This section provides an overview for protractors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 25 protractor manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked protractor companies as of November, 2024: 1.Starrett, 2.Power House Tool, Inc., 3.Reid Supply.
Table of Contents
A protractor is a measuring instrument that combines a metal ruler and a protractor, used to measure angles on a workpiece. It is a type of angle meter for measuring and marking angles, with digital versions available that display angles digitally and can be zeroed at any desired angle. The scales are designed for clarity and low gloss for easy readability. Protractors are essential tools in construction sites for machine and mold assembly, measurement, plumbing, and construction work.
Protractors are used for measuring angles and beveling on metal and wood. They feature a locknut to secure the ruler and protractor at a set angle during work. Protractors are versatile tools used in machining, mold making, jig setting, angle gauge machining, plumbing at construction sites, and building construction. They measure internal and external angles and are used in welding operations to measure the bevel angles of welded joints.
Standard protractors are metal instruments combining a ruler and a protractor, suited for measuring outside angles. Inside protractors have two arms forming a triangle for measuring inside angles. Gauge-type protractors measure small angles such as weld bevel angles by inserting directly into the beveled product. Special protractors for welding and sheet metal work are designed to measure without interference, and slant rule protractors with strong magnets measure slopes like a level, specialized for construction work.
Protractors are designed for specific jobs, offering efficient and accurate angle measurements:
It is commonly used for measuring outside angles, combining a metal ruler and a protractor.
Features a digital angle display that can be zeroed at any angle, offering high accuracy and readability.
Designed with two arms for measuring inside angles by placing the arms against the angle.
Used for measuring weld groove angles by inserting directly into the beveled product.
Specialized in welding and sheet metal fabrication, designed to avoid interference after welding.
Equipped with a strong magnet for measuring slopes, specialized for construction work.
Selecting a protractor depends on usage, measurement range and accuracy, material, price, and scale readability:
Identify the purpose of choosing the suitable type, such as inside protractors for inside angles and angle or gauge-type protractors for welding work.
Consider the required range and accuracy. Digital protractors offer high precision and ease of reading.
Choose material based on the environment, with metal protractors being durable and plastic ones lightweight.
Balance budget with needs. Higher-priced protractors generally offer greater accuracy and quality.
Opt for a protractor with a clear, easily readable scale and low gloss for legibility.
Consider these points to select the protractor best suited to your needs and requirements.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Industrial Magnetics Inc (IMI) was established in 1961 and is based in Boyne City, Michigan. IMI is a producer for magnetic products used in various industries such as fabrication, automotive, conveying, recycling, stamping, welding, mining & aggregate, and grain. Product offerings include magnetizers, demagnetizers, conveyor systems, magnetic conveying rail, manhole cover lift systems, raw magnetic material, lift devices, conveyor and pneumatic line magnets, magnetic inspection probes, as well as numerous magnetic tools.
The L.S. Starrett Company was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in Athol, Massachusetts. The company is a manufacturer of industrial, professional, and consumer measuring and cutting tools to customers globally. The company has three general product segments: precision hand tools, gage blocks, and surface plates. Precision hand tools include depth gages, micrometers, squares, and over 15 other types of handheld measuring tools. Gage block offerings include individual blocks, sets, and accessories.
Mitutoyo America Corporation was founded in Aurora, Illinois in 1963 by Mitutoyo Corporation of Japan as its American sales, marketing, and service subsidiary. The company provides parts service, manufacturing, and turnkey solutions for metrology equipment for aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, semiconductor, and other industries. The company’s product offerings include coordinate measuring machines, sensor systems, test equipment, and vision measuring equipment customized for customer needs. The company’s services include calibration and repair, installation, contract part programming, and training and education for operation as well as calibration.
Power House Tool, Inc., founded in 1983, is a manufacturer of turbine tools that are used to reduce downtime during an outage or turnaround. Bolt heaters, tape gauges, headset and vibrating alignment tools, impact sockets, and hex head drivers are available. Outrage turbine tools, universal pivot rings, steam turbine tools, and speed warmers are among the other tools utilized in the electronics, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and power industries. The company is based in Joliet, Illinois, and it specializes in stud removal. It also sells specialist tools such as wrenches with thicker gripping ends, square-body hex wrenches, and open-end wrenches.
Gage-Line Technology, Inc., established in 1972 with headquarters in Rochester, New York, is a manufacturer of precision optical graphics, patterns, and devices. Their diverse product line includes sight and hard gages, reticles, resolution targets, optical slits, test patterns, stage micrometers, calibration glass grids, encoder discs, and timing strips, utilized for various applications in metrology, gaging, optical, and imaging industries. They also provide a range of capabilities, including CAD design, artwork plotting, fixture tooling, optical alignments, and assembly services.
