Editing Straightedge (section)

{{short description|Tool used for drawing straight lines, or checking their straightness or flatness}}
{{For|the subculture|Straight edge}}
{{No footnotes|date=May 2010}}
[[File:Straight_edge_MET_187601.jpg|thumb|right|An ornate 18th century iron straightedge]]
A '''straightedge''' or '''straight edge''' is a tool used for drawing straight lines, or checking their straightness. If it has equally spaced markings along its length, it is usually called a [[ruler]].

Straightedges are used in the automotive service and machining industry to check the flatness of machined mating surfaces. They are also used in the decorating industry for cutting and hanging wallpaper.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maunindustries.com/blog/what-is-a-straight-edge-tool/ |title=What is a straight edge tool? |website=Maun Industries |access-date=April 24, 2023}}</ref>

True straightness can in some cases be checked by using a [[laser line level]] as an optical straightedge: it can illuminate an accurately straight line on a flat surface such as the edge of a plank or shelf.

A pair of straightedges called [[winding stick]]s are used in woodworking to make [[Wood warping|warping]] easier to perceive in pieces of wood.

Three straight edges can be used to test and calibrate themselves to a certain extent, however this procedure does not control twist.  For accurate calibration of a straight edge, a [[surface plate]] must be used.<ref>{{cite book |last=Moore |first=Wayne R. |title=Foundations of Mechanical Accuracy |edition=1st, 3rd printing |date=1970 |publisher=The Moore Special Tool Company |url=https://archive.org/details/FoundationsOfMechanicalAccuracy/page/n3/mode/2up}}</ref>