I'm lucky as I'm only a train ride away from Buck and Ryan's two branches in London. And other similar outlets. Its only the local DIY sheds which are a first port of call, that I find rather depressing. I've also sometimes ordered stuff on the B&R* website which wasn't in stock in the shop and collected it few days later.
I've also noticed they stock a Stanley Metre Rule in stainless steel which has the metric on the top, which is unusual, for Stanley. Although as a "metre rule" its maybe intended for a purely European Market. Although being etched and shiny rather than matt and simply printed like the cheap and cheerful Wickes aluminium rule its probably a bit harder to read in all types of light, even if it will last for centuries.
michael adams
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