BEST measuring tape tricks you've never seen

[@StumpyNubs]

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Tools used in this video:* Flat Back measuring tape: amzn.to/3NgL7Gb Story Pole measuring tape: amzn.to/3PVVIYK Lefty/Righty measuring tape: amzn.to/3tbVliX Metric/Imperial measuring tape: amzn.to/3Q1NLRY ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ FastCap Tools: amzn.to/3fLokCC *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) *Links promised in this video:* -More videos on our website: stumpynubs.com/ -Subscribe to our e-Magazine: stumpynubs.com/browse-and-subscribe/ -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ -Twitter: twitter.com/StumpyNubs -Facebook: facebook.com/Stumpy-Nubs-Woodworking-Journal-305639859477973/ ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

[@richardfromontario]

Love these little tool/tip videos. Your videos pointed out 1-2-3 blocks to me which I use all the time now and I also picked up some iso tunes off of your discount link a few weeks back - so far they have been fantastic for both woodworking and bush work. Anyhow, thanks for your straight forward and concise videos.

[@Lazien24]

These types of videos are why I'm subscribed. I thought I knew everything about tape measures and you showed me I only knew half. Well done Sir...well done

[@ahmedlahlou8123]

We all think we know it all about our favorite or basic tools until Master James release some very interesting and useful stuff, he's the best !

[@bayadere8308]

Lazien: you and me both!

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I only know 13.27%.

[@ahmedlahlou8123]

@@aurtisanminer2827 good one ;)

[@holdencaulfield8429]

Talk to your family.

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

Really a great video with a lot of tricks. At my age, the problem is not knowing the tricks, it is remembering them when I need them.

[@stevebusby6618]

What tricks? 😅

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

@@stevebusby6618 and where did I put the tape measure?

[@doneldridge202]

As usual James, a great video! I am 67 years old and In my life I have worked in construction, I had a sign shop for 7 years and I had a manufacturing business where we made faux wood shudders out of foam, mesh and acrylic cement. Not to mention around the house! I have used tape measures alot in my lifetime. I am embarressed to admit that out of all the "uses" and "tricks" you showed, I only new about the 16" markings for framing and the end tab movement. While I was watching your video I can't tell you how many memories came back to me for each little jewel you offered up. What an informative piece of work. This is something that anybody can get alot of useful information to take into life. Great Job!!!

[@hale_yeah_texas]

I flashed back to blue collar woodworking when you couldn’t resist using the flat back to measure your waist and head. I kmow what I’m hitting play on after this video ends. Keep up the amazing work sir. You’ve helped a lot of woodworkers out there.

[@jasonholt7173]

Learned a couple new ones, thanks! Make sure if you’re using more than one tape on a project that they’re equally accurate and not 1/16 or more off from each other. Learned that the hard way.

[@sliceofbread2611]

the angling of the tape to find the middle is genius!

[@robw2379]

I did the "burn an inch" trick with a project I was working on that I was trying to make oh-so-perfect. Of course I forgot and cut my tapered legs an inch too short. I said many bad words. Since then I go with the "burn 10 inches" technique..... it is visually very easy to see when a cabinet part is 10" too short/narrow. One more use for a tape measure: open the door and throw it into the woods when you cut your pieces EXACTLY 1" too short. The walk into the woods to find the tape measure is a good moment to cool down. 😉

[@navret1707]

I learned that trick using wooden rulers (yes, I’m that old) where the end would get worn down or broken.

[@DragonHeart5150]

Lol. Good one.

[@ferrumignis]

I reckon many of us have been there, I certainly have.

[@michaelraney6732]

Fast cap makes a burn-an-inch tape where you don’t have to subtract 1 inch.

[@BlessedLaymanNC]

LOL!!!!

[@RichardMerrill3Hawk]

When I worked installing drywall, my boss insisted we use your trick at 9:25 (pencil against the end of the tape as you run the case along the edge) only he held the box knife blade against the end, and didn't have to strike a line on the drywall sheet. Just measure and slit in one motion. Saved a ton of time. Thanks for another great video!

