A new snap-free measuring tool designed for solo work, combining the control of a ruler with the reach of a tape

BOLINGBROOK, Ill., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Traditional rulers and tape measures haven’t changed much in decades. Victor Technology’s new Zip Stick line changes that – it’s the first snap-free, foldable spring-steel ruler bridging the gap between bulky yardsticks, traditional tape measures, and unreliable folding rulers. Zip Stick enters the market positioned as a hybrid solution: compact like a folding ruler, rigid like a yardstick, and more controlled than a traditional tape measure.

Zip Stick combines the stability of a ruler with the reach of a tape measure with no snap back, perfect for solo work.

Addressing Long-Standing Frustrations
Traditional tape measures rely on retraction mechanisms that can snap back suddenly, sometimes causing minor injuries or damaging the tool. Folding wooden rulers can loosen over time and become imprecise; even minor wear can throw off accuracy by more than 1/16″. Their faint markings slow professionals and hobbyists alike, creating costly mistakes. Yardsticks are rigid but bulky and difficult to store. And when the job is done, there’s nowhere convenient to store their measuring tools – too large for a pocket, too small to be found on a cluttered workbench.

A Smarter Way to Measure
To ease these frustrations, Victor Technology positions Zip Stick as a smarter option for mid-to-long-range measuring where control, readability, and safety matter most.

Zip Stick combines the flat stability of a ruler with the reach and portability of a tape measure. Crafted from durable spring steel, it stays rigid while measuring both horizontally and vertically and folds neatly in halves or thirds for easy storage. An integrated magnetic feature allows for secure placement on magnetic surfaces, such as steel studs, a file cabinet, toolboxes, workbenches, and forklifts, keeping it exactly where users need it and eliminating the frustration of a misplaced measuring tool.

One of Zip Stick’s key differentiators is its ability to remain stable during one-handed measuring. Zip Stick eliminates snapback injuries and enables more efficient solo measuring. Zip Stick’s balanced rigidity allows effortless singlehanded measuring for carpenters, electricians, DIYers, and hobbyists.

“Whether you’re installing cabinets, working on a construction site, or tackling a DIY project at home, measuring alone can be frustrating,” said Douglas Nash, CEO of Victor Technology. “Zip Stick was built specifically to handle vertical and horizontal measuring without fighting curl or recoil.”

Industry observers note that tools designed for solo work and jobsite safety have seen increased interest in recent years as trades face labor shortages and DIY participation continues to grow.

Easy Read Ruler Technology
Every Zip Stick features Victor’s Easy Read Ruler Technology, a high contrast marking system with clear fractional labels and varied line weights to reduce reading errors and improve speed on the job. This Easy Read Ruler Technology has proven beneficial for Victor’s existing line of traditional rulers, and incorporating this technology into the Zip Stick line makes this new product line one that is superior to other measuring tools.

Built for Everyone Who Measures Something
Zip Stick’s versatility is one of its defining strengths. On the job site, construction professionals gain a rigid, magnetic, no-snap-back alternative that stands up to the demands of daily professional use, attaching to equipment, tools, and metal surfaces for fast, reliable access. For home DIY’ers and weekend renovators, it delivers the precision and independence needed to hang shelves, install tile, or plan a room layout without a second pair of hands.

In the classroom, Zip Stick’s bold fractional markings make it an intuitive teaching tool that helps students actually see and understand fractions in action. Crafters and makers will appreciate the high-contrast Easy Read markings and compact foldability that tucks neatly into a craft bag or sticks to a metal desk.

“When we looked at the measuring tool market, we saw a massive opportunity hiding in plain sight. Consumers are frustrated with the status quo but don’t realize a better solution is possible, because it hasn’t existed” says Greg Palese, Vice President of Marketing, Victor Technology. ” Zip Stick gives us a product story that practically tells itself: it’s the tool you wished existed every time a tape measure snapped back at you or a ruler flexed at the worst moment. We expect it to resonate powerfully in retail and digital channels.”

Product Availability
The line of Zip Stick rulers will be available online starting today and will roll out to major office supply retailers during the Spring of 2026. The current line being released today includes 4 models:

18″ and 36″: Ideal for classrooms, craft rooms, and small workshop projects
36″ and 72″ ProSpan: Built for trade professionals and jobsite use

The Zip Stick line will continue to expand in 2026 with the launch of a 144″ ProSpan model in late Spring. This extended reach Zip Stick will feature a masonry rule on one side. The line will also debut a silver and black version for those who want versatility in their toolkit.

Editors, reviewers, and creators interested in putting Zip Stick to the test can request samples by contacting [email protected].

About Victor Technology
Victor Technology, based in Bolingbrook, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of branded office and safety products. Founded in 1918, the company is known for its innovation and quality, offering a wide range of solutions including printing calculators, scientific calculators, standing desks, clipboards, and desk accessories. Visit victortech.com for more information.

Victor’s portfolio includes trusted brands such as Victor, Officemate, and Sharp Calculators. Products are available through major retailers including Amazon, Grainger, Staples, and Office Depot, as well as office supply wholesalers across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America.