What Is Measure Tape?
A Measure Tape is a tool used for dimension measurement. The measuring tape is widely used to measure length, width and height and it is made up of materials like metal, plastic, fibreglass and cloth.
They are a common measuring tool used in both professional trades and simply around the home.
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Marking On Measuring Tape
The Measure tape is marked with a different unit such as centimetres, inches and feet.
Parts of A Tape Measure
There are different parts of measuring tape and each has its own importance.
Case: The case is used to cover tape. This is also responsible for making tape durable and long-lasting for use. The case is made from metal, plastic and other rubber materials.
Case Length: On the back of the tape measure, you will find the case length. It is essentially the length of the case but is a great addition to your tape. It comes in handy when you want to measure around corners. Use the housing for inside measurements instead of bending the tape.
Thumb Lock: The thumb lock is designed to keep your tape in place at your desired length. It stops your tape from automatically retracting back into its housing when carrying out measurements. Simply release the thumb lock to put the tape measure back in its case.
Blade/Tape: The most important part of your tape measure, the blade is what gives you your measurements. Imperial units are usually on the top row and metrics are on the bottom. More on the tape itself later…
Hook: The hook, located at the end of the tape comes in handy when measuring hard surfaces such as tables. You may notice that the hook is loose; this is intentional to ensure accuracy. If the hook has a hole in it, this is so it can grip onto screws.
Belt Clip: Does what it says on the tin. The belt clip simply allows the measuring tape to be hooked onto your belt so you can always have it to hand.
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How To Read Measure Tape
Everyone should learn to use a measuring tape because sometimes we need to measure. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to measure with a measuring tape.
First, we will see how the marking is done on measuring tape,
The measuring tape is divided into two parts horizontal TOP Part and the BOTTOM Part.
Top Part Measuring Tape
The top part of the measuring tape was fractioned with inches. It means you can read dimensions in feet on the top part of the tape.
Each Part is equal to 1 Inch.
Again, This part is divided into 16 parts.
- 2nd Black line is equal to 1/8th of an inch
- 4th Black line is equal to 1/4th of inch
- 6th Black line is equal to 3/8th of inch
- 8th Black line is equal to 1/2nd of inch
- The 10th Black line is equal to 5/8th of inch
- 12th Black line is equal to 3/4th of inch
- The 14th Black line is equal to 7/8th of inch
There is a number written on the top part of the measuring tape like 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches and so on.
As we know 12 inches = 1 foot
Therefore, at every 12th-inch foot marking is done.
12″ = 1 ft
24″ = 2 ft
36″ = 3 ft
48″ = 4 ft so on.
Bottom Part Measuring Tape
The bottom part of the measuring tape was fractioned by centimetres. It means you can read dimensions in millimetres, centimetres, and meters on the top part of the tape.
A centimetre is also divided into 10 parts and each part is equal to 1 millimetre.
10 mm = 1 cm
100 cm = 1 m
Here, the smallest division reading can be written on the bottom part is 1 mm and the largest division reading can be written on tape is 1 m.
Example: How to Read Measure Tape
Let’s understand measuring tape reading with some practical examples,
1. How To Read A Measuring Tape In Inches and Feet
2. How To Read A Measuring Tape In mm, cm & meter
FAQs:
What is a tape measure?
A tape measure is a flexible measuring tool commonly used in construction, carpentry, sewing, and other applications. It consists of a long strip of metal or fiberglass tape with measurements marked on it.
What are the different units of measurement on a tape measure?
Tape measures can be marked with different units of measurement, such as inches, feet, centimeters, or meters. Some tape measures may also include fractions or decimal measurements for greater precision.
How do I measure in centimeters using a tape measure?
To measure in centimeters using a tape measure, locate the nearest centimeter mark and note the number. Then, count the number of smaller marks between the centimeter marks to determine fractions of a centimeter. For example, if the nearest centimeter mark is 25 and there are two smaller marks after it, the measurement would be 25.2 centimeters.
How do I measure longer distances with a tape measure?
For longer distances, most tape measures have markings indicating feet and inches or meters and centimeters. Simply add up the measurements indicated on the tape to get the total length. For example, if one section of the tape measure reads 5 feet and another section reads 6 feet, the total length would be 11 feet.
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