Measuring Tools

15 Jul.,2024

 

Measuring Tools

Tools That Measure Up

Photo by Francesco Mosto

As a woodworker, I&#;m obsessed with accuracy in measurements. I once froze a 25-foot steel tape measure and baked another one, to see if they&#;d still read the same. They came within a sixteenth of an inch of each other before and after, and it didn&#;t seem to matter that I&#;d shelled out $20 for one and a mere $5.95 for the other.

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The lesson here is whether it&#;s lengths, distances, diameters, or angles, you can trust modern measuring tools. The cause of mismeasurement is the person who&#;s measuring&#;you have to choose the right tool for the task and know how to use it correctly.

On the following pages, you&#;ll find what you need for basic household measuring, plus a few specialized tools for extra-big and super-small jobs. If, like me, you worry about the veracity of your measurements, you can opt for electronic tools, which minimize human error. Even This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, a digital skeptic from way back, has been won over&#;sort of&#;by his sonic measuring tool. &#;I&#;m always surprised by how accurate it is,&#; he says. &#;I check it with a tape every time.&#;

Dial Caliper (for small distances)

Photo by Francesco Mosto

Best for: Measuring outside and inside diameters of pipes, screws, and drill bits.

Look for: 6-inch caliper, which can handle most household needs; dial readout that gives measurement in sixty-fourths or hundredths of an inch (metric models also available).

Shown: 6-inch dial caliper, from General Tools; about $44; generaltools.com

Folding Rule (for small distances)

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Best for: Measurements inside door and window frames, bookcases, cabinets, and other built-ins.

Look for: 6-inch metal slide, the most reliable way to get an accurate inside measure. After you&#;ve unfolded as many segments of the rule as you can, extend the slide and add on its measurement.

Shown: Folding 6-foot rule with slide, from Lufkin; about $16; amazon.com

Metal Rule (for small distances)

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Best for: Measuring and cutting roll and sheet materials, such as wallpaper, glass, and plastic.

Look for: Rigid, thick metal rule, which makes a great straightedge when cutting materials; metric and English measurements.

Shown: 36-inch heavy-duty aluminum straightedge, from Empire Level; about $6; acmetools.com

Digital Tape Measure (for small distances)

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Best for: General measuring without the hassle of reading fractions.

Look for: Tape that can convert fractions to decimals and compensates for the size of the tape case on an inside measure.

Shown: Starrett electronic digitape; about $86; sears.com

Tape Measure (for small distances)

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Best for: General measuring.

Look for: 25-foot or longer tape that&#;s at least 1 inch wide so it can extend without bending, and/or a narrow 10-foot tape, which fits easily in a pocket; fractions and feet clearly marked; 16-inch intervals (stud centers) noted in color or bold type.

Shown: Stanley FatMax 25-foot tape measure; about $20; stanleytools.com

Rafter Square (for angles)

Photo by Francesco Mosto

Best for: Measuring angles on rafter pitches, stair slopes, and miters.

Look for: Aluminum square; markings for angles as well as roof pitch (expressed in whole numbers 1 to 12).

Shown: 12-inch Speed Square with layout bar and stop bolts (not shown), from Swanson Tool Co.; about $19; sears.com

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Electronic Protractor (for angles)

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Best for: Measuring and copying angles.

Look for: Adjustable tool that can determine an angle to 0.1 degree; digital readout; calculator that can figure miter-saw settings for crown molding.

Shown: Miterfinder digital protractor from Bosch Tools; about $155; acetoolonline.com

Sonic Measure (for long distances)

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Best for: Measuring rooms and interior spaces up to 50 feet across.

Look for: Laser pointer so you can see exactly where you&#;re measuring; accuracy to 1 percent or better.

Shown: Zircon ultrasonic measure; about $40; amazon.com

100-Foot Tape Measure (for long distances)

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Best for: Measuring long distances, as in foundations, house exteriors, and garden plots.

Look for: Durable fiberglass or steel tape.

Shown: Stanley FatMax 100-foot tape rule; about $20; sears.com

Walking Wheel (for long distances)

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Best for: Long exterior measurements, such as lot boundaries or driveway layout.

Look for: Large wheel (12-inch diameter or more); odometer-style or electronic counter that goes up to 10,000 feet and subtracts when wheeled backward; kickstand.

Shown: Roadrunner professional long-distance measuring wheel, from Keson; about $56; homedepot.com

How To Measure Chain Size

How To Measure Chain Size and Chain Pitch

Getting the right chain for your project the first time means less time that your machinery is down and more money in your pocket! Having to go back and forth trying different sizes of chain only to find that they don't work exactly as expected can bring production at your business or farming operation to a screeching halt. Since downtime is so expensive both in terms of machine time and labor, it's vital that you find exactly the right size for your chain before you place an order. Once your order has been placed, you need the confidence of knowing that the professionals at PEER Chain will be quickly and efficiently processing your order and shipping the correct roller chain and parts to your door. Here are tips that will help you understand how to measure chain pitch and how to measure chain link size.

PEER Chain part numbers or item descriptions are typically indicated on the chain plates and product packaging. Using the PEER part numbers, you can easily find the chain size and specifications on PEERchain.com. If you do not have access to PEER part number, then you may need to measure the chain.

As a first step, we should define the components of roller chain.

  • Pin Link Plate: This is an outer plate on the pin link of roller chain. It can be straight or figure-8 shaped.
  • Roller Link Plate: This is an inner plate on the roller link of roller chain. It can be straight or figure-8 shaped.
  • Roller: This rotates on top of the bushing on the roller link.
  • Pin: This is press fit into the pin link plate and bisects the bushings in the roller link.
  • Bushing: This is press fit into two roller link plates and is bisected by the pin in the pin link.

Oftentimes the plates are stamped with chain size (i.e. 40, 08B, C, etc.). These can come in the form of numbers or letters stamped on the outside of the side plate and can help you to look up the full dimensions of your chain via manufacturer provided information. Because the roller chain must interact directly with sprockets and other moving machine parts, it is necessary to measure its dimensions precisely. Therefore, it is important to measure all components of the roller chain in order to identify the correct chain.

How to Measure Chain Link Size

Measuring chain link size doesn't have to be difficult! All you need is an understanding of a few simple concepts, and you will quickly be able to determine the size of the chain that you need for your project. Roller chains come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. The number of strands on your roller chain may also vary, making it important to understand exactly how to measure your chain link size. You'll be looking for the:

  • Overall width of the chain
  • The diameter and width of the roller
  • The thickness of the plate
  • Overall height of the chain

Once you have all of these measurements in hand, you can match to the handy size chart online or contact one of the professionals at PEER Chain to place your order.

How to Measure Chain Pitch

Measuring the pitch of a roller chain can be a bit tricky, but as long as you are careful about the various parts and how you measure you will quickly be able to get the sizes that you need. Measuring the pitch begins by identifying the pin of your chain. Pitch is the measurement from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin in line. The pitch helps determine the overall rated weight and strength of the roller chain.

When your business depends on getting access to knowledgeable professionals that can help get your projects moving again quickly, it's good to know that PEER Chain is here to help. Whether you are trying to figure out how to measure chain pitch or simply need to reorder a known part, you can trust that your request will be handled promptly and you will receive the correct items in good condition. For many decades, PEER Chain has been the choice of farmers, manufacturers and more because we have an exceptional focus on our customers. Contact the experts at PEER Chain today by calling 800-523- or via to [ protected] if you have any questions about how to measure chain link size and you'll be certain to receive a rapid response.

For more Steel Rolling Measuring Systeminformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.