6 New Measuring Tips for the DIY'er

If you've seen all the other KZbin videos on measuring then this will be different. 6 new tips to make your life easier, cut more accurately and save time as well.
Amazon links to the equipment used in this video...
UK Links:
► Stanley Tape Measure: amzn.to/3lw8joJ
► Vice Versa Tape Measure: amzn.to/2WTTBgR
US Links:
► Stanley Tape Measure: amzn.to/3luZmvU
► Vice Versa Tape Measure: amzn.to/3fB05YG
The Amazon links above are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything to click on them but I do earn a small commission if you do. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@robinbiberger7805]

You are my favorite DIY Man I like watching on KZbin that is you PROPER DIY (Stuart Matthew’s) is the best 😀👍

[@dan080467]

Ha! An old contractor in the 80's taught me that last one too. A wise 'hand' he was. Brilliant.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Once you know it seems obvious to do

[@anneparker5378]

Well just found out the distance between my thumb and index finger is 6ins ( I'm only 5ft and petite!). As well as for DIY that will come in handy in my quilting and patchwork hobby, as well as for my gardening hobby when planting bulbs!! Thanks!

[@andythompson554]

WoW! The first two and a half minutes I've learnt more about a tape measure that I have in a lifetime! Great!!!

[@dirkdingle7926]

Super I’m the person walking around the shop with a tape measure going into the garage now to measure me hand 👍

[@johnm3413]

Great video. . The ‘creeping cuts’ tip for using the mitre saw is gold. As a new mitre saw owner I’ve struggled to get accurate cuts. Cheers for that tip,

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PrinceBarin77]

This tip really helped me fit my skirting more accurately 👍

[@waseemkhaliq933]

Great tips especially measuring with your hands and the mitre saw tip

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnrhodes3350]

That last tip was really handy

[@stevejeffery4951]

I bought my first house in 1985 and I’ve been a keen DIYer ever since. If only I could have seen this back then, I’m fairly sure I would have produced a lot les fire wood. All the tips are winners, but knowing the size of your hand is genius. Thank you. PS. Right thumb to ring finger…. 8” 😉

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one! I'm glad I've been useful

[@Gerry2210]

Some new and very useful tips there Stuart, thanks.

[@peteryates308]

Really useful tips, thank you. Describing the final tip as "really handy" made me laugh out loud too!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@john6203]

Another great video. The mitre saw tip is ace. Thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@suhasbuddhisagar5798]

Respected : Very very good for those who are accuracy conscious. Regards

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Stuart. As a DIYer of over 40 years experience I'm always amazed by how much you know and how little I know ! Always learns loads from your videos. Keep 'em coming please. Huge thanks for sharing.

[@ProperDIY]

Many thanks - we are all still learning!

[@herbertsimmelink8414]

Wonderful tips, thank you very much Sir. You are a PRO!!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@bogsdolics]

Hi Stuart great video , my dad always said measure twice cut once then force it to fit , keep up the good work ,G.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@gillianbc]

Absolute gold. One of your best videos yet. Keep them coming.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks, will do!

[@nathanwilson9945]

Gonna take a few tips from this one. Good video 😁

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was useful

[@laikatravels]

Great tip with hand measure 👍

[@MrSmid888]

All your tips are absolutely bob on. I cut 370 pieces of ply at 800mm by the time this video ended. 🤣 Times money “Really handy” 🖐🏻

[@nazimmamodbhai8008]

Hello I seen your DIY videos and it’s awesome .

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@BhindiBhaji888]

Final tip was brilliant

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@johnstarkie9948]

What you’ve demonstrated is that precision is often more important than accuracy.

[@Daijonism]

What fantastic information. Thing i didn't know. Thank you.

[@kiwifruitpoo]

I never regret watching your videos as I always learn something new. Could you do a video on tuning up a mitre saw for super accurate cuts please.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Yes - will do soon

[@mac243877]

Having just retired last year I’m reinventing myself as a diy woodworker your channel is great so many tips and well explained video’s, great stuff many thanks

[@ProperDIY]

Nice one - I'm glad you're enjoying it.

[@ryanmmale79]

This is amazing I’m trying to cut alcove shelves where the walls aren’t even straight and it’s my first project

[@popperwellb6634]

Love the last tip. I can honestly say I have never come across that one before! 👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad to bring you something new

[@buonafortuna8928]

Thanks Stuart. All great stuff but I have the same feeling I had when I saw a video of a guy showing how to put together a set of 58 webbing.

[@Russ1007]

Brilliant knowledge Stuart 👏

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@nigeltoon1848]

Every day’s a school day. Some neat stuff there, thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you

[@felixreali7101]

so so so handy. thanks again for sharing.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Lord-Panda2112]

I'm hooked and now have a Friday alarm to check for new videos!! Love it.

[@ProperDIY]

You really are putting the pressure on me now!

[@colinbleach9390]

Another fab video ... thanks for the superb tips

[@ProperDIY]

No problem

[@normancoutts]

Very entertaining and helpful. Your channel’s success is very well deserved.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you so much 😊

[@paulrafter6715]

I’m 65 years old, and every day I’m realising how much I don’t know 😳 Thanks for the advice and ‘great’ tips from a new subscriber 🇦🇺

[@ProperDIY]

Welcome aboard

[@literyAZ09]

Awesome tips, thank you very much 😍

[@kelleysimonds5945]

Excellent tips, i subbed because of it. Thanks.

[@bartoncessna1]

I can't believe this. I've just watched a video about tape measures, and thoroughly enjoyed it! Stuart, you're a genius!!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonb8241]

Great set of Tips 👍

[@PabloLAlmodovar-lg6sg]

Thank you , outstanding!

[@rob_in_stowmarket_uk]

Having found myself without a tape when needing to measure something in a DIY Store I merely nip round to the ‘tape measure department’ and ‘borrow’ one - replacing it when I’ve finished… Works every time!👍

[@michaelevans1658]

As someone who used to hold a staff for a engineer ( those were the days ) I like the tip for a tape measure staff .

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. I used to be the engineer!

[@andykg73]

Great tips, I showed my missus the last one about measuring with a body part, she still doesn't believe it was 8 inches...😂

[@joline2730]

Difficult in B+Q !!!

[@coachBux]

as a DIYer i struggle using measuring tapes - esp the ends of the tapes where they become bent - anyhow great vid and tips - esp the last one - Dads genius tips..nothing better! Thanks

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timmcgill284]

Great video. Really added value to my DIY. Thank you Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it helped

[@Simon-kh2dd]

Great tips, thanks! Especially the mitre saw one.

[@wairarapahandyman]

I’ve done all these tips for my entire career, put never realised I did until I saw this. I must have been taught them in my early years and they’ve become a natural action. So cool to be reminded why we do what we do. Top tips and very well presented.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much

[@TomCornell1]

Every time I hear your intro jingle it just makes me smile!

[@ProperDIY]

Me too - and I hear it quite a lot!

[@barrywall3333]

That last tip 👍🏻I'll be using that!!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anonimushbosh]

Great tips but when assessing where to cut in relation to the pencil line I'd add another mark because if I can forget anything in the time it'll take to cut it... it'll be which side to cut it.

[@KenJones1961]

Nice! I used to work in an industry where I used grease pencils. Of course, with a wide mark, you can't get an accurate measurement unless you start marking short and "color" up to the measurement. Then a tic on the keep side for which side is the measurement. Same concept as you used on the example with the sharpie, but I use it everywhere. Then it doesn't matter how wide your marker is as you're referencing the edge of the mark.

[@ProperDIY]

Great point!

[@Brooklyn-bn5go]

Very informative video Stuart, I would like to add when working with another person, it is important that you compare tapes. I worked in a small custom cabinet shop, we would check our tapes often.

[@ProperDIY]

Great point! Sounds strange to some but worth the 30 second to do it

[@monteglover4133]

Great tips TKS I wish the US would catch up with the rest of the world

[@ProperDIY]

I've worked in the industry with lots from the US and all are used to working in metric so I think it's more the homeowners that are sticking to the old system. However, more and more I do hear m/mm being mentioned on US KZbin videos so maybe gradually happening.

[@awantamta]

Absolutely brilliant. Some great tips from an engineer.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you think so!