STABILA Messgeräte Gustav Ullrich GmbH, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Annweiler, Germany, is a manufacturer specializing in electronic precision and laser distance measuring instruments. The company offers a diverse range of products, including torpedo and pocket spirit levels, laser distance measurers, wooden folding rulers, electronic spirit levels, point and line lasers, and more. These measuring instruments cater to multiple industries, including navigational, measuring, electromedical, control instrument manufacturing, and computer and electronic product manufacturing.
Roeckle Inclination Measurement Systems was established in 1924 and is based in Denkendorf, Germany, as a manufacturer of spirit levels. The product portfolio of the company includes horizontal spirit levels, crank pin spirit levels, cross-levels, brench-type precision levels, and aluminum spirit levels. The spirits offer precise measurements and alignments, ensuring the level and accuracy of structures and machinery, which is valuable in manufacturing settings for quality control. The products also ensure the flatness and alignment of surfaces and components, ultimately enhancing safety and precision across diverse applications. The company serves various industries, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, woodworking, and metalworking.
Shinwa Rules Co. was founded in Niigata, Japan, in 1971. Shinwa Rules Co. develops a variety of measuring products including calipers, thermometers, hygrometers, laser optical apparatuses, and sheet heating elements. Above these, Shinwa develops metallic rulers and squares. Additionally, Shinwa operates as an OEM supplier for special calibrations and machine tools, special surface fabrication, and etching on metallic parts.
Shanghai Zhichuan Electronic Tech CO., LTD., manufacturers since 2002, design and produce inclinometers. The company offers comprehensive solutions and services to enhance production efficiency and aiding clients in overcoming challenges amidst competitive markets. As a frontrunner in tilt measuring and inclinometer domains, Zhichuan excels by continuously innovating and leveraging vast professional expertise. Rooted in a customer-centric approach, they tailor products to meet specific needs, providing unparalleled technical and sales support to turn challenges into triumphs.
SOLA-Messwerkzeuge GmbH, founded in 1949 with headquarters in Austria, is a manufacturer of SOLA brand measuring tools and equipment. The company's products include aluminum box beam levels, screeding levels, laser levels, laser distance meters, and measuring tapes. SOLA's tools and equipment are used by various tradespeople across numerous industries as well as individual customers for home use. SOLA-Messwerkzeuge GmbH also provides a mobile device application on Android and iOS that links with its electronic measuring tools to provide advanced features.
Hedue GmbH is a German manufacturer and supplier of measuring tools for the trade founded in Viersen in 1983. The company’s products include laser levels, rotary lasers, plumb bobs, optical levels, and other measuring tools. It has five areas of production: plastic injection molding, toolmaking, metal processing, carpentry, and assembly, utilizing renewable energy sources. The company also offers a range of accessories and services, such as calibration and repair. Serving over 600 sales partners worldwide, it develops and produces measuring tools for numerous private-label brands.
Hangzhou Allendale Limited, founded in 2003 with headquarters in China, is a manufacturer and supplier of a portfolio of engineering, metrology, ultrasonic tooling, craft, and storage tools and equipment. The company's products include metrology tools, digital readout systems, soldering tools, ultrasonic cleaning tools, and data acquisition systems. Hangzhou Allendale Limited serves various industries, including automotive, processing plants, electronics manufacturers, and home appliance markets, as well as serving tradespeople with on-site tools. Examples of Hangzhou Allendale Limited’s products include soldering irons and soldering iron stations, power electric sheet metal nibblers, and aluminum storage cases.
HoverLabs has roots dating back to 1963 and is headquartered in Haryana, India. The company is a laboratory supplies manufacturer, exporting to over 110 countries. The company provides extensive R&D for designing, manufacturing, and packaging supplies. The company also provides customized product development, OEM support, and project management assistance. The company’s products include educational equipment, analytical lab equipment, engineering lab equipment, medical lab equipment, and other products used in the medical as well as scientific industries.
Shenzhen GVDA Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2016 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, serves as a manufacturer and supplier of advanced electronics components. Their primary emphasis lies in the production of quality integrated circuits, microcontrollers, and semiconductor devices. With a pledge to technological excellence, GVDA Technology subsidizes significantly to the electronics industry, empowering various sectors including telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their modern solutions play a vital role in driving innovation and enhancing electronic system capabilities.
Milwaukee Tool, established in 1924 and headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA, is a manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, hand tools, and accessories The company offers a wide array of accessories, such as bits, blades, and sockets, to complement their cordless and corded power tools, including hammer drills, saws, and wrenches. Milwaukee Tool's products are utilized by construction workers, mechanics, electricians, and contractors for various tasks, including drilling, sawing, fastening, vehicle repairs, electrical installations, and construction projects.