[@weevilinabox]

My father used a knife and tape that way, too. He would also roll or slide the edge-following finger along the tape as he made the cut when he needed a taper or curve to accommodate a lack of squareness on a build.

[@twain3074]

I am always amazed by how much information you pack into a video, and how many things I never had a clue about.. You are a great resource.

[@VGCauchi]

Always so worthwhile watching these videos. I never knew there is a flat tape version. I used to see architects using one that is several feet long, some 30 feet or more probably. But it does not retract automatically. You have to turn a knob on the side of the rather big case to retract the tape. About a year ago I came across an ''auto blade lock tape''. I love this function because once out the tape remains out, no need for me to do anything to keep it out. Then you simply press a button and the tape retracts into its case.

[@1810designbarn]

Watched this out of curiosity. As a lefty I never knew they made a lefty measuring tape. I've just always dealt with it. Mind blown. Thank you!

[@alexonkow]

The green FastCap is the only tape I use. It has sped up my work as well as eliminated any chance of misreading the tape since it has 1/8”s and 1/16”s marked and the numbers are never upside down. I thought the pencil pad on the side was a bit gimmicky at first but I use it all the time. It also has a pencil sharpener which is handy. They’re very affordable as well.

[@alfieqa]

Measuring on an angle to a round number for finding the centre of a board is such an obvious and elegant solution... but one I have never thought of! Many thanks!

[@bradklaatu]

Wish I had known about that "flat" tape measure before I "borrowed" one of my wife's tailor's cloth measuring tape. Great video.

[@louislandi938]

Professor James, If you produced a woodworking instructional DVD series (Different levels) I’d order immediately. Your style of teaching just clicks with me. I could never scroll past anything you post on KZbin.

[@ahmedlahlou8123]

Same here, he's da best !

[@robhaase6810]

I’ve used Fastcap tapes for 6-7 years also, love them. They also have a pencil sharpener on the case, great feature.

[@davidjohnson9074]

As a left handed woodworker, I found these tapes to be the best tape I have every used. I know of no one else that sells a left reading tape and have found that the measuring errors have mostly evaporated.

[@Thatkidch13]

I'm very happy to see fast cap being promoted more and more.

[@eaglewhite3107]

Wonderful video. Love your style of presentation. I learned several things today. In my second career I was a working maintenance supervisor and tool buyer. Building our products frequently required that we extend a measuring tape and place it down partly extended. Try that with the brands that have a large flat release lever across the bottom, practically impossible. I found an excellent quality tape measure similar to what you use, the Komelon, "self lock", extend, set down and the tape remains extended until the push button is pressed. Our product was built in an ISO-2001 factory. Many tools required periodic calibration. In order to prevent excess wear at the "business end---the hook slots in particular", I discovered a way to cushion the retraction of the tape. When pressing the release button to retract the tape, simply place a finger or two below the tape as one presses the release button. This eliminates slot elongation at the hook end by inducing a mild cushioning and braking effect. Money saved, accuracy preserved! Thank you,

[@mac243877]

Thanks again, as a retired mechanic who plays with wood I love your video’s as my father in law, 89 yrs young skilled carpenter, but I enjoy slipping in a wee bit of ‘knowledge’ now and then to stun him with my skills n experience…..ahem.

[@larrygardner53018]

Been using measuring tapes for decades, but again, found stuff I didn't know I didn't know. Keep 'em coming!

[@VAspeed3]

Quite clever using a tape measure like a slide rule!

[@stanmoderate4460]

Brilliant! A wise man once said "If a day goes by when I haven't learned something, that day has been wasted." Today was not wasted, even at 77, this taught me a lot!

[@josher-ch6sf]

heads up, the "tape measure trickshots" video you featured is highly edited and photoshopped. they did not pull off any of those tricks legitimately. see Captain Disallusion's video breaking that down. of course, throwing a tape is a legitimate technique and your main point still stands. love the rest of the video!

[@JazzFM80]

Came here to say the same thing. 👍🏻

[@Lee-ot2uk]

@@JazzFM80 Yes, me too!

[@GreyBeard3D]

Came here for same thing. Loved Captain Disallusion’s video.

