What does a tape measure do?
What a Tape Measure Does. A tape measure is a portable measurement device used to quantify the size of an object or the distance between objects. The tape is marked along the tape edge in inches and fractional inches, typically in quarter-, eight-, sixteenth-inch increments. Some tape measures are marked in millimeters, centimeters, ...
How do you read tape measure markings?
Find/read the markings. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them). As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, ½" has a bigger mark than ¼" which has a bigger mark than ⅛", and so on.
How do you measure with a contractor measuring tape?
With contractor measuring tapes, used for measuring large areas, you often cannot get a measurement using just the tape, as the body or case of the measuring tape gets in the way. That's why these bodies are carefully designed and marked to a certain width. Look on the case body for the width indicator. Many are 3".
How does a measuring tape spring work?
0:020:38How Our Tape Measure Recoils - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's a flat coil spring that is wound up and causes a retraction.MoreIt's a flat coil spring that is wound up and causes a retraction.
How do you use a tape measure for beginners?
0:573:20How to Read a Tape Measure - REALLY EASY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo instead let's start with a mark halfway between the inch marks. We can call it half of an inch.MoreSo instead let's start with a mark halfway between the inch marks. We can call it half of an inch. And refer to it as one half beyond the previous. Number for example this is one and a half.
How does a tape measure lock?
0:121:42How to Lock a Tape Measure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBreak go ahead and pull your tape measure out to your desired length squeeze that trigger or thatMoreBreak go ahead and pull your tape measure out to your desired length squeeze that trigger or that blade break and that's going to hold it in place when you're done measuring you can just let go.
How accurate is a measuring tape?
Up to 12 ft., a precision tape measure will be accurate to about ±1⁄32 in.; beyond 12 ft., it's within ±1⁄16 in. Other areas for potential error include the hook at the end, which, if not precisely assembled, can cause inaccurate measurements.
How do you read the lines on a tape measure?
2:439:27Reading a Tape Measure Easy as 1 2 3 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThose are always going to be your shorter line your sixteenth or your shorter lines. Your nextMoreThose are always going to be your shorter line your sixteenth or your shorter lines. Your next longest line or your would be the eights. There are fewer eighths.
What are the lines on a tape measure?
How to Read a Tape MeasureInch markings. Each side has markings, with the long lines and large numbers indicating the one-inch marks (according to the imperial system). ... Half-inch markings. ... Quarter-inch markings. ... Eighth-inch markings. ... Sixteenth-inch markings. ... Foot markings.
Why is there a hole in the end of a tape measure?
The metal tip at the end of your tape measure is a little bit loose for a reason. The first inch of the tape is short by 1/16 of an inch. This isn't an error: it's meant to provide you with accurate readings whether you're measuring the inside or outside edge of a surface. This feature is known as “true zero”.
What is the little triangle on a tape measure?
black truss marksTape measures often use small, black diamond or triangle shapes called black truss marks. They indicate truss layouts of every 19 3/16 inches. This spacing is often used by some engineered joist manufacturers. There are 5 of these marks for every 8 feet.
How fast does a tape measure retract?
In a vacuum, objects accelerate to 9.8 meters per second per second thanks to gravity. But the tape measure was not falling in a vacuum....Parts and materials:Falling objectAccepted disabling claimsWallboard, drywall, sheetrock115 more rows•Nov 17, 2014
Which is more accurate ruler or tape measure?
Nevertheless, we should not forget that, overall, the street is long enough that the tape measure would give us an even more accurate estimate of the street length than the school ruler. We see that not only using the tape measure is faster, but will also give us more accurate results.
What is more accurate than a tape measure?
The laser measure is accurate to within 1/8" and measures to 50 feet. It makes this measuring tool more accurate, easier and faster than a tape measure.
Which tape measure is most accurate?
Class 1 tapesClass 1 tapes are the most accurate tape measures on the market. Ideal for precision trades and sensitive industries, they also delivery great value for money.
Do you start measuring at 0 or 1?
To measure in inches, start by lining up a ruler, yardstick, or tape measure with the object or distance you're trying to measure so the "0" is at one of the ends.
How do you use a measuring tape for clothes?
0:471:43How to use a measurement tape | Sewing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhile measuring make sure that the measurement tape is stretched a lose measurement tape may lead toMoreWhile measuring make sure that the measurement tape is stretched a lose measurement tape may lead to incorrect measurement. You have now learned to use a measurement tape.
What's 3/4 on a tape measure?
They usually come in lengths from 6 feet to 35 feet long. Tape measures may have measurements in imperial and metric, imperial-only, or metric-only....Inch Fraction, Decimal and Millimeter Equivalents.FractionDecimalMillimeters3⁄4”0.7519.0513⁄16”0.812520.63757⁄8”0.87522.22515⁄16”0.937523.812512 more rows•Feb 23, 2022
What is the little triangle on a tape measure?
If you've used a tape measure in the past (and who hasn't?), you have probably noticed the small black diamonds that are fairly prominent. Some tape measures come with small black triangles instead. Most know that they are a visual cue that is designed to make the process faster.
What is a tape measure?
A tape measure is another name for measuring tape.
