A Done with That® Project by Koper, America’s #1 Connected ContractorTM, Free Augmented Article©
Both hobbyists and professionals are often told to measure twice and cut once. Getting accurate measurements comes from using a good qual¬ity tool that is well suited to the task at hand. Whether you use the English or metric system, careful measuring will ensure accurate, fool¬proof work.
Most common measuring and lev¬eling jobs around the house are handled with a tape measure, combination square and pencil. Even the simplest job — for ex¬ample, hanging a picture — re-quires basic measuring and level¬ing tools.
Projects like hanging curtains and wallpaper require different types of tools, such as a rigid straightedge. A major construction project such as hanging a ceiling or building a partition requires more than one type of measuring device. You will probably also need tools like a chalk line and carpenter’s level to check that a line or object is level — perfectly horizontal — or plumb — perfectly vertical. As you take on more com¬plex tasks, you can buy or rent the correct tools for the job as you need them.
Measuring tools fall into sev¬eral categories: rules and calipers, squares, levels and marking aids.
Rules, used to measure dis¬tance or dimension, come in vari¬ous lengths and are made of a va¬riety of materials. Some give mea¬surements in increments as small as 732 inch or smaller. Straight rules, such as yardsticks, can be used to check the flatness of a sur¬face, such as a floor or piece of paneling, and can double as a straightedge for marking. Calipers measure the thickness or diameter of an object or the distance be¬tween objects. These instruments are also handy for transferring a measurement from one object to another.
Squares are used to determine 90-degree right angles, but some can be adjusted to find 45-degree miter angles as well as other angles. Many squares also have measuring scales on them and can therefore double as rules. Levels also come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their intended uses. Their basic function is to find level and plumb for framing, plumbing or other jobs. Some levels can also read 45-degree angles.
Marking aids are used to mark boards or other surfaces for cut¬ting or placement. They can be as simple as a carpenter’s pencil, as elegant as a wing divider and as ingenious as a chalk line.
It is important to invest in good-quality tools. When properly cared for, they should give a life¬time of service.
Tools for Linear Measurement
Folding rules. These instruments are made of plastic or wooden segments hinged together in 6- or 8-inch sec¬tions. They fold out and lock to form long rulers. They are used when abso¬lute accuracy is not necessary.
Tape measure. This flexible, retract¬able metal tape has a tab that hooks over the edge of a board. Some types also have a locking button. The larger reel tape can extend up to 100 feet and is rewound by hand.
Steel ruler and yardstick. These straightedges are used to measure large pieces of lumber or paneling. They can also be used to ensure flat¬ness in a piece of wood or to extend the reach of a carpenter’s level.
TIPS
Because calibration varies slightly from one tool to the next, use the same tool throughout a project whenever possible, especially when exact measurements are required.
So-called bargain tools are not really a bargain if you have to replace them often or redo a job because of poor measurements. It is worth the investment to buy a high-quality product. Look for a tool that is well made, durable and easy to maintain.
After investing in quality tools, it is important to maintain them. Measur¬ing tools are precision instruments. Keep them clean and lightly oiled, if necessary, and do not bang them, drop them or use them in place of other tools, such as hammers.
Tools for Checking Angles
Carpenter’s square. This tool is also known as a framing or rafter square. It squares up large patterns and mea¬sures angles for such things as rafters or stair stringers.
Try square. The design of this tool makes it useful for checking, or trying, the edges of boards to see if they are square. It can also be used to try the flatness of narrow boards.
Combination square. Used to mark 90- or 45-degree angles, this tool can also function as a try square or as a level in tight spaces. The sliding blade can be used as a small rule.
Miter square. This tool measures 45-and 135-degree angles. It is useful for making sure that angles match exactly throughout such projects as making rafters or cutting stringers.
T-bevel. This adjustable tool transfers angles from one location to another. If you are not copying an existing angle, you can calibrate it to any desired angle using a protractor.
Drywall square. This square is used to ensure square cuts in large drywall panels. Most drywall squares come in 4-foot lengths with measurements on both blades.
