Construction Tips- Tape Measure edition

This is a tape measure tip to help you out on the job site when your having trouble subtracting fractions. Even the most seasoned of workers get brain fog so it’s always nice to have a back up plan.

[@Divo889]

Thank god for the metric system!

[@thomasking1149]

🤦🏼 yes thank God

[@johnny2tone1]

Literally came here looking for this comment.

[@BillEddie]

Honestly.....

[@ajcastillo9097]

God bless Merica

[@spencerkrake11]

USA USA USA

[@gavett]

I have a specific math disability so this is a cool tip for me to expedite math. I'm 5 years into DIY building, renovating,and plumbing, etc with some beautiful projects. Those of you who don't appreciate the tip for any of your judgemental reasons, save your negativity and criticism to ruin someone else's day. Why stop here to say anything nasty at all .. like making sweeping generalized derogatory statements about the entire population of any given country.

[@chaslaspata5385]

You just made it WAY more complicated than it has to be man….

[@jamesalexander8368]

And throw away the idiot tape

[@simonsays5979]

agreed

[@Weldemall2]

If you can't get what hes doing you should never try working in the trades.

[@disco4535]

Lol this is insanely simple

[@chaslaspata5385]

@@Weldemall2 I was a Union electrician for 20 years and had my own business for 10. Reading a tape isn’t that difficult. That is what I’m trying to say. If it’s 16 and 7/32 it’s 16 and 7/32. No need for any other formulas or adding and subtracting. Just do what it says.

[@LongIslandHobbyist]

Never thought I'd see someone make math more complicated with a tape.

[@2LuvCris]

This isn’t complicated at all lol but many should get to a point where they can do it in their head

[@corrikdonnelly1066]

As a Canadian carpenter that uses metric for everything, I got to say the imperial tape measure is a lot easier to use in construction and is what most contractors and companies use

[@planespeaking]

I broke my tape measure using this tip, then went and got a metric one so now I can just do the math in my head.

[@Eric_A_L]

Did you think admitting you are stupid online was some sort of brag?😂😂

[@bobbyabrahm3506]

​@@Eric_A_L yeah fractions can be pretty damn hard!!

[@trevorrodrigues41]

Nope loo​@@bobbyabrahm3506

[@BV4551Pl]

@@Eric_A_Lor its the american dumbass inches system bullshit…

[@itscrayze1380]

As a trim carpenter I deal with an abundant amount of numbers everyday, not afraid to admit math was my favorite subject but I never fully understood fractions. I’m a lot better now but this tip will definitely speed thing up. GREAT TIP 👍🏼

[@Sweeneyboy78]

I’ve been a contractor for 10 years, you think you’ve seen it all but you can learn new tips/tricks daily if you are willing to listen. Great tip brother!

[@rossmarzano]

If you fold it back on itself even more times, you can damage it enough to throw it in the bin and get a metric tape.

[@geoffhaylock6848]

LMAO

[@andreyangere3076]

Lol Milwaukee tapes are lifetime warranty. I get a new one every week.

[@stevehamman4465]

I'm to fuuuuuu old to learn the metric system! Fuuuuuuu!

[@kjellrogerjgensen60]

​@@stevehamman4465 If you can count to ten, you are ready to use the metric system. No aproximately thinking.

[@kjellrogerjgensen60]

You can do the same on metric tape to, no hokus pokus.

[@Velmari_]

I kinda like this that you have to do some obscure stuff to do even the simplest measurements. Compared to metric system that's so easy you don't have to even think about it.

[@brandanbutler8789]

This is great! Some people seem to think it’s over complicated, but that just shows how diverse people’s ways of thinking are. Interesting!

[@johnvatistas6569]

Thank God finally someone understands a viewer new to woodworking who is ADHD and dyslexic. Thank you!

[@TheRealChrisHansen]

Even if you're not having trouble it's a quick way to double-check

[@ODMonkey]

It’s not quicker it’s slower

[@TheRealChrisHansen]

What's a faster way to double check then?

