Construction tape measure to no longer work “by eye. If the tape measure (return spring) is broken
A construction tape measure for an electrician is as essential a tool as a voltage indicator. Even for those professionals who have wheel alignment tools and laser rangefinders in their tool kit, there is always an ordinary tape measure in their pouch.
You can’t do without it either when marking electrical wiring routes or when installing socket boxes.
However, not everyone is familiar with all the secrets and additional features when using a construction tape measure.
She turns out to have a lot of hidden abilities that will help you replace several tools at once and save a lot of time on repairs.
By the way, one of the important tips for those who use Chinese cheap tape measures is as follows - if you have just such an instance, then try to make all measurements with one tape measure.
The same size when measured by different tape measures may not match.
One friend measured the distance of the walls in the house with a Chinese instrument, and in the store, when buying materials, he used their tape measure. As a result, at home I was very surprised by the result of the purchase.
Movable hook on the roulette wheel
The moving hook is found on almost every roulette today. And this thing is not at all to scratch your back comfortably 🙂 
Beginners in general often think that this is some kind of marriage. What will be the final accuracy if one of the key elements is loose and not securely fastened? Some even manage to rivet it immediately after purchase.
It turns out that the movable toe is a necessity, without which normal work is not possible at all.
This is explained by the fact that measurements with a tape measure can be made in two ways:
When you measure distance from an object, the toe acts as a zero point. When measuring with the capture of an object, the hook extends to its thickness. Thus, the zero mark again coincides with the edge of the object.
At the same time, the measurement accuracy does not suffer, but rather is observed.
True, a fair remark should be made - the movable hook breaks over time and an error of up to a couple of millimeters may appear.
This is due to the constant hitting of the hook when closing.
Therefore, you should not wind up the construction tape with a spectacular click at the end, thereby you will only shorten its service life.
In many models, the roulette tape has a hole at the very beginning at a distance of 2.5 cm. 
It was made not just like that, but again to facilitate your work alone.
When there is nothing to fasten with a hook or it is inconvenient to use it because of the oblique surface, with a simple awl or carnation, tightly fasten the tape through the hole and stretch it to any length.
Using such a hole in the tape measure, you do not have to use such grips as in the photo below. 
And all the marking work can be easily done without a partner.
Measurements in openings and corners
As you understand, when measuring in the corners, it is very difficult to climb directly into the corner with the middle of the tape measure. It is also inconvenient to make accurate measurements in a door or window opening. 
Therefore, in the case when you need to measure the opening, use the body as an extension of the tape measure. 
On the outer side of the tape measure itself, the size of the case is indicated, which must be added to the readings of the tape when measuring. 
If this size is not applied to the case, no one bothers you to measure it yourself and write it in any convenient place.
There is another way to make similar measurements using masking tape. Stick a piece of tape on the surface and take two measurements in opposite directions.
At the same time, it is better to put ticks as a mark with a pencil, rather than simple dashes. They will visually more accurately show the mark. Whereas the dash can be drawn crookedly, which will cause an error. 
After taking two measurements, you need to add the results and get the exact size.
Hole in hook
On many holds, the tape measure has a small hole. This hole is convenient to catch on a screw or nail. After that, the hook will not come off anywhere. 
This is especially useful when you are alone taking measurements over long distances. The measurement error in this case will be no more than 1-2 mm, since the center of the screw is located almost at the zero mark of the tape. 
It is also very convenient to draw circles with the help of this connector in the hook. You do not need to have a compass or a protractor with you.
In some models, the hooks are made magnetic. 
In addition to their direct purpose, it is convenient to pick up fallen objects without getting off the stepladder with such hooks. 
Roulette marker
If you apply a little refinement to a cheap tape measure, then from one tool you get an excellent device for marking.
Take the leg of the compass, which is used with simple pencils, and fasten it to the outside of the tape measure. 
This design can be made removable, or even adapted for a separate tape measure. 
It is very convenient to make various marks with such a device or use it as a thickness gauge. 
And when using a screw, circles of the desired diameter are easily drawn. 
If you are working with drywall or another surface that can be scratched safely, then the tape measure should be redesigned for another possibility. With a file on the hook, make notches. 
After that, with the help of this hook, marks are easily made on the surface. At the same time, it is no longer even necessary to have a pencil at hand. 
Roulette memo
The outer part of the tape measure is easy to turn into a mini reminder or writing surface. Take masking tape and stick it on the side of the tape measure. 
If there is no paint brush at hand, then you can write directly on the body itself.
True, for this, you first need to walk along the surface with sandpaper zero. 