Adhesive tape measure
A tape measure with an adhesive back¬ing attaches to a relatively stationary surface such as a workbench, miter box, the support arm of a radial arm saw or a template. It is inexpensive and always handy for quick measurements. Some manufacturers offer tapes that are marked in both inches and centimeters.
Tools for Marking
Chalk line. The chalk-coated cord is stretched taut between 2 points, pulled up and snapped back, marking a straight line. The cord is rechalked when rewound into the casing.
Wing divider. This tool is used to mark circles and arcs. It can also be used to step off equal distances along the length of a board or transfer mea¬surements from one place to another.
Contour gauge. A row of steel pins set against an irregular object such as molding and is then locked in place. That shape can then be traced onto another object.
Carpenter’s pencil and awl. This pencil is thicker and stronger than a standard pencil. It can be left dull or honed to a sharp point. The awl scribes a fine line on wood or metal.
Marking and mortise gauges
The marking gauge uses a small metal point to scribe a line along the length of a board at the desired mea-surement. The mortise gauge works on the same principle, but has two metal points that scribe parallel lines at adjustable widths as a guide for cutting mortises into wood.
Tools for Checking Level and Plumb
Levels. These tools are used to check plumb and level in structural framing, plumbing and other jobs. Some have angled vials, which allow you to check 45-degree angles.
Water level. This tool is used over long distances or uneven ground. Water in the flexible plastic tubing rises to the same height in both cylin¬ders to indicate level.
Line level. Hung from a taut line to check for level across distances, this tool is useful for grading and founda¬tion work, as well as for laying bricks or hanging a ceiling.
Torpedo level. This short level is de¬signed to give precise readings in con¬fined spaces. The three vials allow it to be used to check plumb, level and 45-degree angles.
Plumb bob. The pointed weight is suspended from a cord to determine a true vertical, or plumb, line. It is used to transfer a point from overhead to a point along a wall or to the floor.
Measuring Angles
A protractor allows you to deter¬mine angles up to 180 degrees. Loosen the nut to move the dial to the required angle and then tighten it. Place the straight edge of the semicircular gauge on the area to be marked and scribe the angle.
Calipers
Inside calipers. The legs of this tool point outward to get precise measurements of thickness or diameter for things such as the inside of a piece of pipe or tubing.
Outside calipers. This tool has legs that point inward to measure the outer diameter or the thickness of an object such as a pipe or a piece of ply¬wood or wallboard.
Vernier calipers. With two sets of legs, this tool can measure both in¬side and outside dimensions. It has sliding jaws, and a measurement scale on the shank.
How to Replace a Tape Measure Blade
Pull the blade out until the spring is exposed. Lock the spring either with the locking button or by insert¬ing a nail in the hole in the spring. Twist the old blade slightly to remove.
Leave the new blade coiled, number side up, as you slip one end onto the spring. Remove the nail or release the lock, and allow the spring to take up the coil slowly.
Feeler gauges
This tool is handy for lawn mower maintenance. It is used to adjust and set the gap for spark plugs, dis¬tributor points and valve clearances. It can also measure small spaces be¬tween parts.
The blades, or leafs, are usually fastened together at one end, and are marked with both decimal and metric dimensions.
Title: Construction Measuring Tools
Keyword: measuretwicenotonce.com
Keywords: Augmented Articles, Home Automation, Measuring Tools, Property Preservation, Maintenance, Koper, Measuretwicenotonce, home improvement, Metro Detroit, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Genesee, Troy, Auburn Hills, Madison Heights, Bloomfield, Birmingham, Washington, Clarkston, Orion, Oxford, Flint, Saginaw, Davison, Novi, Northville, Grosse Pointe, Wixom, Plymouth, Ann Arbor and Michigan
Meta Description: Measuring Tools in Lake Orion, Oxford, Oakland, Michigan, etc.
Meta Tags: #Tools #measuring, #angles
Photo Tags#
Twitter Intro: We are proud to provide measuring services info@measuretwicenotonce to the connected community of Lake Orion, Oxford, Clarkston, Oakland, Michigan #Landscaping. LINK#: