Best Tools for Accurate Marking and Measuring When Woodworking

Huge thanks to WD-40 for sponsoring this video! So happy I finally cleaned up my favorite square! Check out the WD-40 Specialist products I used here:
WD-40 Specialist Degreaser - bit.ly/WD40SpecialistDegreser
WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak - bit.ly/Wd40SpecialistRustRemo...
WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor - bit.ly/WD40SpecialistCorrosio...
Thanks to Woodcraft for supporting me and my channel, you can get anything you need to start making quality woodworking projects here:
For more details, check out my website - www.3x3custom.com
Check out Jonathan Katz-Moses' (‪@katzmosestools‬ )video on how to make the wheel marking gauges: bit.ly/JKMMarkingGauge
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WOODCRAFT (affiliate) Links
Starret Combo Square:
bit.ly/BestComboSquare
Kapro Magnetic Combo Square:
bit.ly/ComboSquareWithMagnets
Sliding Bevel Gauge:
bit.ly/SlidingBevelGauge
Incra T-Square:
bit.ly/SuperPreciseMarkingTool
Wheel Marking Gauge:
bit.ly/WheelMarkingGauge
Awl:
bit.ly/ScratchAwl
Dividers:
bit.ly/DividersForDovetails
TayTools Links
Bevel Gauge Guide for Setting the Correct Angle:
lddy.no/sn6d
Mikov Knife:
lddy.no/sn6i
Mikov Knife Kit to Make Yourself:
lddy.no/sn6k
Wheel Marking Gauge Kit to Make Yourself:
lddy.no/sn6l
Epoxy to Make the Kits:
lddy.no/sn6n
AMAZON (affiliate) Links
Small 6” Square:
amzn.to/2IAGuKM
Digital Calipers:
amzn.to/2VZjGHK
DFM Center Finding Square:
amzn.to/2VYVxBf
DFM Small Carpenter Square:
amzn.to/37P0fqM
Compass:
amzn.to/341n2hS
My Favorite Tape Measure:
amzn.to/37aBExz
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My Amazon Store - amzn.to/2uRpplb
_____
My Recording Equipment
Camera:
amzn.to/2scO0mu
Shotgun Mic:
amzn.to/2rp1ETp
Lav Mic:
amzn.to/34r7Ico
Voiceover Mic:
amzn.to/2rs9TOx
___
FOLLOW
Website - www.3x3custom.com
Subscribe - / @3x3customtamar
Instagram - / 3x3custom
Facebook - / 3by3custom
_____
Links above are affiliate links, I make a small commission if you click on them at no extra cost to you. clicking on them really helps me continue to make more projects :)

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Great video - KZbin hasn’t given me alerts of your last several videos. I thought you weren’t making them. Today’s my catch up day! 👍

[@katzmosestools]

Dang! I get a shout out in a video LPL comments on! Been a picking enthusiast for a decade and love your channel. If you ever want to collaborate I could build you a pick wall full of locks or anything really. We have a 5x10 laser and cnc as well as 3d printers. I love prototyping new tools and would jump at the chance to work on a new tool idea with you. Big fan my friend!

[@juanaramirezflores781]

Ya

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Ha! Glad this one popped up for you! Enjoy! ☺️

[@franzkappa5728]

Happy holidays to you too 🎄

[@KSFWG]

@LockPickingLawyer - Turn notifications off, then turn them back on and select the mode of notices you prefer. :) This worked for me when I failed to get notifications on some other channels.

[@nicolycrispi3134]

Tamar, this is SUCH a great video! Love the eye contact, all information was given in a straightforward manner, no bs, no rambling. You have a great personality and are incredibly smart. I have been following you for a while and will continue to do so. Thanks for the video! Love from Brazil

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So awesome to hear! Thanks so much! ✌️

[@toothpastehombre]

Been a Carpenter for years now, I love vids like, aways find something super useful that I hadn't thought of. Thank you!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So awesome to hear!

[@vinceagnes]

You are a wonderful credit to the woodworking world! Your enthusiasm and tool knowledge are amazing. As I have been a woodworker for around 50;years, I have accumulated many of the tools you described, … but… you made a good point regarding some of the measuring/marking tools, so I’m heading online to put an order in. Thanks for the great presentation. PS Wait until spring to work on the lattice repair 😉

[@djedwards9238]

Seus trabalhos são incríveis Tamar! Parabéns!!!

