This is a great wood project book th-cam.com/users/postUgkxkPIWb22DigCqxmlXerCyUF4HCl6eSU2L . Most of the projects use the pallet simply as a source of reclaimed wood not as a recognizable pallet so even if you didn't have a pallet you could make these projects with any reclaimed (or even new) wood. The instructions are excellent. The style is charming and would work with lots of different decor. There are quite a number of projects that involve tiling of teh wood pieces which is a really cool idea and can produce beautiful pieces when working with aged wood.
Something my dad showed me many years ago (i'm 82 yrs old) about measuring into an inside corner. He said to put a square cut piece of masking tape, sticky side up, up against the corner. use the measuring tape as usual.. The tape will stick to the measuring tape. Then press it on the rest of the way. The edge of the duct tape will then show the exact measurement into the corner, and easily peels off when you are done.
@@subtlename2873 You're right as rain. I have a fair amount of stuff my dad had when I was a kid in the forties. I doubt that there is much around today that will last for 70 years.
Had a old timer show me a excellent tip when I was putting on plastic laminate on countertops. After you glue up both the countertops and the back of the plastic laminate with contact cement and let it dry to the point where it’s stick but the glue doesn’t stay on you’re fingers. Most people use dowels sticks laid out on the countertops to get the laminate in place , then pull the sticks out one by one as you stick the laminate to the countertop. So you have to carry a bunch of long dowels sticks with you to the job site. This old timer showed me a better trick that I have been using even since he showed me! Instead of using dowels sticks, use your extension cord and just lay it on your countertop from the front to back of your cabinet on the countertop like a snake all the way down the cabinet top. Lay your laminate on top of the extension cord and get your laminate in place. Then slowly pull out a little of the extension cord as you stick down the laminate to the counter so plastic laminate doesn’t move on you. Once you got the laminate stuck in place you can pull out the rest of the cord and press the rest of the laminate down with your hand and/or laminate roller. Works like a charm! Rather use a extension cord then dowel sticks myself any day. Normally you always gave a extension cord with you on the job site! May get some contact cement on your extension cord here or there? But that never bothered me and if I wanted to I could clean off the contract cement on the cord with a little lacquer thinner. Those old timers got a lot of tricks worth their weight in gold and sadly sometimes those tricks get lost in the past. That old timer that showed me that trick when I was just in my early 20’s. Now I’m the old timer myself in my late 60’s passing on this trick/tip so hopefully this one doesn’t get lost in the past too? Very few people have ever seen the extension cord used on the countertop instead of using dowels sticks like this!
@@ghostridergale Yes, so many old timer tricks and tips are lost. Even back in the sixties my dad used to complain about the young engineers just out of college who didn't know the basics. My dad was a professional engineer who passed the New York exams without attending college.
I was recently cleaning out my garage and found a basically brand new condition Stanley 16’ tape measure which was packed away over 35 years ago. Comparing it to my current 25’ foot Stanley tape measure, it is ASTONISHING the difference in quality, construction and operation between the two. The old one is unbelievably better in every way.
@@Mixwell1983 …We, as a society, keep harping on how much stuff ends up in landfills….., yet we keep buying and producing items that end up in the garbage within a few short years. Go figure.
old one had more "yellow" as i recall. That is where you wrote your measurements.1st framing boss had a box of 16' tapes behind his seat. You were given one and paid him on friday as a newbie.Framing since the late 70's. I have my tape on my non dominant hand side. Dominant hand is for extending the tape and your pencil. Never seen anyone mark with non dominate hand each and every time. His way, you are constantly shifting hands, more movements means more time.
Good for beginners. I think two points for more advanced users are adding the length of the tape measure housing itself inside tight areas like a box. Other advise to avoid the crooked tape measurement is to measure up to an easy number, then reading from other side and add known number to total. Keep up the great work!
@@grantcivyt Absolutely. Let’s say you are reading inside a window sill and need an exact measurement. You would read 10” and make a mark. Then measure from from other end to your mark and add that original 10” for an exact measurement without having to factor in the curvature of the tape measure blade. Very critical when exact measurements are needed and you can’t be off by 1/8” or more.
Absolutely second the tape measure housing trick. For those who haven't seen it, under the back tab (usually) of your tape is the "long" dimension of the housing itself. Incredibly useful in a hook and pull application where one hand controls the tension pulling and the other butts the end. Read the visible dimension (from as close to overhead 90-degrees) and add the known dimension of the tape housing. I use the Stanley FatMax 35' specifically because of it's 3-1/2" in housing length. The 30' version (I previously used) I believe is 3-1/4" in length. Not awful to use for this trick, but halves are always easier to comprehend when you are taking many dimensions and trying to remember them in sequence.
As an electrician I carried a 12'er as that measured almost everything I needed. But I wore carpenter jeans for the pocket to carry my folding stick ruler. Measuring inside live boxes and raceways was less eventful with a fiberglass stick. 😉 I also used a wind up 150'er to measure wire runs from the breaker to box. Different jobs, different tools. Thanks for all your videos!
Spot on Ethan. You broke down the basics very well. I've been using a tape for decades and do these things naturally. But you brought up things that come with experience. Great video Sir
Thanks Bob! When I make vids like this I always ask myself, “what didn’t I used to know?” and try to think back to what confused me in my earlier years.
Yeah I’ve never watched one of these before. I’m a Forman at Moran construction. I didn’t realize that I do every single tape technique out of muscle memory while never being showed when I was younger how to do this. Now I’m sure I picked up a few things down the line. But tape handing described in this video is exactly the same as I use mine. I always use Stanley power lock 25 or 30s too. And I never use the lock unless i lay the tape out and have someone else do 16 oc set ahead. Also. We burn an inch or 2 almost always in trim work. But in rough framing. Hardly ever
Out of all the videos I watched to not only understand but also use a tape measure and read the measurements correctly, this was the most comprehensive and straightforward explanation. It all made more sense. I now see why it takes practice, the more measurements I take the easier it'll get. Thank you for simplifying it and make it easier to understand.
Yep, that was perfect. People always forget to square up the tab after dropping the longer tapes, especially if its a 35 or 40. While it is completely retracted the tab should be 90 deg to the flat that it stops against. Also keep your finger under the tape as it retracts (radius side) and always away from the top (concave side) so that it retracts gently and doesn't slice your middle finger. This way an inexpensive Stanley or more spendy Max will read accurately for years.
Excellent explanation It was best I have ever seen by any carpenter. I am a retired Mechanical Millright and i work with wood quite often know. I enjoy your site and it gives me a lot of better ways of doing things. You have a radio voice which makes you pleasant to listen to. I was going to say you had the face for radio but that would be rude, just joking lol my wife thinks you are very handsome man. Take care be safe
I really appreciate the how's to do of this video. Especially the inside corner, the black diamond marks, and the wiggle room of the tab. What about the " 3.5" if you include the tape housing" that so many people have pointed out? 🙂
I would have just liked to see a little bit about safety with these tapes. Those edges are quite sharp and they can retract quite quickly. I do like your videos because you do always talk about safety, especially when you are directing your videos towards newcomers. I'm a DIYer but my dad was a carpenter. He was very much like you and his first lessons were always about safety. This was one thing he always taught us. Safety with tapes.