Which side of the tape gives measurement in inches?
Most measuring tapes show inch markings at the top and centimeter markings at the bottom.
What is the end of a measuring tape called?
Hook. It is used to extend the tape from the case and hold the tape at one end to measure at the other end of the object.
What are the two most common sizes of measuring tapes?
The two most common sizes of measuring tapes are 12 feet and 25 feet.
What are metric and imperial measurements?
Metric measurements are millimeters, centimeters, and meters, whereas imperial measurements are miles, yards, feet, and inches.
What is a tape measure?
What a Tape Measure Does. A tape measure is a portable measurement device used to quantify the size of an object or the distance between objects. The tape is marked along the tape edge in inches and fractional inches, typically in quarter-, eight-, sixteenth-inch increments.
How long is a tape measure?
Some tape measures are marked in millimeters, centimeters, and meters on one edge. The most common tape measures are 12 feet, 25 feet, or 100 feet in length . A 12-foot tape measure is handiest for consumers.
What is 25 foot tape?
The 25-foot length is called a builder's tape and is marked in feet and at 16-inch increments to make measuring the standard distance between wall studs easier. The 100-foot tape, usually of reinforced cloth, is useful for determining property boundaries and other exterior measurements.
What takes up less space than a yardstick?
A tape measure takes up a lot less space than a yardstick.
Do tape measures need to be cleaned?
Tape measures are virtually maintenance free. To extend their life, keep the measurement blade clean and don't retract the blade into the case too fast.
What Is a Measuring Tape?
A measuring tape is a flexible tool used for measuring length. It is made up of materials like fiberglass, cloth, plastic, metal ribbon or strip. So, it is a kind of flexible ruler also known as a tape measure. It is marked in centimeters and inches.
Markings on a Measuring Tape
A measuring tape shows marking in two different units—centimeters and inches.
Solved Examples
Example 1: Read the length of the given objects using the measuring tape as shown.
What is a tape measure?
They are among the most common measuring tools used today. Generally speaking, the term “tape measure” refers to a roll-up, self-retracting style tape measure that’s designed for carpentry.
What is the biggest marking on a tape measure?
Find/read the markings. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them).
How to measure length less than 1 inch?
For a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure the length. If the increments of an inch are not labeled, determine the marking’s increment and add together the respective fractions.
How to find the length of an inch?
In order to find the length, add the length of the inch (1) with the space between the second inch mark and the third. In this case, you’d add 1 inch + 1/4 inch to get 1¼ inch, or “one and a quarter inches. For a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure the length.
How to measure length?
Measure a length. Put the end of the measure at one end of the item or space you want to measure. When the length stops, take a reading on the tape measure. Find the length. In order to determine the length, you must add the lengths between inches together.
How to read half inch?
You can think of a half-inch mark as half way between a full inch.
What is tape measure?
Tape measures are, more or less, long and flexible rulers. Outside of the standard ruler, tape measures are considered the most commonplace tool for taking measurements. The modern view of this tool is one of a self-retracting piece of tape made from fiberglass or a similar material. Made specifically for carpentry, the tape measures are an upgraded version of tailor’s tape, which is essentially the same thing without the retractable features. Reading a tame measure in a proper way comes down to understanding what the markings mean.
How Can I Find the Right Measuring Tools?
Finding the best measuring tools for whatever project you’re working on is easy when you know where to search. Take a moment to explore the extensive inventory available at Engineer Supply and grab all of the tools and accessories your next job requires .
Are Tape Measures Accurate?
As long as the tool is being properly used, you can feel safe in the readings you receive from your tape. Check to make sure you’re using the correct form and technique to be positive.
Do People Still Use Measuring Tapes?
While it might seem like there are more practical digital options available to tackle any commonplace task you’re dealing with, the tried-and-true methods often prevail. Classic measuring tools are still your best bet on a job.
How to use a tape measure?
To use a tape measure, pull the tang out from the housing and hook it on the edge of the object to be measured. Stretch the blade across the object, press the lock, and then observe where the blade meets the end of the object. The nearest line on the blade to the end of the object is the final measurement. Once you have noted it, unhook the tang, holding the blade with your hand so that its recoil won’t cause injury, then press the lock to release the blade. Slowly allow the blade to return to the housing.
Why are tape measure blades concave?
Tape measure blades are slightly concave to increase the blade’s rigidity when in use . This curve lets the blade be pulled out further without losing stiffness, helping take longer measurements with more accuracy.
How to measure a nail with a pencil?
Using a pencil, mark the initial measurement and keep the tip of the pencil sitting lightly on the surface of the material at this point. Rotate the tape measure in a full 360 degrees, keeping the tang firmly attached to the head of the nail or screw. Complete the rotation and you should have a perfect circle.
How many inches is the first inch on a tape measure?
The first inch on a tape measure is actually short by 1/16 of an inch, because the metal on the tang is exactly 1/16 of an inch. So for measurements taken from the inside edge of an object, such as measuring the length of a wall from corner to corner, the tang slides back against the blade and the metal of the tang is added to account for the “missing” 1/16 of an inch.
What does tang mean on a tape measure?
