Reading a Tape Measure

by: Joey Silva

Imperial Units System

• Imperial units or the __ __ is a system of units, first defined in the British Weights and Measures Act of 1824, later refined (until 1959) and reduced.

• Systems of imperial units are sometimes referred to as __-__-__, after the base units of length, mass and time.

• The units were introduced in the British Empire, excluding the then already independent United States. As of __, all countries that used the imperial system have become officially metric (except for Burma and Liberia), but imperial units continue to be used alongside metric units.

Countries that have not officially adopted the metric system Myanmar, Liberia and the __ __.

How to Read a Measuring Tape

• __ (Symbol of Inches is: “)– Inches are the long lines that cross

either half of, or all of the 1" width of the tape. They usually are preceded or followed by numbers.

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Use Arrows to Locate 1”, 2”,3”, and 4” Marks

How to Read a Measuring Tape

• A 1/2 (half) inch is exactly what it sounds like: Half of 1 inch.

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Use Arrows to Locate 1/2”,11/2”, 21/2”, and 31/2”

Marks

How to Read a Measuring Tape

• 1/4 of an inch is every four marks on your tape measure.

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Use Arrows to Locate 1/4”,11/4”, 23/4”, and 33/4”

Marks

How to Read a Measuring Tape

• An 1/8 of an inch is twice as big as the 1/16 of an inch. It is every other mark.

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Use Arrows to Locate 7/8”, 11/8”, 23/8”, 35/8” Marks

How to Read a Measuring Tape

• 16ths – Understand what a 1/16th is. A 1/16 of an

inch, is usually the smallest measurement on a tape measure. The distance between every line on the tape measure is 1/16 of an inch.

– The distance between each measurement that has a red dot above it.

Measuring 12” OC

• – Tapes are usually clearly marked every

12" with a __ __and a number denoting the length in feet at that point on the tape.

For Framing 16” OC

• Clearly marked multiples of 16" help during framing. There will normally be some sort of easily discernible highlight located every 16" on the face of the tape. Usually a __ __.

For Framing 19.2” OC• Many tape measures also have a small

black diamond every 19.2". The diamond is an alternative OC spacing for framing materials. The diamond OC spacing matches 16" OC spacing every 8' so it is compatible with most sheet goods (plywood, paneling, etc.). The benefit of using the diamond spacing is that you save one joist or stud every 8'. Always check with your local building authority before using an alternate spacing.

Accuracy

• The tip of the tape is riveted in place and slides slightly; the length of the slide is the same as the thickness of the tip, to allow the user to make accurate measurements. With a sliding tip you get the same measurement hooking the end of the tape over a piece of lumber or butting the tip into a corner.

Marking Center

• Making accurate marks is as important as taking accurate readings. To ensure that your markings are correct, make a "V" on the material being marked. Draw the "V" so its point is centered where you want the mark.

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Marking for a Cut

• When cutting a board mark exactly the length the board needs to be cut.

• Then mark an X on the waste piece of the board

• Then cut to the outside of the line on the waste side of the board

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X

CutKeep Waste