Here are some tips for getting the best results with your tape measure! Make sure it's straight Studs aren't always installed 16" on center, so instead of relying on a tape measure, use a stud finder or one of these methods for finding a stud without one. Note: Some tapes will also have special markings for measuring stud locations, but this may not be accurate in your own home. They have their own marking because roofers are working high in the air, and being able to see the spacing they need easily makes things faster and safer for them. The diamonds are spaced 19 3/16" apart, which is the standard spacing for the trusses in a roof. This is mostly used for framing a building, but it is still useful to know! You may have wondered what the black diamonds on a tape measure are for. If you really struggle to read the fractions on a tape measure, you can buy one that has them written out for you! I'm always reaching for this one in my workshop! Black Diamonds ½" is 4/8", so look for the next ⅛" mark and you've found ⅝"! 8 lines = ⅛" spacing.įor example, if you want to find ⅝" on this tape measure, imagine that the inch is divided up into eight equal sections. If you're not sure about yours, count the lines between one and two inches (including the 2" mark). The tape measure shown above goes down to the 1/32nd of an inch, but most only show lines for 1/16th and larger. You can see that in comparison, millimeters and the metric system are a lot easier to understand! Here's an easy to read diagram that shows the tape measure fractions. Even smaller are the 1/16" and 1/32", but I usually just start counting individual lines if I need one of those! Halfway between the ½" on either side is the ¼", and you can divide that measurement again to find the ⅛" marks. The largest lines are the inches, and halfway between the inches is the ½" line. So, the bigger the line, the bigger the section of measurement. There are all different sizes, and the size of the line corresponds to the size of the measurement it represents. The main markings on the tape are the lines. Smaller marks represent ⅛, 1/16, and 1/32 inch increments for precise measurements. The middle mark indicates ½ inch, with ¼ and ¾ inches on either side. You can easily read a tape measure by recognizing the whole inches and fractional markings. When you hook it over an edge for an outside measurement, the tab is pulled out so the measurement can start from the inside edge of the tab that's actually touching the board. That way, the thickness of the tab doesn't skew the measurement. The tab slides in when you press the tab up against a surface to do an interior measurement. However, this is intentional! This little bit of play compensates for the thickness of the tab, depending on how you're measuring. When you get your first tape measure, you may think there is something wrong with the metal tab, because it is a little loose. Second, it gives you something to hook over the end of the piece you are measuring, so you don't have to hold the tape in place at both ends. This has two functions: First, it keeps the tape from retracting all the way into the housing. On the end of the tape, there is another little metal tab. If you have a tool bag, sometimes there's a little metal tab on the outside which is specifically designed to fit the clip on your tape measure. On the side of your tape measure, you'll see another handy addition: a springy clip that allows you to hold it on your belt or apron pocket. Make sure not to pull on the tape when it's in the locked position, or eventually the lock will stop working. Simply flip the switch, and it will clamp the tape so it does not retract. But this can get annoying when you're trying to accurately mark your measurement! The tape is coiled around a spring, which pulls it back automatically. The button or sliding switch on the front of the tape measure is the lock. If you've ever measured the length of a room and had the tape flop down after a few feet, you probably had a narrow tape with weak standout. The standout is the distance the tape can reach without bending. It is curved to make it rigid when it's stretched out. The tape is the long metal strip you pull out when taking a measurement. Parts of a tape measureĮvery tape measure has a few essential parts, and learning how they work will make it easier to use! The Tape Please visit my disclosures page for more information. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
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