Tape Measure Surprise

[dusty]

...
When I must make an accurate measurement with a tape measure, I do not use the hook. Instead, I measure from the 1" mark and adjust the result by 1".

Oh MY! I did that a few times but sometimes, I forget to add the inch that is missing!
Results were not good!
Like the sign said, in one of Farmer's recent posts - "THERE IS NO CURE FOR STUPID"

So story sticks of all types - after careful measuring - work for me most all the time.

I agree.

But, as a precautionary measure, when I find that I have a tape measure that is likely to introduce an error in my work, I discard it.

I make enough mistakes without that sort of assistance.

[JPG]

...
When I must make an accurate measurement with a tape measure, I do not use the hook. Instead, I measure from the 1" mark and adjust the result by 1".

Oh MY! I did that a few times but sometimes, I forget to add the inch that is missing!
. . .

That be why I use 10". Works better for short measurements.

Besides the marks are not worn off at 10".

[cham-ed]

I directed a shop that built aluminum body dump trailers. Two of my guys came to me and told me they cut a piece of 84 " wide 1/4" aluminum an inch short. This piece was approx. 25 ft. long. The tape had a damaged end and both had made the wrong allowance. I told them I could say "how could they make a foolish mistake like that." Instead I replied management (me) was stupid for not insisting any thing other than a correct tape was present in the shop. In future any tape less than perfect was instantly trashed. That one piece of aluminum could pay for a bushels of tape measures.

[JPG]

I directed a shop that built aluminum body dump trailers. Two of my guys came to me and told me they cut a piece of 84 " wide 1/4" aluminum an inch short. This piece was approx. 25 ft. long. The tape had a damaged end and both had made the wrong allowance. I told them I could say "how could they make a foolish mistake like that." Instead I replied management (me) was stupid for not insisting any thing other than a correct tape was present in the shop. In future any tape less than perfect was instantly trashed. That one piece of aluminum could pay for a bushels of tape measures.

I salute your self honesty!!! You placed the 'blame' dead on!!!!

[Gene Howe]

Just received a 2nd set of 123 blocks. With all the permutations and combinations of the blocks and a set of 1/8 thru 3/4 in 16ths keyway stock, there's very little need for any other length measuring tool in my shop.
Most of the lumber I buy sees a measuring tape only twice.The table saw NEVER sees a tape.

[forrestb]

...
When I must make an accurate measurement with a tape measure, I do not use the hook. Instead, I measure from the 1" mark and adjust the result by 1".

Oh MY! I did that a few times but sometimes, I forget to add the inch that is missing!
Results were not good!
Like the sign said, in one of Farmer's recent posts - "THERE IS NO CURE FOR STUPID"

So story sticks of all types - after careful measuring - work for me most all the time.

Since I seem to be making items with longer and longer wood required and work without help, I purchased the Burn-one tape from FastCap. It does not use the hook as the zero point, but has the zero point about and inch down the beginning to the tape.

This allows me to tape the zero point to my board, unfurl the tape and measure/mark the true dimension - eliminates the "Oh MY!" from your work.
Forrest

[JPG]

Just received a 2nd set of 123 blocks. With all the permutations and combinations of the blocks and a set of 1/8 thru 3/4 in 16ths keyway stock, there's very little need for any other length measuring tool in my shop.
Most of the lumber I buy sees a measuring tape only twice.The table saw NEVER sees a tape.

So! Now thee can screw up determining the correct 'permutation' for the required dimension.

BTW, what is the keystock made of?

[Gene Howe]

It's keyWAY stock. They are made from steel. I am careful not to damage any edges or teeth. They come in 12" lengths and can be purchased at ACE and I'm sure at many other places like Tractor Supply, etc. Maybe Menards, too.
They are very accurate as to size as they must fit in machines that use them to connect shafts.
I had mine cut into 6" lengths and gave one set, as part of a measuring kit, to a blind vet who does woodworking.

So! Now thee can screw up determining the correct 'permutation' for the required dimension.

BTW, what is the keystock made of?

[JPG]

It's keyWAY stock. They are made from steel. I am careful not to damage any edges or teeth. They come in 12" lengths and can be purchased at ACE and I'm sure at many other places like Tractor Supply, etc. Maybe Menards, too.
They are very accurate as to size as they must fit in machines that use them to connect shafts.
I had mine cut into 6" lengths and gave one set, as part of a measuring kit, to a blind vet who does woodworking.

So! Now thee can screw up determining the correct 'permutation' for the required dimension.

BTW, what is the keystock made of?

That was my concern.