What is tape measure? A tape measure or measuring tape is a ribbon of cloth, plastic, or metal with linear-measure markings, such as steel tape measure. Surveyors use tape measures in lengths on the order of hectometers. It is a convenient measuring tool. Its flexibility allows for a measure of great length to be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners.
How to read a tape measure?
Tape measures are often used to give a standardized length for objects which are of an irregular shape. But how to reed it is big problem for layman.
Firstly, you must know a tape measure blade is marked both in inches and in feet. Each foot is divided into 12 inches. The end hook always appears to be loose. This special design slide a distance equal to its own thickness so both inside and outside make sure the result is accurate. The upper scale is increased by 1/16-inch, so it reads 1/16, 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, and 1-inch. The bottom scale reads in 1/16-inch increments as well, so it reads 1/16, 1/8, 3/16-inch, and so on. So if you find a 8 lines in an inch that mean the scale is increased by 2/16-inch. And likewise, if you have 4 lines , or 4/16" you have a quarter inch and so on.
For example
1. The longest line in the inch is in the middle. This is the half-inch mark and there is only one.
2. The next shortest line is the 1/4" (one quarter of an inch) inch mark and there are only two of these.
3. The third shortest line is the 1/8" (one eighth of an inch) mark and there are four of these.
4. The fourth shortest is the 1/16" (one sixteenth of an inch) mark and there are eight of these.
5. Some rulers will go a step further, down to 1/32" but this is often more precise that most woodworking cuts need to be.other measurements
Tips of tape measure
When you use the tape measure, there are some problem you must notice.
1: Not all tape measure have same unit. All tape measures included linear-measure markings, with many including both imperial and metric units. Imperial measurements are those commonly used in the United States, including feet, pounds, and seconds. Metric units, on the other hand, are those used in the metric system, commonly used by many countries outside of the United States.
2: When you use the tape measure, pull the tape straight out of its case with one hand.
3: Do not forget to look at the back of the tape which have some useful information about parameters. Because not all tapes are created equal.
4: Note the markings on the tape.On the typical ruler the basic (smallest) unit of measurement is 1/16". If you count the distance between two inch marks (one inch) you will find sixteen lines. This is because an inch is 16/16th of an inch long. Studs read out at 16-inch on center, and are normally marked in red. Trusses or floor joists read out at 2-foot on center and are normally marked in black.
5: Line up the 1-inch mark with one end of the object being measured. Sometimes the metal hook becomes loose and can cause your measurement to be off by up to 1/16 of an inch. Be sure to deduct 1 inch from the measurement.
6: Slide the thumb lock down to hold the tape in place which can make the result more accurate.
