The Profile of a Tape Measure

What is tape measure? A tape measure orof an inch) mark and there are eight of these.
measuring tape is a ribbon of cloth, plastic, or5. Some rulers will go a step further, down to 1
metal with linear-measure markings, such as steel32" but this is often more precise that most
tape measure. Surveyors use tape measures inwoodworking cuts need to be.other
lengths on the order of hectometers. It is ameasurements
convenient measuring tool. Its flexibility allows forTips of tape measure
a measure of great length to be easily carried inWhen you use the tape measure, there are some
pocket or toolkit and permits one to measureproblem you must notice.
around curves or corners.1: Not all tape measure have same unit. All tape
How to read a tape measure?measures included linear-measure markings, with
Tape measures are often used to give amany including both imperial and metric units.
standardized length for objects which are of anImperial measurements are those commonly used
irregular shape. But how to reed it is big problemin the United States, including feet, pounds, and
for layman.seconds. Metric units, on the other hand, are
Firstly, you must know a tape measure blade isthose used in the metric system, commonly used
marked both in inches and in feet. Each foot isby many countries outside of the United States.
divided into 12 inches. The end hook always2: When you use the tape measure, pull the tape
appears to be loose. This special design slide astraight out of its case with one hand.
distance equal to its own thickness so both inside3: Do not forget to look at the back of the tape
and outside make sure the result is accurate. Thewhich have some useful information about
upper scale is increased by 1/16-inch, so it reads 1parameters. Because not all tapes are created
16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5equal.
8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, and 1-inch. The4: Note the markings on the tape.On the typical
bottom scale reads in 1/16-inch increments asruler the basic (smallest) unit of measurement is 1
well, so it reads 1/16, 1/8, 3/16-inch, and so on.16". If you count the distance between two inch
So if you find a 8 lines in an inch that mean themarks (one inch) you will find sixteen lines. This is
scale is increased by 2/16-inch. And likewise, ifbecause an inch is 16/16th of an inch long. Studs
you have 4 lines , or 4/16" you have a quarterread out at 16-inch on center, and are normally
inch and so on.marked in red. Trusses or floor joists read out at
For example2-foot on center and are normally marked in
1. The longest line in the inch is in the middle. Thisblack.
is the half-inch mark and there is only one.5: Line up the 1-inch mark with one end of the
2. The next shortest line is the 1/4" (one quarterobject being measured. Sometimes the metal
of an inch) inch mark and there are only two ofhook becomes loose and can cause your
these.measurement to be off by up to 1/16 of an inch.
3. The third shortest line is the 1/8" (one eighth ofBe sure to deduct 1 inch from the measurement.
an inch) mark and there are four of these.6: Slide the thumb lock down to hold the tape in
4. The fourth shortest is the 1/16" (one sixteenthplace which can make the result more accurate.