What are the 2 types of measuring tapes?

Breaking down the differences between products, and explaining what all those special notations mean on your trusty tape measure.

For more information, please visit tape measure manufacture.

"A measuring tape is an extremely common tool, but understanding the different types and how to use them efficiently and correctly will help turn you from novice to pro," shares Michael DiMartino, SVP of Installations at POWER (Power Home Remodeling). 

"I always recommend getting familiar with the features and becoming comfortable using your tape. Being able to hook, make bends, and fold your tape out actually requires a little bit of handling and getting used to. In other words, take some time to practice. Knowing how to use a tape measure properly can make all the difference between having the correct and incorrect measurements. Remember, measure twice and cut once."

Learn the Terminology: Parts of a Tape Measure

• Housing Case: Plastic or metal shell that holds the tape measure to protect the blade from getting damaged.
• Blade: A long strip of metal that is used to read the measurement.
• Spring: A Metal coil that helps the blade extend and retract out of the case. "Don&#;t overextend the tape, or you&#;ll risk damaging the recoil spring mechanism," warns DiMartino.
• Hook or Rivet: Allows you to take a measurement by hooking it onto the end of an edge; it also has a hook slot to attach to a nail. "The hook is loose by design," shares DiMartino. "It makes up for the width of the hook itself, and allows for the most accurate measurement."
• Thumb Lock: This lets you lock the tape in position in front of you.
• Belt Clip: A removable and easy way to secure the tape measure to a tool belt, making it easy to carry.

1. Standard Tape Measure

The most common type of tape measure is available in 16 or 25-foot versions. It often has a metal blade, a locking mechanism, and sometimes a magnetic hook. This basic type of tape measure is available from various major brands.

Common Uses

• Measuring for furniture. Whether fitting a new sofa or building a custom shelf, the standard tape measure is perfect for precise measurements of dimensions.
• Home renovations. From measuring room dimensions to ensuring tiles are laid out evenly, the standard tape measure is indispensable for various renovation projects.
• Hanging artwork. Achieve perfect symmetry by using it to ensure frames and canvases are hung at consistent heights and distances from the floor and adjacent walls.

2. Carpenter's Ruler

A traditional tool among carpenters and woodworkers. This tool typically features a sturdy, straight-edged design for precise linear measurements in woodworking projects.

Common Uses

• Marking wood. Carpenters and woodworkers rely on the carpenter's ruler to mark exact measurements on lumber for cutting, shaping, and assembly.
• Checking angles. With its straight edge and often integrated level vials, the carpenter's ruler is ideal for verifying angles and ensuring accuracy in carpentry and joinery work.
• Creating jigs. Carpenters use the ruler to create jigs and templates for repetitive cuts or shapes, ensuring uniformity across multiple pieces of wood.

100-foot long measuring tape for big projects and landscaping.

Emily Fazio

This long tape measure is a common measuring tool for construction and landscaping. Its uses will turn to it anytime they need to measure large distances.

Common Uses

• Surveying land. Land surveyors utilize the 100-foot tape measure to accurately measure property boundaries, plot lines, and distances between landmarks.
• Construction layout. In large-scale construction projects such as building roads or erecting buildings, the 100-foot tape measure is essential for laying out foundations, footings, and structural elements.
• Landscaping design. Landscape architects use the 100-foot tape measure to map out garden layouts, pathways, and irrigation systems, ensuring precision in design execution and plant placement.

Metric vs. Standard Measurements

Metric increments progress logically, with each unit increasing or decreasing by a power of 10 compared to the previous one, ensuring ease of conversion. In contrast, standard increments offer a more complicated picture, requiring irregular conversions between units. Learning to convert between metric and standard measurements can be challenging because of the differing systems and increments they use.