[@granitebhoy830]

What a guy! Great tips. Keep them coming 👍

[@m4ckm4n59]

Learned more again!! top vids

[@raymondtse1]

Thank you, this is really helpful.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gordi40]

Great as usual. just off to measure my hand

[@JohnHavord]

Fantastic tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@coppermine64]

Great video Stuart. Especially the tip for sub base gauge marking.

[@ProperDIY]

No problem

[@lalitmorjaria1548]

Stuart your tips and explanations are really useful and was not aware of quite a few of them and as an amature diy very helpful.Love your vlogs.👌👍

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like them

[@paulp96275]

Thanks Stuart great tips will be using one tape per job in future 👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@ProperDIY]

No problem 👍

[@rugs108]

Great tips. Thanks

[@ProperDIY]

No problem!

[@jimlad01]

Clear, concise and well demonstrated without music. Measuring internal spaces with a couple of sticks taped together also a good method as no need to creep up with the cut. 'Story sticks' in general really useful, but covered elsewhere. Hultafors Talmeter is the one tape measure that stands apart from the others - for me at least. Thanks Stuart.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ianpegge9967]

Hi Stuart Two things I'd add. You mentioned that trimming a board with a plane is awkward. However you can quickly knock up a shooting board to use with your plane which makes it easy and quick. The other is if you don't have an old tape to use on your staff, self adhesive tapes are cheaply available on EBay etc. Thanks for a great channel. Ian

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks. Good points!

[@SteifWood]

@@ProperDIY Even IKEA has those paper measuring thingis hanging around everywhere. Maybe they are accurate enough??

[@ProperDIY]

@@SteifWood Class 3 I would guess!

[@craigsinclair1560]

Some great tips there Stuart. As a new subscriber I love to watch your videos. Keep the great information and tips coming.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks and welcome

[@karamathussain406]

Thanks for the tips. Really appreciate it. The hand measure theme we use also as Asians. We callnit a GEET. the rest of the tips were useful. Please keep them coming as experience is a valuable source and very much appreciated. Kimd Regards Karamat Hussain

[@ianoliver3879]

By heck. Great stuff. As ever. Thank you from Singapore.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks for watching! I used to live in Singapore - ECP!

[@riffraff8426]

Measure twice and cut once. With the tape measure as a cabinet maker, I would ensure guys I was training knew how to calibrate the end of the tape for exact internal and external measurements. I enjoyed this video mate.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@johnpersonage7220]

Some good tips there Stuart. Despite knowing how to use measures myself and working in engineering for a while, I once managed to measure a shed 10cm longer than the concrete base I'd had laid out in my back garden. Thankfully the shed guys were great and they lopped 10cm off both sides enabling the back wall of the shed to come in and the roof now overhangs a wee bit. I was so embarrassed but we had a good laugh about it.

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks! It's easily done

[@DineshPatel-lq9cb]

Great learning tips always learning from you thank you 🙏

[@ProperDIY]

My pleasure!

[@grotekleum]

I have 20 degrees C on my tape too. Really useful tips, thanks for sharing them - my favs being the perpendicular ruler tip - I would never have thought of that - and the other I should have thought of being the difference between the saw blade thickness and the tungsten tip. Great stuff.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@R-11034]

Another really useful set of tips. After watching I checked all of my tapes against each other by measuring a straight piece of timber and comparing - two gave exactly the same measurement but the others were out - one 5mm longer because the slider had been bent inwards at some point! I have now tweaked them all to give exactly the same measurement so if I do inadvertently pick up a different one it should be ok. I’ll periodically check and reset if required.

[@andrewhodge8558]

One thing to mention is to check the zero of the tape. Sometimes the hook part can be loose by a couple of mm. As land surveyors we were always taught to measure the sides of long buildings in the same direction to avoid skew measurements.

[@tullgutten]

The hook is supposed to be lose so it removes the offset of the hook if you pull vs push the tape

[@arthurrsaker8893]

Brilliantly simple, simply brilliant, and importantly, easily applicable to everyday DIY situations. I nearly like it. And when A R Saker says that, it means it must be more than merely good, it's ace. Great stuff buddy, keep em coming.

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you very much!

