Draper 64458 Marking and Mortice Gauge, Blue

I've just bought this new combined marking/mortice gauge to replace a Draper marking gauge I purchased in 1970, which has provided excellent service over the years. This was despite the top of the thumscrew snapping off in the mid 70's, and consequently having a small hole drilled down the centre of what remianed and a self tapping screw inserted to allow me to tighten/ loosen as desired. My mortice gauge came from my wife's grandfather and would probably be near 100 years old now, and the pins have all but worn away, and was becoming increasingly difficult to use. I've noted the comments about sticking stocks, and suggest before assembly you just take the time to clean out the hole with an emery board or something similat and put something like Briwax in there, and on the thread. I've just done this with mine and it slides easily along the stock. The second point is about fine setting, if you set it just finger tight (and light finger tight at that) then recheck your measurement. Slight movements up or down can then be carried out by tapping either the top or the bottom on your bench until the desired point is met. Then tighten up and recheck. Remember, a bad workman always blames their tools, and if used and maintained properly, something like this will give a life time of service.

Awful. I read the reviews but wanted something cheap to test. I now see what they mean. This arrived already seized up, but already bin packaging before checked.Can probably sort with work but risk of wrecking it. Have had to run 3 in 1 along the run to get the 2nd pin to slide in otherwise it just jams. Set it to size required but know won't be able to move it after.How are Draper getting away with selling this?

After storing a while in my shed the dam thing seized solid due to distortion in the wood.After fixing this I tried to use it for marking out a Tenon. The plastic screw clamps both the position of the shoulder and the brass rod that maintains the tenon width (gap between the marking pins) you cannot adjust the shoulder without loosing the dimension between the pins. Pain in the butt to get it right. Wish I had spent more and bought a quality item.

This tool is appallingly bad! I bought one from Amazon and it seized up almost immediately. I was directed to Draper for as replacement which, in fairness, they did provide. Guess what? The replacement has seized up also. All my tools are kept in an outdoor, but totally dry, shed; not damp / humid. No problems with moisture anywhere.If you buy one, I suggest you keep it in a very warm dry place!

I was plesantly surprised. Given the low cost my expectations were not that high but this item seems well made and works well. I was a little put off but the plastic screw but it appears robust and grips well. I wanted this item as my old marking gauge was single pin and I wanted the double pin option but this has become my "go to" option for both mortice and non-mortice marking out.