Secrets of regular roulette

A regular tape measure can do much more than taking measurements using a retractable tape. The hidden abilities of the well-known instrument will be discussed in this article. Let's start with the simplest things.

Hook at the end of the tape

In the eyes of a beginner, the presence of a hook at the end of the tape that is not firmly secured will negatively affect the measurement result. It seems that due to the movement of the metal corner attached to the edge of the tape, it will not be possible to accurately measure the distance. In fact, a hook in the work is necessary.

It's all about the way you take measurements with a tape measure. They can be done from an object, then the hook is pressed against the tape and will act as a zero point. Or with gripping an object, in which the hook at the end of the tape extends. This allows you to align the zero mark with the edge of the object. It is for this reason that a hooked ruler takes measurements accurately.

We measure openings and corners

The problem when measuring corners and openings with a tape arises because it is quite difficult to do this accurately with a tape. The solution is very simple - the size of each tape measure is indicated on the body. Therefore, we consider the body to be part of the tape measure and carry out measurements with its help.We then add the body length to the obtained indicator on the tape and get the exact result.

Using masking tape

A piece of masking tape is glued to the surface of the object. Then they take measurements in opposite directions, making the appropriate marks. The results obtained are added up.

Note: We recommend using ticks on the masking tape rather than dashes, as is usually done. It is the tick that will accurately indicate the desired point on the masking tape. But when putting lines, it’s easy to miss.

Unusual uses of roulette

Roulette will help you correctly and quickly divide any number in half. For example, the width of an object when measured was 117.5 cm. It is enough to align the edge of the tape (zero mark) with this number, and you will find the answer at the fold.

Using a hole on a movable hook

An oval-shaped hole is made at the end of the movable hook. Use it so that the screw or nail catches on it when measuring. The tape measure won't go anywhere anymore. This is very convenient if you need to measure long distances. In such cases, the error will practically not matter, because it will not exceed 1-2 mm. After all, the center of the screw to which you hooked the tape measure practically coincides with the zero mark.

Modernizing the design of the roulette

With a little modernization of the tape measure, you will get an excellent marking tool. Refinement options depend on the tasks you are solving. For example, attach part of a compass to the body with a small screw. With this device it will be very convenient to apply marks. A tape measure modernized in this way can be used as a surface planer. Having caught the screw with a hook, you can draw circles with a tape measure.

Note: come up with your own version of the roulette.The option can be either removable or stationary. In some cases, it is advisable to modify a separate tape measure.

Entries on the roulette body

To create a convenient surface for writing, just stick a piece of masking tape to the body. Another option is to sand the body with fine-grade sandpaper to create a slightly rough surface. You can make notes very easily on it. A regular eraser will then easily remove these recordings.

Notches on the moving hook

This method is useful for those who work with drywall or other materials on the surface of which it is easy to make scratch marks. Take a file and make notches on the toe. This will turn the tape measure into a tool that can make marks without using a pencil.

How to quickly divide a workpiece into parts

This is usually done by taking measurements and then performing calculations. But you can do without mathematics. In order to divide an object (workpiece) into three equal parts, take a number that is a multiple of 3. This number must necessarily be greater than the width of the workpiece. By placing the tape measure diagonally, the required marks are applied to the workpiece.

Tip: choose a round number that can be easily divided into the required parts without any calculations.
It is also easy to mark 4 or more parts of an object. Take the number 400 and make marks every 100 mm. They will exactly coincide with the marks that were made after the calculations. Check and make sure.