[@Technichian462]

Day late and a dollar short.

[@Barisaxq2]

Hahaha thank you I wanted to say the same captain d is the best!

[@lmcsquaredgreendale3223]

I need a few new measuring tapes. I never realized that my humble measuring tape had so much potential. I hadn't realized when using a measuring tape that appeared to be in good condition and was relatively new had a problem. I blamed myself for the measuring errors and so I pulled out my late Father's wooden measuring device and quickly discovered that there was a problem with the end hook. I solved the problem by starting at the one inch line but I noticed that the product was not made in the US and so I questioned its quality all together. Even though the body of the tape was marked at 3" it was off by almost 1/8 of an inch. I now realize that there is not one single tool you can take for granted. I also enjoyed the video because you showed us your sense of humor. Thank you !

[@donwillhoit6866]

Again, another fantastic video with lots of information and recommendations. One tip I learned the hard way is to stay with the same measuring tape throughout the project. You don't have too deal with problems of two tapes giving different distances for the same measurement.

[@evanbarnes9984]

I love the left-right tape I have from fastcap! It removes the error of reading from the wrong fractional side of an inch marking

[@ABH313]

the Fastcap tapes are the best, I've been using them for years 👍 I always recommend the lefty/righty to friends and coworkers

[@therealsparkman]

Watching this video was certainly well worth the 'Like' acknowledgement. Some great tips that I didn't know about. I'll probably forget them and come back here again to find out what great ideas these were.

[@dougveganparadisebuilder5808]

You did an outstanding job with showing so much information about the measuring tape. I am impressed.

[@jayceecombs6887]

I am an oldie but goodie... as well a mechanic in several trades... yet this tutorial on tape measures was great! Thank you, J

[@joshgrimm8443]

I've been laminating countertops for 15yrs. I can't believe I don't have a flat back tape yet. Thank you stumpy.

[@benhewitt6443]

Excellent and you are never too young to learn something about something you have used all of you life

[@willbephore3086]

Well dang. Working in construction I thought I knew my way around a tape measure, but learned more than 1 new thing today. Thank you.

[@bobh64]

The fastcap flat back was my first specialty tape purchase many years ago. been very helpful.

[@loki7441]

I've learnt a few things I didn't know about. I prefer your method of inside measurement, I use it too. You never know if if the measurement they give you on the tape is 100% accurate, you could have dropped the tape a few times and flattened the base and it could cause you just a little grief during assembly. During covid I needed a new tape and becuase I'm immune compromised, my wife said she would pick up one in our local merchants. She got me a 25 ft tape which has got a feature I hadn't seen before and I have gone through a lot of tapes, metal work is even harder on them than wood. When you pull the tape out it stays out, it self locks. You hit the button and it retracts, I love it. It was inexpensive, accurate and easy to read. The only thing was the name, "Fat Boy" ; I think she might have been trying to tell me something! Maybe she's in league with my doctor.

[@TqSNv9R0iG5Ckxew]

For me, the killer feature on my new Milwaukee tape measure that I like the most is the integrated magnet on the hook.

[@ew3612]

As long as your name isnt Max then you are ok.

[@JoeC92]

Fastcap 32mm is probably one of the most useful for cabinetry if you're using the 32mm system. Love their tapes

[@williamsmith9026]

Except the clips absolutely suck if not putting it in an apron

[@adamhale6001]

@@williamsmith9026 First thing I did with all mine... removed the clip and the pencil sharpener blade

[@Sebastopolmark]

We ALWAYS pick up some great tips and tricks from Mr Nubs! !! !!!

[@ryanmaly]

The FastCap tapes are by far my favorite, most accurate tapes. And they're inexpensive!

[@grantbeals6008]

After watching the Essential Craftsman measuring tape video, I thought I knew just about every trick of this tool. Once again, your video has proved to me that I'm only beginning to understand things I once thought were simple. Great video!

[@billqqq]

My tape measure doesn't go high enough to find my age, but I still learned a couple of keeper tricks here. Keep 'em coming!

[@mikeamboy7292]

Same problem here….

