Whether you own a business in construction, automotive mechanics, manufacturing, or another trade, measuring tape is likely part of your daily arsenal. While these tools are fantastic for taking all kinds of measurements, they have some lesser-known features that make them extra versatile.
Understanding these features can help your workers save time and energy on the job while producing better work. Check out our top four tape-measuring hacks below!
Hack 1: Enjoy easy scribing
If you don’t have a pencil handy, never fear—your tape measure likely has a built-in scribing tool! Many measuring tapes have a serrated edge on the metal hook at the end of the tape.
By dragging the serrated edge back and forth against an object’s surface, such as a piece of wood or metal, you can mark out a precise measurement—down to the millimetre, in fact! This feature saves loads of time on busy jobs.
Hack 2: Rule straight lines
Just as rulers are used for measuring and drawing straight lines, tape measures can serve the same purpose. Simply hook the end clip onto a straight ledge of a board or tape and extend the tape.
Next, place the pencil at the desired length of the line, extend the tape housing just past the pencil, and lock the tape in place.
Hold the pencil in one hand, resting your palm on the tape housing, and place your other hand on the hooked tab, ensuring it stays secure. Now, drag the housing, pencil, and hooked tab down the straight ledge all at once—you’ll be left with a straight line. Quick and easy!
Hack 3: Use the nifty nail notch
Have you ever noticed the hole in the hook at the end of your tape measure? That’s the nail notch! This handy hole is great for tradies working solo—if you need to hang the end of the measuring tape off something, simply hook it onto a nail or screw, using it for leverage as you extend the tape.
The nail notch has another use, too—it can help you draw a circle. Hook the tab on the screw or nail and extend the tape to your desired length. Hold a pencil at that length as you swing the tape in a circular motion, keeping the tab hooked to the screw. You’ll end up with a neatly drawn circle.
Hack 4: The loose hook has a purpose!
You’ve probably realised that no matter which brand of tape measure you use, whether it’s the Stanley FatMax Tape Measure or the PowerLock, the end hook will always be slightly loose. Why? To give it some wiggle room! Whether you’re taking an inside or outside measurement, the hook will adjust by about a millimetre (exactly the hook’s thickness) to guarantee an accurate result every time.
Conclusion
So, now you’re aware of all the extra benefits tape measures offer, why not give them a try next time you’re on the field? These features can make your life easier in all sorts of ways, from saving time and boosting productivity to achieving more accurate measurements.