Donald Cooper/Avoiding K.D.S./ Chapter 2 / Page 10
Do not rely on tape measurers that have dimensions printed on them. You might not always have it with you. You are the professional relying on an easy read type is not going to give you the confidence to reading a standard tape measure. Choose your tape measure for its size and clarity of lines. The tools needed for measuring properly are a ruler, tape measure, camera, two different colored pencils, painters tape, flashlight, clipboard, carpenters 90 degree angle, and a notepad.
Donald Cooper/Avoiding K.D.S./ Chapter 2 / Page 11
We read a book left to right following the progression of words. It is understandable why we try to read the tape measure in a same manner. Our eyes follow the tape mentally count the progression of lines. With so many lines, it is easy to see how the human eye can make errors. Now let’s look at the tape measure from a different perspective. Rather than the progression only, look at the length of the lines. Notice, within one inch there are only four different lengths. The shortest line represents the smallest fraction the longest representing half of the total.
Donald Cooper/Avoiding K.D.S./ Chapter 2 / Page 12
If your measurement ends at the longest line you automatically know the ending fraction is ½”
Notice the longest lines on the sides of the half mark. If your measurement ends at one of these lines you will automatically know the measurements is either ¼” or ¾”
Donald Cooper/Avoiding K.D.S./ Chapter 2 / Page 13
Here again rather than counting lines, only notice the line length. Being very easy to remember the lines representing the 8th fraction are one segment longer then the shortest. If your measurement line ends one segment longer then shortest line, you automatically know it is going to be a fraction of 8ths there are only four to choose.
Notice the shortest line represents the smallest sequence of fractions we will be using. If what you are measuring ends on the shortest line you automatically know, it is a fraction of 16. Keep in mind all your fractions will always begin with an odd number. Therefore, you only have eight possible conclusions 1/16 – 15/16. You only have to count the short lines in an odd sequence Your accuracy and confidence is going to increase once are comfortable reading your tape from line length rather than line progression.