How does measuring tape work?

Answer 1

Almost every tape measure has a small tab on the start of the actual tape. Place this tab over one end of the surface you wish to measure and carefully pull the unit back to the other end of what you are measuring. When you get there, read off the number and that's it. Tape measures come in many sizes and types. Perhaps the most common is a handyman tape of 16 ft, usually 1/2 " wide metal tape. This does well for all casual measuring around the house and shop, and retracts automatically when you press a button on the end.

I currently have over 30 tape measures from a 3 ft x 1/4 on my key ring to my best 100 ft one on a large hand roll. This is a fibreglass tape and is wound in by rotating a handle. In between, I have a very old, but accurate 50 ft.plasticised fabric tape in a hard leather case and next down a 33ft x 1" metal tape in a standard casing This one is marked in feet one side and meters on the other. I have a 24ft 'centering' tape. This has conventional inch measurement on one side and halves of that on the other. This is handy for framing. - Keep your tapes clean and dry and they will serve you well for many years.