{"id":4889,"date":"2018-06-08T20:30:09","date_gmt":"2018-06-08T09:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.airtasker.com\/blog\/?p=4889"},"modified":"2024-01-04T20:00:33","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T09:00:33","slug":"tape-measure-tricks-for-all-handymen-and-renovators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.airtasker.com\/blog\/uk\/tape-measure-tricks-for-all-handymen-and-renovators\/","title":{"rendered":"Tape measure tricks for all handymen and renovators"},"content":{"rendered":"

How skilled are you with a tape measure? A tape measure is one of the most useful items when it comes to DIY home improvements<\/a>. But are you really making use of all it has to offer?<\/p>\n

To tap into all the features of this essential tool, here’s a list of\u00a0 all the things (other than the obvious!) that your tape measure can do:<\/p>\n

The ‘screw grab’<\/h2>\n

You may already be aware that you can hook (or clip) the end of a tape measure over the edge of a surface and walk backwards to extend the tape out. But have you ever wondered what that little slot in the metal hook is for?<\/p>\n

That little slot is a ‘nail and screw grab’, which neatly slips over the flat head of a nail or screw. It’s hugely helpful as it holds the tape in place when you’re working alone.<\/p>\n

\"tape<\/a>Source: diy house help<\/a><\/p>\n

The scribing tool<\/h2>\n

Another handy feature that makes home repair and DIY projects easier is the serrated edge of the metal hook on a\u00a0tape measure. By dragging it back and forth on a surface, you can mark a measurement down to the millimetre.<\/p>\n

Not all tape measures have this, but it’s worth investing in one that does if you do a lot of DIY work.<\/p>\n

\"tape<\/a>
\nSource:\u00a0AXMINSTER Tools & Machinery<\/a><\/p>\n

The hook has \u2018play\u2019<\/h2>\n

Clearly, the hook of the tape measure is highly valuable and here\u2019s one more use for it. You\u2019ll notice the hook on the end of the tape has some \u2018play\u2019 or wiggle room on it, and the end centimetre of the tape\u00a0may be slightly smaller than a true centimetre.<\/p>\n

Depending on whether you\u2019re measuring on the outside or inside of something, you\u2019ll want the hook thickness to either be counted as part of the measurement or not. There is movement each way of about a millimetre or so. A professional handyman would refer to this movement as \u2018play\u2019.<\/p>\n

Most tape measures are already calibrated for accurate measurements. For a critical measurement, you may want to check how much \u2018free play\u2019 is allowed and get the measure tape calibrated. \u00a0Get a few quotes<\/a> for this and other handyman help<\/a> on Airtasker.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

\"tape<\/a>
\nSource:\u00a0AXMINSTER Tools & Machinery<\/a><\/p>\n

The length of the tape measure ‘housing’ counts<\/h2>\n

The housing (i.e. the hand held container that \u2018houses\u2019 the tape) can actually be a very handy sidekick for home repair jobs. If you\u2019ve ever tried to measure the inside length of something, you\u2019ll know it can be quite difficult.<\/p>\n

Luckily the housing of the tape measure is often marked with a measurement of length (e.g. 10cm) that you can use to make life a bit easier. Instead of trying to measure the inside of something corner to corner by bending the tape, position the tape measure inside and draw the length of the tape out from surface to surface.<\/p>\n

Next, take note of the measurement on the tape (e.g. 65cm) and add it on to the length of the tape measure housing (65cm + 10cm = 75cm)\u2026 and voila, accurate measurements!<\/p>\n

\"tape<\/a>Source:\u00a0AXMINSTER Tools & Machinery<\/a><\/p>\n

Not all tape measures are made equally<\/h2>\n

There are different lengths of tape measures available that are more suitable for some jobs than others. For example, an 8m tape is great for small home improvement jobs such as cabinetry. For bigger jobs such as outdoor or construction, you may need something longer and possibly stronger.<\/p>\n

You can get tape measures with magnetic hooks, blade locking mechanisms, and ones that can do a \u2018stand out measure\u2019 for hooking objects far away (i.e. you stand in one spot, and use your hand to extend the tape; it holds its weight and extends horizontally).<\/p>\n

\"tape<\/a>
\nSource: Pro Tool Reviews<\/a><\/p>\n

Have you got any other tape measure tricks to add to our list? Let us know in the comments section below.<\/em><\/p>\n

For help with handyman services in London, find a DIY expert<\/a> on Airtasker.<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A tape measure is one of the most practical inventions ever. Read on to find out more on how to make the most of this highly useful tool.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4924,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2164,396],"tags":[1008,982,984],"language":["en-GB"],"class_list":["post-4889","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-maintenance","category-other-gb","tag-handyman-gb","tag-home-improvement-gb","tag-home-repair-gb"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTape measure tricks for all handymen and renovators - Airtasker Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A tape measure is one of the most practical inventions ever, full of hidden features. 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