A Spring Divider, also known as a Compass Divider,is a precision tool used to mark, measure, or transfer distances between twopoints, primarily in metalworking, woodworking, and drafting. It consists of twosharp legs joined at a hinge, with a spring mechanism that provides consistenttension. This tool is commonly used to scribe circles, arcs, or precisedistances on materials like metal, wood, or paper.
Applications
Metalworking:
- Measuring Distances: Used to measure and transferprecise distances between two points, such as the spacing between holesor edges in metal parts.
- Scribing Circles and Arcs: Commonly used to scribecircles or arcs on metal surfaces, often for cutting or machiningoperations.
Woodworking:
- Marking Layouts: Helps woodworkers mark precisedistances or create arcs and circles on wood surfaces, making itessential for layout work before cutting or shaping.
- Transferring Measurements: Often used to transfermeasurements from a ruler or scale to a workpiece, ensuring accuracywhen cutting or shaping wood.
Drafting and Engineering:
- Technical Drawing: Used in drafting and technicaldrawing to create accurate circles and arcs on paper, blueprints, orother technical drawings.
- Dividing Spaces: Can be used to divide spaces intoequal parts or to measure consistent distances in architectural orengineering plans.
Craftsmanship:
- Fine Detailing: Utilized by artisans and craftsmenfor intricate detailing, layout marking, and measurement transfer incustom projects.
Machining:
- Setting Machine Tools: Often used by machinists toset distances on tools like lathes or milling machines when fabricatingor finishing parts.