#MEASURING TAPE MARKS HOW TO#

The first shorter lines on most measurement tapes are sixteenth inch marks. There are 16 of these tiny dots per inch, four in every quarter inch. Use the large number markings for the inches. There are significantly more exact measurements that get even more precise – 1/32 “and so on, but for that in the tutorial we’re going to stick with those basics. Here’s the markings you need to know to get started: (Note that if you write inch or foot measurement as a number, you put “for feet and” inches).

#MEASURING TAPE MARKS HOW TO#

To know how to read a tape measure, you need to consider switching from long marks to short marks. The longest mark indicates one inch. The shorter the length of the markings, the shorter the dimensions. Markings range from 1 inch to 1/16 inch on most tape measures. To start the stop button is attached to a flat spring that is wrapped from a post inside the housing. Thanks to this spring, the tape can go back after it is extended. However, if we want to keep the tape stopped in place we can press the lock or stop button. We know as a box the part of the tape measure that holds the tape, which can be made of plastic or metal. Its function is to prevent the spiral tape from expanding. On the other hand, at the back of the shell we will find a clip that is used for the belt, which facilitates access while working. This part of the tape measure is what allows it to hook onto the end of whatever you are about to measure. Basically it prevents the tape from staying a part outside the casing when backing up. It is important to mention that depending on how wide the tape is, the harder it will be. In fact, it is depending on this feature that the tape can be extended far without bending. This is the most important part of this tape measure, since it is the one that contains all the numerical measurements that we will use to measure. We can basically define the tape as the yellow spiral rule that can be wide or thin.Ī wider tape can be extended further without bending, and it will hold up better over time than a small, narrow tape. The tapes are also curved to maintain their structure, even when stretched to great lengths. There are a few key parts to know about tape measures, so let’s start by identifying them first: 1.Tape

Tape measures come in a variety of sizes, from 6 ′ to 40 ′ (and even larger). There are small tapes used for interior projects like hanging artwork or measuring furniture and longer tapes (25 ′ and above) are best for large-scale projects like framing, decking, and outdoor projects. Of course, tape measures are available in different lengths: While short versions between one and two meters are usually used for home use, tape measures between 20 and 50 meters in length are used in industry – depending on requirements. What is a tape measure?įirst and foremost, a tape measure is a compact tool that is used to measure lengths and distances. The tape is made of a flexible material and has a scale. To measure, you lay out the tape along the corresponding route and then read off the scale. For the result to be correct, the tape must of course be stretched and laid straight.įor measurements on construction sites or in industry, tape measures made of steel or glass fiber plastic are mainly used. If the model is made of steel, the scale is not printed on, but is usually engraved – so it cannot wear out. Depending on the length, the scale shows units such as meters, decimeters, centimeters and millimeters. We will show you how to read a tape measure in a very easy way. When cutting wood or building a house, it’s important to read a tape measure accurately. However, when stretched out, a tape measure is a jumble of numbers, markers, diamonds, and other confusing symbols.

Measuring tape marks