How To Read A Tape Measure

Tips on How to Read a Tape Measure Being able to read accurate measurements is an important skill for everyone, especially for those who like do-it-yourself projects. When building or making anything, whether it is a piece of furniture or a piece of clothing, taking accurate measurements is a key factor to ensure that you are doing things right. One of the most common tools for taking measurements is the tape measure. If there is anything you must learn now, it is how to read a tape measure. Here are some tips: Tip #1: Examine the kind of tape measure you have. Establish whether it bears measurement in English or Metric system or both. That will give you a head start towards learning your way through it.

Tip #2: Study the markings and what they indicate. Usually, a tape measure bears numbers and in between those numbers are tiny lines or markings that indicate a fraction of whatever measurement unit is being used. To get the most accurate measurement, you have to familiarize yourself of the division lines while learning your fractions along the way.

Tip #3: It is always advisable to measure on a flat surface. If your item and your tape measure are steady, it is much easier to read the measurement.

Tip #4: Always hold your tape measure firm from the beginning point towards the end point of what you are measuring. In that case, you may want to invest on a unit that pulls to open and snaps to shut. You can always use the ordinary, soft type, however, for not so challenging measuring requirements.

Tip #5: For maximum accuracy, always use the next closest mark from the end point of what you are measuring. This is in case, your measurement falls not exactly on a line but in between two small lines.

Tip #6: The standard measurement used in many projects is in inches. However, there are times – as required for accuracy – that you need to watch for centimeters and even millimeters. So you better learn your way through them as well.

Tip #7: Reading measurements in a tape measure is pretty simple. You must never lose heart that you will learn your way around.

Tip #8: Always work to read the most accurate measurement. Every wrong measurement will put off the whole project and will easily ruin your efforts so you need to be careful.

Tip #9: Check your measurements a couple of times just to be sure.

Tip #10: Practice makes perfect. In order to learn how to read a tape measure, you must practice this skill by measuring just about any objects around your house.

References: http://www.iknewit.org/how-to-read-a-tape-measure.html http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-read-a-tape-measure