So you will make it somewhat velvety, after which the inscriptions will be applied much easier. 
Of course, you need to write with a pencil, after which all this is easily erased with an elastic band.
Roulette calculator
Using a construction tape measure, it is very easy to divide any number in half with an accuracy of a millimeter without resorting to the services of a calculator.
Take the size on the tape measure, for example 116cm - and folding the tape in half, combine the zero mark with it, where the upper hook is.
Exactly at the point of inflection and there will be the required result - 58cm. 
In the same way, you can not only divide, but also take away. For example, the total length of the wall is 2m 11cm, and the junction box is located at a distance of 1m 38cm from the first edge. You need to quickly find out how much is left from this junction box to the other edge of the wall in order to measure the cable channel.
Pull the tape 2m 11cm and fold it in half. 
Then look for a mark of 1m 38cm. Just opposite it, on the second half of the tape, and the distance you need will be shown - 73cm. 
Dividing a tape measure into several parts
Using an ordinary tape measure, you can easily divide the work surface or workpiece into the required number of equal parts. This method is suitable primarily for large surfaces - pipes or cable channels will no longer work.
How do you usually act? Measure the total length or width, then do the calculations and divide the distance by the desired number of parts. Then again measure these parts on the surface with a ruler or tape measure. 
It turns out that all this can be done without a calculator and even without calculations. Take a number on the tape measure that is greater than the width of the workpiece, and at the same time is a multiple of the amount by which you want to divide the distance.
For example, the width of the board is 17cm, and you need to divide it into four equal parts. Move the tape measure diagonally to the nearest mark of 20cm. Then easily divide these 20cm by 4 and mark marks at distances of 5cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm. 
As a result, with just one movement of the tape measure, you divided the surface into the required number of parts. 
They wanted to divide it into 6 parts - nothing complicated. You can move the diagonal up to 30cm and do the same.
With a tape measure on a round pipe, you can accurately measure the cross section. To do this, firmly press the tape along the perimeter of the pipe, aligning the ends. If they are aligned exactly, it will not lie down at an angle of 90 degrees.
The wider the tape measure, the better. You can do the same trick with a simple piece of paper. 
When it is impossible to measure the diameter of a pipe or workpiece from the end, construction tape and geometry will again help. Wrap a tape around the pipe and measure its circumference. After that, the result must be divided by the number Pi \u003d 3.14. This will be the required diameter.
Once again applying the knowledge of geometry, with a construction tape measure without squares and other tools, you can check the accuracy of the right angle. As you know from the school course - the sum of the squares of the legs of a right triangle is equal to the square of the hypotenuse. 
Take any surface where there should be a right angle, for example, two walls of a room. Measure with a tape measure in one direction 30 cm, and in the other 40 cm and put marks. If the angle is really straight and the builders didn’t screw up, then by connecting these two marks along the hypotenuse, you should get a distance of exactly 50 cm on the tape measure.
Such a measuring tool as a tape measure is always necessary, but if it breaks, then do not rush to buy a new one. If the tape ceases to coil itself into a spiral and you have to wind it manually and not 0.5-1 meters, but more, then why spend extra money when you can return the tool to its former novelty in a few minutes?
It is necessary to disassemble the tape measure, and the sides of the measuring tool can be held on one or four screws. Unscrew these screws, then remove one of the sides and you will see inside the tape measure, in its very center, an additional metal spiral, which will most likely be torn off. Therefore, it needs to be fixed and twisted again.
To do this, pull the tape to its full length, then remove it (so it will be easier for you to wind the spiral again) and unfasten the tape. Adjust the position of the spiral so that its surface is perfectly flat (without drops) and twist it. Then attach the measuring tape back and rotate the spiral until the entire tape is gathered into a ball.
Assemble the tape measure by putting on the previously removed side of the tape measure and tighten the screws back.
RVT
Construction roulette refers to such tools that are very much in demand in everyday life. True, many of us use it only as a regular ruler: having stopped, they wind it up and put it back in its original place. All the fullness of the possibilities of roulette is known only to real masters, who use them to their fullest in the course of their work. And why shouldn't ordinary home craftsmen discover the secrets of this device familiar to everyone? It was this question that inspired us to write this article.
The role of the hook itself, which is equipped with a construction tape measure, is known to almost everyone. Thanks to him, the measurement can be made either from the object or by capturing it.
However, few people know why this capture is mobile. Considering this a marriage, some even try to fix it by putting a rivet there. In reality, the play in the toe is designed to compensate for the thickness of the toe. By setting the amount of backlash equal to the value of the hook, the measurement can always be made from zero.
But in the toe, this is not the only trick. It almost always has a hole designed to engage the head of a nail or screw.
How a construction tape is adapted to take measurements in corners
Very often it is difficult for masters to measure distances ending in an angle. In reality, the measurement should be done in a completely different way: you should put the roulette body in a corner, measure it and add the length of the roulette body to the obtained value.
Very often, the length of the case is indicated on the tape measure itself.
How to measure if the object being measured is very long
If the object being measured has an impressive size, to facilitate the operation, you can stick a piece of masking tape somewhere in its middle. This paper, peel-off piece can be used as a place to take notes. By measuring the distances before and after the piece of paper and writing the corresponding numbers on it, you can also add up here to get the final result.
Construction tape as a marking device
The tape measure can be used as a compass or thicknesser by attaching a pencil holder to its body and inserting a pencil there.
If the marking is done on a soft material, for example, on drywall, even a pencil is not required. Marks can be left with a hook, having previously made several notches on it with a needle file.
With a tape measure, all notes can be in front of your eyes
Taking several measurements at once, there is always a risk of forgetting or confusing the numbers. To prevent this from happening, connoisseurs glue a piece of masking tape to the roulette body.
How to use a tape measure to divide segments into parts
You can divide by two using a roulette wheel without even using your mathematical abilities. To do this, the tape measure zero is combined with a figure reflecting the measurement value, and a ready-made result is found at the bend of the measuring tape.
To divide into equal segments, you can also use another original technique that avoids the need to perform mathematical calculations. Suppose we need four such segments. To select strips of equal width, it is enough to place the measuring tape of the tape measure on the part so that its edge is near the round number on the measuring tape, for example, 20 cm. Marks in this case will need to be placed near the numbers 5, 10, 15.
So, it would seem that a very simple tool like a construction tape measure can turn into a multifunctional device that can cope with a fairly large number of tasks. It's just a matter of knowing how to do it and being able to perform this operation.
In working with a measuring tape, many have repeatedly encountered such a situation when the metal tape “refuses” to be wound into a reverse spiral. If this is the first time you have encountered such a snag, do not rush to throw it away roulette- It can still be repaired.
You will need
- Roulette, screwdriver.
Instruction
1. The convenience of measuring with a tape measure lies in the fact that you can always quickly take measurements from any objects. However, over time, efficiency disappears somewhere, the tape ceases to independently coil into a spiral and you have to wind it up manually. This is not particularly troublesome if you need to wind up 0.5-1 meter. The task manifests itself when the tape is released to its full length. If you don't want to mess around with fixing the tape measure, you can throw it away and buy a new one. But why spend extra money when you can bring the instrument back to its former novelty in a few minutes?
2. First you need to parse roulette. The sides of the measuring tool can be held on by one or four screws. You need to unscrew these screws, then remove one of their sides. Inside the tape measure, in its very center, you will see an additional metal spiral, which will probably be pulled off. You need to twist it again.
3. To twist the spiral, pull the tape all the way out, then remove it later (this will make it easier for you to wind the spiral again). Later, after you unfasten the tape, correct the location of the spiral so that its surface is perfectly even (without drops) and twist it. Attach the measuring tape back and rotate the spiral until each tape is gathered into a ball. Make sure that there is no dust left between the layers of the tape (often the tape measure must be repaired under repair conditions). Later, after the tape is assembled, put on the previously removed side of the tape measure and tighten the screws back. Now the tool will work as if you just brought it from the store.
There are ways to beat roulette. Finally, strategies do not give an unconditional guarantee of winning. And it is unlikely that you will be allowed to win a lot. However, you may receive some income. Most importantly, don't get carried away. Only a cool head and a sober calculation will give you a chance to win.
You will need
- - Roulette Assault program.
Instruction
1. To play, choose a casino that allows you to skip moves. In this case, you will have the chance to check out a virtually win-win roulette system. Register on the casino site, put at least 300 rubles into your account.
2. Start playing idle. So play until five times in a row the same color, say, red, falls out. Now bet on the opposite color - black. Put 1 ruble. As soon as red falls out again, bet on black, but double it. Now it will be 2 rubles. And so increase the bet every time the opposite color falls out.
3. The probability that one color will fall out 12 times is very small. If it drops out 10 or 11 times in a row, you have a chance. The game system, finally, leaves room for risk, but reduces it significantly. It is allowed to start not with five "idle" moves, but with 10. This will increase the chances of winning actually up to 100%. There is only one inconvenience - it will drag out the game for a long time. It is allowed, on the contrary, to reduce the number of "idle" moves. The game will go much faster, but the risk will increase several times.
