Best Drafting Tools & Drafting Kits of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 24, 2026

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Drafting tools and drafting kits are essential for architects, engineers, and designers to create precise and accurate drawings. These tools include items such as compasses, rulers, protractors, and drafting triangles. Drafting kits typically come with a variety of tools to suit different drawing needs, and may also include storage cases to keep everything organized. Whether you're a student just starting out or a seasoned professional, investing in high-quality drafting tools and kits is a must for achieving top-notch results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Westcott 10562 Acrylic Clear Ruler Cover #TOP 1
Westcott 10562 Acrylic Clear Ruler
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Westcott Acrylic Clear Ruler 10561, 6 inch Cover #TOP 2
Westcott Acrylic Clear Ruler 10561, 6 inch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Generic Pink Premium Tape 60 Pack Cover #TOP 3
Generic Pink Premium Tape 60 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Drafting Tools & Drafting Kits

#TOP 1

Westcott 10562 Acrylic Clear Ruler

10562
Clear
12 Inches
Westcott 10562 Acrylic Clear Ruler Cover
Westcott Acrylic Clear Ruler, Easy-to-Read Markings, Scratch-Resistant Design, Raised Beveled Edges, for Crafting, Office, Classroom, Back to School, School Supplies, 12-Inch

The Westcott 10562 Acrylic Clear Ruler is a 12-inch scratch-resistant ruler with easy-to-read markings in both sixteenths and standard metric. The ruler also features raised beveled edges for precision drawing and convenient features such as extra end margins, plumb lines, and a storage hang hole. It is suitable for use at home, in the classroom, shop, or office, making it a versatile tool for students and professionals.

What We Like
Clear transparent design
Dual inch and centimeter scales
Durable acrylic construction
Easy-to-read markings
Lightweight and portable
What We Don't Like
Basic design
#TOP 2

Westcott Acrylic Clear Ruler 10561, 6 inch

10561
Clear
6 Inches
Westcott Acrylic Clear Ruler 10561, 6 inch Cover
Westcott 10561 Acrylic Clear Ruler, 6 in

The Westcott Acrylic Ruler is a handy tool for home, school, or office use. Its clear acrylic design lets you see the page underneath, making it easier to take accurate measurements. You’ll find one edge marked in sixteenths of an inch, perfect for precise tasks, while the other edge shows metric measurements for versatility. The raised beveled edges help you draw straight lines without smudging your work, which is great for neat projects. This ruler is designed to handle a variety of measuring needs, making it a reliable choice for students and professionals alike.

What We Like
Compact and portable size
Dual metric and imperial scales
Durable and flexible design
Clear, transparent material
Ideal for sewing and crafts
What We Don't Like
Sticker adhesive residue
#TOP 3

Generic Pink Premium Tape 60 Pack

Generic
Generic Pink Premium Tape 60 Pack Cover
Pink Premium Tape (60 Pack), Easy to Use, Convenient to Carry, Strong Adhesive Tape Multi

The Generic Pink Tape offers a versatile solution for various tasks around your home or office. Its strong adhesive ensures your items stay securely in place, giving you confidence in its hold. You’ll find it simple to apply, making your projects quicker and less frustrating. Plus, its compact design means you can easily carry it with you, so you’re always prepared when you need to stick or seal something. This tape combines convenience and reliability, making it a handy tool for everyday use.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Stays securely in place
Painless removal
No skin irritation
Improves sleep quality
What We Don't Like
Feels unusual at first

Nicpro 22 PCS Compass Geometry Tools Set

MG1207
Grey
Nicpro 22 PCS Compass Geometry Tools Set Cover
Nicpro 22 PCS Compass Geometry Tools with Case, Drafting Tools Geometry Set with Swing Arm Protractor, Rulers, Metal Compass, Square Set, Mechanical Pencil, Back to School Supplies for Students

The Nicpro Geometry Tools Set offers a complete collection of drafting essentials for students and professionals alike. It includes three types of compasses, allowing you to draw precise circles up to 6 inches, with one compass featuring an adjustable pen holder for extra accuracy. The set also comes with a variety of tools like protractors, rulers, and triangle squares, all clearly marked with both inch and centimeter measurements to help you easily tackle math, geometry, or engineering tasks. Plus, everything fits neatly into a compact, lightweight case, making it simple to keep your tools organized and ready to take with you anywhere, whether it’s for schoolwork or professional projects.

