This article is devoted to the most popular construction tool, namely the construction tape measure. Not a single construction, repair work, and even the choice of material is complete without measuring dimensions, length, etc. In private construction, as well as in almost all types of repair work, regardless of who performs them, professionals or amateurs, such a tool is used like a construction tape. This tool has appeared relatively recently. Previously, material was measured during the construction process with completely different tools and methods.
The main part of the construction tape measure is a flexible steel tape, on which a measurement scale is applied. This tape is placed in the case, and the tape is rolled into a ring and with the help of a special mechanism it can be pulled out of the case to the required length. Back into the case, the tape is removed by itself, due to the spring mechanism. Note that as a material for measuring
construction roulette tapes can be not only steel tape, but also plastic, as well as fabric with special impregnation.
The description above is classic, but due to the emergence of new types of tape measures due to competition in this market, you can find construction tapes on sale with various additions that make it more convenient to use and also increase the strength of the case.
Advantages and disadvantages of construction roulettes
Talking about such a tool as a construction tape measure, you should tell in more detail about their varieties. So construction tape measures are produced in various lengths: 2 m, 3 m, 5 m, 7 m, 10 m. The longer the tape measure, the wider the steel strip with markings.
For short tape measures, the width of the tape is usually 12.5 mm, for 10 meter tape its width can reach 25 mm. Before you buy a tape measure, be sure to decide for what kind of work you will use it. If you measure the length of walls, building materials of considerable size, then it is better to choose a longer tape measure so that the measurement takes place at a time. If you need to use this tool during the repair process in an apartment where the distances are relatively small, it is better to use a shorter tape measure.
From my own experience, I will say that the best option for a home is a tape measure 5 meters long. A large tape measure is simply inconvenient to use, and a small one is very often shorter than the required length. By the way, instead of a short tape measure in the process of repair or construction, it is better to use a metal meter, moreover, from a solid steel strip, and not a folding one.
Cases of roulettes can be made of both metal and plastic. Metal ones are more expensive, but to be honest, the advantages in strength are so relative that it's easier to choose a plastic case, as it is cheaper. Plastic cases also differ in their design and material. The cheapest versions of roulettes (usually made in China) are made of fragile plastic. If they are carelessly dropped or hit, the case may crack and the tape measure can be thrown into the trash. The best option are plastic roulettes in a rubberized case. These roulettes withstand even strong shock loads and during the construction process they can be safely dropped even from the second or third floor - nothing will happen to them.
Many modern building tape measures have additional "bells and whistles". First, it's a release key.
With this key, you can fix the tape in one position and the tape will not be pulled back into the case. This is often very convenient, especially when measuring long distances. You can also find another "pause" key. With this key, you can temporarily fix the roulette tape. The difference from the latch is that if you release the "pause" key, the tape does not remain in a fixed position and is immediately pulled into the body.
The next characteristic that you should pay attention to is the scale on the measuring tape . Since the metric system for measuring lengths is adopted in our country, domestic roulettes have a scale in millimeters, centimeters and meters. Another thing is construction roulettes of foreign manufacturers. They may have a different scale adopted in a particular country. For example, you can find the scale in inches and feet. There are roulettes with a combined scale in both inches and centimeters. In our opinion, this is redundant. Most likely you will never need a scale in inches, but distracting attention will constantly interfere with the measurement process. For the home, we advise you to choose tape measures with a metric scale.
For measuring significant lengths, for example when marking a construction site, during the construction of roads, etc.
roulettes of great length are used: from 15 meters or more. In this article we will not describe them, since the scope of their application is quite narrow and most people involved in private construction and repair do not need it. At the end of the article, we will conclude on the best choice of construction tape measure for the home:
Construction tape measure in a plastic rubberized case with a metal tape 5 meters long, with a metric scale and a lock button. For the price, choose cheaper, since the properties and characteristics, regardless of price, are almost the same.
Other hand measuring tools
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