[@landscapingspecialist]

Yeah a finisher I worked with years ago showed me this method. Works well. I actually forgot about it. Nice worthwhile vid 💪🏻💪🏻

[@bossmajor317]

If your having trouble reading your tape, simply fold it in half or wrap it up in a ball and toss it in the trash...

[@ethanjack4298]

Bro reverse engineered a slide rule (without the logarithms) and that's awesome.

[@giffy8924]

Lol

[@mindless7577]

Clever trick Sometimes near the end of a much too long day this comes in handy👍🏻

[@kyleamos8420]

should’ve started the video with “ever struggle with common core math? yea me too”

[@viktorfruehauf2690]

So you measure the measuring tape… with the measuring tape?! GENIUS

[@Robnoxious77]

have you got all your fingers? boom, you just learned the metric system. You’re welcome.

[@LKLK343]

Folding back my tape really is one neat trick. It's metric on the backside. Great!

[@Heaven01993]

Teacher: “You’ll grow up and be a construction worker.” Construction worker knows better math than the teacher.

[@plonk_rider3510]

If only there was an easier system. Maybe one that used simple decimals instead of complicated fractions.

[@debtminer4976]

Not complicated. It's right there on the tape. No different than regular subtraction. His ''pro tip'' makes it seem more complicated than it really is.

[@cm5891]

@@debtminer4976correct. Metric system can get fucked. Just learn how to do math in your head. Learned when I was about 10. It’s not that hard. It’s only 16ths. Anything in between is a 32. If you can’t work with 32, I sort of pity you. I know a cabinet guy that works with metric tape, but it’s only helpful for precise doors. It’s not helpful for framing or anything.

[@Henry-kv7zl]

​@Naenae Boy I mean he's right in this context lol

[@mattjns]

@@cm5891 “metric can get fucked, it only works for precise doors, not framing”. Wow, dude. Wow. 😂

[@cm5891]

@@mattjns you like?

[@cloudunder1546]

Good tip ! Easy to subtract and is intuitive.

[@davidhopkins6001]

Or just read your tape measure and do math like we all do

[@randybobandy9828]

He said if your having trouble doing math.. derp

[@jimbutke]

@@randybobandy9828if you’re having trouble doing math, you shouldn’t own a tape measure derp

[@hubbynugget7897]

​@@jimbutke on a 13 hour shift math gets pretty hard derp

[@patrickomann3580]

​@Randy Bobandy what a qweer pinecone you are they

[@pasgas12safe58]

He's probably having trouble with his building work too....but that's a different video!😀

[@michaelstewart9308]

Americans will do literally anything to avoid using the metric system

[@spencerkrake11]

USA USA USA

[@randybobandy9828]

Lmao.. it's not as simple as "let's just start using the metric system" since things are so ingrained in imperial units. It has its advantages though.

[@mattjns]

@@randybobandy9828 Did you know that the USA actually is metric? The US took it on board in the 70’s but in a typically ‘Murican way, they said FUCK THAT, WE’RE NOT DOIN IT!! 😂

[@randybobandy9828]

@mattjns not really, it's not something that can be changed easily. It's far more than just trying to have people use it.

[@mattjns]

@@randybobandy9828 All countries were imperial, everyone converted, all of us. Although nearly 250 years old, most countries converted over the last 50+ years. So I’m not really sure of your point there. Basically every country except the US did. I’m almost certain (without an ounce of research) 👈🏼(I just used imperial dammit) it was a red & blue state issue. The USA seems to have waaaay too many states to structure or even agree upon this type of rollout. Could you imagine?!? It’d be a different measurement system dependant on what state border you crossed. 😂 I completely understand why you guys (I assume you’re from the US) didn’t adapt it. Makes sense.

[@thefinalkayakboss]

I quiz my helpers with fractions on the way to and from the jobsite. Sometimes i throw in improper fractions. I am the worst.

