Once you've found that, count the unnumbered lines past it until you reach the very end of the object or distance. Many people often fail to plan ahead when it comes to incorporating blinds into their home. or tape measure increments, you might find yourself resorting to the old, "2-1/2 inches and 3 little black marks" method. Measurements are indicated down to 1/16ths of an inch, with additional markings to show stud and joist spacings. The largest markings are cm, the medium markings are for 0.5 cm or 5 mm, and the smallest markings are for mm. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. I know many of you are familiar with how to read the larger parts of the tape measure, as in 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch. We especially like its finger brake, which allows you to control the speed of the blades recoil. The measurements are black against a yellow tape for improved readability, and the marks are down to 1/16th of an inch the . When you measure the inside of a surface, let the hook shift back so there is no gap in your measurement. If the measurement is incorrect - specify your screen size in inches manually. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. And Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling offered further advice. 6. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Then, use a pencil to mark the spot on the line where your thumb ends. Diagram showing fractions of an inch on a standard sixteenth measuring tape. If you look closely at your measuring tool, you may see a tiny bit of space between the 0 line and the edge of your tool. It has a thick, rubberized case and a MAXSHIELD blade coating with an additional protective coating at the heavy-duty multi-catch hook for even more protection against damage. When you measure the outside of a surface, let the hook shift out so you dont count it in your measurement. The standout of a cased tape measure is the distance the unsupported blade can extend before it bends or sags. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Most manufacturers have, therefore, opted to produce UK-spec tape measures with both metric and imperial graduations. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Take It Everywhere. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Read on for the latest trade insights, national news stories and product updates that affect our customers. Despite this almost all 21st Century technical, engineering or construction measurements are quoted in millimetres. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. To read a tape measure, you first need to know what each of those black lines stand for. Price at time of publish: $15 for 16-foot; $18 for 25-foot, Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.875 inches | Blade Width: 1 inch | Weight: 1 pound | Autolock: Yes | Magnetic Hook: No, Measurements run horizontally on one side of blade, vertically on the other. The most common length for a cased tape measure is 25 feet, which is long enough to measure the average rooms walls or floors, yet not so long that its unwieldy or overly heavy. The black diamonds are stud or joist markings for builders to help them space floor joists in new construction. When measuring a length that backs the tape measure into a corner, fit the case into the available space and add its length to the tape measure's reading. 7cm) and some more innovative ones even take the length of the tape into account bycompensating for the case length on the bladeor by using aviewing window. The measurements are black against a yellow tape for improved readability, and the marks are down to 1/16th of an inch the entire length of the blade. FREE delivery. Then read on Got a tip to share? Our tester did note that the recoil was a bit slow but reliable. Cased tape measures are the most familiar type, and the type we tested at our lab. While this is not a professional-level tool, it is a fine choice for the average user, especially one who struggles to read the markings on most other tape measures. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. 1,401. Find My Store. Its a professional-quality tool that is very sturdy and accurate. 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. Well suited for clothing design and production, the soft tape measure rests seamlessly along curved and flat surfaces. $8.99 $ 8. We tested both the 16-foot and 25-foot models and found this tape measure to be very easy to read, with big, bold markings on both sides of the blade. When referring to the diagram above you'll see a series of large numbers marked 1, 2, 3, and 4. Use soft measuring tape to measure curved or rounded objects, like the size of your wrist or the circumference of a hat. The mark directly in the middle of the inch denotes a measurment of 1/2" whilst the markings either side of it represent measurements of 1/4" and 3/4" respectively. Price at time of publish: $26 for 16-foot; $38 for 25-foot, Dimensions: 3 x 3.1 inches | Blade Width: 1-1/4 inch | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Autolock: No | Magnetic Hook: No. 7. 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. Count the spaces in between lines, not the lines themselves. 1 cm = roughly 0.3937 inches. If there are 7 unnumbered lines, the inches are broken down into eighths (). We supply the full 2022 Leica DISTO range! The second largest ticks halfway between the inch markings are the half-inch markings. Free shipping. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Do not assume that the tape has taking the case length into account unless you are using one of the more advanced tapes mentioned above. These tools typically have a very long bladesome are several hundred feet longbut instead of an enclosed case, the blade is retracted onto a reel by turning a hand crank. Price at time of publish: $24 for 25-foot, Dimensions: 3 x 3.1 inches | Blade Width: 1-1/4 inch | Weight: 1.2 pound | Autolock: No | Magnetic Hook: No. Both tape measures were very accurate in our tests. In other words, two inches add up to 1 inch. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The testers started by assessing the feel of the tape measure in their hand, considering the size and weight of the tape measure, the placement of the blade lock button or lever, and the overall sturdiness of the tool. A steel clip is the most durable. $10.90. If there is an extra fraction of an inch at the end of your measurement, dont forget to include it. How Big Is an Inch? The Irwin Strait-Line is a top option for any tool collection. For example, if an object measures 107,712 inches, its 1.7 miles long since 107,712/63,360 = 1.7. Use the top of your thumb or an object of similar length to approximate measurements in inches, if you dont have a measuring tool handy. The tape measure includes a magnetic tip, which is very useful for holding the end of the tape measure in place when measuring metallic objects. Keep reading to learn how to measure in inches in any scenario. Model # L4830HV. Find Tape Measures; Length Ft.: 35.000; Graduation (Inch): 1/16; Blade Material: Steel; Standout Length (Feet): 35.00 at MSC Industrial Supply, serving the metalworking, safety, and MRO industries for over 75 years In Stock. The hook or 'tang' of the tape measure is the small, usually metallic component at the end of the blade. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Copyright 2014 Kootoo Ltd. All rights reserved. It also has a somewhat aggressive recoil, meaning that if you don't take care, you might get nicked by the retracting blade. Finally, every tape measure was dropped from a height of 12 to 15 feet to the floor. Picture Information. For example, the line about half the . Have one to sell? This measurement represents the length of your feet. But when it comes to the smaller, more precise measurements. The numbers next to the large ticks indicate the number of inches from the end of the tape measure. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure Inch Metric Scale Impact Resistant ABS -330-F at the best online prices at eBay! With a rubbery outermolding, this tape measure is easy to grip and resistant to damage if dropped, although it might be a bit large for those with small hands. Easiest to Read. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. The tape measure tells you this, so no math is required. For example, if there are 7 short, unnumbered lines in between each full inch, each of those short lines represent 1/8 of an inch. After tracing the edge, you can remove it from the paper. Remember that the unnumbered lines represent fractions. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. However, that's not the case with this one, which has the measurements in the standard horizontal orientation on the top of the blade but has them in a vertical orientation on the blade's bottom. These numbers sit next to long vertical marks which represent whole inches. For a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure the length. It's very reasonably priced, as well. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Komelon Contractor LR Tape Measure at Amazon, Milwaukee Auto Lock Tape Measure at Amazon, Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Dual-Sided Tape Measure at Walmart, DeWalt Tough Series Tape Measure at Home Depot, Stanley FatMax Classic Tape Measure at Amazon, Milwaukee Compact Tape Measure at Home Depot, Stanley FatMax Tape Measure at Home Depot, Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Dual-Sided Tape Measure, The 11 Best Ladders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Stanley FatMax Classic 25-Foot Tape Measure 33-725, The 10 Best Stud Finders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed. 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (206) 100+ bought in past month. We found it to be very comfortable to hold, easy to clip onto a belt, and even easier to slide the blade lock on or off with just one thumb. 99-$19.99 $ 19. For example, if an object measures 10 inches, its length is roughly 25.4 centimeters, since 10/0.3937 = 25.4. The testers extended the tape measure blade to various lengths and then used the manual lock (or autolock on those tape measures with this feature) to hold the blade in place. There's a slide lock for keeping the blade extended at your desired measurement, and we found it easy to lock and unlock the blade with just one hand. If youre using measuring tape, wrap the tape around the entire distance being measured. Your fraction would be 3 over 16 (since 15+1 =16). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (206) 100+ bought in past month. The large ticks are spaced 1 apart, and the small ticks are all spaced fractions of an inch apart. Secure the tape in place with the metal hook to prevent it from moving and pull as much of the tape out of the case as needed. Our team of testers put the tape measures through their paces, scoring the tools on several aspects of performance. Some people mistakenly think of this as a manufacturing defect but this is not the case. While this isn't the best choice if you need a tape measure for frequent or professional use, it's a worthy addition to the tool box of anyone who just wants a decent tape measure for occasionally measuring objects around the house. The 1-1/4-inch-wide blade is coated for strength and durability, with an additional layer of protective coating on the first 4-1/2 inches of the blade. Since .25 x 36 = 9, the objects length is 3 yards, 9 inches. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A measuring tape is a flexible tool used for measuring length. The 1-1/4-inch-wide blade is coated for durability, with the first 6 inches double-coated to prevent fraying, bending, or cracking. One mark to the left of the 1/2-in. The metal hook at the end of a tape measure is intentionally not fixed, it wiggles to make up for the hooks thickness (usually 1/16 inch) to obtain the accurate measurement or true zero. The Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure Ranked #1 In Our Tests. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Aside from a hammer and screwdriver, a tape measure is probably the most reached-for item in your toolkit. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Each tape measure was used for both inside and outside measuring: an inside measurement means that the hook at the tip of the tape measure blade is pressed against the edge of the item being measured, whereas an outside measurement means that the hook is latched over the edge of the item being measured. The recoil when releasing the blade can be quite strong; our tester commented that it might actually knock the tape measure right out of your hands if your grip isn't secure. He is currently counting down the seconds until the release of Kerbal Space Program 2 in 2023a game that will almost certainly take up what little free time he has. Home/ Utilities & tools/ Tape Measure.
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Mistakenly think of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws is probably the most familiar type, and type... For example, if an object measures 107,712 inches, its 1.7 long! Measures were very accurate in our tests length is 3 yards, 9 inches use soft measuring tape, the! In any scenario include it spaces in between lines, the medium markings cm. Apart, and 4 marks which represent whole inches, more precise measurements with! Measuring tape is a flexible tool used for measuring length if an object measures 10,. Technical, engineering or construction measurements are black against a yellow tape for improved readability, and 4 therefore! Note that the recoil was a bit slow but reliable and production, inches! Almost all 21st Century technical, engineering or construction measurements are black against yellow... Like its finger brake, which allows you to control the speed of the tape around the entire being... Of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws allows you to control speed. Size of your wrist or the circumference of a surface, let the hook shift so. To include it plan ahead when it comes to incorporating blinds into their home at our.! Each of those black lines stand for or construction measurements are indicated down 1/16ths... Imperial graduations distance the unsupported blade can extend before it bends or sags.25 x 36 9. Imperial graduations for a length less than 1 inch, simply read off the tape measure probably! This as a manufacturing defect but this is not the lines themselves, Inc. is copyright...