[@rickfarmer432]

"and remember till next time... 8 inches" 🤣🤣 👍

[@ProperDIY]

👍

[@johnchincotta1qwdb15]

Very informative video

[@dhewitt2514]

Fantastic tips, thank you 👍

[@ProperDIY]

No problem 👍

[@rosenbloom100]

A very educational video ,cheers m8

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@valborchardt3596]

Thank you dear, love your videos, always very informative and well explained…as always please stay safe

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you! You too!

[@mattmcguire1577]

Most imperial measurements are based off our bodies. Thumb width ~ 1 inch Hand width ~ 4 inches used to measure horses Foot ~ 1 foot. Also the same distance from your wrist to the inside of your elbow. (Also a cubit) Nose to outstretched end of arm ~ 1 yard. Finger tip to finger tip with arms stretched out to the sides ~ 1 fathom (This is your height too). How far an average man can run flat out or how far a horse can pull a plough before needing to rest ~ furlong. 1000 paces ~ 1 mile. What you can comfortably hold in one hand ~ 1 pound.

[@ProperDIY]

Good point - we seem to have lost that understanding

[@sereanaduwai8313]

@@ProperDIY So true, can still remember the old people measuring things without measuring tapes. Thanks.

[@nicowilson]

Another excellent video

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rodgerq]

Im quite sure navy bomb disposal divers use that last tip to inspect ordinance in low/no visibility circumstances. Another good video, the presentation is great!

[@ProperDIY]

Thank you. Really - maybe where my dad got it from

[@baltrade5637]

Incredible info's!

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you think so!

[@baltrade5637]

@@ProperDIY you're explainations are simple, straight forward and easy to comprehend,thank you!.

[@dougsaunders8109]

Good set of tips, certainly learnt a few things. The only one I would not do is mark the board in the middle, cosine errors creep in, for me mark on the edge and square across, for really accurate measurements. But each to their own, definitely not only one way of doing things 😁

[@ProperDIY]

That's fine, but maybe once marked then just check again

[@dougsaunders8109]

@@ProperDIY measure twice always

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video , thanks

[@alext8828]

Great info.

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mattc7228]

I am wanting to build a 6m x 3m pergola at some point.. do you think you will be covering a project like this?

[@ronaldperkins4222]

We were taught to use our finger measurements to accurately estimate the thickness of backfat on pork carcasses more than 50 years ago. Backfat thickness is a factor in determining the quality of the product.

[@lechiffre5078]

Thanks for another clear and insightful video. I’m off to measure my hand. 😉

[@ProperDIY]

Go for it!

[@ch2o2]

Well, the span between my thumb and forefinger varies by at least 10-15% depending on my mood and the stress I feel at work so I'll probably still have to fall back on a stress-free yardstick, I guess .) anyway, always getting pretty good tips in your videos - thx

[@harryinhuahin1272]

Sorry to be late to the party... but a very interesting and useful vlog. Thanks.

[@ProperDIY]

That's ok. Better late than never - where have you been?

[@harryinhuahin1272]

@@ProperDIY - Hiding from Covid-21. When I'm allowed out I've been looking for a plot of land on which to build another house - but everything is so slow at the moment... I just checked my tape - it says '1995', but I've never bothered to actually read this stuff... hahaha. I was taught decades ago to keep to one tape, but you explained it better. It was nice to catch up...

[@haydest]

Very handy tips as always! I'm going to check out my tape measures today and only use one per project

[@ProperDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@antonyporter5045]

nice video great tips

[@ProperDIY]

Thanks

[@minnietoby]

Great tips

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@gerrycallaghan5519]

Thank you

[@carllamb6711]

Great video as always… your last tip I do something similar I’m a size 10 in shoe which is 12 inches so if I’m without a tape measure I tend to use my feet as the measuring tape to get a rough idea of how much timber i need.

[@ProperDIY]

Great tip!

[@nigelbarratt9807]

Again, fantastic...

[@ProperDIY]

Glad you think so!

[@joehart3826]

Any comments on folding rulers - something UK doesn't use but a lot of the rest of the world does? May save you making a staff with routed ruler line

[@ProperDIY]

I must admit I haven't seen a folding ruler since I was a child and in the construction industry you will not find them as a serious measuring device - our quality systems won't allow it hence why I didn't mention it.