![]() The spring-return pocket tape measure is used by engineers, carpenters, and surveyors to measure lengths of up to 25 feet. It comes in some different types which indicates that they’re for different purposes. The tape measure is the original method of measuring long distances and lengths and is still used until today. ![]() Some are easier for reading the tape measure than others. However, the spring-return pocket tape measure isn’t the only type that is in use. When you hear the word tape measure, an image of a compact container with a retractable tape comes to mind. These are used in some trades by professionals for measuring the length of materials, to measure distances, etc. The tape rule is usually made from fiberglass and has some measurement markings on it according to either the metric or imperial system. Farrand received a patent for his invention which later on became the standard design for many of the tape measures we see today.Ī tape measure is a retractable and somewhat flexible ruler that is for measuring long distances which may be sloped, horizontal or even vertical. Later on, in 1922, the creator of the concave-convex tape, Hiram A. The mechanism allowed the tape to be stopped at any point and then held while a button activated the spring, which returned the spring to the case. Bangs came up with the Bang’s rule, and this was the United States’ first attempt at creating a retracting spring tape measure. The Roman people began used strips of leather marked with lengths as a way of measuring but this served as a ruler rather than a tape measure. These systems, while practical, weren’t as defined and the Romans first developed standardized methods. Old methods of measurements were invented to be applied to a specific community, generally small, making its way to being a rather widespread tool.Įach measurement unit and method had a particular purpose an example is a difference between the measurement of land and cloth. One reason why you’ll find the use of measurements in history, no matter how far back you look, is because early civilizations required a means of measuring for trade or agricultural purposes. Have you ever wondered what ways people used before the tape measure? Pre-historic records show that the earliest use of measuring systems occurred around 4000BC. The tape measure is one of the most convenient tools for measuring lengths and distances nowadays, yet reading a tape measure can be tricky! We will walk you through everything you need to know about tape measure reading, tape measure markings, and more.įirst, let’s review some background. **This post contains and affiliate link.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Since we are on the subject, I though you might like to know about this particular QuickDraw Self-Marking Tape Measure! It makes marking off cuts a piece of cake (or so they claim)!!! I ordered one but it’s on back order so as soon as I get it, I’ll share my findings. (Click on the image to download and print.) Before long, it will come natural but until then you can reference this diagram. I realize this is simple once you break it down, but in order to be able to measure something and spout off the CORRECT measurement without counting the lines every time (maybe it’s just me) I need it to be broken down. Shortest lines are the 16ths, going up in length to 8ths, 4ths, 1/2 and inch. If you look at the picture below you can see how this all makes sense. ![]() Makes sense right? And those 8ths can be broken down even more, until you get to 4ths and a 1/2. ![]() The 16ths can be reduced into 8ths, like the picture above. This little bit of knowledge is what I was missing. Every single line on the tape measure can be broken down into 16ths. This is what helped me, seeing it broken down…I’m a visual learner. (For all of you mathematically inclined people, please ignore my simplistic break down of an already basic tape! You can just skip ahead to another project! □ ) ![]() So, I thought we could do a little: How To Read a Tape Measure 101. My guess is that many of you are in the same boat as me. If I had to measure something that didn’t fall within one of those marks I would just mark the tape measure with a pencil or count the lines…you know it might be 32″ and 3 little lines. I knew the the basics…1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and inches, but the other lines were always a mystery. In my defense I had never been taught what all the “little lines” meant. I have a confession!! I struggle (or struggled until recently) to read a tape measure. ![]()
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