tape measure accuracy

The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. If it isn’t, nothing else matters. Breath of the Wild … Once you know your tape is accurate, durability is the next major concern. Do you know why the metal tab on a tape measures moves? While we were able to clearly see what was going on inside, drop after drop, the mechanisms kept working. A step higher in durability might put it in contention at the top. The following measurements were recorded Line Length Measured Slope Angle Mean Temp. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay. We all use .7 or .9 mm pencils in the shop to at least keep a fine line to work to. Fortunately, it’s not just the best tape measure that we find to be accurate. For anyone who has ever attempted to hang a larger shelf or picture without the help of an assistant, the new 36-inch Gecko Grip Level from Black & Decker might not change your life, but it could make it easier. This is a 2-in-1 digital tape measure, which combines the 16 feet tape measure and 131 feet laser measure. Throw can more or less follow standout. What is the best measuring tape in terms of blade durability? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. We're looking for a tolerance to within 1/64th. If you’re willing to pay $30 for a tape measure, the DeWalt XP is the best tape measure you can get. Comment from contributor C: Whilst your average 'bargain basement' tape will be unclassified (i.e. But are all tape measures created equally? If Empire goes to work on the outer housing, this could end up being one of the toughest tapes out there. We’re breaking things down into the categories our Pro team say are most important when they’re using a tape measure. The Black Widow’s high-contrast black and green blade finish rockets it to the top in visibility. If the tape measure is still accurate, only the initial tests (Step 2 and Step 3) will be needed. They're all good till they are dropped a few times. These cookies do not store any personal information. A metal measuring tape will be more than sufficiently accurate compared to other issues. Pro-grade tape measures must retain their accuracy while enduring the regular abuses, such as drops or bumps, that occur on job sites. With a price of just $10, this one is a nice find for those who need a basic tape measure. Video Details The only way to know is to verify whether it is calibrated. - 10' Tape Measure Retractable (3Pack) Accurate Tape Measure with Fractions - Locking Small Measuring Tape with Autowind Measurement Tape - Easy to Read & EASY TO FIND! A steel tape of nominal length 30 m was used to measure a line AB by suspending it between supports. Knowing height and monitoring it is important. Ryobi tops the value chart with Empire not far behind before there’s a pretty wide gap to Lufkin. In this Best Tape Measure Head-2-Head, we put several 25’ premium tape measures to the test. Find out all you need to know about tape measures in this article. You're on the right track. The General Tools LTM1 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure Is a 2IN1 tape measure that features a 16-foot tape and a 50-foot class two laser. Up to 12 ft., a precision tape measure will be accurate to about ±1⁄3… DeWalt moves into 3rd place with excellent top and bottom hold and an upper extension that gives it a solid side hold. But wait, there’s more… The 9-inch torpedo level comes complete with an integrated stud finder to sweeten the deal. A tape measure absolutely has to hook easily on the top and bottom. All of these tape measures are capable of surviving dozens, if not hundreds, of drops onto concrete from workbench height. from Made of vinyl material, the tape is amazingly soft and pliable as well. Often people will check the pull, but neglect to verify the push measurement. 7. Luckily, with the proper approach, using a tape measure can be a quick, easy way to get you … The downside of throwing the blade is that you often give up standout length because of the action. Thanks for helping us do what we love. From contributor C: Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 26, 2018. Before you worry about anything else, a tape measure has to be accurate. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our, Wrenches, Drivers, Pliers & Socket Reviews, Hart Tools Professional 9-LED Stud Finder, EGO Nexus Solar Panel Charger | Coming Soon. We checked each tape measure after every drop to see if it could still extend the blade and fully retract it. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Violent recoil, and it doesn’t sit on most surfaces without falling over. They have wear-resistant etched markings and a … It stands out better in every light condition. There is a tool available from Lixer Tools that can provide you with a standard to check your tape measures against so everyone on the same project can calibrate their tape measures. Tension AB 29.872 m 3o 40’ 5oC 120 N The standardisation length of the tape against a reference tape was known to be 30.014 m at 20oC and 50 N. Does anyone make a left handed tape measure? This is by design to account for the thickness of the hook on the end. You’ll see the first one at just a fuzz more than 19-3/16”. One button operation allows you to achieve quick measurements that are accurate to within 1/4 inch. And yes, it leaves Stanley Black & Decker brand cousin Stanley FatMax behind by a pretty healthy margin. Here’s how they break down: Having a good clip can make or break your tape measure experience. Too bad that quality takes a back seat to price nowadays. The laser is accurate to 1/16-inch and can measure up to 130 feet away and also has a stud finding feature. However, damage from dropping the tape measure or long use will make measurements inaccurate. When you are measuring a length, getting an accurate value just means seeing where the tape lines up. Empire, Klein, Lufkin, Milwaukee, Ridgid, and Ryobi have it. It’s the real deal delivering the complete package and whatever other metaphors you’d like to throw at it. It’s a must-have thing to conduct a high-quality measurement. You can definitely make the argument for 10′ – 16′ lumber that you might work with, but you’re sliding the hook over those longer pieces most of the time. If you are blessed by the good height genes, then this tape may be the best choice for you. Inside a 60-meter-long underground tunnel, measurement scientists check the accuracy of tape measures. For the most part, the larger the hook the better, but you can overdo it. I measure about every 10 minutes all day long and very often have to “fold” the blade. The hook on a tape measure usually slides just a bit. The tape measures themselves are manufactured with varying degrees of quality, but as per NIST Handbook 44 (PDF), a six-foot-long tape used for commerce must be accurate to within 1/32 of an inch. Many Pros throw it out there, then continue extending the blade across the top of the material until it reaches the end. All tape measures are not the same. Some of the springs in these tape measures will give your finger a pretty good pinch if you’re not careful. Its compact size helps in the ergonomics department but hurts it a bit in standout and throw. The accuracy of a tape measure is dependent on the ends of the tape and the markings printed onto the tape. Copyright ©2008-2021 CD Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The accuracy for the end of a retractable tape measure is dependent on the hook's sliding mechanism and thickness. And some faired better than others. The LEXIVON 2 in 1 Digital Laser Tape Measure is a two in one digital tape measure that features both a laser and a standard tape measure. Empire, Ox, and Ryobi give you fractional printing to take some of the guesswork out of reading the tape. Before you trust your tape measure for more precise measuring, make sure you do this quick accuracy check. The biggest issue is striking a level from the top of your head to the tape, or to a mark on a wall that you measure. Closely related, but rarely discussed is tape measure throw. That piqued our interest. Best Tape Measures For Accuracy. Everyone except for Empire is dead on at the 6″ mark on our Lixer Master calibration tool. Don’t let the finishing place fool you – this one punches above its score. Empire moves in using a white blade with blue fractions every 1/4″ and black fractions on the 1/8″ marks. We also sell 50 ft and 100 ft tape measures. Only three tapes stray from the norm of standard black markings on yellow blades. These tape measures include a calibration certificate traceable to NIST stating they have passed a test for accuracy. Ox checks off most of the major categories for a Pro level tape measure. Everyone except for Empire is dead on at the 6″ mark on our Lixer Master calibration tool. Not if you do it yourself; you need someone else to help you to accurately measure your own height. They’re known for their standout and this model doesn’t disappoint with more than 10′ in our testing to go along with nearly 10′ of throw. Rounding out the top 3 is Lufkin with above average clip strength and an easy on/off clip. For our team, standout is important – up until 9′ or so. In fact, why aren’t all torpedo levels made this way? Tape measures are available in the increments of either 1/16ʺ (one-sixteenth of an inch) or 1/32ʺ (one thirty-second of an inch). Please help! There are tape measures for every different type of task. Tape measures follow the same tolerance guideline, though margins of error are larger. