for this item was fast, and it was well packaged. Charles

I was recommended this tool while I was in art school. It is a fantastic little ruler allowing you to easily create straight lines without realigning the ruler on the page. The varying sizes make it easy to find the size that fits best for your preferences, and the transparent plastic allow you to properly see where you are placing your ruler. I say there aren't any cons to this product save for, if you are using it on a surface that doesn't allow both wheels to roll, then you are going to be using the tool like any other ruler.

I have only used this as a parallel bar on a drafting table. So having this portable type of equipment makes it so much easier to do work when i am away from my studio.

This parallel glider is a necessity in any artists' tool box, especially if you work a lot with parallel lines. it glides very smooth and it stays within parallel the whole time. i use this to draw boxes or anything with parallel lines. depending on what type of ink pen you use, it might smear on your work. as long as you are gliding away from the line you just drew you should be fine.

I recently ordered one, as my 50-year-old unit from back in school has seen its day. (I had not used it in years but needed one for a crucial project.) I did not inspect it closely initially, but it quickly became clear that something was wrong. A closer visual inspection then revealed a badly bent shaft and/or roller(s) right out of the package. A bit of further testing showed the unit rolling very unevenly and losing its parallel alignment extremely quickly. Things like that can happen and I understand. So I ordered a second, and eventually a third. While the next two were better than the first, they nevertheless both also had bent shafts and/or rollers, with just quick visual examinations needed to determine that. Both wobbled along while being rolled, with their parallel alignments quickly becoming very inaccurate as well. I next tried going right to the source of Alvin. To their credit they did at least respond fairly quickly. Beyond that, however, their service was unfortunately as bad as the product. No potential explanations were offered, instead prominently claiming that it is one of their best-selling products and no one has really had any complaints about it previously. They stated they would refund my cost for just one of the units, a worthless gesture since I had an option of getting a refund through Amazon anyhow (and I informed them of that beforehand). So I ended up returning all three to Amazon for credits/refunds. And I have gladly returned to using my 50-year-old unit (no brand name on it). It still functions better overall than the three consecutive pieces of junk from Alvin that I recently received. I guess it was just too much to expect or hope that someone at the company might actually be able to locate a quality unit and have it sent to me. If I do choose to order another such unit in the not-too-distant future, I presently see no other viable alternative but to look for and try a different brand.

This is a must for anybody from the old school who still does do some drafting on paper without totally relying on your computer's AutoCad. Over time I had all kinds of parallel gliders - some cheaper, and some much more expensive. Most of them either didn't move accurately or their brittle plastic just broke apart or provided an uneven drawing line. This one here is exceptional in quality, durability and easy, yet accurate movement. The size is just perfect for also throwing it in your briefcase for performing some field work.