How Do You Ensure That a Tape Measure Is Accurate
4 Essential Tips To Ensure Your Tape Measure Readings Are Accurate
There are few tools that are as essential as
measuring tapes. This tool’s history dates back to 1829, when an inventor patented a design that evolved into the tool we use today. Manufacturers ensure the accuracy of modern tape measures through several means, including testing random samples, using minuscule printheads, and microscopically inspecting hash marks. The accuracy of your measurements ultimately depends on your ability to use a measuring tape correctly. Consider the following four tips.
1. Get Familiar With the Markings
Before you start taking measurements, you need to familiarize yourself with the markings that you see on your tape measure. Most tape measures feature markings that indicate feet and inches, with markings that go down to 1/16 of an inch. Many tape measures also include markings that indicate centimeters and millimeters. Take a close look at all of these markings so that it’s second nature to identify the measurements you see.
2. Learn About Tape Measure Features
Becoming familiar with the markings on a measuring tape will prevent you from making mistakes by misreading. You can also increase the accuracy of your measurements, though, by learning more about the many unique features that tape measures commonly include. You’ve probably already noticed the hooked end, which you can use to secure the tape measure at the end of a ledge. Look closer and you’ll see that the hooked tab is likely adjustable, allowing you to pull it to the correct position. There’s also a notch for nails that offers leverage when you extend the tape.
3. Stabilize the Tape Measure Properly
An unstable tape measure is an inaccurate tape measure. You need to ensure that you have secured and stabilized your
engineers tape measure so that it won’t move while you are making your measurement. To do this, you can use the aforementioned hooked end or nail notch. If you are measuring an object with no ledge, consider getting help from somebody who can hold one end of the measuring tape while you extend it and record the measurement. Conversely, you can invest in a
laser measuring tape that allows you to do this without any help.
4. Always Double-Check Your Work
Paying attention to detail is the best way to ensure that your measurements are accurate — and double-checking your work is the easiest way to do this. Once you’ve recorded your measurement, ask a helper to verify the information, or complete the measurement again and confirm that you get the same number. Double-checking your work might seem like it takes a lot of time, but it takes much less time than starting your project over again because of an avoidable measurement mistake.
Invest in Accurate Professional Measuring Tapes
Measuring tapes are the most essential tool for any architect, engineer, or surveyor. Most manufacturers subject these products to stringent quality control testing to ensure that they are entirely accurate. You can further ensure accuracy by following the aforementioned tips. Find the
best tape measures for every application at Engineer Supply. Shop online or call (800) 591-8907 to learn more about our offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are measuring tapes used for?
Measuring tapes are used to determine the exact distance between two points. In surveying, for example, they can be used to assess property lines. Similarly, in construction, they can be used to determine the length of a structure such as a wall.
What are the most common types of measuring tapes?
There are many types of measuring tapes that you can use, including an engineers tape measure or a laser measuring tape. Other options include case measuring tapes, open-reel tapes, and double hook tapes. Measuring tapes for engineers and surveyors typically feature a much longer reel than other types of measuring tapes.
Do engineers use a special kind of measuring tape?
Yes, an engineers tape measure is different than a traditional tape measure in several ways. In addition to a longer length than other measuring tapes, an engineers tape measure typically comes with more hash marks for measurements. It may feature measurements that go down to the tenths and hundredths for more precise measurements.
What kind of measuring tape is the best?
The best measuring tape depends on what you plan to use your measuring tape for. A laser measuring tape is ideal if you want to measure a long distance without help, for example, while an engineers tape measure is better if you need a highly precise measurement.
Are measuring tapes guaranteed to be accurate?
Some measuring tape manufacturers offer warranties and guarantees regarding the accuracy of their products.
Best Lufkin Tape Measures
This Lufkin 100-foot tape measure has a steel blade and nickel plated four-arm reel with smooth-winding rollers. And because of its open design, you can dry it out if it gets wet or clear out any dirt. The blade has a chrome-clad finish with a yellow enamel, and it has 1/10-inch graduations. The long, easy-action winding handle will lock it into any position, and the subdivided line can be easily removed from the reel. If you’re ready to purchase this Lufkin tape measure, be sure pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!
This Lufkin 100-foot tape measure comes in a lightweight, high-impact ABS case. It also has a durable fiberglass blade that’s encapsulated inside a flexible plastic. This non-conductive material is marked with easy-to-read black and red graduations printed on a yellow background, and the ABS winding drum will allow you to recover the tape smoothly. The blade has 1/10-inch graduations with a spring return, which makes it easy to stretch out and recover. Be sure to pick up this Lufkin tape measure at Engineer Supply today!
This 50-foot Lufkin tape measure has a steel blade in 1/16-inch with nylon rollers that will guide the tape smoothly in and out of the case. The housing is made of a vinyl-covered steel with a brown-colored finish, and it has a manual wind-up return motion. The blade has a B3 style with a width of 3/8 of an inch and a ring end type. If you’re ready to purchase this tape measure, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.
This Lufkin tape measure has a blade that’s easy to read and is perfect for measuring the diameters of pipe, cable, tire, or any other circular object. The steel blade has a yellow-clad finish and is six feet long. It also has an A19 blade style with a 1/4-inch width. The case is made of solid chrome, and it can easily fit in your pocket. This tape measure has 1/16-inch graduations that are printed on both sides, so you’ll have two different scales. It also has stud markings every 16 inches, which can come in handy if you do this type of work. It even has a belt clip so you can keep it attached to your side while you’re at the job site.
The steel blade on this Lufkin 100-foot tape measure has a durable nylon-powder coating that makes it more resistant to wear under extreme conditions, and its 3-to-1 retraction system will save you time in the field. It also uses an E5 style with a 1/2-inch width and hook end type. The case is orange in color and uses an open-reel system. This Lufkin tape measure has 1/10-inch graduations that are printed on one side, and it has a manual wind-up return motion. It even has a belt clip so you can keep it on your side while you’re at the job site.
Whether you’re looking for a Lufkin self-centering tape measure or some other model, you can find what you need at Engineer Supply. Feel free to look at what we have in stock, so you can find a tape measure that will meet your specific needs.