FLEXOMETER OR TAPE MEASURE: CHARACTERISTICS, USES, HISTORY - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

A tape measure or tape measure is a portable instrument used to quantify the size of an object or the distance between objects.

The tape has markings along its entire edge that go in quarter and eighth increments. The tapes can be marked in millimeters, centimeters or meters on the edge of them.

The most common tape measures measure 12 feet, 25 feet, or 100 feet. A 12-foot tape measure is the most commonly used.

The 25-foot one is marked in feet and goes in 16-inch increments to make measuring the standard distance between walls much easier.

For its part, the 100-foot tape measure is made of reinforced fabric and is useful when defining the borders between properties and other measurements on the outside.

The modern idea of ​​tape measures originated in tailoring with fabric tapes used to alter clothing. It wasn't until carpenters adapted Farrand's Rule that the tape measure became a commonly used tool.

Characteristics of the tape measure or tape measure

The tape measure or tape measure is a type of flexible ruler. These tapes are made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, plastic, and fabric. It is one of the most common measuring tools today.

The term tape measure refers to a tape that is rolled up and is retractable. The portion that actually does the work of measuring is called the 'loop' and is usually made of a stiff metallic material that can be stretched as needed. At the same time it can be rolled up for easy storage.

History

The ancient inhabitants of Rome used to use marked leather strips as a rudimentary measuring tool.

In 1842 in Sheffield, England, the blacksmith James Chesterman used a new heat treatment process to redesign a wire that he had designated to make mirañique skirts into a strong iron device. The 'iron gauge bands' quickly became popular with surveyors.

Previously surveyors used heavy chains to measure, but this new invention was lighter; it could be rolled up and was more compact.

In 1868, Alvin J Fellows received a patent for his tape measure and it is the common design today. In this patent the design included an innovative clip that held the tape in one position and did not move until the clip was released.

In 1871 Justus Roe and Sons launched the production of cheap steel tape measurers which were patented as 'Roe Electrical Tape' (although they had nothing electrical). This tool was a complete success and the company developed a loop tape measure.

But despite the availability of affordably priced tape measures, it wasn't until the early 1900s that they supplanted the traditional wooden rulers used by carpenters as a measuring tool.

Use

Tape measures are relatively easy to use. The tape must first be extended from point to point, placing the end clip in the location from which you want to measure.

Most tape measurers have a clip that can be attached to a stationary object to make the measurement much easier.

Most steel tapes have tension brake controls that lock the tape in place for a measurement.

Longer tape measures have a lever on the side of the case to retract the fabric tape.

Reading

The mark must first be found and read. On a standard tape measure, the largest measurement is the inch mark (which generally has the largest number).

As the increments go down, so does the length of the mark. For example, 1/2 ″ has a mark larger than 1/4 ″, which has a mark larger than 1/8 ″, and so on.

To read an inch you must see the space between the largest mark to the other. To read half an inch the same principle applies, only this time the space between the second largest and the largest mark is read. A half inch is half of a full inch.

The rest of the brands follow a similar pattern. 1/4 ″ is half of 1/2 ′; 1/8 ″ is half of 1/4 ″. Most tapes have marks as small as 1/16 ″.

Measurement

To measure a length, the tape must be placed on one edge of the object or space to be measured. Then it must be dragged to the desired point; when the tape stops the tape measure should be read.

To find a particular length that goes beyond the inch marks, add the lengths between the inches to the point where you want to finish measuring.

Types

Tapes are commonly used to measure horizontal and vertical distances. They can be graduated in many ways and can have many lengths, but they are usually classified as follows when used in surveying:

Cloth or linen ribbon

It is made of linen with a metal handle on the zero; its length is included in the length of the tape. It is very light but it is also very fragile, so it cannot be used in very precise jobs.

Metal tape

It is called metallic tape because it is reinforced with copper wires to prevent the fibers from stretching or tangling. They are available in many lengths, but the most common are 20 meters and 30 meters.

Steel tapes

They are made of a steel loop that varies in thickness, from 6 mm to 16 mm. They are available in 1, 2, 10, 30 and 50 meters. It cannot withstand rough use, so it must be used with care.

Invar Tape

It is made of a metal alloy, measures 6 millimeters wide and is available in lengths of 30 meters, 50 meters, and 100 meters. It is expensive and delicate, so it must be treated with care.

References

1. The history of the tape measure. Recovered from ogilvie-geomatics.co.uk
2. How to read a tape measure. Recovered from johnsonlevel.com
3. Tape measure. Recovered from wikipedia.org
4. Tape measure. Recovered from home.howstuffworks.com
5. How to read a measuring tape. Recovered from wikihow.com