A word of caution: the tape can have sharp edges that may cause injury when it retracts. The main middle marking inside the inch represent 1/2 inch ( Half inch) The next small markings represent 1/4 of an inch ( Quarter inch) & 3/4 of an inch ( three fourth inch) In fact, new curtains can give an old room a new lease of life. Some will have one resolution along one edge and another resolution on the other edge. They can be bought in any ordinary hardware, and vary in length to suit various needs. Note the reading and be sure that the tape measure is not sagging when you are taking the measurement. But, this method had its limitations and challenges. They used body parts as measuring units and also used standardized ancient measuring such as rope, strands and cubit rods. Do you know what the odd selection of markings refer to that are usually found within the first 20cm of a tape’s length? The tape markings on the tape are fairly easy to read. A measuring tape that is retractable is also commonly known as a spring return pocket tape measure. A tape measure is a length of tape (usually a bendable metal) with markings (or ticker marks or lines) on it at certain intervals that you use to measure. It is indicated by a 1m. The numbers 1, 2, 3, etc., are clearly marked on the blade and have a hash mark on one side or the other of the number or in the middle of the number. The tape is not encased and therefore is easy to handle. You can buy them in lengths of 10 feet, 16 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet, 33 feet, 35 feet, 40 feet and so on. A number of other symbols can be printed in the first 20cm of the blade depending upon the individual manufacturer. Today’s quick measuring tip came from a question in a visitor’s email. On some tapes, quarter inch marks are the same size as eighth-inch marks. FIG. Depending on the application of the tape measure there are several options to choose from. Clear markings at different centres such as 400/800/1200mm or 16'/32'/48' as this will save time when marking and setting out 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. 3 is a left side elevational view thereof, the right side elevational view being identical. The flat metal hook attached to the tape at the end with rivets is meant to grab onto the end of an... Hook Accuracy. A good number ofpocket tape measures typically have a small hook where they begin. So, now that we’ve learned the truth behind these mysterious black diamonds, it’s time to discover some other measuring tape markings that may be new to you. The tape markings on the tape are fairly easy to read. Egypt and the Egyptians are well documented in history for their construction exploits in building the ancient Egyptian dynasty. Reading the markings is easier than you think! Going further into the smaller markings beyond half an inch. 1 is a top plan view of a measuring tape with fractional markings for a tape measure showing my new design on a curved tape. See more ideas about woodworking tips, woodworking, woodworking projects. Among the earliest inventions of the tape measure is a steel tape measure invented by a flat wire maker known asJames Chesterman in the year 1829. If the tape measure has imperial markings, that is feet and inches, reading it shouldn’t be too difficult. The last thing you want to do is pick a size thi... What will you need? One decimeter comprises of 10 centimeters while 10 millimeters will make up one centimeter. By this definition. Please note that the lack of a CE mark in no way indicates a tape measure of poor quality. The number that shows feet is marked in red or designated in a box. Class 1 (denoted by the Roman numeral ‘I’) is the most accurate. Nearly all tape measures have the normal sequence of numbers along at least one edge of the tape. By this definition, the ancient Romans were on the right track towards the invention of the tape measure and its markings. Perhaps you're interested in how particular trades use their tools? Double duty oil gauge tape measures can be used for measuring both dark and light liquids. Some marks are... Hook End Movement. Typical tape measures are … There are other mysterious markings on many tape measures. The number simply denotes the year that the blade was stamped as conforming to the Measuring Instruments Directive. That is because of the markings on the tape measure that allow one to measure a piece of wood or board or any other thing with the precision of a millimeter. Whilst the length of most tapes is printed on the case, it is a legal obligation for manufacturers to print it on the blade as well. The tape measure markings are usually in the form of meters, centimeters and decimeters. During that height measurement of the Nile, it was found to be 6 cubits and 1 palm. This can be anything from buildings to plots of land. A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible ruler used to measure size or distance. Every 12 inches, there will often (but not always) be a foot marking. The half inch mark sits in the middle of two inch marks. This was in the 5th dynasty and the choice of the measuring tool used was the Palermo stone. Measuring (15) Construction (8) Renovation (8) Maintenance (2) Cabinetmaking (1) Furniture Making (1) Class 2 (denoted by ‘II’) the second most accurate with Class 3 (III) logically being the third. When measuring longer lengths, the tape measure can tend to twist. The stud marks appear at every 16 inch interval while joint marks appear at every 19.2 inch intervals. The tape measure markings are usually in the form of meters, centimeters and decimeters. Tape measure markings are black lines that represent fractions of an inch. For example, ½" has a bigger mark than ¼" which has a bigger... Read 1 inch. STANDARD TAPE MEASURE A standard tape measure will have all the same markings as an easy read measuring tape, but will only have labels for the large 1″ marks. Buy on Home Depot. Markings are further broken down into smaller units for accuracy. That number is usually in bold, black type, easy to read and refers to the longest of the markings along the edge. Tape measure markings represent the fractions of an inch. If you’re unfamiliar with tape measure markings, or just want to ensure that you fully understand those on your Stanley tape measure, it’s a pretty simple system. Meter or 1m: The one-meter marking is located at the one 100th centimeter marking or 10th decimeter marking. In much of the world a metric tape is much more common. In need of a tape measure check out the Defiance Tools Tape Measure and other nifty gadgets C Larboard has to offer! That said, most everyday and professional tape measures on the market today (including everything from Stanley, Irwin, Draper, Bahco and more) are EC Class II accurate. Once you’ve determined that, the next question should be what task it’s intended for. That system is based on tens so that a meter will comprise of 10 decimeters. Someone needed help figuring out what all those tiny marks are on a standard tape measure. 