Drafting instruments are the foundation of accurate technical drawing. From triangles and compasses to beam compasses, dividers, irregular curves, proportional dividers, and pantographs, these tools help create precise layouts for architecture, engineering, surveying, and design work.
Filter By
Products List
- Product
- Qty in Cart
- Quantity
- Price
- Subtotal
-
6" Stainless Steel Equal Spacing Divider
Pacific Arc$45.50Equal Spacing Dividers are constructed from highest quality stainless steel for years of trouble-free service. Used in form design, model development, textile design, etc., the 11 points create ten... -
Multiple Curve Template
Timely Templates$8.50Contains 10 sizes of two basic curves 20 in all. Sizes are labeled. Size: 63/8" x 9-7/8" x .020". -
Topaz Triangles - Inking Edge
Pacific Arc$3.40 - $48.35The Pacific Arc inking edge triangles are made of molded 0.08" thick acrylic and feature a transparent non-glare smoke tint for easy visibility.Features: 30º/60º and 45º/90º trianglesAvailable in... -
10" Fluorescent Triangles - Inking Edge
Alvin & Co.$2.80 - $3.80BulletsFeatures: 30º/60º and 45º/90º trianglesAvailable in multiple sizes ranging from 4" to 14"Inking-Edge Triangles0.10" thickFluorescent orange color reflects light along the drawing edgeEdges... -
Fluorescent Triangles - Straight-Edge
Pacific Arc$3.40 - $31.55The Pacific Arc Professional Fluorescent triangle is extremely popular because the refracted light has an illuminating effect on the drawing by accentuating the triangles edge.Features: 30º/60º and... -
Jet-Bow Beam Compass Set
Alvin Drafting$65.70This versatile compass is user-friendly and perfect for artists, students, crafters, and hobbyists as a basic drafting or drawing tool for both projects and artwork. Packaged in a durable,... -
Scholastic Fluorescent Triangles - Inking Edge
Pacific Arc$2.00 - $8.95The Fluorescent Scholastic Triangle is a transparent drafting triangle designed for drawing, drafting, and geometry applications. Constructed from 0.08" thick polystyrene, it features a fluorescent... -
24" Hip Curve
Alvin Drafting$19.65This Hip Curve ruler boasts sharp, wear-resistant graduations for easy readability in both English and metric measurements. Designed for architects, engineers, and mechanical draftsmen, it's suitable... -
6.5" Spring-Bow Compass
Pacific Arc$9.80Traditional Spring Bow compass features a true steel hoop for longevity and reliability that represents the very best value on the market.Features:6.5" Bow CompassCenter wheel for fine adjustments... -
Clear Acrylic Professional Triangles - Straight Edge
Pacific Arc$2.90 - $45.95The Pacific Arc Clear Professional triangles will not discolor or warp with age and handling. Features: 30º/60º and 45º/90º professional clear trianglesAcrylic that will not feather with... -
Clear Acrylic Triangles - Straight Edge
Alvin Drafting$5.70 - $58.80The Alvin Clear Professional triangles will not discolor or warp with age and handling. Features: 30º/60º and 45º/90º professional clear trianglesAvailable in multiple sizes ranging from 4" to... -
Drafting Triangle Set
Westcott$6.45The Westcott Drafting Triangle Set includes two transparent triangles designed for drafting, technical drawing, geometry, and design applications. The set includes a 6" triangle with 45°/90° angles... -
10" Smoke-Grey French Curve - Inking Edge-1764695327
Alvin Drafting$4.40The Alvin French Curve is perfect for drawing irregular curves and connecting line segments. Its dual inking edges ensure smudge-free, precise results with pencils or technical pens on either side... -
12" Vary form Curve
Fairgate$10.7012" Aluminum English Vary Form Curve.Draws a wide range of curves by simply turning.Practically replaces a set of French curves. Indispensible to the pattern maker and grapic artist.Calibrated one... -
3-Piece French Curves Set
Alvin & Co.$2.85Features: French curves molded of green-tinted 0.09" thick styrene plasticGreat for individual or classroom useContains French Curve sizes: 5.5", 6.5", and 12.5"Packaged in a convenient, reusable... -
5.5" School Pencil Compass
Alvin & Co.$1.95Compass is constructed of durable, lightweight plastic with fiberglass reinforcement to resist bending. Quick release pencil holder holds all standard pencil sizes. Hand adjustable 6" measuring arc... -
Aluminum Calibrated Triangles
Alumicolor$5.95 - $10.75Alumicolor® Calibrated Aluminum Triangles are constructed from tempered aluminum for durability and long-term accuracy. The photo-anodized calibrations are permanently incorporated into the finish,... -
Aluminum Triangles
Fairgate$22.40 - $45.60Lightweight, durable aluminum with matte-satin finish that resists stains and tarnishing. Features 1/16" graduations on the 90 angle. May also be used as a template for circles from 1/16" to 1 3/8"... -
Compass and Divider Beginner Set
Alvin & Co.$13.90The Alvin Compass and Divider Beginner Set is a perfect package for students, crafters, and hobbyists. It contains basic drawing instruments that are commonly used in most drawing and drafting... -
Introductory 6" Bow Compass
Alvin Drafting$17.40Introductory 6" bow compass.Features: Smooth center wheel adjustment. Matte silver zinc legs .Durable fiberglass head and leg parts.Double break-leg design. Includes an extra needle point for use as...
Drafting Instruments for Technical Drawing and Precision Layout
Architecture and engineering students still learn geometry, spacing, and layout fundamentals on these tools during manual drafting coursework. Many professionals keep a few on hand for concept sketching and quick layout work long after most of their day moves into CAD software.
Choosing Instruments That Hold Up
A cheap compass is one of the most common frustrations students run into. Low-cost compasses slip, wobble, or drift out of adjustment mid-drawing, which turns a simple circle into a repeated headache over a semester of geometry or drafting coursework. Spending a bit more on a compass that holds its setting pays off fast once you are using it several times a week.
Triangles and parallel bars see just as much use. A well-made triangle stays true, with clean edges that won't chip or wear quickly, while a quality parallel bar can last for decades with proper care. It's not unusual for us to hear from architects and engineers who still have the same parallel bar they learned on years ago and are looking for parts to keep their bar in working order.
Still Used Alongside CAD
Hand drafting has not gone away. Instructors use these tools to teach geometry, spacing, and proportion before students ever open a CAD program, and many working designers still sketch ideas by hand before modeling them digitally. Compasses, triangles, and parallel bars stay part of that process even after the drawing moves onto a screen.
Complete Your Drafting Workspace
Pair drafting instruments with related drafting tools and drawing supplies to create a complete technical drawing and design workspace.
Shop Drafting Templates | Shop Drafting Pencils & Leads | Shop Ruling & Measuring Tools | Shop Technical Pens | Shop Drafting Paper | Shop Drafting Boards |