One trick I learned in my 82 years as a fabricator is to measure from the 10 inch mark, 'not' from the 1 inch mark, it is a lot easier to screw up by 1 inch than 10 inches, also, 'NEVER' let the tape snap closed without your finger stopping the hook, letting the hook slam into the tape face will ruin the rivets eventually throwing every measure off, also, make a small puncture in the center of the 1 inch mark with a sharp nail will let you swing a circle or radius easily by 'holding' the 1 inch mark with a nail or scratch awl, also buy a tape with markings on both sides as sometimes you can read it from the back depending on how you have to hook it ! Good information on this video !!
I recently bought a few metric tape measures and switched over to using metric for all my home projects. Millimeters are awesome. It's probably just random luck, but the *mm is the freakin' perfect size* for home projects. It's the smallest length you can reliably measure quickly (without special tools and extra lighting). Metric literally requires less effort to remember your measurements and helps you quickly cut accurately.
I measured some 1/4" plywood in my shop with calipers and they were all closer to 1/5", but really close to 5mm. A few pieces of 1/2" ply were also off, but still pretty spot-on to 12mm. I'm debating moving to metric because of these types of things. I should be able to put two 1/4" pieces together to make a 1/2" thick board, (because of math LOL!) yet it will never measure 1/2" thick and seldom matches a 1/2" piece of ply. Oh, 5mm + 5mm = 10mm, not 12mm.
And I thought I was the freak using a metric tape measure in Imperial-Land ;-) Especially for cutting pieces in half or quarters. What is half of 13⅝ ?
I wish all you people were doing this . I am from the Netherlands , and always am annoid by the utter stupidnes on these videos that people still dont use metric . You could have started 100 years ago with metric , but still they dont . Unbelieveble , how stupid can one , and a whole "modern " nation be.
Great video. Here's another tip for measuring to an inside corner. The body of the Stanley Powerlock 25' is 3 inches long. Butt the blade of the tape into one corner and butt the back of the tape measurer into the opposite corner, read the number where the tape exits the body and add 3 inches. it's highly accurate and saves wear on the tape by not putting a hard bend in it.
I respect your wisdom and wanted to check my knowledge; i grew up in my dad’s glass shop at 7-10. Happy to know handling a tape is second nature to me and has enriched my life by allowing me to take on challenges with minimal errors. Im 61 now but grew as a single parent in confidence of my capabilities because my kids called me “MomGyver”. Thank you for your videos they are helpful to me as I need to stay teachable.
It’s great to see how a pro uses tape measures! I’ve used tape measures in our print shop for years and still picked up a couple of tips. We have the Komelon 12’ tape measures scattered all over our shop. When the boss has purchased other brands or lengths, no one uses them - they’re great for smaller fabrication and packaging applications. They are lightweight, and quite durable, and the bright yellow case makes them easy to find. Thanks for the great video!
Absolutely agree about the Stanley Powerlock 25'. I bought my first one in 1972. Probably owned a hundred or more over time. Tried many other brands but kept coming back. In fact, I probably have three or four right now and I've been retired for 15yrs! They are the best! It may be the object I have held in my hands more than any other single object in my lifetime.
The only thing I don't like about them is they don't allow for overdraw to read the entire tape. I build bridges for corrugators in my shop and usually a 35' tape will do the job, but not a Stanley, once they are fully drawn they never operate correctly again.
I ve been a high school woodwork teacher for 20 plus years and this is the first steps I teach all of my students such a great life skill for lots of different situations
I'm a 79 yo woman who has used a steel tape for many years for various reasons and I was pleasantly surprised at how many of these "tricks" I actually already know and use. LOL, still would hesitate to call myself a pro....but I am always amazed at my skill level compared to not only most women but a lot of guys as well. I learned these things simply by DOING them. Common sense seems to go a long way with a lot of things or skills. Now math is not my strong suit so the trickier measurements always get me. I knew the marking symbols (except the 19.2 diamond) but the 16th's always make me stop and think. This is a great tutorial and I appreciate my skill level being validated with what I learned from it. I thank you and applaud you for doing it!
I'm a 66 year old woman who loves doing small fixer uppers around my house. So I like to learn how to properly use the tape measure. It's always good to read comments from other women. Thanks for sharing
This is a great video, an excellent primer for people that teaches a lot of what people would usually put down to practice and experience, no gimmicks or once in a blue moon things to confuse people. Really great
Great video! I’ve been in the plumbing trades for 30+ years and watching the sheet rockers whip that tape around throwing out numbers to a guy on the ground with angles and holes for piping ect is pretty cool. Great video you can always learn a few new things!
when measuring inside edge to inside edge, can use the length of the tape measure in the measurement (measurement + tape = total distance). The length of the tape measure is etched on the back of most models
I LOVED it. Incidentally, I often use the 'lose an inch' technique for furniture building to get that accuracy. Problem is when you are tired, you forget you are off an inch and can't figure out why the piece is so short and on woods like black walnut or cherry, that's when you realize you should have stopped for the day :) Ouch!
Here is a tip for getting inside measurement that are exact without guessing. I use this in my shop all the time. Just cut a piece of stock about 1/4 thick and one inch wide. Then cut that stock EXACTLY 12” long. When you need a precise measurement just but the stock up to one side of what you want to measure and read the tape at the other end of the stock then add 12”. Perfect cuts every single time.
Another great video, Ethan. Straight to the point, simple language with excellent editing of video to illustrate each point. I learn something every time. 👏
Just started plumbing about 6 months ago and the three main tools I have to step out of the truck with is a level, a pocket knife, and a tape measure. Thankful for videos like this that make learning something I wish I had known as a teenager.
On really cheap tapes, yes. But even mid priced ones very rarely have this happen. The inaccurate measurements due to tab problems are usually BENT tabs. There are a few videos (Steve Ramsey did one, I think 10,000 or maybe 1,000 releases) that show this is rarely a real problem.
Couple things I would add is if you happen to drop your tape measure, always check the tab to make sure it’s still square and not bent at a angle that will make your tape measure read wrong ( longer then it really is) if the tab is bent towards your tape box. I’ve seen quite a few people working with a bent tab and not ever catching it and wondering why their cuts aren’t accurate? Another tip is I see many people not use to using a tape measure not holding their tape measure parallel with their work piece their measuring. Running their tape at a angle making the measurement on the tape longer then it actually is. For a good example once I asked a customer if they had a 36” wide front door or is it only 30”? They grabbed their trusty tape measure and measured their front door. Told me oh yea it’s 36” wide! So I went ahead and built the cabinets at the 34” wide it needed to be at the shop. Get out to the job site and low and behold the door width is only 30”! Luckily they had a sliding door in the back of the building to get into their home. Bad part is this was a boat house and the cabinet had to be put in a row boat and towed around the boat houses to get out to the other side of their home. Then taking a heavy cabinet out of a row boat while the deck you’re standing on is also moving under your feet makes it a difficult task not to end up in the river with the cabinet if not yourself too! Fortunately we got the cabinet out of the boat without ending up in the drink! This is a good reason not to trust your customers doing measurements for you! It can cause you problems when the customer doesn’t know how to use or read a tape! One other thing I’ll mention that actually surprised me too! Is not all tape measure read accurately. Take a few tape measures and stick them all on a board and see if they all read the same? Depending on the length you have the tape out I have found some tape measures off by a 1/4” in extreme cases. Some will be closer but still off 1/16”-1/8” from one tape to another tape readings! I know a 1/16” don’t sound like a lot, but that 1/16” of a inch can be a real problem when someone measured with their tape measure and giving you their measurement and you cut a board to their measurements with your tape measure that reads differently and your material either ends up short or long a 1/16” of a inch. If long you can always cut it again, but hard to add that 1/15” back on a board you cut short! So it’s a good idea to pair up tape measures making sure they measure exactly the same? Especially if both tapes aren’t the same brand! Cheap tape measures are often not accurate! They will still work if your doing all the measurements with the same tape measure, but you may have a problem when another tape measure is used in the project doing cutting off a inaccurate reading from a bad tape measure! Thought these would be a good thing to add to your video that can really be important to even semi pros that maybe not ran into these issues yet? Know I was in the woodworking business several years before I found tape measures that didn’t read accurately with other tapes! Hope it helps !
