Coilable rule with combination blade lock and shock absorber mechanism

A coilable rule is provided with a combination blade lock and shock absorber mechanism to lock its measuring blade in an extended position and absorb the shock of impact upon retraction of the blade. A lever is attached to the rule housing by a slidable pivot connection which allows the lever to be manually pivoted into and out of engagement with the measuring blade and also permits longitudinal movement of the lever relative to the housing. The lever is normally biased against the measuring blade by a bias spring to lock the blade in any extended position. When the blade is released and retracted under the action of its recoil spring, a blade pull-out hook contacts and moves the lever longitudinally against the bias spring to slide the lever relative to the housing and absorb the shock of impact.