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The accuracy for the end of a retractable tape measure is dependent on the hook's sliding mechanism and thickness. This is helpful because instead of awkwardly bending your tape measure inside a window frame, you can use the base as part of the measurement.Simply stand it on the bottom of the window frame, extend the tape upward, and add the length of the base to the measurement you get: Otherwise, it goes toe to toe with 1st place. It definitely helps. The strength of the clip is part of the equation, a design that slides on and off your belt without too much difficulty is the other. Hey guys the dewalt 225 xts model is made at Stanley in new britain ct. Lufkin takes things to a new level with their Black Widow’s green on black print. So how did this group do? There’s one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: We’re all about the professional tool user and tradesman! Ryobi has nearly as much strength as Milwaukee, but the clip is a bit too small and tougher to use. 4.7 out of 5 stars 458. Pro-grade tape measures must retain their accuracy while enduring the regular abuses, such as drops or bumps, that occur on job sites. You can order a Lixer from www.lixertools.com. The only way to know is to verify whether it is calibrated. This allows the tape measure to be accurate when hooking onto a surface and also when butting the end up to a surface. When accuracy … its accuracy cannot be traced to any known standard), most professional tapes are Class 2. Comment from contributor S: We have also encountered difficulties with tape measures. Even if you take the time to tune it up perfectly after a few days in the shop the hook will bend a little from slamming home into the case and the rivits that hold the hook to the blade wear creating more slop. But since it didn’t come in first, there’s clearly at least some room for improvement. Measurement accuracy must be measured regularly in order to be sure your tapes do not begin to measure incorrectly. On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Going the Distance on National Tape Measure Day Inside a 60-meter-long underground tunnel, measurement scientists check the accuracy of tape measures. Accuracy: Tape measures have two danger points when it comes to accuracy, the tang and blade stretch. Ryobi was next at 20 drops, followed by Stanley at 24 drops and Lufkin at 25. Once it was no longer able to do one or both of those, it was out. The loose tang is designed to facilitate accurate inside and outside measurements. Our PowerLock® tape's innovative slide lock was one of the first of its kind – making measuring faster and easier. My uncertainty is that a Tape Measure is more likely a tool that gives you somewhat of an accuracy, it only gives you 1/32 intervals. Tape measures: how accurate are they? The nylon coating makes it a very durable and reliable tape measure. Ranging in length and price, most cost less than $30. I find my tapes usually get bent/kinked before they actually break. The LG LCD is easy to read, and the anti-skid ABS casing is tough and durable. Thus they can say is accurate for the whole length but anywhere within the tape there might be an area where you are off quite a lot. (Architectural Woodworking Forum) We have to accept the fact that the real value of the measurand can never be found. But there are also times when you might not want it. Accurate Tape Measures are indispensable. Ridgid rides a pretty solid showing to 84.9 points. Some of these tapes give you a little more bang for your buck with additional scales for certain applications. The idea is that with a physically damaged tape measure, you can still finish out the day as long as you can extend and retract – even if it’s not as pretty as when you started. We also sell 50 ft and 100 ft tape measures. The 24-inch level is great on its own, offering large easy-view bubbles for making sure your pictures and shelves are perfectly level. I’ve seen tape measure errors form bent end hooks as much as 1/8”. My Lufkin tore today, cut my finger. Originally published January 9, 2005 at 12:00 am. Dust Collection, Safety and Plant Operation, Job Opportunities and Woodworking Services, Like everything else in life, tape measures are imperfect. I like the black widow but the tape didn’t last. We asked each manufacturer for their toughest tapes rather than their most feature-rich. On the lower end, Empire and Stanley feel like they’re intruding in your hand and Ox’s size makes is challenging to wrap your hand around. So aside from that ever-so-slight difference, the whole group is out of the gate with a good start. from Conventional Tape Measures do have an accuracy of 1/32 or less. Where's My Tape Measure? I understand if a tolerance of 0.060 is applied it might work, but what if when a tolerance of 0.030 is applied (1/32 = 0.03125")? We stock calibrated tape measures traceable to NIST for your quality control needs. There are 6 drops in each round of testing – one from each of the 6 sides of a tape measure’s housing. If we have to match a BS we cut a test piece and do the feel test. 4.7 out of 5 stars 458. DeWalt also has a strong clip, but it’s easier to clip on and off than Milwaukee and takes the top spot because of it. So aside from that ever-so-slight difference, the whole group is out of the gate with a good start. Klein gives electricians a conduit bending multiplier. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you thought that all tape measures were equal you'd be wrong... one tape measure is not necessarily as accurate as another. Tape measures: how accurate are they? Tape Measures; PowerLock ® Tape Measures PowerLock ® Tape Measures (0) STANLEY revolutionized measuring in 1963. Too much mass will make the hook flip when you’re trying to grab on the side. Save 5% … Lufkin finishes our testing in 3rd place with a host of accolades in the “Pros” category and just a single knock for a short throw in the “Cons”. The accuracy class of a tape measure indicates its instrumental bias within prescribed limits. You did notice that this is Ryobi’s first hand tool, right? Of the 9 tapes, only the top 3 manage to earn 80% or better on our value scale. Common in sheet metal shops measuring large parts, rulers and tape measures offer straightforward operation. Empire, Klein, Milwaukee, Ridgid, and Ryobi all perform with solid top and bottom grab for the hooks and decent side grab. --itemid: 1121440--listprice: 0--promoprice: -1--uom: Ea--webprice: -1--webstatus: UNPUBLISHED a0105101Title: Tape Measures a0105201Description01: Starrett long and short measuring tapes and Measure Stix™ are offered in a wide range of styles and sizes.Graduations are available in English and Metric to meet virtually every requirement for accurate tape measurement. Nevertheless, we should not forget that, overall, the street is long enough that the tape measure would give us an even more accurate estimate of the street length than the school ruler. Who manufactures decently accurate measuring tools? It’s Tru-Zero® end hook ensures accurate measurements. The accuracy on one tape measure to another can vary greatly, and let’s face it when you are measuring on a professional job you need it to be accurate to not only avoid wastage but to avoid expensive mistakes. As it stands, it’s a pretty feature-rich tape and the bold lines really help improve the contrast for those of us with less than perfect eyes. Tape Measure Tips and Tricks Using the Sliding Hook. Determine How to Adjust the Hook. Tape measures are available in the increments of either 1/16ʺ (one-sixteenth of an inch) or 1/32ʺ (one thirty-second of an inch). Impact Driver vs Impact Wrench | Which Impact Tool Do You Need? The tape measure marking that is the most mysterious are the black diamonds. The tape manufacturers print the tape with a roller that can slide a little bit as it prints. It is a retractable tape measure with a pin lock. Save 5% … With mid- to upper-level results from start to finish, Stanley FatMax is still a reliable name to turn to. Want more? The rest survived our 30 drops in varying states of what you can call “operational”. Finding the Best Tape Measure Accuracy. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Let’s dive in! October 11, 2007. George Vondriska teaches you a helpful tip to ensure your tape measure is accurate for both inside and outside measuring. Stanley FatMax tape measures are probably the most popular in the country currently. Three of our tapes failed to hit the 8′ (96″) mark in standout – Ryobi (82″), Empire (84″), and Ridgid (94″). Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Locking tape measure Vario, accuracy class 1. on request In stock 642 pieces in stock Item no longer available Available in 1-3 working days Available in 4-6 working days Available in 1-2 weeks Available in 2-3 weeks Available in 3-4 weeks Subsequent delivery Unit price. Join our newsletter and get the latest tool reviews every week! Being aware of the tolerance you're generating is the first step in tightening it up. 0.001" -0.001" to +0.001" 1/2 " Loop Black 0000000 0000000 2"-12". After all, when they’re not in our toolboxes or on a workbench, we usually clip tape measures to our belts. 97 ($1.12/oz) $17.99 $17.99. Tape measures may not be manufactured with accurate measurements or the tape measure may lose its accuracy from wear and tear of the rivets on the hook tab, causing the tab to become loose. Join the WWGOA community to access a huge library of woodworking instructional videos: https://bit.ly/38h8RoK. The overall visibility improvement is marginal at best with its thin lines, but the fractions are easier to read with their alternating black and blue print. Stanley Fatmax 25’ Tape Measure. If it isn’t, nothing else matters. Others are Class 1 - the highest level of accuracy available. Before you worry about anything else, a tape measure has to be accurate. Most measure tapes have lousy agreement between manufacturers and even between tapes from the same manufacturer. But here are a couple of suggestions for improving accuracy. So from a desire to meet our publishing deadline and do something else with our time between now and Thanksgiving, we stepped it up to a 10′ drop from our Werner podium ladder. As anyone who’s ever tried to build anything