[@NQTOD]

Any helper that has worked with in 22 years has been quizzed…!!! I teach them the fuck the half method (I posted it in the comments) After about a week or two of practice I start quizzing the shit out of them at random times I’ll catch em 10 minutes before break and ask them what half of 97-5/8 is and if they answer quickly and right I send em to break early

[@jeffreywolf5235]

I have a tape measure I've had for 2-3 decades very light duty, I only use it in special occasions and it has on the bottom the half marks of everything on top so you go to the number on top 12 foot 7 inch 3/32nds you go to the bottom number where that lines up and that's exactly halfway down the point where you want to be. I have not seen one since or before the one I got it came from rockweiler in San Diego. That place is great

[@benjamincorbin887]

I know we have to be different, but seriously, the metric system is the way to go. No fractions involved

[@LowJSamuel]

Fractions are more workable than decimal once you learn how to use them.

[@Pmarmagne]

​@@LowJSamuel how??? Everything is by ten in the metric system. It just doesn't get any easier than that

[@LowJSamuel]

@@Pmarmagne Fractions are easier to divide by 2 over and over again, as is common in construction and carpentry. You just double the denominator. Moreover, the imperial system is based loosely on 12, instead of 10, which is easier to divide by four and three. Basing on 10 makes it easier to divide by 5, sure, but what is more common in the trades, dividing into quarters and thirds or dividing into fifths? And one of the bigger advantages yet is the ease of reading a tape measure. Once you're used to it, getting a precise measurement on a typical 1/16" or even 1/32" tape measure is extremely quick and easy because everything is actually divided into 2s. Whereas on a metric measure, everything is divided into 5s (10 ticks, with the 5th one longer). An imperial measure varies the lengths of its ticks more regularly because it is so divisible. I've had this discussion a lot with people, and the usual response I get after explaining this is "you're just used to the imperial system and are making up justifications." So let's get this out of the way now: I use both the metric system and the imperial system regularly. I am used to both of them. Obviously, I can do any task using either system, but each system clearly has advantages at different things. I hate drawing in CAD using imperial. But I hate doing woodworking with metric. I hate doing calculations on paper with imperial. I hate doing quick, common, simple mental calculations (division) and applying the result with metric. The problem with the imperial system is that most people aren't actually privy to its advantages, because they don't care to learn. Most Americans even hate it because they don't understand the advantages to fractions, because it's honestly not taught well. Especially since schooling doesn't train for trades, which is where imperial shines if you understand it. But I will say that I know many expert carpenters in Europe who go out of their way to still use imperial because of the advantages I showed.

[@Pmarmagne]

@@LowJSamuel okay, that's the best explanation I got so far and it makes sense. I'm just use to the ease of adding/substracting and rounding to the nearest decimal. I've been taking measurement for the crown moulding in our kitchen and since I moved to the US I figured I'll do it using the imperial system. It makes me miss the metric system to be honest. Another problem that I have in this country is the bolt and nuts. I was looking for a nut and ended up going back and forth to an Ace Hardware shop because I completely forgot there was 2 units of measurement... Smh

[@LowJSamuel]

@@Pmarmagne Yea, having two systems is annoying. America uses both, which is annoying. And it's annoying when I'm making a project and have to pick one, even when I'm doing different tasks on the project that would benefit from the other system (for example, drawing on cad, then building it in person. I would prefer metric with cad then imperial with the building, but I have to pick one or the other for the whole thing). I will add that to see the advantages of imperial, you not only need to be used to it, you also have to really understand it, which most Americans honestly don't. Which is why even so many Americans who grew up with imperial think metric is better.

[@lidlett9883]

If you can't add and subtract fractions. Take your tape measure a your tool belt in your left hand. Then with a fast strong swinging motion. Rotate the tape tools and bags over your right shoulder letting go when your arm crosses your chest. Then walk to your car and drive off the job site and never ever return.

[@ronalddavis4330]

Hes gotta use his tape woth the fractions already on it hahaha

[@bearpathgatehouse2943]

With*

[@joshpro3816]

Wow. I did all of that math in my head listening to you speak. Once I looked at the video, I got all messed up. Unreal.

