The window is primarily used for measuring the inner side such as of window or door panes. Show activity on this post. That measurement window is used when you’re using the tape measure to draw a circle.

What is the slot for on a tape measure?

3. THE NAIL GRAB. On nearly every measuring tape, you’ll find a small slot on the end hook. It’s there to grab onto the end of a nail or screw.

What is the little black square on a tape measure?





The black diamonds on the tape measure represent that spacing. The first black diamond is at 19.2 inches” and after that black diamonds appear at 38.4, 57.6, 76.8, and 96 inches or 8 feet. That is one less stud for every 8 feet of wall, counting the beginning and end studs.

What does the reach on a tape measure mean?

“Reach” is meant to represent the maximum blade extension when a user holds a tape measure at maximum standout with one hand, and then extends that hand three feet out from the other hand that’s still holding the tape measure itself (as below photo shown).

Why is the 16 red on a tape measure?

The red indicates 16-inch-on-center spacing. This is a common framing spacing for wall studs, floor joists and common roof rafters. If you decide to space framing at 24-inch centers, the red marks will be at every other foot marking on the tape measure.

What is the red dot on a tape measure?

The red is for 16-inch-on-center spacing. The common framing spacing is for wall studs, floor joists and roof rafters. There will be red marks on the tape measure if you decide to space frame at 24 inch centers.

What is the 8 foot rule on a tape measure?





For every 8-foot section of your wall, there should be six studs placed 16 inches apart. That’s why there are red numbers highlighted every 16 inches. If you use the tape measure, you can note exactly where the studs are by using the red numbers and marking the studs using a pencil.

Why are tape measures curved?

Don’t worry it’s not a design flaw, in fact, Jane explains it’s moveable because it helps properly measure edges. The first inch of a tape measure is short by 1/16 of an inch to account for this metal-hooked ending. Can you guess how thick the metal hook is? Yep, 1/16 of an inch.

Why does my tape measure start at 2?

The tape starts at 2 inches so that the measurement includes the portion of the case that is snug against the body when using the tape. The curved portion of the case is exactly equal to the 2-inch mark where the tape begins.

Why does tape measure end move?

It wiggles on its rivets to make up for the hook’s thickness. Push the tip against something for an inside measurement, and the hook is included in the reading; hook it on the end of a piece for an outside measure, and the resulting gap equals the space the hook would take up.

What is the metal end of a tape measure called?



Hook

Hook— If you have ever measured a table or some other hard surface, you have most likely used the hook at the end of the tape. This metal piece is meant to be loose, because the first inch is 1/16th of an inch short. So, it needs to be pulled back tight to ensure the most accurate measurement.

What’s in a tape measure?

A tape measure, or measuring tape is a type of hand tool typically used to measure distance or size. It is like a much longer flexible ruler consisting of a case, thumb lock, blade/tape, hook, and sometimes a belt clip. A tape measure will have imperial readings, metric readings or both.

How do you read CM and MM on a tape measure?



If you have a metric tape measure, the numbers should be read like this:

  1. The large, numbered markings are centimeters.
  2. There is a smaller marking exactly halfway between the centimeters for ease of reading.
  3. The smallest markings are millimeters, or one tenth of a centimeter.