Learning how to use a tape measure correctly is an underrated skill to have as a savvy DIY-er. It’s useful for a variety of outdoor and small-scale interior projects – it’s one of the most useful tools in a builder’s tool belt.
With all of the useful equipment available to hire for a project, it’s important that you start with the basics. A tape measure can help with a handful of jobs, inside and outside the home. For example, when you need to determine how much excess wood to saw off, or at what exact point to drill, a standard tape measure has you covered. Even the smaller projects, like installing a shelf or finding the centre of your wall to hang a picture, are made much more efficient with this one, simple tool.
Start learning how to use a tape measure correctly, and finally finish all those DIY projects on your list, today.
How to use a tape measure: Finding the right type
DIY projects, and building renovations for that matter, are never the same twice. Whether outdoors or indoors, new obstacles and challenges appear that can impede the progress of your project.
Investing in the right tape measure for the job can easily prevent slip-ups later on. A common mistake is that, when approaching a project that requires exact measurements throughout, people think one standard tape measure fits all. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In actuality, you should be considering the following before using your tape measure:
Size – Different tape lengths and widths are available in a range of tape measures. A larger, wider tape measure could help you tackle a sizable outdoor project that involves sawing or cutting, but many trades require a narrower, more precise blade. The damage and use you expect your tape measure to take should also be an important factor in considering its size. The bigger the tape measure, the hardier it’s likely to be.
Hook Type – All tape measures have a metal hook that moves in and out to assist in internal and external measurements. But, these hooks tend to be different shapes, depending on the price of your tape measure. Some hooks are small and flat, some are multi-directional, some have a folding hook with prongs, and other, more advanced tapes have a loop! All of these end hooks suit different specialist needs, and you need to bear in mind what exactly you’ll be measuring, from what direction, and make sure the hook type of your tape measure complements that.
Units of Measurement – All UK tape measures have metric measurements. You’ll tend to measure things in millimetre marks as a result! But, UK tape measures might still include imperial markings – some measure in 1-inch marks, or ½-inch measurements, depending on your requirements. The preference is yours. If you work in construction, though, imperial markings may be more useful, given the breadth of distances you’ll likely have to measure.
Accuracy – Tape measures have four standards of accuracy that determine the precise reading you’ll get. Most tape measures sold commercially are unclassified, but advanced tapes can be as accurate as Class I – correct to +1.1mm over the same distance, and ideal for when your DIY or building projects must be up to absolute scratch.
Material – Steel is the most common tape measure material, being strong and durable. But, for different trades – like fashion, for example – you could even purchase a cloth tape. The material of your tape measure blade is entirely up to you, and what job you intend it for, but we would recommend steel for its tried-and-tested properties.
Locking Mechanisms – Tape measures can have a locking mechanism, known as a blade lock, that keeps the blade extended while in use. Some tape measures have a conventional blade lock which is manually engaged, and an auto-lock. With an auto-lock mechanism, the press of a button releases the lock, which is extremely convenient.
Case Design – Similar to locking mechanisms, there are two different types of case design for a tape measure. A coiled tape will be stored in a closed case design, as is common, but sometimes tape measures will have an open reel case. The blade is exposed but more easily cleaned if used on a building site, and can be more convenient for measuring longer distances.