[@ricwatson4812]

Tamar, thank you for doing these videos, they are so helpful and you, my dear, are a true treasure! Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@Mark-qn9xl]

I always find your videos informative, relevant and your skill is plain to see. Added to your energised and enthusiastic delivery they are always a pleasure to watch. That someone would wish to denigrate you is a reflection on their own shortcomings and good on you for pinning the comment to expose them. Thanks for showing a rust solution as I have had a few issues there as well, my shed is just metal walls and an uneven dirt floor.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks so much! Awesome to hear! Yeah. I’ve been getting these kinds of comments for a while and I guess I just had enough.... ha.

[@barzalou]

Thank you for your relaxing attitude and yes, you have opened my eyes to the accuracy or lack there of, of my set squares. Thank you for your very informative video.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you found it informative!

[@mhkaroly]

I love the energy and excitement you bring to these videos and this craft.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So awesome to hear. Glad you like it!

[@joannamartin1003]

I’m new to woodworking and recently found your channel. Thank you for a great attitude, useful content, and educating with a positive and ego free approach. This is another great video 👍

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So glad you like it! Thanks!

[@ijunejo]

Thanks for sharing with us. Keep doing whatever you are doing. Great job Ms.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it

[@mitchblackmore5230]

So glad I found this channel. Very informative and your personality is absolutely wonderful.

[@dominikvdovski996]

Cool video explaining it all clearly. And your enthusiasm is contagious! Greetings from Poland!

[@bbotelhoHI]

I think I’ve watched 4 or 5 of your videos after getting home from work. I absolutely love the enthusiasm you have towards wood working and diy crafts.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear!

[@whydoihavetoify]

Great video as always, 3 tools that I use regularly for marking are a digital angle rule, automatic punch and my favourite is a digital height tool ( don’t know it’s real name) used for router and blade height but I use it mostly for transferring measurements as it’s so accurate

[@davidgerregano4464]

I really liked the tip about scribing a line with an awl to line up fortsner bit holes. Thanks for the video!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Yeah! It’s a good one! Glad you liked it!

Agradeço pela aula espetacular e útil!

[@grahamserle7930]

All great tips. You can never have enough tools but we can make do with some basic ones. You're spot on though, it's pointless if you can't make anything square or if you can't drill a hole where it's supposed to be.

[@jacklawrence5226]

Great video! Woodworking for many many years and totally respected what you projected in the video. It took a great number of years before I had the courage to invest in good measurement and layout tools. I'm 65 and it wasn't until the last 4 years I bought into a couple of Woodpeckers squares extremely well made but overpriced (my opinion, mainly due to shipping costs to Canada). I don't start a project until I have one of their squares in hand. I have a bunch of Starett squares left to me from my father-in-law that I restored and cherish and use as well.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks! Yeah. Hopefully I can get my hands on some more woodpeckers squares. They are really great.

[@midn43]

I Don't have time for your bigger projects but videos like this are SOOOO helpful. Thanks and realize how many people you make happy.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

That’s so awesome to hear! Glad you found it useful!

[@alanmcwilliams4264]

I've seen many reviews before and this one was very well presented showing both pro's and con's, well done

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So glad you liked it!

[@tylerquint1891]

Love all the marking tools. I agree with that tape, found it recently and I love it!!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Yes! It’s the best!

[@peterferrydriver]

I too had a problem of "not finding anything" while working, so I built a small "temp box" 18 x 8 x 6 out of scrap wood. It has a lid, a baffle & a vertical pencil holder. Now whenever I use the hand tools, drills, screws etc. on a given project, I place them back into the temp box . Surprise! They are there when I want to use them again. It has saved me a lot of "where the heck did I put it" time. Also handy for clean ups.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Haha! But you have to remember to put them there.... 😂

[@greghetzler9266]

How to align steel Carpenter's Square. I was blessed to have a very old steel Carpenter's Square andusing the method you demonstrated learned it was out of square. The Square had a history of over 100 years of use and was worthy of adjustment. I corrected the steel square by "hammering" steel punch dimple(s). In my case the square angle was acute (

[@davidmeyer9204]

I agree with everyone except for "sandwich guy" I always get something from your videos and it does not cost me a dime. Thanks Tamar, I now have my eyes on some nice upgrades thanks to you.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you find them informative!

[@kryptik0]

Some say he is still waiting for a sandwich that his woman was supposed to be making for him last year.

[@jtclyde4557]

Your enthusiasm makes your videos fun and interesting. A bright smile and twinkle in your eyes help too. I never get bored halfway through. Thanks for your delightful presentation and information.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear!