0126 is the designation for the National Weights & Measures Laboratory in Middlesex. On the whole this will also be the year in which that tape was manufactured. A sagging measuring tape will lead to an inaccurate measurement. Three times 16 is 48 -- so you get an even three spans every 4 feet. This is typically why people new to reading measuring tapes find it hard to know what measurement they’re actually looking at. 7 min read. Then get in touch! typically come in 8ft lengths. The markings on a tape measure are in both metric meters and centimeters as well as imperial units which are feet and inches. FIG. Need tools and gadgets, see whatC Larboard has to offer! Flat wire in that era was a booming business as women had fallen head over heels with layered hoop skirts so it was used in both industry and in fashion. Joists, on the other hand, are generally spaced 19.2” inches from the centre of the joist before it. Other Articles. This refers to the accuracy of that particular tape. Still in need of a tape measure check out the Defiance Tools Tape Measure and other nifty gadgets C Larboard has to offer! If one is comfortable with one reading and would like to become familiar with the other, then getting a tape measure with both readings is a great option. Price. This ancient measuring method was precise and effective even though in this century is appears very rudimentary. The large numbers represent centimeters and where the large numbers appear in red, they denote the number of decimeters. The notable feature in this tape measure is the ability of the blade to stay in place while measuring. For anyone looking to buy a tape measure the first question to consider is: what tape measure markings you’re comfortable reading? By ‘unclassified’ we mean that they have not been tested and guaranteed to conform to a particular level of accuracy. On many tapes (but by no means all) you will find a small red rectangle with the letter M printed inside followed by a number. It's ideal for such tasks as it is very flexible but more importantly it has plenty of length. This type of tape measure has the whole inch numbers labeled, as well as the eighths and quarters of an inch labeled, like 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, etc, which makes reading a tape measure much easier. Gifts, Gadgets & General Store...To Your Door. With 24 inch spacing you get two spans in 4 feet. Lee Valley (5) Festool (1) Activity. Among the earliest inventions of the tape measure is a steel tape measure invented by a flat wire maker known as. typically have a small hook where they begin. These are smaller, sometimes thinner markings, evenly spaced between the half-inch and inch marks on a tape measure. To do so they would unfold the ruler to measure, and then fold it back for storage. There are four generally accepted levels of tape measure accuracy. The length must be printed on each scale – one for metric and one for imperial. What is a tape measure? The black diamonds, as they’re commonly called (sometimes shown as black circles instead), are actually stud or joist marks. Tape Measures. It is a flexible measuring ruler that is used to measure distance. What's interesting is that although the tape measure has experienced many changes in shape, style and utility, it seems to have remained constant in the tape markings. Often you find 1/16” markings along one edge and 1/32” markings on the other. It is a … Reading 1/2-inch measurements is the same principle as reading one inch: simply locate the second-longest mark between the longer inch marks. Feb 19, 2020 - Explore cesar rodriguez's board "Tape Measure Markings" on Pinterest. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the... As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. The tape blade itself, a bright and easy to see yellow, is emblazoned with black lines and numbers for the easy deciphering of lengths. Then read on... Got a tip to share? When used properly Class II tapes are more than accurate enough for the vast majority of users. Stanley Tape Measure Markings. Each large tick represents one inch (1″), and the ticks between represent the following fractions: 1 ⁄ 16 “, 1 ⁄ 8 “, 3 ⁄ 16 “, 1 ⁄ 4 “, 5 ⁄ 16 “, 3 ⁄ 8 “, 7 ⁄ 16 “, 1 ⁄ 2 “, 9 ⁄ 16 “, 5 ⁄ 8 “, 11 ⁄ 16 “, 3 ⁄ 4 “, 13 ⁄ 16 “, 7 ⁄ 8 “, and 15 ⁄ 16 “. It could simply mean, for example, that the blade is of a slightly older design which in no way affects its accuracy or quality. Here are some types of tape measures used in everyday work. The CE mark indicates that the tape measure conforms to all European Union regulations that apply to it. Because 19.2” divides perfectly (5 times) into 8ft - and many American building materials come in 8ft lengths. These types of tapes are coated with lacquer and chrome and nickel to protect it. Brand. You may have noticed that there are little black diamonds every so often down the length of your tape measure. , that is feet and inches, reading it shouldn’t be too difficult. Whilst this may seem to be a pretty odd measurement, many American building materials (such as boarding etc.) But, sometimes your measurement ends up falling on one of those little lines with no number markings. Not all tape measures are marked the same. This article should help you understand what they