[@Toddfather788]

I'm glad Iearned this trick that Tells me 22 1/4 - 2 1/4 is 20! Here I was counting the big and little ticks 🤣

[@Johnny-es1wl]

Amazes me how many carpenters can't use a tape.

[@torrycole6477]

Just mark it on a piece of lumber if it’s that hard for you or to double check yourself

[@garyalanretouch]

millimetres, centimetres, meters, kilometres, all divisible by 10, could not be any easier. Good luck with your fractions haha

[@brasshouse9822]

Does y’all tape measure have mm on it?

[@ericjennings2508]

Fractions are easy if you pay attention in school and have more than 7 viable brain cells...Metric is easier and would prefer it myself, but where I live, you have to actually have to know math, not just how to move a decimal point.

[@samuelsj99]

​@@brasshouse9822 yes

[@hape3862]

@@ericjennings2508 So, you are saying that the guy in the video and the people who find his tip useful (all of them being Americans, mind you!) all do have less than 7 viable brain cells? - I have no objection.

[@davidthomas9165]

​@@brasshouse9822 umm. Yeah. Yeah they do. Our tape measures normally have metric and imperial on them as well, just to be sure 😂

[@garrettchurch604]

Got that beginner tape measure.

[@CaleCoast]

People being negative in comments. This works and nobody will do this forever. We all get better at math with practice. Cheers!

[@chiefshepherd3420]

Also take the last 2 digests of your birth year, then line up the year. So say you were born 1990 just find (19)90in and across from it will be the year (20)23in and then look at the fold back, the bend in the tape gives you your age fun trick when rocking beers on break

[@robertg9334]

Yes but not all tape measures have all the extra fractional part on them

[@sonofman8262]

Most tape measure 3" for inside measurement if it has rubber you can use it as a eraser if some thing like a rope far out extend your tape use the hook to catch it bring it towards you. When you trying to mark a scribe run your finger on the tape should stay in place to get a accurate scribe

[@cpu_1292]

the metric system is awesome

[@paradox963]

Better option, get a metric tape measure.

[@IAMJAKETRIMBLE]

Even better, get a dual-scale tape measure. We used them all the time at one of my old jobs where most of our work was US Government work (Inches), and the rest was work for a Belgian company (metric). It really helps you get comfortable with metric if you’ve been stuck on standard your whole life. You can look at your common American measurement, then look directly above that to see what it would be in metric. Sooner than later you will know all of your standard American measurements in metric.

[@Shadownail26]

​@@IAMJAKETRIMBLE any brands you recommend for the dual scale?

[@g.wes.3906]

​@@Shadownail26 fastcap pms, got mine on Amazon. I got the flat one for woodworking, it doesn't stick out but in don't need to tilt it when marking. Metric is so much better for quick math. Then you realize your sheet goods are metric, 1/4 inch ply is closer to 5mm, 1/2 inch is 12mm.

[@Shadownail26]

@@g.wes.3906 Metrics are hard for me but only because I haven't gone around to practicing it yet. Thank you for the insight and recommendation friend 👍

[@g.wes.3906]

@@Shadownail26 just get the tape measure and try it, you can still estimate in feet and inches but measure in cm(10),mm(100). So your 2x4(1 1/2 x 3 1/2) is 38mm x 89mm. If you can count to 10 you will be fine.

[@TN_vigilance]

The easy read tape measure says enough about this video

[@baltigra]

Dope. That's real dope.

[@JoeGerossie]

Same trick works trying to divide a random number in half. Put the end of the tape on the number and the tape will be bent on the center!

[@davidm5804]

It's a pretty damn good way of doing that 👍

[@davidm5804]

Sorry about that! I didn't mean nothing by it but I wil try to follow the rules and guidelines 😕

[@73honda350]

Or switch to metric. BTW, I'm American, but if a decimalized monetary system makes sense then so does a measurement system.

[@patrickomann3580]

If you can't read a tape, you're in the wrong profession.