Dasqua SRL, established in 1980 and headquartered in Nord, Italy, is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of machinist calibration tools and equipment. The company's products include precision digital precision outside micrometers, stainless steel-made monoblock vernier calipers, and digital zero setter Z-axis scale digital zero setting devices. These products are used for measuring and setting machining equipment. It primarily works with original equipment manufacturers and private label clients, and it also has client service centers and manufacturing facilities in the United States and China.
BOCCHI Srl, established in 1950 and based in Italy, is a manufacturer and distributor of measuring instruments. The company's products are used in the naval sector, railway sector, medical sector, and mechanical sector. It is specialised in callipers, protractors, height gauges, spirit levels, and micrometres. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality and management systems. The company’s portable percussion hardness gauge is suitable for checking large pieces of cast metal, pieces in production, and sheet metal. It assures complete adherence to national and international laws governing the properties and calibration of devices.
Metrica, founded in 1949 and headquartered in San Donato, Italy, is a manufacturer and distributor of professional measuring tools, offering a broad spectrum of traditional and instruments. Its product catalog encompasses Angled Gauges for measuring angles, Length Measures for measuring distances, advanced Laser Measuring Tools for precise measurements, Levels for establishing the horizontal plane, and robust Telefix Telescopic Poles used in height measurements for buildings, awnings, doors, and trees. These tools cater to the construction and mechanical industries, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
Amtek Tool and Supply, Inc. based in Madison Heights, MI. Amtetk is an online super market for tools, supplies, and other hardware for individual, professional, and corporate customers. Product types include milling, threading, and turning devices, tooling systems, saws, broaching and deburring bits, cutting tool blanks and spares, abrasives, power tools, hand tools, safety equipment, measuring devices, lubrication, sanitation supplies, storage, pneumatics, shipping supplies, transmissions, and various other hardware and shipping supplies. Amtek’s online storefront offers precise filters to help find exact products to meet customer needs.
Toolsavings, LLC is based in Chicago, Illinois and is a supplier and distributor of industrial supplies for both individual and corporate customers. Toolsavings offers an extensive catalog spanning over 10 categories such as Cutting Tools, Toolholding, Air and Power Tools, Fasteners, and Measuring Instruments from brands such as 3M and Destaco. Cutting tools include drills, reamers, and saws. Toolholding includes boring heads, retention knobs, and sawholders. Air and Power Tools includes blow guns, grinders, and tire gages. Fasteners includes screws and pins. Measuring instruments includes calipers, microscopes, and squares.
MICROTECH is a Fletcher, North Carolina, United States based company Established in 1994 that specializes in the manufacturing and supply of electronic components. The primary range of products offered by the company includes microcontrollers, sensors, and embedded systems. The modernizations implemented by MICROTECH are of significant importance in several industries, such as automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. MICROTECH's components are well regarded for their dependability and utilization of modern technology. These attributes subsidize to the progress of electronics by enabling smooth integration and augmenting functionality across many applications.
Princess Auto Ltd., founded in 1933 and based in Winnipeg, Canada, is a supplier of an assortment of tools and equipment with over 50 stores across Canada. In 1977, it opened its first store in Edmonton, Alberta, and became a retailer. The company serves several workers, including inventors, farmers, and tradespeople and stocks products such as outdoor power equipment, hand tools, and hydraulics. It sells items from several brands, such as Dealer’s Choice, Braber Equipment, and King Canada, and it also has a foundation that provides financial assistance to trades students enrolled at Canadian colleges.
Precision Calibration Systems was started in 2009 and is headquartered in Morristown, Tennessee. The company is a full-service ISO 17025 accredited calibration laboratory providing both small firms and Fortune 500 companies in automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, food & drug, and other industries with calibration services for a wide range of measuring instruments. The company offers onsite and in-house calibration services on many types of devices such as medical thermometers, analytical balance scales, pneumatic pressure gauges, optical comparators, and electrical multimeters. The company also offers equipment sales from companies such as Mitutoyo, Starrett, Tohnichi, and Ametek.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Starrett |
15.3%
|
2 | Power House Tool, Inc. |
9.7%
|
3 | Gage-Line Technology, Inc. |
8.3%
|
4 | Reid Supply |
6.9%
|
5 | SOLA |
6.9%
|
6 | hedue |
5.6%
|
7 | Industrial Magnetics, Inc. |
5.6%
|
8 | STABILA Messgeräte Gustav Ullrich GmbH |
4.2%
|
9 | Shanghai Zhichuan Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. |
4.2%
|
10 | Mitutoyo America Corporation |
4.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the protractor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 6 | 31.6% |
Germany | 3 | 15.8% |
China | 3 | 15.8% |
Italy | 2 | 10.5% |
Japan | 1 | 5.3% |
Austria | 1 | 5.3% |
India | 1 | 5.3% |
Taiwan | 1 | 5.3% |
Ukraine | 1 | 5.3% |