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How to read and use measuring rulers

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Tape measure: Take a measurement with a tape; the tape is coiled up inside the case. Pull the end out, a piece with a 90-degree angle, and hook the end of the tape on the edge of what is being measured or up against what is being measured. Pull the case back, extending the tape out until the distance is enough to take a measurement. Use the lines on the tape measure to get your reading. There are many styles of tape measures, and all the same rules apply. We are going to work with a fractional read tape measure. The most significant number with an F, or every 12 inches, is a foot; that is the first read and starts the measurement. Next are the numbers that are whole numbers, and the next read is between all of the 1-foot marks. Last is the fraction. The number of lines between the whole numbers is the bottom number of the fraction. The line on the tape measure that is lined up with the end of the measured part is the fraction's top part. The end of the tape measure should move back and forth a little so it can compensate for the thickness of the piece at the end of the tape.

 

Combination square: This is a multipurpose measuring and marking tool. It has a steel rule with measuring heads that can be replaced for different styles of measuring. There is a 90-degree head that can be used to put lines at specific dimensions and also make straight lines across a piece. 

 

An adjustable angle head or protractor is for drawing a line across a piece at the angle set on the head or measuring an angle.

 

A center head allows you to draw a line straight through the center of a round piece.

 

Steel rule: A steel rule (sometimes called a scale) is a rigid tool for getting accurate measurements because it has four different graduations for measuring ranging from 10ths and 100ths to 1/64 and 1/32 increments. There are many variations of steel rules on the market for purchase that will best suit the end user.

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