We had an ADA counter come out 1/8" too high. That "bent tab" (oopsie) came in handy. I'm sure no handicapped person was injured and we were saved from our narcissistic CA inspector.
Great video for newcomers. Many years here and use these methods every day. Even taught a few rookies some easy ways of doing what you showed. Keep up the Great work.
Excellent vid mate. Here in Oz we use the metric system, however a lot of older buildings were built using the old imperial measurements. Makes it interesting when doing renos
Love the tips man. Super quick and informative video for anyone not just in carpentry, but for anyone working in trades no matter your experience. I loved hearing and getting a good refresher on quick tape measure tips that make you more productive as a worker. I would just like to add I prefer using my tape measure from my left hand so that would mean I read the numbers upside down but it’s just always been my preference because I pull out my tape measure and a pencil at the same time. It just takes some experience but still a very informative video. Keep up the good work. Appreciate the work you do and thank for sharing your extensive amounts of knowledge and experiences.
Great tips. Another one I learned was ALWAYS use the same tape measure for the measurements and the cuts. I messed something up once using 1 tape inside and a different one outside.
Awesome tip about burning an inch. Just two points to add: some tape measures mention the length of the casing somewhere on the casing, usually on the back below the clip. This kind of makes the measurement to corners easier. Another point is kind of a safety tip about your finger getting pinched once you release the tape to retract. Some tapes have a finger guard but Stanley doesn't so be careful folks :)
Always good advice! Even for small projects, I always use a tape measure in conjunction with a combo square. A tape measure is your first look and a quick double check, you spend a lot of time staring at wood with a tape measure in your hand. I like the fractions trick, in my shop I have an 11x16 sheet with a blown up inch scale with 32nd's, 16th's and so on labeled. It's handy having a big quick reference sheet you can walk back to with a combo or tape measure, especially with 32nd's.
Fantastic video, Ethan! Thank you for your clear and concise instruction & demonstrations (including technique terminology). Wishing you all the best for 2023!
For measuring into a corner - no need to bend. Every tape I have seen in Australia has an 80mm body. Simply place tape body in corner and pull. Add 80mm to number. Some tape measures have this number stamped on body. Also seen tape measure from UK where you pull a metal lead in opposite direction to the tape which equals 100mm - making it even easier
Good tip for measuring the distance of two inside corners. instead of using the bent section of tape or the numbers listed on the tape body, draw mark from tape tab out of the corner a few inches. put your tab in the other corner and measure to that mark. a lot easier than having to trust you're reading the mark in the bend accurately.
This is a small tip, but I think an important one. If you, for some reason, find it hard to read a standard tape measure, take a look at the Lufkin Nite Eye G2. It is a black tape measure blade with light markings. (Basically, reverse contrast for a tape measure). The reverse contrast might be easier on the eyes for you.
Great tape tips but there is one more that you have overlooked and that is; When you allow the tape to retract, use your crimping finger or the tape lock as a brake so as not to let the tape slam home. Doing so repeatedly may damage the tab and even break it off. Allowing the tape to slam home repeatedly will eventually loosen the tab rivets and you may end up with an extra 1/16th or more added to your measurement.
DIY's review - A video we don't deserve, but SO GLAD we have! Seen so many videos on using the tape measure but this is by far the most comprehensive. You're god's work my guy!
I often forgot to subtract 1 from "Burn an inch" So I always start at 10". Besides, when I burn 10", it's usually a dimension that needs higher accuracy and often less than 1 ft. If you mess up by 10", you will know immediately so you don't carry the mistake forward for too long.
Crimping is a new concept for me, I've just been pinching my tape ever since I got one without the crimping button thingy. This is such a better way of doing things, thank you for the great tips!
Thank you so much for this. It seems like it should be so simple, but I never understood or have trusted the tab wiggle and didn’t know that it automatically adjusts. I’ll have to play with it and see because it doesn’t seem like it would work like that but I trust your expertise and your explanation AND am glad to know that it’s SUPPOSED to work like that. It will keep me from having to “burn“ that inch every time I measure something. Also, learning how to split the 8th inch by sight is very helpful. Being older, and having fading eyesight, I’ve basically just been making a mental note of where it falls on the tape measure and just telling myself “well, it’s a little over 3/4 of an inch or it’s a little over 1/2 an inch, etc. and just winging it, which we know is unforgiving for accuracy. Thanks again for all your tips on how to properly use what would (ar first glance) SEEM to be, a “what could go wrong “ simple tool.
The change is so far reaching... Imagine ceiling tile manufacturers retooling their entire operation because 2'x4' ceiling tile is now what... 1m x 2m? What's the new dimension? Doors, windows, counter heights, etc, etc ad nauseum. It's no small undertaking
Howdy Jaime from texas I enjoyed you video. I have a son I plan to showing this to in the future. It’s important for every man to know how to use a tape measure like it is to know how to change a tire. So good deed of you getting the word out.
It took me only 30 years to learn all these tricks but this selfless gentleman attempts to pack all this info in under 13 minutes and guess what, i am still learning.
Excellent explanation for an amateur like me who does not use measurement tape in my daily work. I have struggled with measuring corners and just about everything else you mentioned. One of the best decisions I made was to buy the broadest tape measure. It made all the difference compared to my narrow 'toy' tape.
Thank you so much!!! This one certainly gets saved into my faves and I’ll be going over it again several times in the next few days and practicing. Such great tips and techniques. I think the only “trick” I really knew before starting it was that I have always bought Stanley tapes!
Absolutely outstanding video! I am a beginner and tend to destroy nearly everything I touch, requiring multiple attempts to get things right. As a new homeowner, your in-depth explanation and importance of the tape measure could have AND certainly would have saved me a lot of headaches! I take pride in all that I do but I wish I could accomplish my work on the first attempt and do so with minimal effort and errors!!!! Your video will certainly help moving forward. Thank you for providing such insightful and detailed information. Cheers!