[@josephking6515]

I can lend you my 30 metre tape. It should find you age coz it finds mine........just 😎

[@sattchy_tis4212]

I was born in 85 and Never once in my life have I wore acid washed jeans. I'm more of a Sinatra and less of a hair band. I was born way too late. Love this channel though has helped me learn Quite a bit about woodworking. Thank you for putting these videos out there and sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@Yawles]

well done, James. I was expecting a hint regarding easily scratching one's back between the shoulder blades...

[@duane20]

Having a bent tab at the end has messed up a number of projects - rookie mistake on my part. Good idea to inspect and verify using your method (7:57) before and during use. Be sure to check for accuracy between tapes when using multiples on a job. I have seen variations among some of the less expensive ones that "grow/shrink" in the higher numbers as well as damaged tabs causing "do overs".

[@TheWoodFly]

I appreciate any video which causes me to run out, find the tools I already have and go WOW, I can actually use this in a new and better way - I Feel smarter!!! Thanks again James

[@MrBobisadog]

Fast Cap tapes are the best. I have bought a few dozen to give away to shop guests as non-woodworkers don’t usually come across them. And they are inexpensive. Rare when the best tool costs the less.

[@DragonHeart5150]

I recently bought a fastcap measuring tape you can read left to right and vise versa. And use the flat to take notes. Great tapes. I learned a number of math tricks watching your video. Thanks. 😊

[@shanehollis7316]

Awesome. Love the builders playing games. No wonder building projects cost so much. :) We use masking tape on the outside of our tapes instead of sticky notes if we want to write down measurements. It tends not to get lost when the tape is on and off the belt or in an apron.

[@sebytro]

Stumpy, you don't look a year older than 22! Appreciate the guidance and measuring tape tricks. I can't wait to fling my tape at my unsuspecting colleague in the toi toi.

[@Brandon_Watson]

I just discovered fastcap tapes and they have changed my life

[@jonathanmelancon3021]

Heyyyy! The best thing about the fastcap tapes is that there is a pencil sharpener included into the body. LIFE CHANGING

[@paule.9638]

Always a good day for a new Stumpy Nubs video.

[@eccod]

Great tip about the magnets. I’ve been through several tubes of those tiny rare earth magnets from Harbor Freight. They’re incredible, I glue them to all sorts of stuff.

[@bradmcnamar5679]

You are right, Sir. I stayed until the end and I did learn some things I didn't think of before. Well done!

[@daylen577]

That 3-4-5 rule is an amazing example of the pythagoras theorem. Wish they used that in math class back in the day, because that would've saved me weeks of trying to figure out how it worked.

[@gregj2647]

Very good video and I certainly learned a few new tricks. One thing I learn awhile back was to buy 12 foot tape measures. The majority of the things we measure are less than 12 feet plus the tape measures tend to be smaller and easier to carry around. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also have a 25 or 30 foot tape measure too.

[@trcmf]

I have a Milwaukee tape with a magnet built it. I love it. As a Canadian I have an imperial/metric tape lol. As a Canadian I’ve NEVER seen a metric measuring tape in Canada. I have seen some in the US though 😂 I’d rather have a right/left hand tape instead of an imperial/metric tape. That’s why hate the double tape, I can’t read it backwards. I’ve never seen a story pole tape but I may be seeing one soon in my workshop that’s to Father’s Day 😂. I did learn one thing - minusing fractions. Great tip Thanks

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks James for the refresher course. Lots of good information on the uses for tape measures. Fred.

[@xXScissorHandsXx]

Absolutely wonderful tips and tricks plus a shopping list, what else can you ask for?! lol

[@jwar2163]

I began using a metric measuring tape the ease of using it to check for square of boxes and cabinets is nice. Plus I started building cabinets with the 32 system

[@Moose1207]

I love these kinds of videos. I've only just begun my journey into woodworking - Mainly because I bought a "Fixer-Upper" and have needed new shelving, closet additions etc. Tips like these are really helpful. I now know for a fact that the tab on my tape is bad - I knew it was supposed to move, but not why or how much and it moves more than a quarter inch. Whenever I used the tab I would be yelling because my work ended up with an obscene gap or be uneven and I couldn't figure it out lol.

