A loupe is a small magnifying glass used in all sorts of industries. We have all seen jewelers with the little loupes they squint through to inspect gemstones. The Infinity Tools 6x Folding Loupe Magnifier (100-138) is styled after a loupe commonly used in the textile industry to inspect fabric to make sure it has the desired thread count and inspect for defects. The key features that make our loupe ideal for inspection of cloth also make it ideal for woodwork or even office use. Let's take a closer look... no pun intended.
We'll start with the name, 6x Folding Loupe. Right away we know the magnification this little loupe will provide, 6x is a representation of how big the object will appear when observed through the lens. Without going into scientific detail, 6x is stronger than most handheld magnifying glasses, because the stronger the magnification the harder it is to focus. This is where the "folding" part of the loupe becomes extremely helpful.
Unlike a jewelers loupe, our magnifier has a metal frame with a 1" square window that can be used to measure and count small items. Remember that I said this design is popular in the textile industry. The 1" square window allows the woven threads to be counted, so the next time you buy some new 600 thread count sheets for the bed you can use this loupe to make sure there really are 600 threads per inch.
There is even a small pointer on the screw lead that you can use to help keep from losing your place when you need to blink. If we step back to reality, we can see that this little tool is helpful for everything from identifying the thread count of a bolt to inspecting the pore structure of wood. Did someone say White or Red Oak?
The frame has another advantage in that when set on a surface it helps to produce the right amount of eye relief. In other words, you won't need to bob your head all around trying to see the item clearly. It also comes in handy if you're trying to read some fine print. It is also a favorite of stamp collectors and genealogists trying to read family letters or inspect photographs.
Possibly the best feature of this loupe is the folding aspect itself. When not in use the tri-fold design closes into a compact package storing the lens internally, protecting itself from damage. This means you can store it in a toolbox or desk drawer and not have to worry about scratches or cracks. Perfect for measurements and inspection, the Infinity Tools 6x Folding Loupe Magnifier (100-138) is a great tool for the office and the shop.