What We Like
Comprehensive component selection
Durable metal compasses
Ample replacement leads included
Protective, sturdy storage case
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Not fully professional grade
Occasional missing lead tubes
#TOP 5

Westcott Triangular Scale Ruler Set 30/60 & 45/90 Degrees

KT-90
Clear
Westcott Triangular Scale Ruler Set 30/60 & 45/90 Degrees Cover
Westcott Triangular Scale Ruler Set, 30/60- and 45/90-Degrees, Back-to-School, School Supplies, Classroom Supplies, 2-Pack

The Westcott Triangle Ruler Set offers two precision triangle rulers with 6-inch and 8-inch sizes, perfect for creating sharp lines and accurate measurements. This set is great for students and educators who need reliable tools for school projects, ensuring every mark and angle is precise. With both 45°/90° and 30°/60° angles, you can easily draft complex designs with consistent results. The rulers are designed for drafting work, providing stable edges and repeatable angles that help you create neat and professional layouts every time.

What We Like
Durable plastic material
Handy, compact size
Easy-to-read markings
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Minor edge imperfections
Occasional uneven lines
#TOP 6

Westcott Shatterproof Flexible 12" Ruler

14381
Assorted
Single
Westcott Shatterproof Flexible 12" Ruler Cover
Westcott Shatterproof Ruler, Assorted Translucent Colors, 12"

The Westcott Flexible Ruler is designed to give you clear and accurate measurements while being durable and easy to use. Its flexible design lets you bend and twist the ruler without worrying about damage, so it always returns to its original shape. This means you can handle it roughly without breaking it. The translucent colors help you see the page underneath, making it easier to align your measurements precisely. Plus, the ruler includes both metric and 1/16-inch markings, giving you versatility whether you're working on a project that requires metric or imperial units.

What We Like
Durable plastic material
Affordable price
Ideal for students
Highly recommended
What We Don't Like
Occasional minor cosmetic flaws
May arrive looking used
#TOP 7

Color Transparent Plastic Rulers with Metric and English Measurements

D029
Blue
Color Transparent Plastic Rulers with Metric and English Measurements Cover
Color Transparent Ruler Plastic Rulers - Ruler 12 inch, Kids Ruler for School, Ruler with Centimeters, Millimeter and Inches, Assorted Colors, Clear Rulers, 7 Pack School Rulers

This 7 pack of color transparent plastic rulers is perfect for students and professionals. The two-sided ruler has centimeter and inch scales for precise measurements, and the clear plastic allows for easy viewing of numbers and letters on the page. The durable and shatterproof design ensures long-lasting use. Ideal for math education, classroom teaching, and home or office use.

What We Like
Vibrant translucent colors
Clear, easy-to-read markings
Inexpensive price point
Perfect for school and office
Multiple rulers per pack
What We Don't Like
Not highly durable
May break with rough use
#TOP 8

NOKKO 12 Inch Architect & Engineer Scale Ruler Set

NOKKO
Scale Ruler Set
Black
NOKKO 12 Inch Architect & Engineer Scale Ruler Set Cover
NOKKO 12 Inch Architectural and Engineering Scale Ruler Set - Professional Architect and Engineer Scale Rulers for Drafting, Architects, Engineers, Construction, Students, Metal Ruler 12 Inch Included

The NOKKO Scale Ruler Set offers a versatile bundle that includes an architect scale, an engineer scale, and a standard metal ruler, so you have the right tool for any drafting or measuring task. The rulers feature laser-etched white markings on a black background, making the measurements clear and easy to read, which helps reduce mistakes. Built from solid aluminum, these rulers are tough and durable, able to handle drops or impacts without breaking. Plus, buying this set saves you money compared to purchasing each ruler separately, giving you professional quality tools at an affordable price.