[@mururoa7024]

I bought the Fastcap's *flat* measuring tape because it solves the parallax problem I had with curved/rigid tapes.

[@kabevis1]

Love it. I did learn a few new things. Just forgot to mention the Diresta trick, that’s using the tape while still attached to your hip. Always a fan of your videos. Keep em coming.

[@jedsudweeks6676]

I love my Fast Cap tapes. My favorite feature is the built-in pencil sharpener. Great video.

[@blackvenges]

I knew it would be a good video when it started with stumpy holding my favorite tape measure

[@flowleopard893]

Watching made me feel like such a noob 🤷🤣 Thanks again for all the great info. This video is truly a wonderful time saver especially to us “teach yourself” guys with no mentor around, this kind of info is absolute GOLD.

[@danielmontague9822]

I have been using the double sided fastcap for years. I got one for my daughter and she loves it.

[@dennischerry4545]

Got the Lefty-Righty many years ago, I am a lefty in his right mind.

[@ericlapinski4886]

Another great video. So many uses for one tool.. Always presented in a simple informative manner.

[@MCsCreations]

Really excellent tips, James! Thanks! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@jorysphotographym4088]

The angled tape to get halves/thirds/quarters etc is genius, how have I never thought of that

[@white6oy2532]

I was skeptical that a video on tape measuring would be beneficial. 3m 19s in and I have already learned new things.

[@wakefieldallan]

Fantastic! I bought the flat back measuring tape and I can't wait to get it. Such a cool idea. I normally used a piece of string.

[@johnbadal7319]

Fast cap is a great company, makes innovative products and I've heard compensates the inventors well

[@robbyflair3552]

Mind blown. Always learning something new and helpful from you, James. Thank you!

[@rereficoli4983]

I learned about 3 products I didn't know existed, and three great tape tricks I didn't know. Thanks!

[@nickwonttell8584]

As someone who uses the metric system I've often wondered how difficult i would find using an imperial tape, especially when it comes to adding or subtracting. That's a really cool trick you showed me that most probably already knew 😁. Also the trick for finding center is great. Love your videos! All the best from down under.

[@xenn4985]

Yeah fractions is a grade school subject

[@Mishn0]

It's pretty easy. To half a fraction, just double the denominator. Half of 1/2 is 1/4, half of 1/4 is 1/8. Half of 7 and 3/8 is 3 and 1/2 + 3/16 which is 3 and 11/16. If you can't do stuff like that in your head, you should probably stay away from power tools.

[@Mishn0]

@@Persun_McPersonson It all depends on the application. For general, not fine cabinetry, woodwork, you never need more precision than about 1/8. If you do, you're cutting and fitting and just know to cut a "strong eighth", or "cut on the right side of the line". It becomes intuitive. If you're doing high precision work, you're going to be working in decimal fractions even if you're working in US customary units (correct term for our system). Then, it makes absolutely no difference if you're dealing with 120mm or 4.275 inches. One isn't "better" than the other. I don't care what you use, but I get a little tired of the "Americans dumb, they use inches" bullshit. If you can't use both, you're either lazy, or bad at math. At least we don't weigh fat people in some medieval unit like "stones".

[@Mishn0]

Did you miss the part where I said I don't care what units you choose to use and that you shouldn't care (unless you're paying me) what units I choose to use and that you should just shut up about it and quit posting about how inferior inches and feet are and how dumb people (American people) are for using them? Just SHUT THE FUCK UP ABOUT IT ALREADY!

[@tcg1_qc]

@@Mishn0 Ok, but why use both? Just stick to one system. And between the two, metric is less complicated and more efficient, so we use metric. Sure, imperial only requires basic maths, but it's extra math that you wouldn't have to do if you used metric, which saves time and effort

[@anonymous.youtuber]

So many truly useful tips in this one ! 👍👍👍

[@howelljo1098]

Masking tape rather than post it, since it’s already in the shop. I add several layers of 2” masking tape to the side of the tape measure. Then just peel it off and either put it on the workpiece or toss it and have a fresh writing surface

[@davebenson1504]

Great advice... I look to amaze my Grand Kids with the age year trick.... I sure could have used your circle drawing strategy last week... Thank You...

