Comments on: FYI: Why Tape Measure Claws Move Around

By: aaron

aaron — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:37:35 +0000

you would think that there would be some standards.

did you notice variation between the new and old stanleys as well?

By: Michael W

Michael W — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:19:44 +0000

Although it might not matter to you (depending on your level of precision) many tape measures are calibrated differently. Last fall while we were building my friend’s log cabins we (three carpenters, aged from 46 -53) noticed that all five of the tapes we had on site (2 new Stanleys, an older Stanley, a Tajima and a Fastcap) were giving vastly different readings. The largest difference was over 1/4″. We all usually worked alone, where a difference like this would never be a problem, you measure - you cut, but on a site where one person measures and another cuts it made for some sloppy fits that had to be re-cut.

We solved the problem by finding the three Tapes that measured closest and tweaking the claws so they were the same.

By: Ben H

Ben H — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:01:36 +0000

I think this is a good test for people who like to “brag” about how “good” they are.

By: fred

fred — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:55:20 +0000

@ jeff says:

When I started working - over 40 years ago - I noticed that most journeyman carpenters carried folding rules . They came (still do) with extension bars at one end for taking inside measurements - no need to bend the tape and eyeball things.

Some plumbers carried their own version (also still made):

http://www.jimslimstools.com/Products/626-Lufkin—Red-End-6-ft-Plumbers-Rule__626.aspx

– and there were vesions for brick masons as well.

By: Cybergibbons

Cybergibbons — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:40:59 +0000

I’m not sure a lot of Far Eastern tapes measure designers realise this - I’ve got some cheap measures from the pound shop that move about 5mm…

By: ambush

ambush — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 08:36:39 +0000

This post epitomizes what toolmonger is all about. Delving deep into the construction of a common tool.

By: ScaryFast

ScaryFast — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:22:42 +0000

I think the claw test is a good way to judge if someone is an idiot or not no offense to anyone who didn’t figure this out as a kid the first time they picked up a tape measure and noticed that it was loose.

By: Joe C.

Joe C. — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:13:00 +0000

One more note–check the bend of the hook to make sure it does vary the right amount inside to outside, i.e., the inside and outside measurements match (and that the corners of the hook are square). Repeated catches in cracks, drops, etc. can throw it off (it would NEVER be wrong out of the box).

By: jeff

jeff — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:23:49 +0000

for really critical stuff I use a lufkin folding rule. THe other guys on the crew make fun of me but my miter cuts never require any corrections.

By: david

david — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:33:58 +0000

i thought it not made well, just because i found the claw with firmly attached. now, i learned.

By: Stan

Stan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:32:13 +0000

You have it all wrong. It’s much easier to get the claw stuck in some small crevice where it won’t come out without ruining the tape measure if it’s free to move about a little. That way they can sell more tape measures.

By: Kent

Kent — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:41:57 +0000

I was just teaching that to a fair number of people on site today. It’s one of those things that people don’t think about so they never know, like why framing hammers have a checkered face.

By: Tin Foil Soldier » Blog Archive » Why Tape Measure Claws Move Around

Tin Foil Soldier » Blog Archive » Why Tape Measure Claws Move Around — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:13:52 +0000

[...] via Toolmonger » Blog Archive » FYI: Why Tape Measure Claws Move Around. [...]

By: Pete D.

Pete D. — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:59:13 +0000

I j-b welded mine in place. My whole house is crooked.

Actually, only one of those statements is true.

By: jeffrey immer

jeffrey immer — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:18:32 +0000

i was just teaching that to someone working with me the other day, i was trying to teach them to understand what they were doing and not just hitting a nail or moving materials

By: Mike47

Mike47 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:07:32 +0000

Duhhh…

By: Barri

Barri — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:25:22 +0000

Come on guys! you cant tell me you didnt know this. I found this out the first time i ever used a tape lol

By: Esky

Esky — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:20:11 +0000

Makes perfect sense (now that I’ve read it!).