are and how they should affect which tape measure you choose to buy. For some, the metric system is easier to read as it has less numbers. A tape measure is an indispensable tool to any profession that involves taking measurement ranging from fashion, architecture and construction workers to land surveyors. These strips of leather would function the same way a ruler does. We deal in fractions every day and are forever measuring quarters and eighths and sixteenths and whatnot. Most people who aren’t conversant with this type of tape measure are still comfortable measuring lengths in feet, but they may not know how to read the inches accurately. Today that translates to about 10ft and 6.7 inches or approximately 3.217m. Most standard tape measures in the U.S. have markings that measure down to 1/16 of an inch. Whereas the 16-inch markings provide the spacing for seven studs in an 8-foot … As such, it is correct to assume that ancient Egyptians must have had some form of measuring units. Pull the blade out of the case and you may notice a Roman numeral within either a circle or a rectangle, generally printed in red or black. FIG. Some tape measures will include the calibration number provided by UK Weights and Measures and some will feature a batch number to further help the manufacturer identify a product’s build date. On top of the usual markings, there are some tape measures that feature the black diamond markings or gas tank arrow marking or the gas gauge markings. ideally with differentiation in font or colour between different types (mm to cm for eg.) In 1868, an American inventor known as Alvin. Here are 5 secret features you didn’t know about how to use a tape measure. Using a tape measure on tight spaces often involves bending the measuring tape and doing your best to get a reading. 19.2” divides perfectly (5 times) into 8ft. Metric and Imperial Markings. The humble tape measure is the world’s most commonly used measuring tool, accompanying millions of tradesmen and contractors to work e... Few things finish a room as well as a lovely set of curtains. As the name suggests, this measuring tape is most popular with tailors and fashion designers in the fashion industry. The centre of one stud is generally positioned 16 inches from the centre of the stud before it – hence the 16” stud mark. But these black diamonds are important as they are truss, or black truss, indicators. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibre glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. Unclassified tapes will not feature any marking on their blade. Of all tape measure markings, the black diamonds are the most curious. The UK, however, still uses a combination of the two – the mandatory metric system as enforced by the European Union and the more traditional Imperial system still in use by many trades. October 25, 2019 These marks run between the upper and lower scales and are the longest marks on the tape measure, which identifies them as inch marks. The length of the line gives you a clue as to the fraction. For instance, on some (especially in the UK), there are Roman numerals on them. Why? It … As one can see, through history, some form of metric has been used to determine length when measuring distance. Watch Tom Hintz’s video below to receive a crash course on the merits of measuring via the seldom-used “bottom scale,” as well as an in-depth tutorial on how to use the 16-inch red box symbol to properly measure stud placement. Whilst some countries such as the USA still focus primarily on Imperial or ‘English’ markings (feet, inches, yards etc. It is a flexible measuring ruler that is used to measure distance. These are typically marked by long, thin lines and fairly large numbers. Tape measures and rulers used in construction and design works usually have markings with 1/32 of an inch. This ancient measuring method was precise and effective even though in this century is appears very rudimentary. Related:Best Everyday Carry Gadgets In 2019. If you need accurate measurements such as for production or pattern design, it’s best to have the help of another person who can hold one end for you. If the tape measure is being used in temperatures other than 20°C or at a pulling force of more/less than 50 Newtons then the accuracy of that tape cannot be guaranteed. Easy to read tape measures will make things even easier as the quarters are labeled up to an eighth of an inch. Meet the Lufkin Black Widow Tape Measure. How to Read a Tape Measure Find/read the markings. They are used by tradesman as stud and joist marks, stud marks typically occur at 16″ intervals and joist marks … From civilization to civilization tape measures have made life easier when measuring different things. This doesn’t mean that it was manufactured in the EU but is, to a certain extent, an indicator of quality. The UK Government’s Measuring Instruments (Material Measures of Length) Regulations implemented the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) in 2006. On a tape measure labeled with imperial units, the most prominent marks are usually the one-inch marks. ), most countries have moved onto the metric system. Many tape measures feature the marks ‘20°C’ and ‘50N’ near to the tip of the blade. To make this readings easier to remember one needs to note that 2 quarters form half an inch and 2 eighths form a quarter. #1 SELLING SELF-MARKING TAPE MEASURE: Never waste time looking for a pencil again! Whilst not featuring on all tapes, stud marks frequently appear at 16” intervals and joist marks at 19.2” intervals. Studs and traditional floor joists are usually either 16 or 24 inches on centre, and every 16 inches on the tape is marked with a triangle. These markings are used to get measurements in an oil rig. Even if you’re not good at fractions, we’ll help you get started. EC levels of accuracy (Class 1 or Class 2) state that a tape’s blade is accurate to that particular standard at a temperature of 20°C at a pulling force of 50N (Newtons). Tape measures come in all different sizes! For instance, the folding ruler was often made from wood making it impossible to measure circumference and corners.