All about measuring tape

Most often, uninitiated people believe that a measuring device (tape measure) is an uncomplicated instrument for measuring length. However, there are a number of nuances that should be considered when choosing a tool that is much needed in your work. For those people whose work is related to the isomerism of various objects, a good tape measure is a very important thing.

It is impossible to do without a measuring tape in such areas as construction, agricultural work, equipment installation, measurements of sewing patterns and so on. A tape measure is a simple device, but its importance is difficult to underestimate. It is used everywhere and is made in accordance with strict GOSTs. You can meet a tape measure with a lock both in the pocket of the foreman's overalls and at the head of the geodetic artel. Wherever it is necessary to measure length, width or height, a tape measure is vital.

There are several types of roulettes, each with its own characteristics and characteristics. The simplest of them is structured as follows:

• the canvas with which the measurement takes place is a narrow strip with a scale and a number;
• plastic case, into which the canvas is automatically retracted;
• metal or PVC "hook" that allows you to fix the tip.

The last device should be functional, it allows you to work even on weight, using the device with one hand. There is also a tape measure with two hooks, sometimes extremely necessary when you have to measure, for example, metal trusses during the construction of a foundry. The fixing device is attached to the tape itself, which makes it possible to fix the canvas in the desired position. The design consists of a dynamic slider that fixes the canvas. In some modifications, an auto-stop is installed on the device. The spring is one of the main elements that ensures the comfortable operation of the device. Thanks to the spring, the canvas can automatically roll up.

The standard roulette parameters (by body) are as follows:

• length - 57 mm;
• width - 14 mm;
• height - 59 mm.

The standard weight of a regular product ranges from 140-145 grams.

The roulette body is most often made of PVC. Modern plastic is a very durable material. It can withstand high impact loads, has a high coefficient of toughness and strength. Color can be very different - black, bright orange, red.

Polycarbonate has proved to be particularly functional as a material for the case. It resists mechanical impulses especially well. Quite often the body of the tape measure is “sheathed” with damper rubber, which allows the hand not to slip during operation. It is worth noting that tape measures for geodetic work have a tape length of more than 20 meters, while the error is allowed no more than 0.001 mm per 1 centimeter. The roulette wheel often has additional elements such as:

• lighting device;
• fixing strap;
• a clothespin for wearing on a belt.

The main technical characteristics of the tool include the following:

• dimensions of the canvas;
• the material from which the measuring device is made;
• Scale "step";
• the dimensions of the roulette body;
• acceptable accuracy;
• type of fixing device;
• how the device is fixed.

A graduation is applied to the measuring web, on which the metric and English systems are often present. The ribbon is often pinned with a dynamic element, or it can be a special button called pause. Many models have a special hole that makes it possible to securely fix the end if there is a self-tapping screw or a nail on the plane. It is especially convenient to work in conditions when large areas need to be measured in a short time. And also the hole is necessary when using a tape measure to draw a circle. For a trained person, it is as easy as shelling pears to do such an operation.

It is recommended to remember that the dynamic hook after a while of operation begins to "play" or simply breaks. Thus, an error is laid. To prolong the service life, do not close the device with a strong click. If a very cheap tape measure is used, then all calculations and measurements should be made with only one measuring device. Thus, the option of an unnecessary error is eliminated.

The length of the tape measure can be as follows:

• 2 m;
• 3m;
• 5 m;
• 8 m;
• 10 m;
• 15 m;
• 20 m;
• 25 m;
• 30 m;
• 50 m;
• 100 m.

Most often on the first 15 centimeters of a tape measure there are outputs such as:

• material;
• length;
• accuracy class.

And also such information can be repeated. Some tapes contain markings on both sides, which is necessary when it is necessary to quickly determine the diameter of, for example, pipes. To do this, you need to wrap the canvas around the part, multiply by Pi (3.1456) and calculate the diameter.

The fabric of a construction tape made of metal has a sloping shape in diameter (sometimes in the shape of an arc). This arrangement allows the web to be rigid, and the risk of breakage is noticeably reduced. The stiffness coefficient of such a structure directly depends on the material from which it is made. The tape itself is most often made from materials such as:

• PVC;
• flax with polymer additives;
• metal ("stainless steel").

For a professional tool, the quality of the blade is of decisive importance. The width of the tape and the coefficient of its convexity are also important. Nowadays, magnetic fiberglass roulettes, which are additionally stitched with a cord, have become widespread. Essentially, fiberglass and fiberglass are one and the same.

The verified instrument made of fiberglass stands out for its strength and durability. It is not affected by temperature extremes or high humidity. Not a bad polyfiber canvas, because it is flexible and is not afraid of high loads. The sheet made of "stainless steel" does not corrode and can serve for a long time. In Asian countries, nylon materials are often used. They are resistant to moisture and high temperatures. The most durable tape measures are those covered with a special polyamide-based material.

They also produce high carbon steel tape measures. They are usually painted with a durable polyamide or acrylic material. The disadvantage of the products is that numbers and divisions are not very well distinguished in a semi-illuminated room in the evening. They are usually applied to the web using etching technology. Often, such a tape is covered with enamel, which is protected from abrasion with a transparent coating.

If we talk about the purpose of this measuring equipment, then there is also a rigid gradation.