These videos are SOO Helpful, well explained, and point out soo many things I've done that I can do more accurately, efficiently, or bonus skills worth learning. HUGE thank you
Have you ever flipped the tape measure over to use it as a straight edge? Also, some tape measures have a little tab on the end of the tape which will let you roll the tape better for reading. Also when you're measuring something really long and your tape is floating in the air, you can pinch it with your finger that you normally use to keep it from rolling up and that will keep it straight so you can use your other hand to mark a measurement. Another trick is if you are trying to find a center point, make a even mark from both sides and if you can get them within a 1/4 inch or so of each other, you can eyeball the center. I watched your video to see if there was anything I missed in the 27 years Ive been in construction and I'm happy to say I got every one and agree with you on all of your tips and am impressed with how well and quickly you explain everything
Great overall information and a reminder for those of us who don't use tape measures every day. Also, rather than throw an old worn tape measure out, consider contacting a local amateur radio/ham radio club. Old tape measures can be repurposed into small hand held antennas. 😊
Great tips! We, as electricians have to use tape measures for layout, running conduit, etc. But I found that it can be convenient for figuring 3 phase wiring. If any electricians are reading this, they know that the phases are A-B-C. For example circuits 1&2 would be A, 3&4=B, 5&6=C, then repeating again 7&8=A, 9&10=B, 11&12=C. (Notice that’s like 12”) Looking at a tape measure and trying to quickly determine what phase circuit 69 would be, you would see that 69” is also 5’9. Ah Ha, the 9 is B phase. Again circuit 77 would be 77” and read 6’5 & 5 is C phase. Most of us have been able to memorize the circuit number to the phase and it is important to match the phase color of the wire before pulling into a run. Hope that I didn’t make that confusing. Maybe I should try making a short video?
I just got a Stanley Fatmax 25' and the measurements all looked foreign to me. My country uses metric. Now this video helped me understand and use my tape better, with additional handling tips to make me appear like I know what I'm doing. Thanks.
Maybe I missed it in the video or the comments but when measuring an inside corner, you can butt the end of the tape into the corner then measure out a few inches. I go 10" cuz it makes for easy math but use whatever measurement works for you and/or the space you're measuring. Then you pull the tape from the other end and measure up to your 10" line. Works like a charm! Especially if the corner is in a place where it's hard to look down on line like the back of a cabinet. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much 🙏🙏 this video has really help me I was struggling with my measurements in terms of using the tape bah you explained everything to me within this short minutes and it has enlighten my understanding 🙏🙏 am really happy that I found solution to my problem
Im embarrassed to admit this but I really needed to see this video and now I know how to handle myself with a measure tape on the job. Thank you for posting.
I was recently introduced to the Fastcap line (PSSR-25 to be exact) of tape measures. They are BRILLIANT for carpentry work. A white writable front label to write down measurements, a built in sharpener, noted increments, a button for manual crimping with your index. The green version has numbers on both sides of the top of the tape, and an easy 3 inch base for easy measurents when backed up into a corner. And only $10!!!
nice work on explaining, back in the late 80's, the first requirement before application was filled out was showing a individual that u could read a tape the majority were told told leave and go learn how to read a tape. it was a job fair for a welding shop .musta been 8o people in line .like I said most were told to go home and learn how to read a tape.
well during my 40 years as a carpenter... I bought and tried out many different tapes ... I finished the last ten years on the job installing high end cabinets - trim and wood panels - using a Tajima tape measure - its printed on a white background and is EASY to see and read in low light situations . Years ago it was wood folding rulers when I stated out and I kept one in my box just in case I needed to use it again
Ethan, you are an excellent teacher. I often read how the younger generations are losing the ability to work with their hands. Thanks to you and an army of online teachers I feel old craftsmanship is readily available and becoming very popular with all generations. It is accessible at the nearest computer if you want to make a sailboat, build a house, replace a toilet, or pour cement. THANK YOU for passing on the baton to future generations.
My first experiences with measuring on the job on a daily basis was in the optical field many years ago, so I did work in metrics. Honestly, I am impressed with the obvious skill that comes with time and practice for a carpenter to be able to account for parallax when measuring something where the reading is at a distance from the carpenter's perspective.
I ALWAYS hit the thumbs up before I ever watch the video. I do that for all my favorite content creators. Have a blessed day and Happy And Safe New Year!
I bought thye same Stanely tape as shown here in 1976, carpenter during my summers in college, and have used it a lot over the years. Still works well.
I love the trick to find the middle of odd-width/length boards by holding the tape at an angle until you hit an easily dividable number; way easier than dividing fractions!
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Wow! I almost didn't click on this one. That was the fastest 13 minutes. Lots of good information. Thanks!
This is a great wood project book th-cam.com/users/postUgkxkPIWb22DigCqxmlXerCyUF4HCl6eSU2L . Most of the projects use the pallet simply as a source of reclaimed wood not as a recognizable pallet so even if you didn't have a pallet you could make these projects with any reclaimed (or even new) wood. The instructions are excellent. The style is charming and would work with lots of different decor. There are quite a number of projects that involve tiling of teh wood pieces which is a really cool idea and can produce beautiful pieces when working with aged wood.
Something my dad showed me many years ago (i'm 82 yrs old) about measuring into an inside corner. He said to put a square cut piece of masking tape, sticky side up, up against the corner. use the measuring tape as usual.. The tape will stick to the measuring tape. Then press it on the rest of the way. The edge of the duct tape will then show the exact measurement into the corner, and easily peels off when you are done.
Cool trick, Carol! I love hearing about old carpenter methods 😄
This is why stuff built in the 40s is still around and D.O.M. 2021 stuff is already trash.
Your dad was O.G. that's for sharing that mate!
@@subtlename2873 You're right as rain. I have a fair amount of stuff my dad had when I was a kid in the forties. I doubt that there is much around today that will last for 70 years.
Had a old timer show me a excellent tip when I was putting on plastic laminate on countertops. After you glue up both the countertops and the back of the plastic laminate with contact cement and let it dry to the point where it’s stick but the glue doesn’t stay on you’re fingers. Most people use dowels sticks laid out on the countertops to get the laminate in place , then pull the sticks out one by one as you stick the laminate to the countertop. So you have to carry a bunch of long dowels sticks with you to the job site.
This old timer showed me a better trick that I have been using even since he showed me! Instead of using dowels sticks, use your extension cord and just lay it on your countertop from the front to back of your cabinet on the countertop like a snake all the way down the cabinet top. Lay your laminate on top of the extension cord and get your laminate in place. Then slowly pull out a little of the extension cord as you stick down the laminate to the counter so plastic laminate doesn’t move on you. Once you got the laminate stuck in place you can pull out the rest of the cord and press the rest of the laminate down with your hand and/or laminate roller. Works like a charm! Rather use a extension cord then dowel sticks myself any day. Normally you always gave a extension cord with you on the job site! May get some contact cement on your extension cord here or there? But that never bothered me and if I wanted to I could clean off the contract cement on the cord with a little lacquer thinner. Those old timers got a lot of tricks worth their weight in gold and sadly sometimes those tricks get lost in the past. That old timer that showed me that trick when I was just in my early 20’s. Now I’m the old timer myself in my late 60’s passing on this trick/tip so hopefully this one doesn’t get lost in the past too? Very few people have ever seen the extension cord used on the countertop instead of using dowels sticks like this!
@@ghostridergale Yes, so many old timer tricks and tips are lost. Even back in the sixties my dad used to complain about the young engineers just out of college who didn't know the basics. My dad was a professional engineer who passed the New York exams without attending college.
