#TAPE MEASURE READING ALL SIZES HOW TO#

Make a mark at a point that is easy to add to another measurement - like 3m for example. First, measure from one wall out as far as is easily accurate. The method in the picture above helps if you need to read a tape measure over a particularly long distance, take in between two walls for example. This is an amount you can add on to the measurement where the tape exits the body and therefore total up to get the correct overall size from the hook to the outer end of the body.Įven if that size is not apparent, you can still measure the body yourself and know the amount to add should the situation arise any time. The tape measure itself will often have a measurement on the side which indicates the length of the body itself. When measuring in between two walls, try this tip You can always cut more off if need be, its difficult to put it back on! The more experienced you get the better you'll get at judging when to add/take off a bit from your measurements. If in doubt, cut the work-piece a little long. If one end is high and the other low, you'll get a longer measurement than you want.

For example, if you were getting a measurement between two walls for a Dado Rail that will be fitted a metre up off the floor, mark a line up a metre off the floor at each end and hold the tape at that height. Get someone to hold one end if this is difficult or bang a nail in to give you something to hook the end of the tape over.Īlso, make sure you hold the tape measure level or plumb. Keep the tape perfectly level or plumb when measuringįor accuracy when measuring between two points, ensure the tape is tight and doesn't sag in the middle. Without this feature the measurement would always be out by a couple of millimetres or 1/16th of an inch depending on the system you read a tape measure with. Then when hooked onto the end of a piece of timber to transfer that measurement, you pull the tape measure tight away from that hooked end. When you measure in between two walls for example, you push the end of the tape in really tight against the wall. It does this so that the thickness of the hook is accounted for when taking inside and outside measurements. Yes! One thing that often catches people out when trying to read a tape measure is that the hook on the end of the tape slides back and forth. Should the end of the tape measure move & slide back and forth!? This helps avoid some margin for error when transferring measurements.

For example, if marking where I need a mitre on the leg of an architrave around a door frame, I prefer to hold it up and mark the line exactly where it should be cut. Wherever practical and possible, I prefer to mark timber 'in-situ'.

#TAPE MEASURE READING ALL SIZES HOW TO#

How to take accurate measurements with Imperial and Metric measuring systems when setting out If it does get wet pull the whole thing out and use an old towel to dry it before you finish up for the day. Try to keep your tape measure as dry as possible on site. I use this Stanley Fat Max Classic tape measure on siteĪ great all round tape measure for most people would probably be a 25ft long Lolbiu

I like mine to have both imperial and metric measurements and then I can use the type that's easiest to remember or most accurate in a given situation.

Clear markings at different centres such as 400/800/1200mm or 16'/32'/48' as this will save time when marking and setting out.

ideally with differentiation in font or colour between different types (mm to cm for eg.)

Clear markings make it easier to read a tape measure in the rain/dark etc.

Strong locking - tape doesn't move when locked.Robust/hard wearing enough to withstand use on site.When choosing a tape measure to buy, look for these things Which tape measure is best for Carpentry work on site? 'Normal' tape measure - available from 3m to 25m, compact enough to keep on your tool belt and the type I use 90% of the time for carpentry work.Digital Tape Measure - A tape measure with a digital measurement display, used mainly for quickly taking rough measurements when quoting.Laser distance measure - often used again by surveyors, I use mine for quickly measuring walls etc.Surveyors tape - Contained in a large drum, often 50m+ long for measuring and setting out large things like foundations.There are several different types of measuring tape available each designed for different things Different types of tape measure available and which one do I use depending on the job at hand

Tape measure reading all sizes