Other kinds of tape measures are also available on the market: The only difference is that the readout signal comes from an integrated digital display on the top, which minimises the error that might arise from measuring by eye.ĥ. They are very similar to a standard encased tape, featuring a metallic hook to be anchored to the starting point of measurement. Digital measure tapes were made possible by the mass production of integrated circuits (IC) in the mid-Seventies.Therefore, the precision of the measurement does not only depend on the accuracy of the tape itself but on the user’s attention to detail, too. Analogical tape measures provide the output via the markings on the strip or the blade.( 50m long open case tape measure by Lufkin) 4. They are normally encased in a reel, which can be either closed or open. Long measure tapes: designed mostly for engineering and industrial work, they can be as long as 500 feet in length (around 150 metres).Tape measures can even be as small as a keyring, which is useful when you want to have one on you at all times, without the hassle of carrying a standard size instrument around.
In these kinds of tapes, the blade is generally encased in a rigid protective case, and they normally present a hook, a locking mechanism to keep the blade or the tape body in place without retracting, as well as a belt clip to keep them handy. Short measure tapes, also known as pocket measure tapes, are mostly used in clothes making, body measurements and DIY applications.Tape measure length may also differ according to the profession and the environment it is used for. Most common tapes display both metric and imperial measurements on opposite sides of the blade, to facilitate readers across the world.įor those who prioritise the ease of reading over the availability of different measurement scales, though, the market offers metric only tape measures, like the one below. It is still used throughout the UK, USA and Canada. Length is measured in inches, feet and yards. Imperial: a system that dates back to the Middle Ages and named after the British Empire.Metric: now used in most countries, length and distance are measured in millimetres, centimetres and metres.System of Measurement:ĭepending on the country they are used in, there are different kinds of graduations that can be displayed on the blade of the tape measure: Most surveyor’s tapes feature a hook that folds around an item or anchors on the ground, to easily keep track of the starting point, especially when measuring longer distances. These are, of course, key features in the choice of the best tape measures for surveying and construction, as in those industries it is highly likely to be used in non-optimal environments. Surveyor’s tape measures, on the other hand, are normally made of rigid materials, such as fibreglass and steel, which ensure durability, impermeable properties and resistance to use and damage. They come can come either as retractable measure tapes, encased in a protective container or as standard rolling tape measures. Materials:ĭressmaker’s tape measures, or sewing tape measures, are normally made of cloth, soft fabric, or plastic fibreglass to provide the best combination of accuracy and flexibility while measuring clothes and body parts. Tapes come in different types to suit every need and profession: depending on their field of application, tape measures can be found in different materials, measuring systems, lengths and output formats. When choosing the correct tape measure, you will have to take into account different aspects: the types available, your budget, the environment you might use the tape in, and the level of accuracy you require from its use. Textile tapes are also an essential item for sewing, or to monitor bodily changes for medical and well-being reasons. There are many types and designs suitable for different applications, from surveying and carpentry to DIY. The different applications and environments where the tape measure is needed will determine the best choice among the extensive range of tools available on the market.
0 kommentar(er)
