The Trusty Tape Measure: Everything You Didn't Know

Whenever a person closes on his/her eyes and thinks about mechanical and civil engineering, the first measuring tool that comes to their mind is ---??Measuring Tape.

Talking about my own experience, as my father owns a small mechanical workshop, so the safest tool which I can explore in my childhood was measuring tape, because most of the mechanical things are highly unsafe if you use them without training. Still, I remember, at my most curious age, If I had measuring tape in my hand then I always felt the power to measure everything around me carrying the attitude of an expert mechanical engineer. Sometimes, I also broke them unintentionally while using them, thanks to my inquisitiveness.

But still many of us, are not aware of the facts and features related to the design of the measuring tape. I did a study about our old friend more and I want to share it with you because there is a lot about it than what our eyes see.

Answers to Tape Measure Questions You Never Thought of Asking-

Why does the hook on my tape measure move up and down?

You might have noticed that the metal hook on the end of your tape measure moves up and down. No, the hook hasn't come undone by accident. It was designed specifically for this purpose.

The first inch of the tape is 1/16 of an inch too short. Yes, it is correct. Your tape measure's first inch isn't truly an inch.

If you're measuring the outside or inside of a surface, the tape's sliding hook and 1/16-inch truncation offer a simple but brilliant technique to assure you obtain a "true zero" measurement.

The following is how it works:

Taking measurements on the interior and exterior of a surface.

The thickness of the metal hook is exactly 1/16 of an inch. When you measure the outside of a surface and hook your metal end on the edge, the metal hook will shift out and leave a gap equal to the hook's length.

You should count the thickness of the metal item in your calculations if you need to measure the interior of a surface, such as the inside of a window frame or the inside of a drawer. The hook is included in the measurement as you push the tip against anything.

What is the purpose of the hole in your tape measure's hook?

?You may have noticed a little indentation in the hook of your tape measure, but you may not have realized it was there for a reason. But it is, mon ami.

That little divot is the perfect fit for a nail or screw head. Why would you want to make a dimple in a nail or a screw?

When you're alone, you may use it to collect measurements. If you're alone and need to take a lengthy measurement but don't have the means to secure the tape's end, put a nail or screw into the wall/floor/piece of timber and hook the tape onto it. Bam! Second hand in a flash!

Allows you to utilize a compass with your tape measure. You can also use the divot as a compass by hooking it onto a nail and using your tape measure as a compass to measure circles or arches.

Why are certain numerals surrounded by red squares?

You may have noticed that every 16′′ on your tape measure, there are red squares surrounding the numbers. As a result, you'll see that the numbers 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, and so on all have this marking.

What makes 16′′ so special?

?Framing studs and floor joists are typically spaced 16 inches in the centre in the United States. That implies the distance between the centres of one stud and the next stud over is 16 inches.

The red squares are simply there to help you immediately recognize the 16-inch-on-center spacing.

While this function is essential for framers and drywallers, it may also be useful for the common guy trying to hang a TV or bike rack. You can quickly identify the centre of the next joist if you know where the centre of the previous one is.

On my tape measure, what are those little black diamonds?

This tape measure marking is a little esoteric, and it's unlikely that the typical DIYer will use it, but it's interesting to know.

A tiny diamond appears every 19.2′′ on most tape measures.

These are useful markers if you want to obtain identical spacing for five framework members inside an 8' span (some carpenters like to place five trusses every 8 feet so the sheathing over the framing is stiffer): Because 8 feet equals 96 inches, if you want to space 5 studs evenly, you'll space them every 19.2 inches.

As I previously stated, the ordinary DIYer is unlikely to utilize these marks, but it's still useful to know.

Pro Tips for Using Measuring Tape

Know how far your tape measure can extend before it collapses.

You probably attempted to stretch your father's tape measure as far as it could go before it bowed and fell over when you were a youngster. The tape will fail past 7 feet on most 25-foot tape measures.

If you're trying to estimate large distances between gaps, this is useful information to have. If the distance between the two points is greater than 7 feet, you'll need a second hand to keep the tape measure taut.

When measuring, burn an inch.

Some carpenters are wary about tape measures with a "true zero" function. All of their measures will be inaccurate if the hook does not move properly. Some contractors may keep the tape at the 1-inch mark and make their mark exactly 1-inch beyond the target measurement to guarantee they receive an accurate measurement.

When measuring, consider the casing of your tape measure.

Let's suppose you're comparing the measurements of your room. The metal hook is pushed against one end of the room, while the case of your tape measure is pressed against the other.

How do you account for the width of your tape measure case while doing that calculation?

You'll see some etched text on the back of your tape measure at the bottom that says something like "+3 inches." That's how long your tape measure's casing is.

So, in our room-measuring example, if your tape measure case is against one wall and your tape measure reads 105′′, add 3′′ to account for the tape measure case. Your room is 108” wide, or 9 feet long.

Measure upwards, not downwards.

It's simpler to lay the hook on the floor and press it against the wall with your toe if you're measuring the height of the wall. Extend the tape measure and take the measurement by sight.

As a rough and ready straight edge, use your tape measure.

You may use the edge of your tape measure as a rough and ready straight edge if you need to create a straight line for saw marking. It won't be as precise or straight as a real straight edge, but it'll suffice in a hurry.

As a scribe, use your tape measure.

This method is used by drywallers to make rapid, straight-cut lines. Let's assume you need to remove 4 inches of drywall from the bottom. With your right hand, mark off 4 inches and hold it against the bottom of the drywall you're going to cut. With your other hand, tighten a pencil against the hook, and then run your hands along the bottom of the board. A straight line 4′′ above the bottom of your drywall should be left.

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As a sliding rule, use your tape measure.

You may use your tape measure as a slide rule if you need to conduct some fast fraction calculations.

Consider subtracting 5 feet, 1?inches from 8 feet, 2 ?inches.

8 feet 2?inches is the length. Fold the tape measure in half and line up the metal hook with 8 feet, 2?inches.

Moving the tape measure back up until you reach 5 feet, 1?inches and observe where it meets with the opposite side of the tape, hold it in place.

?It just so happens to cross 3 feet, 1?inches, the difference between 8 feet, 2?inches and 5 feet, 1?inches.

?Who knew the modest tape measure could perform such complex computations, among other things???

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