Rulers
How does your ruler ... measure up?
Whether it has numbers, dials or it's just a piece of string cut the perfect size, measuring tools are essential to almost every task. Measuring correctly is important. A few eighths off at the beginning of a long project can mean a few feet at the end. For example, if you were to put a slight incline on a 12-foot board, say 1/8 inch at the first foot of board, by the time you got to the end of that board you would have an inch and a half difference.
Choose the right measuring tool
- Know what measuring system you are using. Do you need measurements in inches, or does your project call for a metric ruler marked in centimeters and millimeters?
- Try not to use a tape or ruler with increments that you don't need. Having a ruler that goes all the way down to 32nds of an inch is confusing when you're only concerned with 4ths and above. All those extra lines can make it hard to find your lengths.
- Always make sure your ruler is straight. A bend in a yardstick will cause your measurements to be off for sure.
- When purchasing a retractable tape measure, let out some of the tape to see if it will stay taut and not bend. Usually 12 feet or more is adequate so you can use one hand to measure and the other to mark.
- When measuring drywall or any type of wood products, a square with the increments marked on it is a must. This way you keep your cuts straight and you can use all your material with little waste.
- In a pinch, you find a printable ruler on the Internet. Just be sure to follow printing instructions carefully so that your online ruler is printed accurately.
Make your measurements right on the mark
- When marking your material, always mark a "V" with the point of the V indicating your length. This makes seeing your measurement much easier.
- When using a tape measure, after marking your initial length, “burn an inch.” Measure the length starting at the one inch mark instead of at the metal hook to double-check your measurement. Sometimes the metal lip on the end of a tape measure can be bent or loose, and that will cause your measurement to be incorrect.
- Whenever possible, use a square to mark the line that you will be cutting.
- When cutting multiple pieces of material to the same length, setting up something secure that won’t be moved is your best bet. If that isn't possible, sometimes a pattern used to mark each piece individually works well.
How to read a ruler
Reading a ruler is simple. Start by lining up the ”0” mark on the ruler with the end of whatever material you are measuring. Read the number that comes closest to the end of the piece you are measuring (without going past). The tick-marks between numbers on the ruler show fractional measurements. For example, rulers that measures in inches will have 15 tick marks between numbers. Count these tick-marks to see how many sixteenths of an inch to add to your measurement.
How to read a tape measure
Reading a tape measure is just as easy. Hook the metal clip on the edge of the material and pull. The tape will extend out and you can make your measurement in the same way as above. By locking the tape measure with the casing exactly at the endpoint of your measurement, you can retain that measurement and compare it against other materials you are measuring.
by John Dooley
