Why does a tape measure blade have boxes around some numbers?
Buy This Article Now!
 Why does my tape measure blade show boxes in red or black around some numbers?
 Your interesting question has a simple answer. The marks all pertain to two very basic measurements: 16 inches on center and/or foot markings.
 Studs, ceiling rafters, and floor joists are placed at 16 inches on center. For quick visibility, multiples of 16 (16, 32, 48, etc.) are normally marked on a tape measure with a number in red or a red box around the number as shown in the image to the right.
 Foot markings (12, 24, 36, etc.) have black numbers, a black box around
the number, a black triangle at the top of the upper scale, or a black arrow that points to the upper and lower scales as shown in the image to the right. Again, the black box provides easy visibility but a contrast from the red stud markings.
|
Knowing why a tape measure has boxes around numbers is just one small part of using a tape measure effectively.
To really learn the ins and outs of reading a tape measure and to gain insights into choosing the best one for you, consider purchasing my award-winning article, "Learn How to Read and Choose a Tape Measure." This article received the 2008 Vaughan/National Association of Home and Workshop Writers (NAHWW) Golden Hammer Writing Award in the Internet Category.
Available in both .pdf and hard copy, this 8-page article features 21 color photographs and provides outstanding information about using a tape measure to its full potential and purchasing a quality tape measure.
Click here to read customers' feedback. To purchase "Learn How to Read and Choose a Tape Measure," click here!
|
|
|
|
Now that you know how to make the boxed numbers on a tape measure work for you, I encourage you to take a look at a pro tape for your toolbox. We've been offering the easy-to-read EasyPoint ProTape with our own private label for years.
Assembled in the U.S., the EasyPoint ProTape has ergonomic rubber grips built into the case for a comfortable and secure grip. This tape measure has a 25-foot-long 1-inch blade, weighs just under 16 ounces, and features an easy-to-use thumb blade lock. Its large numbers don't require glasses to read and its lower scale is in 1/16-inch increments with printed fractions that start at 1/8 inch. An active bumper built into the case helps to prevent the tip from snapping off as it absorbs the shock from the tip after the blade
Click here to read customers' feedback. To purchase the EasyPoint ProTape, a fractional-read type measure by U.S. Tape, click here! |
Copyright ©
2008 LAF/C.R.S., Inc. All rights reserved.
Question answered by Leon A. Frechette.
[ Back to Top ]
|
Editorial Search
