Tool Review: Mnpctech Modder Ruler

Workshop
Tool Review: Mnpctech Modder Ruler

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Our Toolsday guest contributor this week is Stuart Deutsch, whose review of C.H. Hanson’s self-adjusting locking pliers appeared in MAKE Vol 29. Stuart writes regularly about tools and the tool business over at ToolGuyd. Look for more of his work, both online and in print, in the near future. Welcome, Stuart! – Ed.

Mnpctech’s PC Modder Ruler and Gauge is a layout tool designed for computer case modders and scratch builders. If you’re not quite sure what case modding is all about, you might start by checking out some of Ben Heck’s MAKE PC Mod Picks-of-the-Day. This Half Life 2 mod is one of my own favorites.

Mnpctech and owner Bill Owen are well-known among modders. In addition to selling modding accessories, Bill and Mnpctech are famous for their wicked-cool case mods and designs. I imagine the Modder Ruler started off as a tool Bill designed for himself. Even if not, he’s experienced enough to know what modders need in a multi-function layout tool.

Like most successful projects, a good case mod starts with careful planning. When laying out holes and mounting locations for common standardized components, such as hard drives, fans, and water cooling fittings, a template can greatly improve accuracy and speed things up. In addition to serving as a template, the Mnpctech Modder Ruler has a ton of handy reference information carved into it.


Ruler

The rigid CNC-machined aluminum ruler is 12″ long by 2″ wide and has both inch and metric markings, with 1/32″ and 1mm graduations. There are convenient markings to indicate common fan sizes: 40mm, 60mm, 80mm, 92mm, 120mm and 140mm, with markings for a few additional in-between and larger sizes as well. It’s not the best ruler I’ve seen—that title is currently held by Woodpeckers’ woodworking rule—but it’s still very well-made.

Templates

The Modder Ruler features templates for the following common hardware components:

  • 2.5″ SSD, 3.5″ HDD and 5.25″ optical drive mounting points
  • G 1/4 and G 3/8 water cooling fitting tap-drill sizes (11.8mm and 15.25mm)
  • 16mm and 22mm Bulgin-style switches

I was able to test all but the G 3/8 template over the course of a few projects, and found the accuracy to be spot-on. In the past, I have used printed-out templates downloaded from the web, but the Modder Ruler proved to be much easier and more reliable.

Gauges and Reference Data

At one end there is a thickness gauge to help identify 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″ and 1/2″ materials, and on the back there are two sets of fastener gauges: #6-32, #8-32, #10-32, #10-24, 1/4″-20, M3, M4, M5 and M6. Reference information includes decimal to inch conversion factors, common tap drill bit sizes and 1/32″ – 1/4″ decimal and metric conversions.

I initially had little use for the fastener gauges, since I usually keep my machine screws well sorted and organized. But then I needed an M4 screw, which I knew was somewhere in a jar filled with other spare hardware, and the Modder Ruler saved the day by helping me find what I needed with just a bit of trial and error. For regular use I would recommend a separate thread identifier tool, but the ruler’s gauges should hold up to occasional use.

As for the reference information, almost everyone walks around with a calculator-equipped mobile device, making the decimal conversions convenient but not essential. The tap drill chart is also handy, but could use additional information, such as machine screw clearance hole sizes.

If there’s ever a second version, perhaps some of the reference information can be left off to save on machining time and cost, and maybe the thread gauge can be swapped for 5mm LED and fan mounting hole templates.

Summary

The Mnpctech Modder Ruler is definitely handy for frequent modders. It is packed front and back with useful features that help make short work of common layout tasks. At $35 it’s not exactly cheap, but the expense can be justified in time savings after just a few uses.

8 thoughts on “Tool Review: Mnpctech Modder Ruler

  1. fotoflojoe says:

    That’s one sexy ruler.

  2. MatthewR says:

    I’ve got to question the Woodpeckers’ woodworking rule call-out. The best ruler I’ve ever seen is the ruler in a Starrett Combination Square. I’ve got one with 1/64 measures on one edge and 1/100 on the other. The back side has more normal 1/16 and 1/10 when you don’t need the extreme stuff. It’s extremely high quality; hardened steel; and it has a square attached to it—I don’t have the center-finding head or the protractor head (but they’re both on my wish list). I own a 12 inch and a 4 inch (90 deg only) model. They’re amazing. Check out the catalog starting at page 244: http://ecatalog.starrett.com/Default.aspx#

    (I’m just a big fan of Starrett gear—I don’t have any fiduciary relationship with them or any machine tool seller.)

    1. Stuart Deutsch says:

      I’m more of a Mitutoyo kind of guy, but have an affinity for Starrett as well. Starrett’s combination squares are indeed fantastic, but there are a lot of times when a wide flat ruler is a better choice for the task at hand. I’m also not particularly fond of taking a combo square apart just to use the ruler flat to make a 2-second mark or measurement. Starrett also makes precision rules, of course, with higher resolution graduations, but there are many times when Woodpeckers’ 1/16″ markings are all that one needs.

      Perhaps saying the Woodpeckers rule is “best” was a bit unfair, with “absolute favorite” being more fitting given the subjectiveness of the determination.

  3. Mnpctech Modder Ruler Review | ToolGuyd says:

    […] not perfect, it is incredibly useful and saves time and frustration. You can check out my full review of the Modder Ruler over at Make. Head on over to Mnpctech if you’d like to buy one. The price is $35, but they’re sold […]

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When I am not testing and reviewing new tools, I am working on robotics, electronics, woodworking, and other types of projects.

I am also interested in microscopy, the physical sciences, and new technologies.

I write about tools and workshop topics at ToolGuyd.com.

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