What We Like
Quality materials
Clear, legible numbering
Durable and accurate
Easy to read
Great value
What We Don't Like
Sharp metal corners
Metal may reflect light

Architectural Scale Ruler, Aluminum, Triangular

THL-1005
Blue
Architectural Scale Ruler, Aluminum, Triangular Cover
Rena Chris Architectural Scale Ruler: 12" Imperial Aluminum Alloy Metal Architecture Measuring Tools, Engineering Drafting Construction Drawing Blueprints Triangular Architect Scaling Rulers 12 Inches

The 12" triangular architect scale is a professional-grade tool that features 3 sides with 6 different scales, made from high-impact aluminum, and is color-coded for easy selection of the desired scale. The laser-etched imperial prints are durable and accurate, ensuring they won't ever wipe or scratch off. This scale ruler is designed for drafting and measuring architectural drawings, such as floor plans, blueprints, and orthographic projections, and features standard imperial measurements ranging from 1/32" to 1-1/2".

What We Like
Highly visible markings
Sturdy metal construction
Comes with protective case
Easy to read
Comfortable to use
What We Don't Like
No metric measurements
#TOP 10

Westcott 13862 Flexible Clear Ruler

13862
Clear
SINGLE
Westcott 13862 Flexible Clear Ruler Cover
Westcott Shatterproof Ruler, Design with Easy-to-Read Markings, Back-to-Classroom, 12-Inch

The Westcott Clear Ruler is a versatile and durable 12-inch ruler suitable for use at home, in the classroom, shop, or office. Its transparent body allows for easy page viewing and precise measurement taking. The ruler features sharp, easy-to-read markings, with one edge scaled in sixteenths and the other edge featuring standard metric markings. The shatterproof construction ensures that the ruler can bend and return to its original shape without breaking. Additionally, the ruler includes a convenient hang hole for easy storage. Crafted with premium quality materials, the Westcott Clear Ruler is a reliable tool for students and professionals alike.

What We Like
Crystal clear transparency
Accurate measurements
Durable and flexible design
Shatterproof plastic
Dual metric and imperial scales
What We Don't Like
Sticker leaves minor residue
Minor surface scratches
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 4 types of drafting tools?

Traditionally, drafters used a variety of drafting tools such as pencils, pens, compasses, protractors, triangles, and other devices to manually prepare drawings. Nowadays, most professional drafters use computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems for drawing preparation.

2. What are the common tools used in drafting?

Common tools used in drafting include L-scales (also known as triscales), leg shapers, tailor's art curves, French curves, compasses, drafting tables, brown paper, and pencils. These tools are essential for precise and accurate drafting work.

3. What are the 9 major kinds of drafting?

The major kinds of drafting include furniture drafting, architectural drafting, mechanical or machine drafting, electrical and electronics drafting, topographical drafting, airplane drafting, ship or naval drafting, structural drafting, and sheet-metal drafting. Each type of drafting focuses on specific aspects and requirements of the respective field.

Editor's Notes

During our drafting tools & drafting kit research, we found 24 drafting tools & drafting kit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 127,525 customer reviews through our big data system to write the drafting tools & drafting kits list. We found that most customers choose drafting tools & drafting kits with an average price of $5.67.

The drafting tools & drafting kits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of drafting tools & drafting kits, including Westcott, Nicpro, DAGONGREN, NOKKO, Rena Chris. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Drafting Tools & Drafting Kits Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Westcott Westcott Generic Nicpro Westcott Westcott DAGONGREN NOKKO Rena Chris Westcott
Material Acrylic Acrylic - - Plastic Plastic Plastic Aluminum Aluminum Plastic
Color Clear Clear - - Clear Assorted Blue, Clear, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Yellow Black Blue Clear
Style 12-Inch 6-Inch - - - Shatterproof Modern Modern Triangle ruler Shatterproof
Graduation Range 1/16 Inches 1/16 Inches - - - 1/16 Inches 1/16 Inches - 1/16 Inches -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy