\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. We tested both the 16-foot and 25-foot models and found them both very accurate in terms of measurements. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Finish by adding the fractions you counted to the whole number from the last full inch. If the measurement is incorrect - specify your screen size in inches manually. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. For imperial units, use the longest marks to measure inches. from the inside edge of an object such as between one internal wall and another) the hook can be pushed against the object (e.g. It's very reasonably priced, as well. line is 7/16; one mark to the right of the 7/8-in. For example, if an object measures 117 inches, its 3.25 yards long since 117/36 = 3.25. This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer. Price at time of publish: $25 for 25-foot, Dimensions: 3.85 x 2.3 inches | Blade Width: 1-3/16 inch | Weight: 1.2 pounds | Autolock: No | Magnetic Hook: No, Measurement markings on both side of blade. To read a tape measure, you first need to know what each of those black lines stand for. The DEWALT Tough Series has a removable magnetic tip, so you can take it off when not needed. 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (206) 100+ bought in past month. Remember that the unnumbered lines represent fractions. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. When it comes to choosing a tape measure, dont automatically assume that the longer, the better. Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Most manufacturers have, therefore, opted to produce UK-spec tape measures with both metric and imperial graduations. But if your space is small, a 16-foot tape measure is sufficient for most projects youd need it for.. He is also an avid hiker and has backpacked in Alaska and Newfoundland, Canada. FREE delivery Apr 12 - 14 . He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Learn trade secrets, how to take awkward or difficult measurements, care for your tools and more! Magnetic tape measures are designed with a magnetic end . However, overall this is an accurate, sturdy, and reliable tool, especially if you tend to drop tape measures or put them through rigorous use. Why does the metal piece on a tape measure move? A 12-foot tape measure is handiest for consumers. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The metal tip of a cased tape measure is called the hook or the tang. Even smaller marks then denote 1/8ths and 1/16ths (marked in red) of an inch. The testers then released the lock and allowed the blade to retract both freely and with control from the testers fingers. While this heavy-duty tape measure is probably more than you need for typical use around the house, we highly recommend it for people who need a tape measure that can survive the rigors of a jobsite. It also has a somewhat aggressive recoil, meaning that if you don't take care, you might get nicked by the retracting blade. 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. Each tape measure was extended to its full length while the tester held it at various angles and noted the point at which the tape measure could no longer remain straight. If there is an extra fraction of an inch at the end of your measurement, dont forget to include it. Whilst Britain now officially operates a metric system of measurement, our nation still sees a curious mix of both metric and imperial measurements being used on a day to day basis. We measure our height in feet and inches, our weight in stones and pounds and our speed in miles per hour. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Black print on pink background allows for easy sight and marked inches and centimeters . On the tape measure, the inch mark is indicated by largest number in bold and black and by the longest line, the half-inch mark by the second longest line and the fraction , the quarter-inch mark by the third longest line and the fraction , and so on. 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! Click to enlarge. Picture Information. The one downside we found was the standout of this tape measurethat's the distance the blade of a tape measure can stand out straight without support before bending towards the groundwasn't quite as good as some others in our tests. To learn how to estimate inches using your thumb, scroll down! Some pocket tape measures feature a case with a known length (e.g. A 16ft tape measure, for example, will have sixteen one-foot marks along its length and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). And the sturdy, nonslip, rubber-coated case protects the tool from damage even if dropped from a height. Opt for a 16-foot tape measure. Most cased tape measures have some sort of clip so you can easily carry the tool on your belt or toolbag. A rounded design wont snag or wear on your clothing. It can also help to spend a moment studying your tape and remembering fraction conversion: 3/4 = 12/16; 1/2 . Then, look for the last full inch before the opposite end of the object or distance you're measuring. Take It Everywhere. FREE delivery Apr 13 - 17 . This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Sponsored. Add the cm and mm to get the total measurement. Free shipping. The standout of the 16-foot model in our tests was around 10-1/2 feet and the 25-foot model had an average standout of around 12-1/2 feet. What's more, some tape measures (regardless of expense or quality) can feature steel blades with relatively sharp edges. Half Inches. When taking external measurements, however, the hook can be placed around/behind the object and pulled gently towards the measurer. You will normally find (on any pocket tape of quality) that the hook 'floats'. We purchased and tested 34 tape measures from a wide range of top brands. To convert inches to feet, divide the number of inches by 12. But when it comes to the smaller, more precise measurements. FREE delivery. A 16ft tape measure, for example, will have sixteen one-foot marks along its length and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). The 25-foot length is called a builder's tape and is marked in feet and at 16-inch increments to make measuring the standard distance between wall studs easier. This is a very sturdy tape measure with a 1-3/16-inch matte nylon-coated blade that reduces glare. Milwaukee 25 ft. Our top-scoring tape measure in our tests is the Irwin Strait-Line. Standard stud and joist spacings are marked as well. To convert inches to millimeters, divide the number of inches by 0.03937. Standard stud and joist spacings are marked as well. Aside from a hammer and screwdriver, a tape measure is probably the most reached-for item in your toolkit. Home/ Utilities & tools/ Tape Measure. Then read on Got a tip to share? Well suited for clothing design and production, the soft tape measure rests seamlessly along curved and flat surfaces. Perfect Measuring Tape - Fraction Tape Measure, All-Purpose 60 Inch Tape Measure - Double Sided Fractional Inches and Millimeter/Centimeter Tape Measure TR-16-frac (60 inch White) 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (638) $5.99 $ 5. 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. References. The numbers are large enough for easy reading, but the 1-1/4-inch-wide blade only has measurements marked on one side of the tape. The next largest mark on the imperial side of the tape measure is the half-inch mark. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. For example, if an object measures 10 inches, its length is roughly 25.4 centimeters, since 10/0.3937 = 25.4. Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants. $8.99 $ 8. In other words they're in centimetres and milimetres. Measurements are indicated down to 1/16ths of an inch, with additional markings to show stud and joist spacings. To convert inches to meters, divide the number of inches by 39.37. The tape measure has a sliding lock to hold the blade extended when in use, and we found it very easy to slide with just one thumb. The 25-foot model tested at around 13 feet, not the 17 feet claimed by the manufacturer. The 1-inch-wide blade is coated with nylon for durability, and the case of the tape measure is very sturdy, with a rubbery coating for easy grip and added protection against damage from drops. Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling, says I use tape measures all the time and store them in multiple locations throughout my home. For instance, if the final space is about half as long as the others, count it as half an inch. Not all tape measures are the same. Thinner than that, and the blade can be flimsy. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. Company No: 7593069, The Tape Store - The UK's Measurement Specialist, Protimeter Psyclone Thermo Hygrometer BLD7800, Protimeter Hygromaster 2 Thermo Hygrometer with Hygrostick BLD7750, Trumeter 5505E Measuremeter (Metric/Imperial), Rotosure RCP Classique Professional (Metric), compensating for the case length on 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. You can buy them in lengths of 10 feet, 16 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet, 33 feet, 35 feet, 40 feet and so on. The measurements are in black on both sides of the blade. If there are 15 unnumbered lines, the inches are broken down into sixteenths (1/16). This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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