4. You can also increase the rate itself. Of course, the gain in this case will also increase. Just make sure that the minimum and maximum rates are right for you.
5. It is also possible to beat roulette with the help of special software. Roulette Assault is a strong analyzer program with the possibility of a mechanical game. In the thesis, the program does the same thing - it bets on the opposite color after the multiple occurrence of the same color. Undoubted convenience - your presence at the computer is not required. In addition, the program plays much faster than a person. A significant drawback is the cost of the key, about 50 bucks. A certain setting for a certain casino is also required.
Related videos
One of the most popular measuring tools is a construction tape measure. Its convenience and functionality are undeniable, and therefore every master is familiar with this tool.
The tape measure consists of a measuring tape (sheet), a body, a hook (hook, ring) at the beginning of the tape.
Measuring tape tape measure
The measuring tape can be made from various materials, such as steel, metal, fabric (which is impregnated with a special compound), plastic. Sometimes, in order to improve the quality indicators, the canvas is made combined.
A measurement scale is applied to the measuring tape through a millimeter, centimeters, tens of centimeters and meters are marked with numbers. There are also markings in inches, feet and yards (for those places where the metric system of measurements is not used). Sometimes there are construction roulettes, on the canvas of which both metric and inch scales are applied.
In most, the tape is fixed using a slide mechanism, but in some models there is a clamping key (the so-called "pause"), there are also construction tapes with automatic fixation of the web.
The measuring tape is wound automatically or manually (depending on the type of tape measure).
Construction tape measures range in size from 1 meter (the model looks like a keychain) to 100 meters (such models are called geodesic). The most common are roulettes in sizes from 3 to 10 meters with automatic tape winding. The width of the canvas in such roulettes is 12 millimeters or 25 millimeters, depending on the length.
Quality indicators
The quality is determined depending on what material the tape is made of and how the markings are applied to the canvas. It is also important what material the roulette body consists of - plastic, metal, with or without rubber inserts.
According to the material of manufacture and the method of marking the measuring tape, tape measures are:
- With painted steel sheet
- With polyimide-coated painted steel blade
- With steel web with graduations etched into the surface of the belt
- With stainless steel blade, the markings on it are applied by etching
- With fiberglass web and nylon cord (so-called rag tape)
It is very important how and with what composition the markings on the canvas are applied. This determines the resistance to abrasion and the durability of the markup during operation. The most durable is the etched markup.
When choosing a construction tape measure, the most important parameters are the accuracy of the readings and the rigidity of the canvas. There are still quite a few factors that influence the choice: the length of the tape, the body of the tape measure, the system for fixing the tape, but the accuracy and rigidity of the tape are most important.
The ability to carry out accurate measurements with a tape measure characterizes the accuracy class of the tape measure, that is, the range of error that the tape measure gives when measuring. The smaller the error, the more accurate the tape measure, but different tape measures (even of the same accuracy class) can show different results when measuring the same area.
The rigidity of the canvas shows what distance it is possible to measure without assistants, that is, the canvas itself will keep its shape and not “break”. Rigidity is achieved due to the fact that the fabric of the construction tape has a slight bend (in the form of an arc). The material from which the measuring tape is made also affects the stiffness.
Construction tape case
The material from which the case is made determines how shockproof and durable it is. Cases of construction roulettes are made of plastic, metal or rubberized. Rubberized housings are more impact-resistant compared to others, and also increase comfort in work - the tape measure fits snugly in your hand.
Roulette hook
You should pay attention to the roulette hook (it is located at the beginning of the tape). Hooks come in different shapes - in the form of a ring, a hook, but the most common is the L-shaped hook. Also, there may be magnets on the hook (in the case of the so-called magnetic construction roulettes), which makes it easier to work with metal structures.
Electronic measuring tape
Not so long ago, new types of construction roulettes appeared - these are ultrasonic and laser roulettes.
As the name implies, an ultrasonic tape measure uses ultrasound to measure distance. It is compact, easy to handle, but does not differ in accuracy in operation.
The laser tape measure is an accurate and multifunctional tool that allows you not only to measure the distance from point to point, but also immediately allows you to calculate the perimeter and volume. But due to the rather high cost, the laser roulette remains the lot of professionals.
When choosing a construction tape measure, you should, first of all, decide: for what work it is needed and how often the tape measure will be used. If a tape measure is necessary for permanent, professional work, then you should give preference to high-quality, branded products or a laser tape measure. If a tape measure is needed for domestic use, then a regular no-frills tool will do.