I just turned 60 an only now decided to pick up the hobby. I was a flooring guy for years but still learned lots from this. Thanks!
I've never seen someone explain so well how to use the numbers on a tape measure. Good job to you!
😂😂
I was recently cleaning out my garage and found a basically brand new condition Stanley 16’ tape measure which was packed away over 35 years ago. Comparing it to my current 25’ foot Stanley tape measure, it is ASTONISHING the difference in quality, construction and operation between the two. The old one is unbelievably better in every way.
@@Mixwell1983 …We, as a society, keep harping on how much stuff ends up in landfills….., yet we keep buying and producing items that end up in the garbage within a few short years. Go figure.
That is the effect of inflation. In order to keep costs down, they have to make the quality worse.
old one had more "yellow" as i recall. That is where you wrote your measurements.1st framing boss had a box of 16' tapes behind his seat. You were given one and paid him on friday as a newbie.Framing since the late 70's. I have my tape on my non dominant hand side. Dominant hand is for extending the tape and your pencil. Never seen anyone mark with non dominate hand each and every time. His way, you are constantly shifting hands, more movements means more time.
@@mercoid it's because the world economy is built on growth, without it everything would collapse. We've worked ourselves into a corner.
@@InuranusBrokoff … That’s exactly right. Commerce and the huge population we have because of it, ended up being a self made trap.
Good for beginners. I think two points for more advanced users are adding the length of the tape measure housing itself inside tight areas like a box. Other advise to avoid the crooked tape measurement is to measure up to an easy number, then reading from other side and add known number to total. Keep up the great work!
Yes, two good additions.
Can you explain your second tip again please? What does "reading from other side" mean?
@@grantcivyt Absolutely. Let’s say you are reading inside a window sill and need an exact measurement. You would read 10” and make a mark. Then measure from from other end to your mark and add that original 10” for an exact measurement without having to factor in the curvature of the tape measure blade. Very critical when exact measurements are needed and you can’t be off by 1/8” or more.
Thanks for the explanations. I was missing the part where you mark the surface.
Absolutely second the tape measure housing trick. For those who haven't seen it, under the back tab (usually) of your tape is the "long" dimension of the housing itself. Incredibly useful in a hook and pull application where one hand controls the tension pulling and the other butts the end. Read the visible dimension (from as close to overhead 90-degrees) and add the known dimension of the tape housing.
I use the Stanley FatMax 35' specifically because of it's 3-1/2" in housing length. The 30' version (I previously used) I believe is 3-1/4" in length. Not awful to use for this trick, but halves are always easier to comprehend when you are taking many dimensions and trying to remember them in sequence.
As an electrician I carried a 12'er as that measured almost everything I needed. But I wore carpenter jeans for the pocket to carry my folding stick ruler. Measuring inside live boxes and raceways was less eventful with a fiberglass stick. 😉 I also used a wind up 150'er to measure wire runs from the breaker to box.
Different jobs, different tools. Thanks for all your videos!
Great points, dill! 😄
Folding wooden rulers were really common when I was a kid. I should have one around.
Spot on Ethan. You broke down the basics very well. I've been using a tape for decades and do these things naturally. But you brought up things that come with experience. Great video Sir
Thanks Bob! When I make vids like this I always ask myself, “what didn’t I used to know?” and try to think back to what confused me in my earlier years.
Yeah I’ve never watched one of these before. I’m a Forman at Moran construction. I didn’t realize that I do every single tape technique out of muscle memory while never being showed when I was younger how to do this. Now I’m sure I picked up a few things down the line. But tape handing described in this video is exactly the same as I use mine. I always use Stanley power lock 25 or 30s too. And I never use the lock unless i lay the tape out and have someone else do 16 oc set ahead. Also. We burn an inch or 2 almost always in trim work. But in rough framing. Hardly ever
Out of all the videos I watched to not only understand but also use a tape measure and read the measurements correctly, this was the most comprehensive and straightforward explanation. It all made more sense. I now see why it takes practice, the more measurements I take the easier it'll get. Thank you for simplifying it and make it easier to understand.
I wanted to make a video that would be the only TAPE MEASURE video a newcomer would ever need. I hope this one helps. Let me know how I did!
Yep, that was perfect. People always forget to square up the tab after dropping the longer tapes, especially if its a 35 or 40. While it is completely retracted the tab should be 90 deg to the flat that it stops against. Also keep your finger under the tape as it retracts (radius side) and always away from the top (concave side) so that it retracts gently and doesn't slice your middle finger. This way an inexpensive Stanley or more spendy Max will read accurately for years.
Excellent explanation
It was best I have ever seen by any carpenter. I am a retired Mechanical Millright and i work with wood quite often know. I enjoy your site and it gives me a lot of better ways of doing things. You have a radio voice which makes you pleasant to listen to. I was going to say you had the face for radio but that would be rude, just joking lol my wife thinks you are very handsome man. Take care be safe
I really appreciate the how's to do of this video. Especially the inside corner, the black diamond marks, and the wiggle room of the tab. What about the " 3.5" if you include the tape housing" that so many people have pointed out? 🙂
I would have just liked to see a little bit about safety with these tapes. Those edges are quite sharp and they can retract quite quickly.
I do like your videos because you do always talk about safety, especially when you are directing your videos towards newcomers. I'm a DIYer but my dad was a carpenter. He was very much like you and his first lessons were always about safety. This was one thing he always taught us. Safety with tapes.
Very informative video! Always a great watch!
One trick I learned in my 82 years as a fabricator is to measure from the 10 inch mark, 'not' from the 1 inch mark, it is a lot easier to screw up by 1 inch than 10 inches, also, 'NEVER' let the tape snap closed without your finger stopping the hook, letting the hook slam into the tape face will ruin the rivets eventually throwing every measure off, also, make a small puncture in the center of the 1 inch mark with a sharp nail will let you swing a circle or radius easily by 'holding' the 1 inch mark with a nail or scratch awl, also buy a tape with markings on both sides as sometimes you can read it from the back depending on how you have to hook it !
Good information on this video !!
I recently bought a few metric tape measures and switched over to using metric for all my home projects. Millimeters are awesome. It's probably just random luck, but the *mm is the freakin' perfect size* for home projects. It's the smallest length you can reliably measure quickly (without special tools and extra lighting). Metric literally requires less effort to remember your measurements and helps you quickly cut accurately.
I measured some 1/4" plywood in my shop with calipers and they were all closer to 1/5", but really close to 5mm. A few pieces of 1/2" ply were also off, but still pretty spot-on to 12mm. I'm debating moving to metric because of these types of things. I should be able to put two 1/4" pieces together to make a 1/2" thick board, (because of math LOL!) yet it will never measure 1/2" thick and seldom matches a 1/2" piece of ply. Oh, 5mm + 5mm = 10mm, not 12mm.
Metric is just so much easier.
It's hard for people to change so kudos to you.
And I thought I was the freak using a metric tape measure in Imperial-Land ;-) Especially for cutting pieces in half or quarters. What is half of 13⅝ ?
I wish all you people were doing this . I am from the Netherlands , and always am annoid by the utter stupidnes on these videos that people still dont use metric . You could have started 100 years ago with metric , but still they dont . Unbelieveble , how stupid can one , and a whole "modern " nation be.
