If you have some tape measures in your toolbox that differs by manufacturer as well as by length, that can mean major trouble for you if you try and use multiple specific measuring tape on any given tasks. The markings on tape measures tend to differ from one manufacturer and another just like the accuracy of the markings on them. Like fingerprints, no two are ever exactly alike. Therefore tip #1 is, and this is one of the most significant, use the same tape measures throughout a project. You never want to switch horses in the course of a stream and you never want to switch measuring tapes in the middle of a task.

As opposed to what lots of people believe, that little metal tab on the end of the metal tape ought to slide back and forth. Many people believe that this movement is a hint of poor construction but it is the sign of correct design and production. In the event the metal hook did not slide on the tape, either your inside measurements or your outside measurements would be incorrect. Thus, rule #2; do not change the tape to keep the hook from moving. Reduce the chance of error when marking a work piece by turning your tape on edge. Tape measures are normally cupped, so there is a margin for error if you don't twist the tape so the edge presses against the work piece. Tip number 3; place the tape measures so there is no gap between the markings on the tape as well as the surface to be marked.

You could use tape measures to divide a work piece equally without measuring. Tip number four; place the measuring tapes at an angle across the work piece with the 0 aligned with one edge and the other number which divides equally by the number of pieces you want to separate the piece into. For instance if you have a workplace that's 1 ½" wide into two pieces, align the 0" and 2" markings with the edges and then scribe a mark at the 1" mark. It's perfect division each time. Similarly, if you wished to divide the piece into three equal pieces, align the 0" and 6" mark then scribe marks at the 2" and 4" marks.

Tip number five, whenever you can, cut to fit and not to size. Never cut out all the pieces to any project using the dimensions given on a cutting list since the actual dimensions that you need may vary because of slight difference in dimensional lumber that you're utilizing. For instance, if you're making a cabinet, always take the inside measurements with a recognized accurate tape before cutting the shelves to length.

Tip number six for using tape measures, make 2 steps for exact inside tape measurements. The stiff metal tape will never fit firmly against an inside corner, so take the measurements in two steps. First, butt the metal hook tightly against one corner and then put a mark of an inch or 2 from the other corner. Then butt the metal hook against that particular corner and then measure out to the first mark, adding those two measurements together to get the exact inside dimensions.