[@hannahmay5461]

Subtracting fractions has nothing to do with being able to read a tape

[@patrickomann3580]

@Hannah May as the OP posts a video with the only device used being a tape, that he reads. Ok

[@ODMonkey]

Lol for Fr

[@BlueHeron598]

The Milwaukee tape measures have a lot of play on the tips.

[@3dwezzy740]

thanks man you explained it but much harder 😂

[@dflur]

You exercise your brain just a little with fractions. After a while, it is second nature and takes very little thought. I have worked with metric some. Mostly tool sizes. Pretty simple. I have done very little measuring since most all of my measuring tools are standard.

[@timberwolf88]

Americans will literally use anything but the metric system 😂

[@mikeg3950]

What else is there??

[@dickbutt7854]

​@@mikeg3950 the metric system, which is way more user friendly

[@benlivengoodjr8314]

Hey that is a cool tape measure just like the one I got for my Wife because she couldn't or wouldn't learn how to read my Tape Measure

[@reallybadhabits6610]

Don’t listen to that guy at the top of the comments, whatever works works man 👍🏼

[@richardcurtis2688]

Wow! That was harder than just doing math.

[@rickyspanish9625]

With a Milwaukee tape you can only do that a few times before it snaps on ya lmao

[@Benjamin_idkidc]

Good job man, it’s simple and fast

[@krob777]

I got that same information from the essential Carpenter five years ago!

[@sicilianr1]

Ahhh that’s what the kids are doing. 🤣😂 common core construction

[@Pmarmagne]

It amazes me that American houses are built straight when everything is measured in football fields and gallons of freedom

[@jpcc815]

Wow I actually learned something amazing!!

[@stuartmurdoch9187]

Jesus christ you guys make it hard 😂

[@Spodokamono]

I guess thats why they charge so much, 10 minutes cutting the wood but 3 hours to figure it out what length to cut. 😊

[@jwvdplas8820]

Metric is your solution

[@senerio100]

Good going now I’m more confused now 😂😂

[@rowanclare7093]

Imagine there was another way, kind of like smaller 16th inches, then goes up by 10's. That would be the dream

[@autumn5592]

The little 10s or the big ones?

[@Masonmartin32]

So that's why my door doesn't close right...

[@BryanL1982]

That's a cute tape those are really good for people that don't know what the fuck they're doing

[@stephentucker5406]

I have been teaching this trick to ever apprentice of mine for they last 30 years

[@markbates2059]

I didn't know that but I no where it's folded the half of the measurement to find center

[@loyalmortals2634]

Great pointer man gonna use this next chance I get

[@justtosaythis2087]

Everyone talking about the metric system. Swapping isn't that simple our whole standardized construction system has been created around SAE measurements. Precut studs, door openings, windows, dimensions of our sheeting, stud spacing. Literally everything. Yes you can use the metric measurements but they aren't going to be even nor when to take into account of material dimensions for a finished product you'll end up with odd numbers. Simplest example .5 inch. Is standard for 99% of sheeting. In metric it's 12.7mm. It doesn't even come out even. Where as SAE it does. You literally would have to scrap our whole entire standards system just because a few people aren't smart enough to figure out fractions.

[@unnecessarywisdoms]

Have a easier for you 50cm dividend by 2, thats 25 dang, weird how simple some stuff can be….

[@Johnsmith-nr5qz]

50 inches divided by two, thats 25 damn so hard

[@unnecessarywisdoms]

@@Johnsmith-nr5qz now now how much is 3/4 + 1/8 + 5/6th of an inch

[@mattjns]

@@Johnsmith-nr5qz😂Christ you missed the point.

[@crazymuffinstv9024]

@@unnecessarywisdoms you wouldn’t use a 6th in a measurement 99% of the time. Tape measures read 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16. So if we did 3/4 + 1/8 + 5/16 you would just make them all in 16ths and add together. Which is 1 3/16”, pretty easy.

[@nathanbowersox1234]

Fraction’s are pretty simple also, unless you’re the guy throwing out a sixth of an inch. He must be an engineer.

[@boxmfg]

Thank you very helpful.

