If you’ve got numerous tape measures in your toolbox which differs by maker and also by length, that can spell big trouble for you if you try and use more than one specific measuring tape on any given projects. The markings on tape measures tend to vary from one manufacturer and another as do the accuracy of the markings on them. Just like fingerprints, no 2 are ever exactly the same. Therefore tip number one is, and this is one of the most important, use the same tape measures throughout a task. You never want to switch horses in the middle of a stream and you never like to change tape measures in the middle of a project.

Contrary to what lots of people believe, that little metal tab on the end of the metal tape is supposed to slide back and forth. Many people believe that this movement can be a hint of poor construction but it’s the indication of proper design and manufacturing. If the metal hook didn’t slide on the tape, either your inside measurements or your outside measurements would be incorrect. Thus, rule number 2; don’t change the tape to keep the hook still. Lessen the possibility of error when marking a work piece by turning your tape on edge. Tape measures are often cupped, so there’s a margin for error if you don’t twist the tape so the edge presses against the work piece. Tip number 3; position the tape measures so there is no gap in between the markings on the tape and the surface to be marked.

You could use tape measures to split a work piece evenly without measuring. Tip number 4; put the tape measures at an angle across the work piece with the 0 aligned with 1 edge and another number that divides equally by the number of pieces that you want to divide the piece into. For example if you have a workplace that is 1 ” wide into 2 pieces, align the 0″ and 2″ markings with the edges and then scribe a mark at the 1″ mark. It is perfect division each time. Also, if you wished to divide the piece into 3 equal pieces, align the 0″ and 6″ mark then scribe marks at the 2″ and 4″ marks.

Tip # 5, whenever possible, cut to fit rather than to size. Never cut out all of the pieces to any task using the measurements given on a cutting list since the actual dimensions you need may differ because of minor difference in dimensional lumber that you are using. For example, if you’re making a cabinet, always take the inside measurements with a recognized accurate tape just before cutting the shelves to length.

Tip number 6 for utilizing tape measures, make 2 steps for correct inside tape measurements. The stiff metal tape will never fit properly against an inside corner, so get the measurements in two steps. First, butt the metal hook tightly against one corner then put a mark of an inch or 2 from the opposite corner. Then butt the metal hook against that corner and measure out to the initial mark, adding the two measurements together to obtain the exact inside measurements.

A Tape Measure must always come in handy since it is a diverse device for the Construction and Industrial expert. Tape Measures are extremely flexible and allows one to measure around curves or corners.