Uncle Ed's Rule of Thumb: Never use your thumb for a rule. You'll either hit it with a hammer or get a splinter in it.

In a bizarre incident that has left many in the community scratching their heads, local handyman Uncle Ed has come forward with a peculiar piece of advice that has been making the rounds on social media. According to sources close to the family, Uncle Ed has been touting his "Rule of Thumb" - a maxim that, while well-intentioned, has raised more than a few eyebrows. The rule, as stated by Uncle Ed himself, is as follows: "Never use your thumb for a rule. You'll either hit it with a hammer or get a splinter in it."

The story goes that Uncle Ed, a seasoned carpenter with decades of experience under his belt, learned this lesson the hard way. As a young man, he was working on a construction site, using his thumb to measure the length of a piece of wood. In a moment of distraction, a hammer came swinging down, striking his thumb with a resounding thwack. The pain was excruciating, and the resulting injury left Uncle Ed's thumb throbbing for weeks.

But that wasn't the only time Uncle Ed's thumb got him into trouble. On another occasion, he was working with a particularly splinter-prone piece of wood, and in his haste, he used his thumb to gauge the width of the material. Unfortunately, the wood had a nasty splinter that dug deep into Uncle Ed's thumb, causing him to yelp in pain and drop the project altogether.

These experiences, while painful and frustrating, clearly had a lasting impact on Uncle Ed. From that day forward, he vowed to never again use his thumb as a measuring device. Instead, he turned to traditional rulers, tape measures, and other tools of the trade to get the job done.

The "Rule of Thumb" has since become a sort of mantra for Uncle Ed, who shares it with anyone who will listen. He's posted about it on social media, told it to his friends and family, and even included it in his online blog. And while some have criticized Uncle Ed for stating the obvious, others have praised him for sharing his hard-won wisdom.

"I think it's great that Uncle Ed is spreading the word," said friend and fellow handyman, Joe Smith. "We've all been guilty of using our thumbs as makeshift rulers at some point or another. But let's be real - it's just not worth the risk. I'd rather be safe than sorry, and Uncle Ed's rule is a great reminder to be careful out there."

Not everyone is convinced, however. Some have taken to social media to poke fun at Uncle Ed's rule, calling it "obvious" and " commonsense." But Uncle Ed remains undeterred, insisting that his rule is one worth sharing.

"I've seen too many people hurt themselves by using their thumbs as rulers," he said in a recent interview. "It's just not worth it. Take it from me - trust your tools, not your thumb. You won't regret it."

As for Uncle Ed, he's back to his usual routine, working on projects and sharing his wisdom with anyone who will listen. And while his "Rule of Thumb" may not have been the most earth-shattering revelation, it's clear that it's made a lasting impact on those who know him.

In fact, Uncle Ed's rule has even inspired a new line of merchandise, with t-shirts, mugs, and other items emblazoned with the phrase "Never use your thumb for a rule." It's a quirky tribute to Uncle Ed's eccentricity, and a testament to the enduring power of his advice.

So the next time you're tempted to use your thumb as a makeshift ruler, take a cue from Uncle Ed and think twice. Your thumb - and your safety - will thank you.