[@MatSmithLondon]

You’re an inspiration! I have just bought my first live edge (pippy oak) slab and making a dresser top. First time I have done anything like it. Owe a lot to you!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome!! Have fun with it! Don’t forget! You’re going to make mistakes! Just figure out ways to fix them and you’re good 😉

[@Cyberdern]

You came prepared, a soldier who knows her field well. I just love how articulate you break down your demonstrations. Big Ups to you once again. @Chooper you need to take that BACK!!!!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Ha! Thanks so much! Glad you liked it!

[@jordanomeara3974]

I am new to wood working. And I’m really loving your videos. Thanks for doing what you do

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear

[@steveo107]

I've had that Kapro magnetic square for a few years now and you're the first KZbinr I've seen mention it! I got more excited than I care to admit to see it show up.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Hahaha! It’s the little things 😂

[@mikewillis2934]

Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks for the video

[@3x3CustomTamar]

☺️☺️ glad you liked it

[@donaldholman9070]

That cleaned up really well! Thanks!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Yeah! I was worried if it would work or not. Ha

[@kencoleman7762]

Well done and useful. Thanks.

[@georgebredon66]

I love your videos. I have been woodworking for years and every time I see one, I learn something! Keep up the great work.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So awesome to hear! Thanks!

[@iannicolson1202]

I'm just starting my woodworking journey so this was a really useful insight into marking tools. Cheers.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear

[@marcobucci]

Thanks for continuously great info!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you like it!

[@katzmosestools]

Thanks for the love T! Great video!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Next time give me a heads up when you plan on posting the same thing as me.... 😂😂😂

[@katzmosestools]

@@3x3CustomTamar hahahaha deal!

[@KSFWG]

@@3x3CustomTamar He should send out a memo to the other KZbin Woodworking All Stars like yourself !! lol

[@ImurTuta]

@@katzmosestools I watched both videos. If you guys didn't make any copied videos we would have less videos to watch. I've learned so much from both of you, I need all the content I can get! Great stuff the both of you.

[@PikkaBird]

@@ImurTuta Yeah, we absolutely need more people covering the same types of projects. Not just so we have more videos to watch, but because there are often several ways to skin a fish, and one person may do it in a way that's awkward to you (or use tools that you don't have), and in that case another video night show another way to achieve the same result.

[@koccocarrasco5696]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 gran video ... felices fiestas y a cuidarse mucho

[@captainwoodworking1273]

Nice video and thanks a lot for always answer to the comment you are one of the few taking time to answer people writing you. Keep up the good work and happy new year.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks! Glad you appreciate it!

[@MyGangbuster]

Thanks for the great recommendations! I just purchased the DFM small square which I am sure will be very helpful!!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@akairborne]

I love your attitude and excitement!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

☺️

[@romeostandings7528]

Always quality work from you! Keep up the great work!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks so much! ☺️☺️

[@chrischristofis8501]

Hi a thank you for making these from Europe, I enjoy your videos, I learn a lot and your personality and accent are great 👍

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear! Thanks!

[@timdales8300]

Great ideas for Christmas gift!! Thanks!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you like it!

[@DBiggerz]

Great video, and thank you for all the links, a lot of time and work went into this video and I appreciate you sharing your experiences with each tool.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you appreciate it!

[@berthatton9410]

WD-40 and woodcraft are lucky to have you. Thanks as always.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

☺️☺️

[@tcobbish]

I just got one of those lefty/righty tape measures at woodcraft. My FAVORITE tape measure!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Yes! I have like 4 of them... and sometime I can’t even find one of them.... 😂

[@mmInPA]

Great video - as are all of your videos... concise, no music!!, informative, down to earth... And I always check out your recommendations! Also, not sure if was mentioned already, but the fast cap measuring tape, in addition to being of fantastic quality, also reads right to left and left to right, which I find VERY convenient. Please keep up the great work!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

It also has a built it pencil sharpener!

[@bh2347]

First time viewer here, your video was very informative and in depth, and was very enjoyable with your great personality and happiness you pour out over your experience and love for your tools that you share with your viewers. I'm in commercial construction professionally, but am wanting to try my hand at making my own furniture or crafts. Definitely will be watching your videos from now on. Subscribed, and will be looking for your next videos!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear! Welcome to the wild world of woodworking! Ha!

[@MsArzu333]

Tamar, from Pakistan, got chance to see your amazing knowledge first time. great job

[@tdkrei]

Great advise Tamar. Love your smile and by the way, keep on smiling.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks! I’ll try ☺️

[@bobd5119]

Thanks, Tamar. I didn't know about the Shinwa bevel gauge. And your tip on the marking knife is hugely helpful. And I didn't know about the WD40 rust products. Keep teaching!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So glad this was informative!

