How To Use Stanley Measuring Tape

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How to Read a Tape Measure

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14th February 2014

The humble tape measure out is the globe's most commonly used measuring tool, accompanying millions of tradesmen and contractors to work every unmarried day.

Whilst the seasoned professionals amongst you will no doubtfulness exist fully aware how to read the various markings on your tape, at that place will be amateurs, enthusiasts or those but starting off in their careers who aren't yet so knowledgeable. Nosotros regularly get asked the question "how do yous read a tape measure out". In response to our customers, therefore, nosotros've put together this simple guide that explains only that!

How to Read a Metric Tape Measure out

Above yous'll encounter a picture of a metric/royal pocket record measure. The measurements towards the bottom of the epitome are metric. In other words they're in centimetres and milimetres. There are 10mm in each centimetre (shown by the ten spaces between each cm) and 100cm in each metre. Whilst the centimetres are clearly numbered, to make the blade easier to read the millimetres arenonnumbered. Also, whilst a few tapes bear witness '1m' to display the one metre mark, the majority volition testify '100cm'.

When looking at the epitome above, the 1st small mark after the 4cm bespeak denotes a measurement of 41mm. The next minor mark in line would be 42mm, the next would exist 43mm and and so on. 41mm can also be referred to as 4.1cm (0.041m) but the bulk of trades in the UK exercise tend to quote measurements in milimetres.

How to Read an Majestic Record Measure

Whilst U.k. now officially operates a metric organisation of measurement, our nation still sees a curious mix of both metric and royal measurements being used on a day to day footing. We measure our peak in feet and inches, our weight in stones and pounds and our speed in miles per hr. Despite this virtually all 21st Century technical, applied science or construction measurements are quoted in millimetres. Most manufacturers take, therefore, opted to produce U.k.-spec record measures with both metric and imperial graduations.

When referring to the diagram above you'll see a series of large numbers marked 1, 2, 3, and 4. These numbers sit next to long vertical marks which represent whole inches. Put just 1 = 1",  ii = 2" so on. Between those numbers are a serial of shorter marks which correspond fractions of an inch. The marking direct in the heart of the inch denotes a measurment of 1/2" whilst the markings either side of it represent measurements of 1/four" and 3/four" respectively. Even smaller marks then denote 1/8ths and 1/16ths (marked in blood-red) of an inch.

A 16ft record measure out, for example, will have sixteen i-pes marks forth its length and 192 ane-inch marks (12 inches per pes). Each inch will so have eight 1/8th of an inch and sixteen 1/16th of an inch marks.

• 1 pes = 12 inches
• ane inch = 16 x 1/16th of an inch, 8 x one/eighth of an inch, iv x 1/4 of an inch or two x one/ii of an inch.

Full general Tips

The claw or 'tang' of the tape measure is the small, unremarkably metallic component at the end of the blade. In pocket tapes (as seen in the image beneath), this is usually a straight piece of metallic attached to the blade by a number of rivets. You volition normally find (on any pocket tape of quality) that the hook 'floats'. In other words it moves in and out ever then slightly. Some people mistakenly call up of this as a manufacturing defect but this is not the example.

When taking internal measurements (i.e. from the inside edge of an object such every bit between one internal wall and another) the hook tin can exist pushed against the object (due east.yard. skirting board) providing an accurate measurement.

When taking external measurements, however, the hook can exist placed around/behind the object and pulled gently towards the measurer. Not only does this keep the blade in place whilst measuring, it as well guarantees an accurate measurement by compensating for the thickness of the metal hook in the measurement. Exist sure to use the claw properly when using your tape measure out!

Some pocket tape measures feature a case with a known length (e.g. 7cm) and some more innovative ones even take the length of the tape into account by compensating for the instance length on the blade or by using a viewing window. Almost tapes, however, exit it up to the user to take the length of the instance into account. When taking an internal measurement, therefore, it is important to curve the blade at the indicate at which it touches the object yous're measuring to. Do not assume that the tape has taking the case length into business relationship unless you lot are using one of the more advanced tapes mentioned above.

Safety Tips

Whatsoever you exercise, never allow the blade and hook to return uncontrolled at total speed when rewinding. Whilst the power to return the blade quickly into the case can seem like a useful role, it can exist very unsafe with a number of people each twelvemonth beingness injured by wildly flailing hooks. All manufacturers recommend that users brand utilize of safe glasses/goggles when doing any work that requires a tape measure for exactly this reason.

What's more, some tape measures (regardless of expense or quality) can feature steel blades with relatively sharp edges. They may not feel sharp at offset merely information technology can be a very different story when travelling at speed.

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Source: https://www.thetapestore.co.uk/knowledgebase/How/How_to_Read_a_Tape_Measure.html

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