A measuring tape is an essential tool for every homeowner, especially DIY enthusiasts who love weekend projects. Interestingly, a tape measure can also function as a notepad! It boasts numerous convenient features, including the seemingly loose metal tip at the end. Contrary to being a design flaw, this tip serves a vital role in ensuring precise measurements. It’s a built-in precision tool known as the “true zero” feature, which accounts for the metal tip’s thickness—exactly 1/16th of an inch—ensuring accurate readings whether measuring inside or outside a surface.
Wondering what this means for you? This feature allows the measuring tape’s tip to shift slightly inward when used against a surface, which is helpful when measuring objects like window sills. Although it might seem like a minor adjustment, it significantly enhances measurement accuracy. This is crucial for specific projects, such as determining if a piece of furniture will fit in a desired space. Quite fascinating, isn’t it?
Put the true zero feature to the test
Now that you’re familiar with the measuring tape’s “true zero” feature and its operation, let’s test it out. Any measuring tape with a metal edge will work for this purpose. If you’re looking to purchase a measuring tape, consider the Craftsman 25-ft Tape Measure. It’s also beneficial to refresh your knowledge on tape measure usage before embarking on a project.
Here’s an example of utilizing the “true zero” feature when measuring a door frame. First, hook the measuring tape onto the outer edge of the door frame and measure the width to obtain an accurate exterior measurement. Next, measure the interior of the frame by pressing the measuring tape against the inner edges, which causes the metal tip to push into the frame and provide a “true zero” reading. Voila! You’ve successfully utilized the “true zero” feature. A helpful tip is to keep the tape taut to prevent any measurement inaccuracies. Always remember to measure twice for accuracy!