[@omri3753]

תודה תמר! מכל סרטון שלך אני לומד. בהצלחה!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

כל כך מדהים לשמוע! שמח שלומדים משהו!

[@paulcipriano6333]

I have Countless tips saved from your Awesome Videos Tamar! Always Inspiring and Thank you as Always. Enjoy your holidays

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So awesome to hear! You too!

[@jerrystark3587]

A Starrett square is top drawer. Amen! Good advice all around. Thank you.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Absolutely! It’s the best.

[@garyconway439]

The metal square you tossed in the trash, I’ve corrected one twice the size using a metal punch. Simply see which corner of the elbow, the inside or the outside, is less than 90-degrees. Then using a hammer and punch put create a dimple. It make take a good wallop with the hammer, and maybe more than one dimple on the acute angle side. But I corrected a 24” metal square with one dimple that took only two medium hammer blows.

[@krzysztofmathews738]

Great video! Very clear and informative.

[@rogertyler8804]

A very rare video which makes recomendations on both quality tools and DIY - light options from the same company. Please accept my follow. Bravo.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Nice. Glad you liked it!

[@carlgustafson213]

Two things - good combo squares have a little nib in them that allow you to adjust squareness - file the nib to bring back into alignment. Also, when faced with derusting something like a metal straight edge (because wood don't rust), I use a piece of PVC pipe with a cap cemented on one end. Uses minimal rust remover, and makes it easy to pour back again.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

I was joking about throwing it in the trash.... ha

[@Ferdy-Perezlara]

Muy buenos consejos 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 me encanta lo que compartes, esto nos hace más fácil la vida, un abrazo desde Cancún México 🇲🇽

[@foos.998]

What I love about Tamar’s product placement is that they contain helpful info and I always learn something!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you think so!

[@markiefufu]

I've only recently got into woodworking. Always have done general home repair and such. Been converting a school bus into a tiny home and slowly my skills have improved. My work isn't the best, but I've gotten really good at hiding mistakes. It's really hard to build things square when the bus isn't square. I'll keep trying though. Thank you for your videos and suggestions for tools. Though I do use a scratch awl and decent square (learned from my dad decades ago).

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Sounds like a fun project! The sign of a good craftsman is that they know how to fix their mistakes. So I’d say your in a good spot 👍

[@brewer13210]

Excellent video. For a slightly more environmentally friendly alternative to WD-40, a very thin coating of jojoba oil on your tools will prevent rust too. A tiny bottle lasts about a decade.

[@chm1701]

Great video with superb ideas. Thanks. Also, I was amazed how your combination ruler came out in the end 👍

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks so much! Yeah! I was actually a bit worried it wasn’t going to work.... ha

[@lohdal]

Watched this video while balancing on my new balance board, made by your instructions :-) Thanks for the great advice. Especially regarding the marking knife. Time for me to go to my wife to explain why there is a couple of tools I can not live without.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

😂😂😂 good luck!

[@johnparker8259]

I'm a little late but I was looking for some good measuring tools. Great video!

[@isaaco5679]

I have been using an old folding linoleum knife as a marking knife. It has a nice long hawk bill blade. I keep it on hand as my favorite pocket knife

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Sounds cool

[@guyfrench658]

I appreciate the video! This is an area I haven't run across too much guidance; very informative.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So glad you liked it!

[@robertlitman2661]

All great advice. I too prefer the accuracy of marking knives over pencils and eschewing rulers for measurement, but when I do need to position something by a measurement, my Incra T-Rule can be indispensable. It is for example the ultimate tool for laying out cabinet doors for handle drilling.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Oh for sure!

[@johnm7469]

I'm gonna go buy that flat back marking knife right now. I have the beveled marking knife and have been struggling with the exact issue you described. Fixed another one! Thanks!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome! It’s been so awesome for me. I used it last week to do an inlay to cover up a knot in a board and it was so crisp and clean. Enjoy it!

[@aviranshemtov4680]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@money1star]

First vid of yours I’ve seen, awesome and really informative

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you liked it!

[@scottmorris4914]

Great video. You provide good info, and demonstrate very well. I do like that you include video where it is reality. Like when you took the square ruler out of the WD-40 liquid, and we saw the experience you had with it, such discovery that what you that was rust still on there, was actually some black “stuff” and was easily removed. You also say that you don’t need all these tools, this is what you need to start out, and as you get better you can use tools that help accuracy.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks so much! So glad you liked it!