• Construction tape are made in a durable PVC case, which is covered with rubber. Be sure to feel the metal magnetic or mechanical "hook" at the end. Such a tape measure is used on a wide variety of objects, including at home. It has a springy mechanism that allows you to twist the canvas. The more expensive the tape measure, the more reliable and durable such a knot is, since it contains higher quality elements.
• Geodesic tape measure (including the open type, it is also called "land surveyor") is also often used. The tape is made of polymer material. It has a powerful mechanism that rolls the canvas, and a reliable "hook" latch.
• Laser tape measure appeared on the market relatively recently. It is compact and has a liquid crystal display. Such a tool is not cheap, but it is distinguished by filigree precision. It can be used on open rectilinear sites. The principle of operation of this device is based on the phase method of calculating the distance to an object that reflects a laser pulse.
• Roulette with an electronic chip. It looks almost identical, but has a miniature screen on the body that accurately determines the length of the canvas.
• Magnetic Roulette is very popular. Its hook is equipped with magnets.
• Keychain Roulette differs in miniature parameters (about 3.5x3.5 cm and even less). The length of the canvas is no more than two meters.

Roulettes have various additional gadgets that help you in your work. Very often you need a backlight when working in dark rooms; tape measures with LED elements are often found. It is also useful to have a hitchhiking unit that works by pressing a special button. It makes it possible to reliably block the tape during operation. If in automatic mode it is necessary to assemble the canvas, then you should also press the button. Roulettes, which have fixing elements, are functional in work.

There are also models that have an additional fixing element. It is located on the side of the tape. Often, during measuring work, it is necessary to measure metal (trusses, channels, corners). In such cases, a tape measure that is equipped with magnets can be extremely useful. It plays the role of clamps that "stick" to the metal. Roulettes with an LCD screen are very useful in work.

Many well-known companies produce high quality roulette wheels. Despite its apparent simplicity, such a measuring device must be made according to strict rules and standards. The materials used are also important. The factor of value for money plays a significant role. It is worth considering the rating of the best models

This roulette wheel is very functional. Its name is true. Everything is arranged and functional at the ideal level. The roulette "fits" organically in the hand and is its continuation. The plastic is soft and very durable at the same time. The retainer has an ergonomic configuration.

The tape has a rubber “tail” that can be attached with ease. And also there are magnetic "knobs", which are sometimes extremely necessary when you have to work with steel structures. This model has the following advantages:

• compactness;
• functionality;
• strength.

This tool has a robust metal body that can withstand heavy mechanical stress. The tape is covered with an innovative Mylar material. The tape measure is functional and reliable; it is fixed with a reliable latch. The performance characteristics of the roulette are as follows:

• width 12.5 mm;
• length - 3 and 5 m;
• the cost is no more than 1000 rubles.

Roulettes from the Zubr company are very well suited for professional builders. It has good performance in terms of the coefficient of measurement accuracy and strength. The blade is made of high strength steel. There is a locking function that is extremely reliable. The instrument "sits" organically in the hand. Blade width - 25.2 mm. The price can be no more than 600 rubles.

The tool body can be made of chrome-plated metal, as well as high-strength plastic. It has a functional shape and rubber tabs. The tape has a strong hook that allows you to accurately measure any surface. There is a durable strap with a lock, which allows you to wear the device on a belt. The performance characteristics of the roulette are as follows:

• width - 14 mm;
• length - 5 meters;
• costs no more than 500 rubles.

The body of the product is made of PVC with victorious additives. Retainers are available (3 pieces). The tape is covered with an extra strong layer that can withstand heavy mechanical loads. The performance characteristics are as follows:

• width - 27 mm;
• length - 5 m;
• costs no more than 450 rubles.

The tape can withstand significant mechanical stress. The body is made of robust chrome plated steel. There are rubber inserts on the sides. The "hook" is especially convenient, which fixes the tape when it needs to be reeled up. The coating of the material is made with a special innovative composition "Mylar". The parameters are as follows:

• width - 35 mm;
• length - 15 m;
• costs no more than 3000 rubles.

When choosing a construction tape, it is important to understand the accuracy of the marking, as well as how durable and functional the canvas itself is. The main factors that determine the choice of a measuring device are the following:

• length;
• body strength;
• fixation system;
• the stiffness of the measuring tape.

The ability to make accurate measurements using such a measuring device makes it possible to understand the level of error. This indicator is one of the most important. The smaller it is, the better the roulette is considered. The tape can be rewound manually or using a special mechanism. The most common tape measures are 3-5 meters in size. The width of the web in such devices is 12.1 mm, or twice as much.

The latch hook can sometimes leave marks when working with drywall. The metal cling element is necessary if it has to be hooked to a wire, armature, or the head of a large nail. The hook itself is sometimes made dynamic, which makes it possible to compensate for the performance of both external and internal measurements. For example, if the thickness of the retainer is 2 mm, then the backlash will also have the same error - 2 mm. The hook, like the markings on the canvas, has its own tolerances for the thickness parameter.

It is recommended to stick to following instructions for using the tape measure:

• starting to use a tape measure, it is recommended to check for the presence of a "hook" at the end and make sure that the lot is strong;
• it is recommended to wipe the tape measure with a dry cloth;
• when measuring the product, you should securely fix one end of the tape with a clamp;
• it should be borne in mind that at negative temperatures, as well as at high positive temperatures, the expansion coefficient changes markedly;
• after the end of the work, the tape measure must be inspected, carefully wiped with a cotton cloth;
• store the product away from heating devices.

How to choose a measuring tape, see the video below.