Great video. Here's another tip for measuring to an inside corner. The body of the Stanley Powerlock 25' is 3 inches long. Butt the blade of the tape into one corner and butt the back of the tape measurer into the opposite corner, read the number where the tape exits the body and add 3 inches. it's highly accurate and saves wear on the tape by not putting a hard bend in it.
I've been buying & using STANLEY 25' for 30+ years.
Its the best out there.
I respect your wisdom and wanted to check my knowledge; i grew up in my dad’s glass shop at 7-10. Happy to know handling a tape is second nature to me and has enriched my life by allowing me to take on challenges with minimal errors. Im 61 now but grew as a single parent in confidence of my capabilities because my kids called me “MomGyver”. Thank you for your videos they are helpful to me as I need to stay teachable.
It’s great to see how a pro uses tape measures! I’ve used tape measures in our print shop for years and still picked up a couple of tips. We have the Komelon 12’ tape measures scattered all over our shop. When the boss has purchased other brands or lengths, no one uses them - they’re great for smaller fabrication and packaging applications. They are lightweight, and quite durable, and the bright yellow case makes them easy to find. Thanks for the great video!
The BEST video ever! I am 65 ur old female working on home projects and always got confused...lol. this made my cuts so much more accurate!!!! Ty ❤
Absolutely agree about the Stanley Powerlock 25'. I bought my first one in 1972. Probably owned a hundred or more over time. Tried many other brands but kept coming back. In fact, I probably have three or four right now and I've been retired for 15yrs! They are the best!
It may be the object I have held in my hands more than any other single object in my lifetime.
The only thing I don't like about them is they don't allow for overdraw to read the entire tape. I build bridges for corrugators in my shop and usually a 35' tape will do the job, but not a Stanley, once they are fully drawn they never operate correctly again.
Fat max though... who doesn't love more standout?
I ve been a high school woodwork teacher for 20 plus years and this is the first steps I teach all of my students such a great life skill for lots of different situations
i always felt stupid using a tape measure at times.. you just clarified a lot.. i’ll have some things to practice.. saving this video.. thank you!
Thank you, Dan! I’m really glad it helps 🙂
I'm a 79 yo woman who has used a steel tape for many years for various reasons and I was pleasantly surprised at how many of these "tricks" I actually already know and use. LOL, still would hesitate to call myself a pro....but I am always amazed at my skill level compared to not only most women but a lot of guys as well. I learned these things simply by DOING them. Common sense seems to go a long way with a lot of things or skills. Now math is not my strong suit so the trickier measurements always get me. I knew the marking symbols (except the 19.2 diamond) but the 16th's always make me stop and think. This is a great tutorial and I appreciate my skill level being validated with what I learned from it. I thank you and applaud you for doing it!
I'm a 66 year old woman who loves doing small fixer uppers around my house. So I like to learn how to properly use the tape measure. It's always good to read comments from other women. Thanks for sharing
This is a great video, an excellent primer for people that teaches a lot of what people would usually put down to practice and experience, no gimmicks or once in a blue moon things to confuse people. Really great
Thank you! That’s what I was hoping to help folks with 🙂
Great video! I’ve been in the plumbing trades for 30+ years and watching the sheet rockers whip that tape around throwing out numbers to a guy on the ground with angles and holes for piping ect is pretty cool.
Great video you can always learn a few new things!
Thank you SO much for this! I've been using my tape measure for years and still learned something useful!
😄
when measuring inside edge to inside edge, can use the length of the tape measure in the measurement (measurement + tape = total distance). The length of the tape measure is etched on the back of most models
I LOVED it. Incidentally, I often use the 'lose an inch' technique for furniture building to get that accuracy. Problem is when you are tired, you forget you are off an inch and can't figure out why the piece is so short and on woods like black walnut or cherry, that's when you realize you should have stopped for the day :) Ouch!
I've never once done that....... more than once....on the same day.....i mean... wait, no..... =)
@@TheOtherSean We've all been there :)
We call it "cutting an inch" / losing an inch.
I use my planer a lot, and I use the "lose an inch" method to get an accurate reading for thickness.
Wouldn't you have an extra inch if you burn an inch?
Here is a tip for getting inside measurement that are exact without guessing. I use this in my shop all the time. Just cut a piece of stock about 1/4 thick and one inch wide. Then cut that stock EXACTLY 12” long. When you need a precise measurement just but the stock up to one side of what you want to measure and read the tape at the other end of the stock then add 12”. Perfect cuts every single time.
Another great video, Ethan. Straight to the point, simple language with excellent editing of video to illustrate each point. I learn something every time. 👏
Just started plumbing about 6 months ago and the three main tools I have to step out of the truck with is a level, a pocket knife, and a tape measure. Thankful for videos like this that make learning something I wish I had known as a teenager.
Thank you, Juan! 🙏
I'd add: don't let the tape snap back into the holder. Eventually that'll wear on the tab and decrease the accuracy. Good video! :)
Good tip!
On really cheap tapes, yes. But even mid priced ones very rarely have this happen. The inaccurate measurements due to tab problems are usually BENT tabs. There are a few videos (Steve Ramsey did one, I think 10,000 or maybe 1,000 releases) that show this is rarely a real problem.
If you need your tape to be accurate to a 32nd, you should calibrate your hook anyways by bending it slightly to correct an inaccuracy.
total myth - th-cam.com/users/shortsBDfX-Fj6ICI
Just under 10,000 times to break the tape. According to Steve Ramsey.
Great video. Always educational.
Thank you! 🙂
Couple things I would add is if you happen to drop your tape measure, always check the tab to make sure it’s still square and not bent at a angle that will make your tape measure read wrong ( longer then it really is) if the tab is bent towards your tape box. I’ve seen quite a few people working with a bent tab and not ever catching it and wondering why their cuts aren’t accurate?
Another tip is I see many people not use to using a tape measure not holding their tape measure parallel with their work piece their measuring. Running their tape at a angle making the measurement on the tape longer then it actually is. For a good example once I asked a customer if they had a 36” wide front door or is it only 30”? They grabbed their trusty tape measure and measured their front door. Told me oh yea it’s 36” wide! So I went ahead and built the cabinets at the 34” wide it needed to be at the shop. Get out to the job site and low and behold the door width is only 30”! Luckily they had a sliding door in the back of the building to get into their home. Bad part is this was a boat house and the cabinet had to be put in a row boat and towed around the boat houses to get out to the other side of their home. Then taking a heavy cabinet out of a row boat while the deck you’re standing on is also moving under your feet makes it a difficult task not to end up in the river with the cabinet if not yourself too! Fortunately we got the cabinet out of the boat without ending up in the drink! This is a good reason not to trust your customers doing measurements for you! It can cause you problems when the customer doesn’t know how to use or read a tape!
