What is the Anatomy of a Tape

Measure? The Names of Each Piece

You use it all the time, but you probably don’t know much about how your tape
measure is made. After all, you use it to make other things. Why would you
bother learning the fine details?
It’s time to give the tape measure its due! Let’s dive into the anatomy, the
names of each piece, and some of the secret features you may have never
heard about.

What Are the Different Parts of a Tape Measure?

The tape measure is made of a bunch of different pieces. These parts can be
metal or plastic and include:
 Case
 Case Length
 Spring and Stop
 Thumb Lock
 Blade/Tape
 Hook
 Hook Slot
 Belt Clip
The case is like the house for the tape where it lives all nice and cozy. The
most durable models are made from metal, while plastic is more affordable.

Case Length
Many tape measures come with the case’s length printed on the back. This
number comes in handy when you’re measuring around corners as you simply
add it to your straight across dimensions.

Thumb Lock
You can stop your tape measure from automatically retracting by pressing the
thumb lock down. Push it back up when it’s time to put that tape measure
away.

Blade/Tape
The tape, also known as the blade, is what you use to get your measurement.
Most tapes feature imperial units (inches) on the top row and metric units
(centimeters) on the bottom.

Hook
If you’ve ever measured a table or other hard surface, you’ve likely used the
hook at the end of the tape. This metal piece is loose on purpose since the
first inch is 1/16th of an inch short, meaning it needs to be pulled taut to
ensure accuracy.

Hook Slot
A donut hole may be there for decoration, but that’s not the case with the hook
slot. It’s actually designed to hook onto a nail or screw, which can come in
handy during construction projects.
Belt Clip
Your tape measure won’t fit on your tool belt or pants pocket without the belt
clip. It’s the only way to look stylish and official!
A tape measure wouldn’t quite work the same if any of these pieces were
missing. Each part is designed to bring you accuracy and functionality!
The Science Channel has more to say about how your tape
measure works!

How Do You Read a Tape Measure?

In order to read a tape measure properly, you need to know the difference
between metric and imperial. It also helps to try and remember that math
lesson from third grade.
First things first, let’s talk about what all of those symbols and lines mean!

1. #1: The top row of numbers are your imperial measurements.

2. #2: The bottom row of numbers are your metric measurements.
3. #3: The line that hits the blade right before the “1” is a ½ inch.
4. #4: The blade indicates zero inches or centimeters.
5. #5: Every number on the top represents a whole inch.
6. #6: The dashes in between each number on the top are 1/16th of an
inch.
7. #7: Every number on the bottom represents a centimeter.
8. #8: The dashes in between each number on the bottom represents 1
millimeter. There are 10 total between each centimeter.

Is this making your head spin? It’s time for a quick fraction and conversion
lesson. Your math teacher was on to something when they said this
information would come in handy!

Now that you know what each line represents, and you’re more familiar with
the math of it all, you should be able to get a full idea of what you just
measured. Be sure to include every dash in your final total and don’t forget to
double check your work!

What Are the Secret Features of Your Tape Measure?

You already know that your tape measure is good for figuring out length,
width, and height. It turns out, though, there are some other hidden tricks that
may come in handy during your next project!

Scribing Tool
Most tape measures have a serrated edge. You can use this to scratch a
mark into a surface if you don’t have a pencil handy.

Black Diamonds
You’ll see a black diamond on some measuring tapes. These are spaced a
little more than 19 inches apart and are meant for construction workers as
they mark the standard spacing of trusses when building a roof.

Roman Numerals
You will sometimes see Roman numerals on a tape measure. These refer to
different classes, with I indicating a more accurate measurement and III being
the least. Most tape measures are designed as Class 1 or 2.

Flipped Hook
In some cases, it might be more practical to measure from above instead.
That’s the beauty of the flipped hook on the end of most tape measures!
Manufacturing Year
Go ahead and ignore that M number at the bottom of your tape. It’s simply
listing the year that particular tape measure was manufactured.

Arrows or Stud
Every 16 inches,  you may see a double arrow, a number marked in red, or
the word “STUD.” This helps you locate every stud that may run across a wall
once you’ve located the first one.

CE Mark
Does your tape measure feature a “CE” mark? That means it conforms to
European Union regulations. It’s not really an indicator of quality, but more so
of the measurements set forth at a national level in Europe.
Testing Body
This four digit number, which is usually 0126, relates to the agency
responsible for certifying the tape measure – the National Weights &
Measures Laboratory in Middlesex.

Why is Measuring Important?

Imagine buying a floor rug for your living room that doesn’t quite fit under the
coffee table or a new bed for your apartment that you can’t get through the
door frame. It’s in moments like these that a good tape measure is a lifesaver!
Of course, those are only minor mishaps in the grand scheme of things. There
have been far worse measuring blunders throughout history!

Source: simscale.com

NASA lost a $125 million satellite to Mars because one scientist used metric
units while the other used imperial. The spacecraft managed to stay in orbit
for ten months until it was officially lost in the cosmos forever.
Are you a professional contractor or do you work for a construction company?
Tape measures make excellent personalized business products, whether
they’re on your team’s toolbelts or are used as free giveaways at trade shows.
You get the peace of mind knowing everything will always measure up for
your company!

The Bottom Line

Now you know a little bit more about how that tape measure works and why it
matters. This tool is often overlooked, but just as important as that hammer
and drill. Give it a little bit of appreciation during your next project!