[@fransiscoalvarezinski6293]

The 3,4,5 method and the 19.2 diamond were new to me. Thanks.

[@terrmaso]

Thanks for the interesting tips and party tricks, I am eager to try the "born on date" at my next get together. I have been using the Lefty/Righty for about 3yrs now and I will never use another brand of tape measure. Anytime I see someone shopping for a tape, I always point them toward Fastcap. Looks like I will add the cabinetry tape with the layout markings to my collection. Thought they were cool but hadn't seen the additional uses they could provide.

[@robertrussell6614]

A dry erase marker will also remove permanent marker on metal. Handy sometimes. Exceptional video as usual. The subtraction trick is so smart. Thank you for the content!

[@jerbear7952]

I have about 400 tapes. I had never thought of dedicated ones. Thank you

[@shawnglass108]

You have 400 tapes and none of them are dedicated? Lol

[@rjtumble]

I love my leftie/righty fastcap. One thing I learned is to check to ensure the tapes are measuring the same amount. Sucks to measure 12 1/8 with this tape, then use another tape down at the saw and have it be 1/8 or whatever different/off from the first one.

[@roccit]

Love the FastCap metric tape. When doing a project that’s pure measurement, I always go metric :)

[@qapla]

Thanks for this episode on the measuring tape. Most of those features I was aware of, but it made for a nice review. You're right that those tapes you use do not cost any more than the ones sold in the big box stores - I may have to see about getting some.

[@markc5593]

My brother bought me a left handed tape, I'm right handed by the way, absolutely love it.

[@pallen9044]

Though not as common as imperial or metric, there is also engineers scale. It divides a Foot into tenths, hundredths and thousands making for much easier calculations. It took a little practice but once I got the hang of it I much prefer it over imperial. Thanks for the great video!

[@peterbarlow8912]

I have a folding rule that has ft/in- ft/in on one side and ft. in tenths and hundredths on the other. It’s probably handy for measuring cubic ft.

[@REAL-ESTATE-WITH-PABLO-SILVA]

Loved it! I would like to add something I learned today! Figuring out the middle or half of fraction! It’s as easy as doubling the bottom number! For example: 1/4 = 1/8 something a little harder would be 5/16 = 5/32 enjoy!

[@docolemnsx]

Before I even watch the video, I have to thank you for bringing this up. And for going back to a basic instrument that we all have to use before any other! Because only a couple days ago I forgot to make full use of one of these tools before I mounted a thing I had spent that entire day to make, to a wall. Just a couple cm off center 🤪 PS: glad I watched all the way through! 🤘

[@glyndevonport7802]

Hi from the UK. I picked up a couple of tips from you. The main tape that I use is a brand called Magnusson. It already has two magnets set into the main tab along with a second narrower tab pointing upwards. the scale is metric and imperial and is printed on both sides of the tape, imperial is marked in inches, ie. 25,26,27, as well as ft and in. The lock is automatic and has to be held for retraction.

[@marcobucci]

Ha! Great tips. That 3-4-5 trick is excellent.

[@3henry214]

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.... I'm 69 years old and I've been major league taught... thank you James. I wish I knew some of these tricks years ago.

[@johnm7469]

A tape measure is like a light saber when you use it!

[@michaelmaynard1640]

I have the Lefty/Righty Measuring tape and it is my goto. I love it!

[@kristoferbrown8007]

Excellent idea for a video man. This is the sort of thing that today's weekend warriors would not be aware of. I know I didn't know half of them. Thank you!

[@eodeberhard1066]

You can turn any tape into a story tape by just putting a piece of blue tape on the blade for the project you’re working on. Then imstead of using estimated measurements based on the parallax of your eyes, you are making and using precision marks. Once your done you don’t have to use chemicals or elbow grease to clean your blade, you just peel off the blue tape…good as new.

[@DragonHeart5150]

Good advice.

[@markbernier8434]

You missed my favourite. It has numbers on the back of the tape so you can extend it above you, perhaps to center some lamps.