What Are the Tools of Drafting?

Drafting is a specialized form of drawing used in architecture and engineering, and its practitioners are known as drafters or draftpersons. Drafting differs from normal drawing in that the intent is to convey technical information to the reader. Due to its specialized nature, there are several tools drafters use to help facilitate their work.

Mechanical Pencils

Mechanical pencils provide a consistent line width when drafting; the user can replace the pencil's lead with one of a different size for added versatility.

Drafting Table

Drafting tables have an adjustable writing surface that can be used horizontally, like a normal table, or at an angle when working with large documents.

T-Square

The T-square is used in conjunction with the drafting table; the short end is placed on the edge of the table, while the long end is used as a guide when drawing straight lines.

Templates

Rather than draw the same object over and over, draftsmen will often use templates for convenience's sake and to ensure consistency.

Architect's Scale

The architect's scale is a triangular ruler used to make reduced-scale drawings; each edge of the ruler measures according to different scales.

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