It’s a tape measure, not rocket science. How hard can it be to use? It’s not. Basic measuring isn’t that difficult, but there are a few features on a tape measure that you may be overlooking. Here is a break down of the anatomy, basic uses and some tricks for maximizing the handiness of your tape measure. See how well you measure up.
Tape Measure Anatomy
Almost all tape measures are the same. Some may sport fancy features like lasers or magnets, and they come in varying lengths, but they all are designed to do the same thing- measure stuff. Here is the basic breakdown of a standard tape measure:
- (1) Case
This is the plastic or metal housing for the tape measure. The longer the tape measure, the larger the case. Often the case length is labeled on the side. Read below to find out why.
- (2) Belt Clip
Hang the tape measure from your belt for easy access while working. If you have a tool belt or find the clip gets caught on things, just unscrew the belt clip and it can be easily removed.
- (3) Thumb Lock
Slide this thumb lock over to clamp the tape in place to keep it from automatically retracting.
- (4) Spring and Stop
There is a flat metal spring wound around a spindle in the center of the tape. The blade attaches to the end of the spring. This is what pulls the blade/tape back in to wind it up. There is a stop which can be engaged by the thumb lock that will keep the tape from retracting.
- (5) Tape/Blade
The tape, or blade, is used for measuring. The Imperial units (inches) are most often labeled along the top edge but there may also be Metric (centimeters) labeled along the bottom edge. The wider the blade the better the stand out. Stand out is when the blade is extended and doesn’t bend.
- (6) Hook
The metal piece on the end of the tape measure that seems kind of loose. That is on purpose and is explained below.
Why is there a measurement on the side of my tape measure?
You wouldn’t want to do a 90° bend in your metal tape measure. The case has marks on it showing how long it is. If you are measuring into a corner, stick the case in the corner with the tape extended away from the corner. Add the number on the case to your flat tape measure length to get an accurate overall measurement.
What are all of those black hash marks on the tape measure?
The big numbers in black are the inches and they also have the longest hash mark. There are 12 inches in a foot (1F). After the 1F or 12 inch mark, you will notice a smaller red number. Those smaller numbers in red are the feet plus inches. For example, 16 inches has a red 1F4 OR 1-4 because it is 1 foot and 4 inches.
The next longest hash mark, or line, is the half inch mark. There are two half inches in one inch.
The line that is a little shorter than the half inch mark is the quarter inch. There are 4 quarter inches in every inch. 2 quarters equal one half.
The third shortest lines are the eighth inch hash marks. There are 8 eighths in an inch. 2 eighths equal one quarter.
The second shortest lines are the sixteenth inch hash marks. There are 16 sixteenths in an inch. 2 sixteenths equal one eighth.
The shortest lines measure 1/32, so there are 32 in an inch. 2/32 equals 1/16.
Some tapes will print the fractions down to the eighths.
Why are there some numbers in red and what is with the little diamonds or triangles?
There are some highlighted numbers (16, 32, 48, etc) usually in red, that mark the typical on center spacing for studs, joists, and rafters.
The diamonds or triangles on the tape measure occur every 19.2 inches. If you divide an 8-foot space (typical sheet of plywood or sheetrock length) by 5 we get a spacing of 19.2”. The black diamonds on the tape measure represent that spacing.
Why would this matter? A standard concrete block chimney is two bricks by two bricks or roughly 16 inches square. A chimney that size wouldn’t fit between studs that are installed on 16”-centers because there is only 14-1/2” between the studs. However, “Black Diamond Spacing” is ideal because the space between studs at that spacing is 17.7”.
According to the U.S. Tape Company, “The black diamonds which appear every 19 3/16” on metal tape measures are for spacing I-beam “timbers”. Several wood-product manufacturers offer I-beam “timbers” as a substitute for solid lumber floor joists. The diamond marks on our tape rule blades are for spacing these engineered floor joists in new
construction.
Because these beams are able to support more weight than their dimensional lumber counterpart, they often have different spacing requirements. Span tables for these beams provide ratings for spacing of 12”, 16”, 19 3/16”, and 24”. If you multiply these dimensions by 8, 6, 5, and 4, respectively, you’ll find each comes to 96”, the length of the plywood panels used for sub-flooring.
Those diamond marks are there for builders who want to take advantage of the great strength of engineered I-beams by using fewer floor joists, with no loss of floor support, where codes allow. ”
Why does the hook on a tape measure move?
Nothing is wrong with your tape measure if the hook moves. It was designed that way. Look closely at the beginning of the tape measure, you will notice that it is a sixteenth of an inch short. This is to compensate for the hook. The hook slides in when pushed into something, like a wall, and slides out when it is hooked onto something, like an edge. Basically it moves around so you aren’t adding the measurement of the hook in your final measurements.
Why is the hook of a tape measure bumpy and have a hole?
Sometimes it is difficult to let go of the tape and grab a pencil to mark it.The bottom edge of a tape measure is bumpy so you can move this piece back and forth while pushing down to make a mark on your surface.
At the end of the hook there is a small slot designed to grab the head of a nail or screw. If you are measuring something that would typically need two people, you can use a nail or screw to hook the end of the tape securely in place while you measure on your own.
You can also use the nail grab to make a circle. Hold a pencil at the desired radius and scribe a line as the hook rotates on the nail head. ( I still prefer using string and a pencil with the nail instead, but maybe I just need more practice with the tape measure.)
Scribe or score a straight line
To scribe a line- hold the tape measure at desired length against the edge of the material with your finger. Pinch pencil next to the hook and drag along the material. The pencil will draw a straight line.
Use the same method to score a line. Instead of a pencil, push in hook to score or use a utility knife. This works great for dry wall.
Trick for dividing something that is an odd width
Forget about figuring out the fractions of an odd sized board. How do you divide a board that is 5 1/8 inches wide into thirds? I have no idea what that fraction would be without doing a lot of math, but I do know how to divide it evenly.
This method will work if you want to divide a board in halves, thirds, or any other equal fraction.
For thirds- angle your tape measure across the board until you arrive at a number that is easily divided by thirds (like 9). Make a mark at the 3 inch and 6 inch intervals.
Measure at a 90° angle from one side of each mark to get the real number to transfer where needed.
*If you want to divide into quarters, use the same method but measure across the board until you come to a number easily divided by 4. For example, 8, 12 or 16.
Ensure the longest life for your tape measure
Be sure to keep dirt, sand and water out of your tape measure. The dirt and sand will get stuck in the spring and may effect the ability to retract. The water can rust and degrade the blade of the tape measure and the spring, that would be no good for future projects.
So, how did you measure up? Was there any part or tip about the tape measure that you didn’t know before? Have any additional tips to add? Comment below and let me know. Also, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and join our Facebook group to ask questions, get ideas and share your projects. The more you know the easier it will be to make your house a home. 💙
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I measure up about 2/3 on these. I have the least useful tape measure because it got super dirty and the yellow part peeled off the metal blade for the first 15 inches or so. 😆
Great job on the tape measure know how. Yeah, it sounds like you are about due for a new tape measure! I would suggest it as a gift, but I know my idea of a good gift is way too practical for most people. I did ask for a new power drill and coveralls for Christmas, after all. And then I was super happy that I got them. I also carry a tape measure around in my purse at all times. Some of us are just special like that, ha ha.
Lisa, you are funny! I definitely did not know all this info. It is making me think that those tape measure engineers are pretty smart. I also live how geometry saved the day here.😄
Who would have thought the humble tape measure really had such cool features? The angle trick is my favorite one, for sure. It makes it so easy!