The measurement of an inch was originally either the width of a man's thumb or the distance from the tip of his index finger to the first knuckle. Generally, that distance times twelve would equal the length of his foot. Hence, twelve inches in a foot. Here, host Cheri Van Bynen has a few tricks up her sleeve for measuring distance.
Tape Measure
- Inexpensive and commonly used.
- Often has a belt clip for easy access.
- Includes a lip at the end of the tape to either push if measuring from the inside, or pull if measuring from the outside (figure A).
Combination Square
- Ruler with adjustable ninet-degree and forty-five degree angles that can be locked into place.
- Built-in level.
- Some may come with a scribe, allowing you to score the measurement on the surface.
Speed Square
- Includes a built-in lip for insuring perfect ninety-degree angles.
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2004/01/28/dtsc102_measuringtape_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2004/01/28/dtsc102_outsideaction_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2004/01/28/dtsc102_scribeaction_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2004/01/28/dtsc102_speedsquare_e.jpg",350,450))