knows, our friend the humble tape measure is … isn't likely to be 12 in. Not stopping there, Black & Decker added a 9-inch torpedo level that pulls out from the right side of the BDSL30 and can be used simultaneously alongside its 24-inch host. Empire was off by the width of the line – less than 1/64″. Stanley sneaks in ahead of DeWalt on the podium at 116″, Milwaukee extends out to 123″, and Klein tops the group with a 130″ throw. The best tape measure will have a balance of the standout and throw – and our Pros like 8′ as a minimum standard for both. Before you worry about anything else, a tape measure has to be accurate. We evaluated 8 different tape measures from 7 different manufacturers, five of which had magnetic tips. Klein is probably more unlucky than anything since its early exit from the drop test cost it quite a few points. Nylon coating on the blade helps reduce the amount of wear that eventually starts rusting and peeling away. Calibrating a tape measure is simple and … Successful calibration will return the tape measure to accuracy. On the other end, Lufkin reaches out to 120″, Stanley hits 126″, and DeWalt finds a large gap to first at 140″. Common versions found at hardware stores may be off significantly: 12 in. But their accuracy is the most important factor that should not be avoided when deciding on the right distance measuring tool for your work. The following table should help you see the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 tapes. Milwaukee’s latest tape measure isn’t really lacking in any category – it’s solid all the way around. George Vondriska teaches you a helpful tip to ensure your tape measure is accurate for both inside and outside measuring. Klein goes with bold marks on the 1″ and 1/8″ lines to make it stand out more. Chances are that if we repeated the test several more times, it would do better. For the times that you do, Klein, Milwaukee, and Ox have it. A big key is getting each person to get to know their tape measure. If you take an 8-foot section and divide it by 5, you’ll get a spacing of 19.2 inches. Q: I have had several flexible tape measures over the … Milwaukee and Klein have finger stop brakes on the bottom to help you control the return of your blade. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The hook on a tape measure usually slides just a bit. It’s your call. 1/32nd is causing problems. If you are remodeling or building a home, reading a tape measure accurately is essential.Yet when it is stretched out, a tape measure is a jumble of numbers, marks, diamonds, and other confusing symbols. Anything longer is just extra bulk to carry. In searching for the best tape measure, there are some interesting ways to improve visibility. The Black & Decker BDSL30 24-inch level is really three tools in one. Measurements always involve a measurement error, however small it may be. Fortunately, it’s not just the best tape measure that we find to be accurate. DeWalt claims to have their “toughest coating” but doesn’t specifically say what it is while Stanley touts their BladeArmor coating. You will need a quality steel ruler . Prices in the group range from $8.97 (Ryobi) to $29.99 (DeWalt). The more the better, though. It’s strong enough for sure, it just needs to grow a size or two. W e evaluated 8 different tape measures from 7 different manufacturers, five of which had magnetic tips. All tape measures are not the same. Top and bottom grab very well and the bottom extension catches the sides, pulling the blade edge to the material. If you’re looking for a tape measure … A tape measure, more specifically an accurate tape measure, is an essential tool for all woodworkers. It might be a little bulky in some cases, but it’s going to grab from just about anywhere. It combines “Gecko Grip” pads that help keep the level in place with one hand, while the innovative Accu Mark targets let you pinpoint exactly where on the wall you need to drill to mount your picture or shelf system. Tape Measures; All Tape Measures Tape Measures (0) STANLEY, FATMAX ®, LeverLock ®, PowerLock ®, and DualLock™ tape measures make taking measurements fast and easy. With each round of testing, more lock buttons, faceplates, and other pieces flew off. The extra weight on wider blades helps, but a stronger spring hinders. Breath of the Wild … Wrap them around circular items to determine diameter without the need for calculations. It really helps. For true accuracy every time on flat items, we had a piece of aluminum milled 12 feet long x 3 feet wide x 2' thick with self centering tapered grooves milled every 20mm across. On the low end, Milwaukee and Klein finish just above DeWalt, whose $30 price point puts it at the bottom. Question Assuming you want to ignore my advice and use your smartphone instead of a ruler or tape measure for important purchases, like furniture that has to fit in a particular spot, how accurate is each app?

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