One other thing I’ll mention that actually surprised me too! Is not all tape measure read accurately. Take a few tape measures and stick them all on a board and see if they all read the same? Depending on the length you have the tape out I have found some tape measures off by a 1/4” in extreme cases. Some will be closer but still off 1/16”-1/8” from one tape to another tape readings! I know a 1/16” don’t sound like a lot, but that 1/16” of a inch can be a real problem when someone measured with their tape measure and giving you their measurement and you cut a board to their measurements with your tape measure that reads differently and your material either ends up short or long a 1/16” of a inch. If long you can always cut it again, but hard to add that 1/15” back on a board you cut short! So it’s a good idea to pair up tape measures making sure they measure exactly the same? Especially if both tapes aren’t the same brand! Cheap tape measures are often not accurate! They will still work if your doing all the measurements with the same tape measure, but you may have a problem when another tape measure is used in the project doing cutting off a inaccurate reading from a bad tape measure! Thought these would be a good thing to add to your video that can really be important to even semi pros that maybe not ran into these issues yet? Know I was in the woodworking business several years before I found tape measures that didn’t read accurately with other tapes! Hope it helps !
🙄🥱😴
We had an ADA counter come out 1/8" too high. That "bent tab" (oopsie) came in handy. I'm sure no handicapped person was injured and we were saved from our narcissistic CA inspector.
Great video for newcomers. Many years here and use these methods every day. Even taught a few rookies some easy ways of doing what you showed. Keep up the Great work.
Thank you, Robert!
Excellent vid mate. Here in Oz we use the metric system, however a lot of older buildings were built using the old imperial measurements. Makes it interesting when doing renos
I knew some of the and others I just learned from you. Very informative for a diy homeowner like me. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it helped, lumberjack!
Love the tips man. Super quick and informative video for anyone not just in carpentry, but for anyone working in trades no matter your experience. I loved hearing and getting a good refresher on quick tape measure tips that make you more productive as a worker. I would just like to add I prefer using my tape measure from my left hand so that would mean I read the numbers upside down but it’s just always been my preference because I pull out my tape measure and a pencil at the same time. It just takes some experience but still a very informative video. Keep up the good work. Appreciate the work you do and thank for sharing your extensive amounts of knowledge and experiences.
Yep. Tape goes on the left, pencil on the right or dominant side.
Great tips. Another one I learned was ALWAYS use the same tape measure for the measurements and the cuts. I messed something up once using 1 tape inside and a different one outside.
That’s an interesting point, Eric!
I find your videos, very clear and informative. Thank you!
Thanks, ABC!
Awesome tip about burning an inch. Just two points to add: some tape measures mention the length of the casing somewhere on the casing, usually on the back below the clip. This kind of makes the measurement to corners easier. Another point is kind of a safety tip about your finger getting pinched once you release the tape to retract. Some tapes have a finger guard but Stanley doesn't so be careful folks :)
Yes! I recently cut a nasty cut on my index finger letting the tape measure retract with my finger still near the crimping position.
I don't think it makes the measurement to corners easier. You still have to judge visually where the tape intersects the edge of the casing.
Awesome teaching vid, I'll need to book mark it and watch it a couple of times. Thank you !
A excellent video I learned new very useful things, thenk you so much
I never new how hard and complex it mperial units are a surprise
I’ve been doing DIY for years and STILL there were some pro tips here. Thank you so much for making this! 👏
Always good advice! Even for small projects, I always use a tape measure in conjunction with a combo square. A tape measure is your first look and a quick double check, you spend a lot of time staring at wood with a tape measure in your hand. I like the fractions trick, in my shop I have an 11x16 sheet with a blown up inch scale with 32nd's, 16th's and so on labeled. It's handy having a big quick reference sheet you can walk back to with a combo or tape measure, especially with 32nd's.
Fantastic video, Ethan!
Thank you for your clear and concise instruction & demonstrations (including technique terminology).
Wishing you all the best for 2023!
For measuring into a corner - no need to bend. Every tape I have seen in Australia has an 80mm body. Simply place tape body in corner and pull. Add 80mm to number. Some tape measures have this number stamped on body. Also seen tape measure from UK where you pull a metal lead in opposite direction to the tape which equals 100mm - making it even easier
Best tape measure presentation on TH-cam, hands down:
Thank you, Ron! 😄
Good tip for measuring the distance of two inside corners. instead of using the bent section of tape or the numbers listed on the tape body, draw mark from tape tab out of the corner a few inches. put your tab in the other corner and measure to that mark. a lot easier than having to trust you're reading the mark in the bend accurately.
Thank you so much for your tips, tricks and advice. I often struggle with this.
This is a small tip, but I think an important one. If you, for some reason, find it hard to read a standard tape measure, take a look at the Lufkin Nite Eye G2. It is a black tape measure blade with light markings. (Basically, reverse contrast for a tape measure). The reverse contrast might be easier on the eyes for you.
If you’re willing to pay 50$ for a tape that will last 2 months
As a beginner, thank you for this video. Several points you made are new to me. Very practical. I’ll definitely save this video for future viewing.
Great tape tips but there is one more that you have overlooked and that is;
When you allow the tape to retract, use your crimping finger or the tape lock as a brake so as not to let the tape slam home. Doing so repeatedly may damage the tab and even break it off. Allowing the tape to slam home repeatedly will eventually loosen the tab rivets and you may end up with an extra 1/16th or more added to your measurement.
Great video Ethan! My biggest struggles as a DIYer: measuring and cutting.
Great video as always. Thanks for the tips !!
Thank you, James!
Wow! I was always confused with these tape measures, now I know. You are awesome and make this easy to understand. Thank you for sharing this.
Omg as someone using metric system i really can't believe that in 2023 you guys are still using this system. Blows my mind
DIY's review - A video we don't deserve, but SO GLAD we have! Seen so many videos on using the tape measure but this is by far the most comprehensive. You're god's work my guy!
I often forgot to subtract 1 from "Burn an inch" So I always start at 10". Besides, when I burn 10", it's usually a dimension that needs higher accuracy and often less than 1 ft. If you mess up by 10", you will know immediately so you don't carry the mistake forward for too long.
Good point! 👍
Crimping is a new concept for me, I've just been pinching my tape ever since I got one without the crimping button thingy. This is such a better way of doing things, thank you for the great tips!
Metric is much easier to use if you can count to ten.
Thank you so much for this. It seems like it should be so simple, but I never understood or have trusted the tab wiggle and didn’t know that it automatically adjusts. I’ll have to play with it and see because it doesn’t seem like it would work like that but I trust your expertise and your explanation AND am glad to know that it’s SUPPOSED to work like that. It will keep me from having to “burn“ that inch every time I measure something. Also, learning how to split the 8th inch by sight is very helpful. Being older, and having fading eyesight, I’ve basically just been making a mental note of where it falls on the tape measure and just telling myself “well, it’s a little over 3/4 of an inch or it’s a little over 1/2 an inch, etc. and just winging it, which we know is unforgiving for accuracy. Thanks again for all your tips on how to properly use what would (ar first glance) SEEM to be, a “what could go wrong “ simple tool.
The metric system simpler! Winner winner chicken dinner!
Ahh, it is true
Drawing a perfect circle using the tape measure is something new I learned. Thanks
I"m still lost as to why we haven't adopted the metric system here. Are we that stubborn and arrogant?
The change is so far reaching... Imagine ceiling tile manufacturers retooling their entire operation because 2'x4' ceiling tile is now what... 1m x 2m? What's the new dimension? Doors, windows, counter heights, etc, etc ad nauseum. It's no small undertaking
This is not Europe. If you want the metric system go to Europe.