[@DudeSawdust]

Great video as always! I love your stuff and have been learning from you for some time now. I’m still but a splinter in the great oak tree of woodworking but with some these recommendations I could definitely up my game. Thanks again and keep up the great work! And yes, I agree with you about the lattice. 👍👍👍

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks so much! So glad you like it! Ha the lattice.... every summer we say we’re going to redo the whole deck. So I don’t bother just fixing that part. Then summer rolls through.... one day I’ll get to it!

[@henry20061227]

Very comprehensive, detailed and useful information. Many thanks for your great work and sharing. 🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏👍👍👍

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you like it!

[@Dogo24h]

Nice work and very helpfull sister. Thanks for sharing!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad to hear! Thanks!

[@bobmartin6055]

Great tips!! Thanks so much!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

You are so welcome!

[@saschavrucinic8383]

Hello ,Tamar , thank you for the many helpful Videos.Wishing you and your Family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with more Videos and stay healthy .Best wishes from Germany

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks!

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

Amen on checking squares. I inherited a square..my only square at the time...and spent a year producing joints that never quite lined up.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Yeah. I had to learn that one the hard way too../

[@arkansasboy45]

This is a really good and informative video. Thanks

[@3x3CustomTamar]

So glad you think so!

[@AB-nu5we]

Excellent video, great examples and rationale. Love my Starrett combo square. I moved on to the satin finished rulers, I couldn't keep up with the rust removal. I like the marking gauge for precise power tool cuts too. I also quit using digital calipers, as I don't like chasing digital readouts, using instead Starretts analog/dial calipers. Much less stress. Keep coming up with the great stuff!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you liked it!

[@alidivsalar6396]

Great job, well done 👍👍

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks!

[@BrenAlfaro23]

Thank you so much for sharing! I love all the tools!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you liked it!

[@frankstover3444]

Awesome video T.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks!

[@brianager5877]

Great job! This was a very informative video. I watched it twice. Thank you

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear!

[@robertcee510]

Your videos are delightful, as are you, done very well, and are very much appreciated. Thank you. Be well. ~Robert

[@edwardmanfredi121]

Great presentation Tamar ! Very informative ! TY !

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@horcadam]

Grate video!!! I really enjoy your videos!!!Thank you!!!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks! So glad you liked it!

[@christopherlarime4095]

Another fun and informative video. I like to see what tools other makers favor. Would be fun if a bunch of you got together and had a sort of tool shoot out.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Haha arguments on why we like one over the other 😂

[@nmaldarxyz]

Very helpful! Thank you.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad to hear!

[@MCsCreations]

Great video, Tamar! 😃 Thanks for all the tips!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Thanks! So glad you liked it!

[@Zamboni-0805]

I have learned quickly "in my short woodworking endeavor" that accuracy is a big part. It does not need to be down to the Nano, but "close enough" is not good either. Having quality, accurate measuring and marking tools makes my woodworking journey so much easier. Me being somewhat of a perfectionist does not hurt much either. lol Thanks for sharing this video Tamar... looking forward to the next one.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Haha from a fellow perfectionist. I agree.

[@ralfkramden9291]

Love the Lefty-Righty tape measure!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

It’s the best! I have multiple! Yet they still get lost. Ha

[@A50S2D]

The grey pad is either Very Fine or Ultra Fine Silicone Carbide. White pads are the non abrasive one. This is from one who spent 40+ years in the abrasive industry. I'm hooked by how you solve the problems you find in projects...

[@uptopmikep7065]

Great suggestion Tamar. Thanks! I suggest a tape measure with fractional markings. Also useful is a one edge with metric segmentation.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Glad you found it helpful

[@woodman3416]

Tamar I just love watching your videos. You are so upbeat. Keep up the great work. Ha from Texas.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome to hear! Thanks!

[@IlhamKazimov]

Спасибо большое! Очень интересно!!!

[@allcleanenterpise]

I thoroughly enjoy your tool savvy Ms.T. I'm sure to pick up a few for the future!!

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Awesome!

[@lauram9076]

I have the 25ft FastCap tape, love it. I don't know if the smaller ones have this or not, but mine also has a built-in pencil sharpener on the back corner that works great! I like the idea of getting just the marking knife blades and making custom handles for them.

[@3x3CustomTamar]

Yes! Forgot to mention it has a pencil sharpener. It’s such a good tape. I have like 4 of them. But can never find any of them 😂