Heirloom Calipers & Dividers Set

All it takes is some basic tools you probably already have: a hacksaw, a few files, and a drill press. Cutting, filing, and drilling the steel blanks isn’t a big deal. And some final polishing with sandpaper gives them a nice, satin finish. To connect the two legs so they hold their set position, some traditional tools use a threaded rod with a knurled nut. Others use a simple wingnut to tighten the legs of the tool. This design uses a simple, but effective technique: a friction joint. A pair of disc springs and a simple brass rivet apply just the right amount of pressure to keep the legs from slipping. It works beautifully.