@@Tom-og7fi 🤣
Good information for those who didn’t grow up using a tape measure beyond the very basics.
Howdy Jaime from texas I enjoyed you video. I have a son I plan to showing this to in the future. It’s important for every man to know how to use a tape measure like it is to know how to change a tire. So good deed of you getting the word out.
It took me only 30 years to learn all these tricks but this selfless gentleman attempts to pack all this info in under 13 minutes and guess what, i am still learning.
Excellent explanation for an amateur like me who does not use measurement tape in my daily work. I have struggled with measuring corners and just about everything else you mentioned. One of the best decisions I made was to buy the broadest tape measure. It made all the difference compared to my narrow 'toy' tape.
WOW, Ive struggled with so many of these things. THANK YOU! This should really help me with my projects and less waste.
Straight to the point. I love it.
Coming from a country that uses the metric system, this was very helpful. Thanks for the great video
Just cut my first piece of wood ever (aside from firewood) and used the techniques you mentioned here. Measured perfectly to the 16th... thank you!
🙈 It’s first time when I see how to work with inches , now I appreciate more our metric system 😃
Thank you so much!!! This one certainly gets saved into my faves and I’ll be going over it again several times in the next few days and practicing. Such great tips and techniques. I think the only “trick” I really knew before starting it was that I have always bought Stanley tapes!
Absolutely outstanding video! I am a beginner and tend to destroy nearly everything I touch, requiring multiple attempts to get things right. As a new homeowner, your in-depth explanation and importance of the tape measure could have AND certainly would have saved me a lot of headaches! I take pride in all that I do but I wish I could accomplish my work on the first attempt and do so with minimal effort and errors!!!! Your video will certainly help moving forward. Thank you for providing such insightful and detailed information. Cheers!
These videos are SOO Helpful, well explained, and point out soo many things I've done that I can do more accurately, efficiently, or bonus skills worth learning. HUGE thank you
Have you ever flipped the tape measure over to use it as a straight edge? Also, some tape measures have a little tab on the end of the tape which will let you roll the tape better for reading. Also when you're measuring something really long and your tape is floating in the air, you can pinch it with your finger that you normally use to keep it from rolling up and that will keep it straight so you can use your other hand to mark a measurement. Another trick is if you are trying to find a center point, make a even mark from both sides and if you can get them within a 1/4 inch or so of each other, you can eyeball the center.
I watched your video to see if there was anything I missed in the 27 years Ive been in construction and I'm happy to say I got every one and agree with you on all of your tips and am impressed with how well and quickly you explain everything
Good quick information for the newbies or things we haven't come across if you only pick a tape up once in a while.
I was thinking, yeah yeah yeah, I already know these, until it got to the pull and scribe and draw a circle. Im actually blown away! Great tips!
Excellent video. This is the only video needed for anyone to learn!
Great overall information and a reminder for those of us who don't use tape measures every day. Also, rather than throw an old worn tape measure out, consider contacting a local amateur radio/ham radio club. Old tape measures can be repurposed into small hand held antennas. 😊
Excellent video. The Honest and Informative Carpenter.
Great tips! We, as electricians have to use tape measures for layout, running conduit, etc. But I found that it can be convenient for figuring 3 phase wiring. If any electricians are reading this, they know that the phases are A-B-C. For example circuits 1&2 would be A, 3&4=B, 5&6=C, then repeating again 7&8=A, 9&10=B, 11&12=C. (Notice that’s like 12”)
Looking at a tape measure and trying to quickly determine what phase circuit 69 would be, you would see that 69” is also 5’9. Ah Ha, the 9 is B phase. Again circuit 77 would be 77” and read 6’5 & 5 is C phase.
Most of us have been able to memorize the circuit number to the phase and it is important to match the phase color of the wire before pulling into a run.
Hope that I didn’t make that confusing. Maybe I should try making a short video?
I just got a Stanley Fatmax 25' and the measurements all looked foreign to me. My country uses metric. Now this video helped me understand and use my tape better, with additional handling tips to make me appear like I know what I'm doing. Thanks.
Maybe I missed it in the video or the comments but when measuring an inside corner, you can butt the end of the tape into the corner then measure out a few inches. I go 10" cuz it makes for easy math but use whatever measurement works for you and/or the space you're measuring. Then you pull the tape from the other end and measure up to your 10" line. Works like a charm! Especially if the corner is in a place where it's hard to look down on line like the back of a cabinet. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much 🙏🙏 this video has really help me I was struggling with my measurements in terms of using the tape bah you explained everything to me within this short minutes and it has enlighten my understanding 🙏🙏 am really happy that I found solution to my problem
Im embarrassed to admit this but I really needed to see this video and now I know how to handle myself with a measure tape on the job. Thank you for posting.
Sure thing James, I’m glad it helps!
I was recently introduced to the Fastcap line (PSSR-25 to be exact) of tape measures. They are BRILLIANT for carpentry work. A white writable front label to write down measurements, a built in sharpener, noted increments, a button for manual crimping with your index. The green version has numbers on both sides of the top of the tape, and an easy 3 inch base for easy measurents when backed up into a corner. And only $10!!!
nice work on explaining, back in the late 80's, the first requirement before application was filled out was showing a individual that u could read a tape the majority were told told leave and go learn how to read a tape. it was a job fair for a welding shop .musta been 8o people in line .like I said most were told to go home and learn how to read a tape.
well during my 40 years as a carpenter... I bought and tried out many different tapes ... I finished the last ten years on the job installing high end cabinets - trim and wood panels - using a Tajima tape measure - its printed on a white background and is EASY to see and read in low light situations . Years ago it was wood folding rulers when I stated out and I kept one in my box just in case I needed to use it again
Eureka ! Your shopping cart allusion made me understand the principle of driving a trailer backwards !!
Thank you for the advice. I am just starting to learn how to use a measuring tape. Your tips have enlightened me.
Wow, many many thanks. You made this skill a whole bunch easier for us lamo's.
Ethan, you are an excellent teacher. I often read how the younger generations are losing the ability to work with their hands. Thanks to you and an army of online teachers I feel old craftsmanship is readily available and becoming very popular with all generations. It is accessible at the nearest computer if you want to make a sailboat, build a house, replace a toilet, or pour cement. THANK YOU for passing on the baton to future generations.
Thank you, George! That’s one of the many reasons I enjoy doing what I do here on TH-cam 🙂
My first experiences with measuring on the job on a daily basis was in the optical field many years ago, so I did work in metrics. Honestly, I am impressed with the obvious skill that comes with time and practice for a carpenter to be able to account for parallax when measuring something where the reading is at a distance from the carpenter's perspective.
I ALWAYS hit the thumbs up before I ever watch the video. I do that for all my favorite content creators. Have a blessed day and Happy And Safe New Year!
I bought thye same Stanely tape as shown here in 1976, carpenter during my summers in college, and have used it a lot over the years. Still works well.
I love the trick to find the middle of odd-width/length boards by holding the tape at an angle until you hit an easily dividable number; way easier than dividing fractions!
That is a cleaver way to split the measurements equally. I learned that trick from watching April Wilkerson's channel.
Excellent video, I enjoyed it very much, and it helped out somebody with my lack of maintenance skills.