For those who’ve ever puzzled ‘What’s the diamond on a tape measure used for?’ then our DIY skilled, Steve Jenkins has the solutions to your questions.
If you have not observed it, you may typically discover it sitting on the highest fringe of the trendy day tape measure, and showing at common intervals on the imperial scale. However, to confuse issues barely, it is value noting that each tape measure is not the identical.
It will probably seem as soon as at common measurements, it’d seem twice at a distinct set of intervals, or it won’t seem in any respect.
Right here we reveal what’s the diamond on a tape measure, its goal, the place you need to use it and the way helpful it may be.
What’s the diamond on a tape measure used to indicate?
On a UK tape measure, similar to this DeWalt 5m tape measure the small black diamond or generally circle, is often discovered each 19.2 inches alongside the tape. However, in case your tape measure does not have a diamond or circle, do not take it again to the shop – some merely do not characteristic them.
In easy phrases, when explaining what’s the diamond on a tape measure, the reply is that it’s a joist mark, and the measurement factors are consistent with the overall spacing of joists in UK buildings.
However why is it at this explicit measurement? Plenty of boards, similar to plywood are generally sized in eight ft (96 inch) lengths and if you happen to divide the size by 5 you get 19.2 inches, which works out as a very good place for the centre of the joists to be positioned.
One phrase of warning, even if you happen to now know what’s the diamond on a tape measure used for, if for instance, you might be studying tips on how to construct a partition wall within the UK, the spacings are often measured in millimetres, so you’ll nonetheless want to make sure you work to the right measurement.
Why are there additionally crimson packing containers at 16 inch intervals?
It is vital to pay attention to the truth that some tape measures additionally embrace a diamond at 16 inch intervals, as seen within the beneath picture. It’s because it is consistent with the measurements sometimes used within the US, the place 16 inches is the widespread distance between studs in a stud wall.
In some circumstances there could solely be a crimson field (with quantity) marking the 16 inch gaps.
If you’re constructing a stud wall within the UK the usual measurement for a stud wall hole, nonetheless, is 400mm. That is very near 16 inches – 406mm – however clearly not the identical. So if you’re within the UK, these crimson packing containers are finest ignored.
Some Imperial/Metric tape measures have diamonds for widespread joist width and crimson markings for widespread US stud wall gaps. Some newer UK tape measures do not have the diamond.(Picture credit score: Steven Jenkins)
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The metallic finish on a tape measure – that’s seen when the tape is absolutely retracted – is called a hook. The plain use is to hook it over the tip of a floor after which pull out the tape measure to measure and mark.
Some tape measures have what is called a nail seize as nicely, which is somewhat indent or gap to seize a nail or screw when wanted. That is splendid when you want to measure from the centre of a joist or stud.
Some even have small tooth to scribe a mark if you do not have a pencil. If it doesn’t have tooth you need to use the sting of the hook itself to make a mark.
A tape measure hook typically has a gap often known as a nail seize the place customers can slot within the head of a nail or screw(Picture credit score: Steven Jenkins)
Why is the hook unfastened?
You’ve gotten most likely observed that the hook on the tip of your tape is somewhat unfastened. This isn’t a producing error, it is meant to be like that.
The tape a part of the measure is in actual fact made to be quick by a sixteenth of an inch, which permits for the actual fact the width of the hook is that this dimension – making it full size as soon as added.
The rationale it’s barely unfastened is as a way to get correct readings when measuring each the within and outdoors of a floor.
So, for instance, when you’ve got simply completed portray home windows and are measuring contained in the window recess for blinds, while you push the hook up in opposition to the floor, it would push up in opposition to the tape to fill the sixteenth of an inch hole.
However, if measuring the skin of a floor, such measuring items when becoming a kitchen, the tape will pull out an additional sixteenth of an inch when hooked over the tip with the intention to provide you with a exact measurement.
Figuring out what’s the diamond on a tape measure and why the hook is unfastened results in higher DIY outcomes(Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)
What different tape measure marks ought to I look out for?
In addition to figuring out what’s the diamond on a tape measure, one mark widespread to all tape measures is the size. This shall be positioned on the entrance finish of the tape so you’ll be able to see it instantly and it’s sometimes each in metres and ft.
A number of different marks you could find on a tape measure typically denote high quality. A CE mark tells you that the tape conforms to EU laws. Roman numerals point out accuracy, with stage 1 being the very best.
In case your tape measure doesn’t have a CE mark it means it hasn’t been examined to adapt to a sure stage of accuracy. However most model names can have them, and even tapes with out them are nonetheless ok for basic DIY jobs similar to tiling a wall.
Or, maybe you are questioning if you want to put money into the newest tech to ensure better accuracy. Discover out what’s a laser tape measure and if you may gain advantage from utilizing one.
