First, know what all of the marks and measurements are. Each standard tape measure is divided into one inch increments then marked in between each inch with sixteenth inch increments. The lines denoting eigth, quarter and half inch measurements are longer for easy reading.
To easily decipher those marks remember to count in odd increments. So, 1/16, 3/16, 5/16 and so on - same with eighths and quarter inch increments.
Many tape measures will also have a red arrow at sixteen inch increments that marks the standard distance between wall studs.
A couple of measuring pointers. Do you need to find out if a project is perfectly square? Measure the diagonals and compare your results. They should be equal.
It's difficult to measure a cylinder like a column or pole with a standard tape measure. Instead, wrap a piece of paper around the item until the paper overlaps and mark it both top and bottom at that point. then lay the paper flat and measure the paper!
I hope these tips make your measuring mission a little easier! I'm Mrs. Fixit and it's just that simple!
