Westcott

Westcott 14381 Shatterproof 12-Inch Ruler

4.3 (252 reviews)

The ruler that bends, twists, and snaps back — built for the desk abuse that breaks ordinary rulers.

$1.89*$2.99Save 36%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Westcott 14381 makes one practical promise: it won't shatter when a 12-inch ruler normally would. That might sound like a low bar, but anyone who has seen a standard ruler snap clean in half under a backpack or a determined student knows how useful shatterproof construction actually is. The flexible shatterproof plastic gives under stress and springs back, which means this ruler survives the everyday indignities of school bags, desk drawers, and the occasional sit-down that would destroy a brittle counterpart. The translucent body adds a secondary advantage — you can lay it directly over a line or printed guide and still see clearly through to the page.

Measurement markings cover both metric and 1/16th-inch imperial graduations, keeping it useful across a wide range of tasks without needing a second ruler. The 12-inch length is standard for school and general office use. One honest caveat: the same flexibility that prevents shattering makes this a poor choice for tasks that demand an absolutely rigid straight-edge, like guiding a box cutter or ruling ink lines for technical work. For general measuring, geometry, and classroom use, though, it's a durable and practical tool that outlasts cheaper alternatives. Colors ship assorted — translucent options that look clean and hold up over time.

Key Features

Total flexibility and clarity of measurement in 4 great colors

Bend and twist this ruler and it returns to its original shape

Translucent colors allow for viewing through to the page

Metric & 1/16th

Assorted colors (color can't be specified when ordered)

Specifications

Length
12 inches
Material
Shatterproof flexible plastic
Measurement Systems
Metric and 1/16th inch imperial
Colors
Assorted translucent (cannot be specified)
Special Feature
Bend/twist resistant — returns to original shape

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Flexible plastic survives drops and bag compression without snapping or cracking
  • Translucent body lets you align the ruler directly over artwork or text without obscuring your view
  • Dual-scale graduation (metric and 1/16" imperial) on a single 12-inch ruler reduces what you need to keep at your desk
  • Returns to flat after bending — no permanent warping from normal use

👎 Cons

  • Color cannot be selected — you get whatever ships from the assorted stock
  • Flexibility that prevents shattering also means it lacks the rigid straight-edge needed for precise drafting or cutting tasks
  • At 12 inches, it won't cover longer measurements without repositioning

Frequently Asked Questions

It's genuinely flexible — the shatterproof plastic allows full bending and twisting without cracking or deforming, and it reliably returns to its original flat shape.
Both metric and imperial (graduated in 1/16th inch increments), so it covers most common classroom and office needs on a single edge.
No — colors are assorted and cannot be specified at the time of order. You'll receive one of the available translucent colors at random.
The translucency is a feature for seeing through to the page beneath, not a compromise on the scale markings, which remain printed and legible.
It works well for everyday measuring and drawing tasks. The flexible material makes it less ideal for applications requiring a perfectly rigid straight-edge, such as precise technical drafting.