[@qorpraltv5276]

The only tip you should use about this is quick division. Fold it back on its self like shown but the number in the crest of the bend is exactly half the number you lined the end of your tape up with.

[@gregmurphy4231]

To get exactly half of fraction you just double the denominator

[@rondamylove9995]

This is brilliant!!💕💕

[@JesusGonzalez-vq4gs]

I saw a foreman snatch a tape like this from an apprentice and throw it away... proceeds to tell him to get a real tape measure

[@anond2015]

That's just dumb gatekeeping. Should take the AC out of his truck and the nail gun out of his box. Give him a hammer and a palm leaf. Do it like a real man! 🙄

[@relaxsleeplearn]

This is brilliant! 👍

[@rfmsr2]

if you can't subtract fraction, then you need a new job. I think in the field of, "Would like fries with that"

[@trystanbooth3816]

this is why i prefer metric with certain things

[@skipradcliff]

Metric: Hi ~ Metric has left the chat room ~ Metric has entered the chat room Metric: Hi

[@notsofast5495]

I don’t get it. The marks are on the tape measure. Even if you don’t know fractions, just count the marks.

[@chaslaspata5385]

If you can subtract the 1/4” or the 7/8” why not just make the mark at what it says instead of doing all this subtraction and adding back?

[@mariopllumbi3748]

I am 2 washing machines tall and 257 New York rats heavy 🙋🏻😎

[@txmade4371]

You made this a lot harder than it is. 😅

[@dantedanis]

I got myself one of metric and am pain free 😅

[@richardbrown2498]

Half of 1/2=1/4 half that is1/8=1/16etc. Ppl overthink it half 3/16=3/32, 5/8=5/16etc, it is a system, learn the system and u can go 1k of in with ease. If u need to add them do that first, then reduce as above.

[@scoobertdooberson3542]

Learned this math in second grade!!Simple math , dude!!

[@abdulgaffoorsungay5415]

If only there was a system that didn't rely on the measurement of Henry the first foot. A system that can make subtraction of fractions easier. A system that is so universal it can be used anywhere and even children understand. Wait.... Metric system walks in. Mic drops.

[@brasshouse9822]

Yeah that’s all good and all but we still don’t like it

[@ale-dk8lf]

​@@brasshouse9822 why don't you?

[@brasshouse9822]

@@ale-dk8lf base 12 system is easier than a base 10 system in actual use

[@anonymousviewer6721]

its okay bro if you cant do fractions😂

[@mattjns]

@@brasshouse9822No bro. No.

[@ajbemrose8259]

If you’re having trouble subtracting fractions then go back to third grade until you get it. Should be second nature by now as well if you’ve been in a trade for more than a couple of months

[@howardcraigiv518]

that would be what we call a dummy tapes on the jobsite

[@JohnSmith-il4wi]

Common denomi--- dom de dom de dominator-dominator. (90's house music if you don't know)

[@MultiTasker888]

Damn never thought of this. Idk why we don't just go to the Metric system as if everything we buy comes with metric hardware nowadays

[@mattjns]

Christ, If only there was, I dunno, let’s call it a “system” that worked better than this. Now THAT’D be neat. 🤔

[@Grimsaviour]

Forget all the negative comments this is a cool trick! Why think and do math at all when you can turn on auto pilot?! GG

[@richarddangles69]

When u smoke too much b4 work... if u can't do math they always need someone to sweep up after the electricians

[@NQTOD]

Not because anyone sucks at math but because electricians LEAVE THEIR GOD DAMN SHIT EVERYWHERE…. Whew I feel better now

[@mariadejesusr]

Nice, never heard of this trick but will definitely use it next time.

[@ogt92fromthe1step9]

Congrats you made a flexible vernier scale 👌

[@leonidaseguiluz]

How about using a standard that makes some sense like metric

[@ashtonsmith4443]

Also half.of 3/4 is 3/8 and half of 3/8 is 3/16 and half of 3/16 is 3/32 Its true Half of 7/8 is 7/16.. half of 3/8 is 3/16 Half of 5/8 is 5/16 and so on Comes in handy once or twice a year