Dividers

General Knowledge

Dividers are tools used primarily in the field of engineering and design technology.
They comprise two adjustable legs joined at the top; the design is similar to a compass, but both legs end in sharp points.
The purpose of dividers is to measure or transfer precise distances.
Their use ranges from drafting to woodworking practices.

The divider has two components - the legs and the hinge.
Each leg has a point at one end, while the other end is joined by a hinge, which enables the adjustment of the space between its two points.
Some models of dividers have a locking mechanism to keep the points a fixed distance apart.

Dividers are used to measure the distance between two points on a map or diagram and then transfer this distance to another context.
They are also commonly used in geometric constructions to mark out equal lengths.
To use dividers, the user places one point at the starting position and then opens the dividers until the other point reaches the end position.
In addition to distance measurements, dividers can be used to create circles and arcs of a specified radius.

When handling dividers, care must be taken as the points are sharp to ensure accuracy and can cause injury.
The hinge of the dividers should be regularly checked and maintained to keep its motion smooth and accurate.
Store dividers with the points closed to minimise the risk of accidents and to protect the tips from damage.

Dividers come in different sizes and materials. The choice depends on the task at hand and the material being worked on.
For finer work, smaller dividers with delicate points are preferred, while larger dividers are for more rough or large-scale tasks.
Material is also a consideration; metal dividers are more durable and precise than plastic ones, but they are also more expensive.
The ease of adjustment is important in the selection process; some models have a thumbscrew for adjusting the space between the points, while others may use a spring mechanism.