Keson^® Pocket Rod Combination Builder’s Rod & Surveyor’s Pole

I use this for reference in photos, as a pointer for something out of reach, to measure rock diameters, but most importantly for non-professional ground surveys. I often work under a bridge or within a culvert and when I can't fully extend my stadia rod, this flexible tape rod does the trick because I can extend it until it hits the ceiling and then let it bend, and it's already in 10ths of a foot! It isn't waterproof, so to extend the life I leave them out of the pocket case to dry at the end of the day.

As an archaeologist I use these when photographing wall profiles. You can extend them so the end hook rests on the bottom of the excavation and rotate the case 180 degrees so that it rests on the ground surface at the top of the excavation. It provides a clear "free-standing" reference scale in the photograph when used this way. They have been part of my "photo kit" for many years and are still providing service. Kudos to Keson.

These little pocket rods are very handy for field biology, very light, and very portable. Better than retractable tapes as long as measurements are under 6.5 feet. We purchased 4 in the early 90's that are still in service and used at least once per year. Only comment: they could be improved by adding a loop or hook for belt attachment.