Tang: The metal clip at the end of the tape, also known as the clip or hook. When reading the tape measure, the tang indicates zero. Lock: The button on the front of the housing locks the tape in place when pressed, preventing the tape from being pulled out further or retracting.
What is the measurement of an inch?
Inch or 1”: The inch measurement is the longest vertical line on the imperial half of the blade. This line is indicated by a large number sitting to the left of the line. Example: 1=1”, 2=2”, 3=3”
How to avoid cutting a tape measure too short?
When reading a tape measure, the edge of the object may fall between two lines on the blade. To avoid cutting too short, always round up to the larger measurement. At worst, you will need to measure and cut again, but that is far better than wasting a piece of material that’s 1/16 of an inch too short for your needs.
What is the measurement of a pocket tape measure?
Above you'll see a picture of a metric/imperial pocket tape measure. The measurements towards the bottom of the image are metric. In other words they're in centimetres and milimetres. There are 10mm in each centimetre (shown by the ten spaces between each cm) and 100cm in each metre. Whilst the centimetres are clearly numbered, to make the blade easier to read the millimetres are not numbered. Also, whilst a few tapes show '1m' to display the 1 metre mark, the majority will show '100cm'.
How many inches is a 16 foot tape measure?
A 16ft tape measure, for example, will have sixteen one-foot marks along its length and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). Each inch will then have eight 1/8th of an inch and sixteen 1/16th of an inch marks. 1 foot = 12 inches.
What is pocket tape?
In pocket tapes (as seen in the image below), this is usually a straight piece of metal attached to the blade by a number of rivets. You will normally find (on any pocket tape of quality) that the hook 'floats'. In other words it moves in and out ever so slightly.
What is the most commonly used measuring tool?
The humble tape measure is the world’s most commonly used measuring tool, accompanying millions of tradesmen and contractors to work every single day.
Where do you put the hook when measuring?
When taking external measurements, however, the hook can be placed around/behind the object and pulled gently towards the measurer. Not only does this keep the blade in place whilst measuring, it also guarantees an accurate measurement by compensating for the thickness of the metal hook in the measurement.
When taking internal measurements, the hook can be pushed against the object?
skirting board) providing an accurate measurement .
Do you need safety glasses for tape measure?
All manufacturers recommend that users make use of safety glasses/goggles when doing any work that requires a tape measure for exactly this reason. What's more, some tape measures (regardless of expense or quality) can feature steel blades with relatively sharp edges.
What are the markings on a tape measure?
Use the big, numbered markings for inches. On a tape measure labeled with imperial units, the most prominent marks are usually the one-inch marks. These are typically marked by long, thin lines and fairly large numbers.
How to measure length with a metric tape?
To measure with a metric measuring tape, first find the nearest centimetre before the distance you're measuring, then the nearest millimetre. You can use a 0.5 millimetre mark to help guide you if your measuring tape has them.
What do the small, densely packed markings for millimetres mean?
3. Use the small, densely-packed markings for millimetres.The small, tight, narrow lines between centimetre markings represent millimetres ( or one-tenth-centimetres). There are ten millimetres in a centimetre (and, thus, one thousand in a metre.)
How to find the accurate measurement of a length?
First, mark the spot where the measuring tape lines up with the edge of the thing you're measuring. Find the nearest inch before this point . Then, find the nearest half-inch before this point.
What is the most prominent marking on a measuring tape?
On most metric measuring tapes, centimetres are the most prominent markings. Centimetres are usually labeled with large lines and, next to each line, a number. As with inches, the line marks each centimetre, not the number itself.
How many tiny marks are there on measuring tape?
Use the tiny, densely-packed marks for sixteenths of an inch. The shortest lines of all on most measuring tapes are the sixteenth-inch marks. There are 16 of these tiny marks per inch — four in each quarter-inch.
What are the lines between half inches and quarter inches?
Use the smaller lines between half-inches for quarter-inches. After half-inches come quarter inches. These markings are smaller (and sometimes skinnier) than half-inches but usually bigger than the densely-packed marks around them. They are evenly spaced between each half-inch mark and one inch-mark. There are four quarter-inches in one inch.
How accurate is a laser tape measure?
They're generally considered accurate to within an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) when measuring a distance of up to 300 feet (91.5 meters). Laser tape measures are used mainly by contractors, insurance adjusters, architects, flooring professionals and other people who do a lot of measuring.
Is it easier to read a digital display of the measurement than to count little lines on a tape measure?
Plus, it's easier to read a digital display of the measurement than to count little lines on a tape measure. Laser tape measures also eliminate the complications of measuring high ceilings and other hard-to-reach spaces. Cite This!
Can you measure multiple distances with laser tape?
Some laser tape measures let you measure multiple distances and add them together automatically. Laser tape measures are normally quicker to use than conventional ones, and you avoid the inaccuracies that can be caused by a twisted or sagging tape measure.
Can you use a laser tape measure around the house?
However, homeowners can easily use laser tape measures around the house, too. To use a laser tape measure, you place the device on one end of what you want to measure, and then aim the laser beam so that it hits an object at the other end. If there's no wall, pole or anything like that, you can put a target at the spot you want to measure up to.
