However, “Black Diamond Spacing” is ideal because the space between studs at that spacing is 17.7”.Īccording to the U.S. A chimney that size wouldn’t fit between studs that are installed on 16”-centers because there is only 14-1/2” between the studs. Why would this matter? A standard concrete block chimney is two bricks by two bricks or roughly 16 inches square. The black diamonds on the tape measure represent that spacing. If you divide an 8-foot space (typical sheet of plywood or sheetrock length) by 5 we get a spacing of 19.2”. The diamonds or triangles on the tape measure occur every 19.2 inches. There are some highlighted numbers (16, 32, 48, etc) usually in red, that mark the typical on center spacing for studs, joists, and rafters. Why are there some numbers in red and what is with the little diamonds or triangles? Some tapes will print the fractions down to the eighths. The shortest lines measure 1/32, so there are 32 in an inch. The second shortest lines are the sixteenth inch hash marks. The third shortest lines are the eighth inch hash marks. There are 4 quarter inches in every inch. The line that is a little shorter than the half inch mark is the quarter inch. The next longest hash mark, or line, is the half inch mark. Lines on the tape measure and what they are for. For example, 16 inches has a red 1F4 OR 1-4 because it is 1 foot and 4 inches.
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#Builders tape measure reading in plus#
Those smaller numbers in red are the feet plus inches. After the 1F or 12 inch mark, you will notice a smaller red number. The big numbers in black are the inches and they also have the longest hash mark. What are all of those black hash marks on the tape measure? Add this to the length of the measurement on the tape when measuring into a corner. On the bottom of the case you’ll find the measurement of the case. Add the number on the case to your flat tape measure length to get an accurate overall measurement.
If you are measuring into a corner, stick the case in the corner with the tape extended away from the corner. The case has marks on it showing how long it is. You wouldn’t want to do a 90° bend in your metal tape measure. Why is there a measurement on the side of my tape measure? That is on purpose and is explained below. The metal piece on the end of the tape measure that seems kind of loose. Stand out is when the blade is extended and doesn’t bend. The wider the blade the better the stand out.
The Imperial units (inches) are most often labeled along the top edge but there may also be Metric (centimeters) labeled along the bottom edge. The tape, or blade, is used for measuring. There is a stop which can be engaged by the thumb lock that will keep the tape from retracting. This is what pulls the blade/tape back in to wind it up. The blade attaches to the end of the spring. There is a flat metal spring wound around a spindle in the center of the tape. Slide this thumb lock over to clamp the tape in place to keep it from automatically retracting. If you have a tool belt or find the clip gets caught on things, just unscrew the belt clip and it can be easily removed. Hang the tape measure from your belt for easy access while working. Often the case length is labeled on the side. The longer the tape measure, the larger the case. This is the plastic or metal housing for the tape measure. Here is the basic breakdown of a standard tape measure: Anatomy of a tape measure Some may sport fancy features like lasers or magnets, and they come in varying lengths, but they all are designed to do the same thing- measure stuff. See how well you measure up.Īlmost all tape measures are the same. Here is a break down of the anatomy, basic uses and some tricks for maximizing the handiness of your tape measure. Basic measuring isn’t that difficult, but there are a few features on a tape measure that you may be overlooking.
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