Tools Central

All About Measuring Tools

Accurate measurements are often the key to successful home improvement tasks. Devices for measuring distances range from traditional metal rulers and tape measures to high-tech machines using ultrasonic sound waves.

Excerpted from Do It Yourself Home Improvement

Retractable Tape Measure

This is the most commonly used measuring tool. Sizes vary, as do the calibrations along the sides of the tape. The 25-foot tape measure is the most popular. The first inch of the tape is fractionally short to accommodate the width of the metal hooked end. The hooked end is lipped over an object for measurements or pressed against the end of the tape for internal measurements.