Toolbox Essentials - The Tape Measure
Talk to any handyman, carpenter, contractor or tailor for that matter, and they will tell you that one of the most useful items in their toolbox (or sewing kit) is a tape measure.
Whether you're hanging pictures on the wall, building a set of stairs, or taking on a big task like building a deck or building a house, you have to ensure that your measurements are accurate.
I'm sure you've heard the saying "Measure twice, cut once.
" That's great advice and it will certainly prevent headaches in the long run.
Tape measures come in many different styles and sizes, so you have lots of choices when looking for the right one for the task at hand.
Tailor's tapes are usually made from durable, non-stretch fibreglass fabric or plastic, and are secured at either end with metal fastenings.
They are great for use in the textile, apparel, medical or fitness industries.
The basic tape measure, found in most toolboxes, is sometimes called a push-pull tape.
It is spring-loaded so that it retracts into its case when not in use.
Cases can be plastic or metal and tape lengths vary from three feet to twenty-five feet or longer.
Surveyors use tape measures that are over 300 feet long.
The width of the tape varies from ½-inch to 1-inch.
Wider tapes are bulkier, but allow you to take longer measurements without the need for an assistant at the other end.
A good choice for around-the-house type jobs is a ¾-inch wide, 16-foot long tape measure.
The tape measure, dating back to the 1800's, has been around for a long time.
Rulers have been around much longer.
They date back to at least 1500 B.
C.
That's pretty amazing when you think about it.
We've been measuring for years! Consider the pyramids in Egypt or the many castles in Europe.
It should be apparent that some form of measuring device was used during the construction of these ancient structures.
They obviously did not have the nifty retractable tape measure back in those days, but they did realize that consistent measurements were important for constructing durable and sturdy buildings.
If you're looking for a great and inexpensive gift for the son, daughter, sister or brother who is moving away from home for the first time and getting an apartment or condo of their own, a measuring tape is a great choice.
Whether they are planning the layout of their furniture or looking for the perfect spot to hang a favorite painting or picture, a measuring tape will come in handy.
Before they purchase that bookshelf or couch they'll be able to ensure that it will fit perfectly in the spot they've selected.
Nothing is more annoying than buying furniture that's too big or too small for the area it's expected to fit into.
Every home should have a drawer, a shoebox or an actual toolbox that contains toolbox essentials.
A tape measure should be the first tool you select.
It's a good start to having the right tool available for the task at hand.
Whether you're hanging pictures on the wall, building a set of stairs, or taking on a big task like building a deck or building a house, you have to ensure that your measurements are accurate.
I'm sure you've heard the saying "Measure twice, cut once.
" That's great advice and it will certainly prevent headaches in the long run.
Tape measures come in many different styles and sizes, so you have lots of choices when looking for the right one for the task at hand.
Tailor's tapes are usually made from durable, non-stretch fibreglass fabric or plastic, and are secured at either end with metal fastenings.
They are great for use in the textile, apparel, medical or fitness industries.
The basic tape measure, found in most toolboxes, is sometimes called a push-pull tape.
It is spring-loaded so that it retracts into its case when not in use.
Cases can be plastic or metal and tape lengths vary from three feet to twenty-five feet or longer.
Surveyors use tape measures that are over 300 feet long.
The width of the tape varies from ½-inch to 1-inch.
Wider tapes are bulkier, but allow you to take longer measurements without the need for an assistant at the other end.
A good choice for around-the-house type jobs is a ¾-inch wide, 16-foot long tape measure.
The tape measure, dating back to the 1800's, has been around for a long time.
Rulers have been around much longer.
They date back to at least 1500 B.
C.
That's pretty amazing when you think about it.
We've been measuring for years! Consider the pyramids in Egypt or the many castles in Europe.
It should be apparent that some form of measuring device was used during the construction of these ancient structures.
They obviously did not have the nifty retractable tape measure back in those days, but they did realize that consistent measurements were important for constructing durable and sturdy buildings.
If you're looking for a great and inexpensive gift for the son, daughter, sister or brother who is moving away from home for the first time and getting an apartment or condo of their own, a measuring tape is a great choice.
Whether they are planning the layout of their furniture or looking for the perfect spot to hang a favorite painting or picture, a measuring tape will come in handy.
Before they purchase that bookshelf or couch they'll be able to ensure that it will fit perfectly in the spot they've selected.
Nothing is more annoying than buying furniture that's too big or too small for the area it's expected to fit into.
Every home should have a drawer, a shoebox or an actual toolbox that contains toolbox essentials.
A tape measure should be the first tool you select.
It's a good start to having the right tool available for the task at hand.
