Why Knowing Your Tape Measure Can Change Your Wyoming DIY Game

Just when you thought you couldn't learn anything new, boom, here we are with something you may not know.

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When you were growing up, you likely had a family member who took you to the garage and showed you how certain things work. How to use a socket and a ratchet, how to check the oil in a car, or maybe even the steps to frame a room.

Have you ever looked at a tape measure and wondered why there are so many little lines between the numbers? If you use a tape measure every day, you probably know what they're for. If you don't use one often, you may not be aware, but it's essential to know that they are crucial for obtaining the most accurate measurement.

A standard tape measure has several components to facilitate the measuring process.

• Case
  • The housing for the tape measure, keeping it secure.
• Case length
  • Many have the length of the case, to help measure, especially around corners.
• Thumb lock
  • Locks your tape in position and keeps it from retracting.
• Blade/tape
  • The measuring tape is also known as the blade. The tape is what you use to measure with and has numbers and lines on it.
• Hook
  • The metal piece on the end of the tape that allows you to hook it on the end of a board or surface you're measuring.
• Hook slot
  • Not every surface is flat, so the hook slot allows you to hook the tape onto a nail or screw, making it easier to hold the tape in place on the surface.
• Belt Clip
  • Simply enough, the clip is there to allow you to carry the tape measure on your belt.

When looking at a tape measure, each line is a separate measurement. The long line is an inch; the line half as long is a half inch, and as the lines get shorter, they represent a fraction of an inch.