For Woodworkers - Check Your Tape Measures

[Saltcreep]

There was an article in a woodworking magazine I got for Christmas which advised using the same tape measure for your entire project. The author claimed that they can by 'off' quite a bit. I just compared three of the many I own. Over a span of 24", the measurements differed by abut 1/32". Naturally, over longer measurements, the difference would grow. In fact, all three of mine were different, by a noticeable amount. Up until now, I'd just grab the closest tape and use that. I've taken to labelling the measure I'm using for a specific project.

Just an FYI

[Shannen_x5]

good to know.. I built the stand with my 125 using just one of them. good thing too! haha

[Brent Shaver]

I have always used a tape from the 1" not the beginning as the hook can get sloppy and alter the measurement.

Great info thanks for sharing

[Saltcreep]

I have always used a tape from the 1" not the beginning as the hook can get sloppy and alter the measurement.

Great info thanks for sharing

I checked that also as I always do the same thing - learned that way back in high school shop class. I clamped the two tapes together lining up the 1" marks. At only 4' out, the difference was definitely visible, so it's not all in the end hook. If you compare them inch by inch, you can even see differences from one inch to another between the two tapes, and even between two different inches on the same tape.

[Nerine]

hmm interesting! I tend to use the same tape measure per project...good thing!!