The company is the world’s best screwdriver supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Metric Unit Measurements (Metric Tape Measure)

• Based on units of 10, making conversions between different measurements simple.
• Common units of measure include millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), and kilometers (km).
• Easy to understand and widely used in scientific, engineering, and global contexts.
• Examples of increments:
• 1 meter = 100 centimeters
• 1 kilometer = meters
• 1 centimeter = 10 millimeters

Standard Measurements (Imperial Units, aka the American Tape Measure)

• Imperial measurements are based on historical units and are less consistent than metric measurements.
• Common units include inches (in), feet (ft), yards (yd), and miles (mi).
• Still prevalent in the United States and some other countries, especially for everyday measurements.
• Examples of increments:
• 1 foot = 12 inches
• 1 yard = 3 feet
• 1 mile = feet

Special Notations & Symbols

As we discussed tape measures and the multitude of uses, DiMartino expanded to share that there are other markings on a measuring tape that are important to be aware of. These markings will allow you to use the tool to the best of your ability.

• Black Arrows. Extend the retractable tape measure and you'll notice black arrows, which symbolize feet, spaced out every twelve inches. The notation within the black arrow will articulate how many feet your measurement is at, meaning &#;1F&#; for one foot, &#;2F&#; for two feet, and so on.
• Red rectangles. Certain notations are used for framing studs or trusses which occur at 16-inch intervals. It's usually marked as a red rectangle on cased tape measures, but it could also be noted by another color or a different size marking. Per standard code, utility-grade studs should not be spaced more than 16 inches on center. So, having a measuring tape pulled out or extended to see these 16-inch interval markings when framing makes it easy to see where your studs are going to land.
• Small black diamond. The last symbol to be aware of is a small black diamond, which can be the most confusing by far &#; especially to a novice or DIYer. These identify the typical spacing of joists. Black diamonds land every 19 and 3/16ths of an inch (or 19.2&#;). When you take a sheet good, whether it be a drywall panel, plywood, or oriented strand board (OSB), it typically comes in eight-foot sheets. To divide the material evenly, line up the sheet with a black diamond as your starting point and you&#;ll end up with five marks within that eight-foot span.

Posted on November 7, at 5:16 pm by /

Did you know tape measures come in different classes? From flooring installation to sewing projects, various tasks require measuring tapes with different properties and benefits. The large selection of tapes allows you to find a measuring tool that best fits the task at hand and your needs.

Along with ranging in varying forms, from retractable to surveying, measurers also differ in class type. Class I and II measuring tapes are the two most common variations, but what makes them different from one another?

What Do the Classes Mean?

All tape measures go through extensive protocols before heading to the store. These standards ensure the tapes meet the necessary requirements to function properly and become a reliable source of measurement. Within those guidelines are accuracy tests calculated by the tape&#;s margin of error. Each class system features different accuracy levels and margins of error to a certain degree.

Class I vs. Class II Accuracy

The biggest difference between class I and II tape measures is their accuracy and margin of error. Class I tape measurers are the most accurate forms of measurement. They consist of an error margin of no more than plus or negative 1.1 mm over a 10 m length, the smallest window possible. Class II, on the other hand, features a margin of error around plus or negative 2.3 mm over 10 m. The different ranges of accuracy distinguish tapes that qualify in class one or two.

Which Is Better for You?

The small difference in error between a class I tape and a class II version influences the results in certain scenarios and in the eyes of professionals. In most cases, people opt for the more accurate tape measurer to guarantee their calculations.

Although they feature a slightly higher margin of error, class II tape measures still provide accurate measurements fit for construction work and various other tasks and trades. For those working in fields that require a higher degree of detail, class I tapes supply the precision you need.

At Perfect Measuring Tape, we offer a range of tape measures for various trades, projects, and requirements. Our collection of steel measurers provides you with top EC ratings, falling in class I and II, supplying you with precise and accurate readings. We offer metal tapes for various fields, including industrial tape measures that come with all the necessary properties and ratings one would need to get quality measurements. Check out our range of tape measurers and find a tape that&#;ll get the job done and do it well.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website china socket and ratchets supplier.