Tape measure question

It’s normal the end piece slides to do both inside and outside measurments. You can check it easily with a combination square.
More information here:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGLL_en&q=sliding+end+tape+measure

-- Only the Shadow knows....................

It’s supposed to move back and forth to accomodate for the thickness of the “hook”. If it didn’t slide it would read different if you hook it then it would if you bump it. If it moves to much though you’re in trouble. One thing you could do is start cutting an inch when you measure. No tape measure reads the same because of the hook. If you drop it the hook gets bent, or you may get some glue on it that you forget about. The hook has to move to be accurate.

-- ~ Inspiring those who inspire me ~

yeah, they shoud move as John said so you can measure inside and outside a box for instance. I use a Stanley and a Craftsmen, both 12’ but they are rarely out more then 4’.

-- Sometimes when I am building something and it is out of square, I just bend my square.

So simple I feel dumb for not thinking of that. No wonder some of me cuts have been off by be trying to compensate for it moving. Now I feel like a real idiot.

This is normal. You want some movement of this lip, or “tang” end.

The movement is supposed to be the exact width of the tang, or angled foot on the end.

This is designed to give you the same measurement weather you use the tang compressed up against your point, or hooked over the edge.

With use the rivets and the holes for the rivets can wear and allow the tang to float more than the width of lip and give false readings. These are extremely noticeable if you use one tape for measuring and another for final marking. (been there, done that as much as an 1/8th” or 3mm).

Use your carpenter square to check dimensions for both extended and compressed tang movement.

Hope this helps.

Q

Edit, my typing is so slow, that five guys answered in the time I started typing. This is a wonderful community where so many folks are ready to jump in and help.

Another interesting feature of the tang is the horizontal slot that allows you to ‘set’ the tang on a nail head, it fits in deep enough that your center point for the nail is the starting point for your measurement…

-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."

The other thing to remember, while small, is to use the same tape/measuring stick throughout your project. That way you are always using the same scale.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Betsy’s tip is more valuable than it seems. Very simple, but if you always use the same tape measure you will always be right. That way 11 inches measured today is the same as 11 inches measured tomorrow.

-- Berta in NC

Don’t feel dumb, I never knew that for years, always thought my tape was busted. I managed to learn it just after getting into woodworking which saved me from your problem. But it was by coincidence.

All good advice there cpg but I only trust the using the end of the tape measure for measurements other than those for real accuracy. The moveable clip can be inaccurate & some tend to ride over an edge giving the wrong result. For accuracy I use a point along the tape as a starting point & then make allowance after I take the measurement.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

I do the same thing Grumpy does for inside measurements. I usually start at 10, that way the other number is always the same (after you subtract the 10). It’s also a good idea to compare your tapes and rulers for accuracy or least that they all read the same. I had one rule that matched everything else on one side, but the graduations on the other were off about 1/8”. I took some lacquer thinner and removed the numbers from that side, so I wouldn’t mistakenly use it. Match up your table saw indicator too, while your at it.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

yeah, don’t feel bad. for years i thought that it was caused by letting the tape measure snap back into the case. most people probably thought their tape measures were “loose” just like you. at least both of us aren’t alone.

its totally normal. you can check out this video on tape measures and learn all about them

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1578614295&channel=1305141082

Don’t feel bad about not knowing this. At least you didn’t get out a center punch and bash the rivets till the tang couldn’t move.

-- Gary, Stoughton, WI, USA

The only dumb question is the one you don’t ask.

-- Bruce from Central New York

I hardly even use a tape , i just go by eye .lol

-- John in Cranbrook http://www.extremebirdhouse.com ....http://community.webshots.com/user/cranbrook2

Interesting post. The loose end drives me crazy. If making a smaller measurement (<16> to get the true measurement.

-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them