A tape measure is a device used for measuring
distance or length. The tape may be made from
one of a variety of materials. The first tape
measures were fabric. A fabric measuring tape
is commonly used by seamstresses and tailors
who are measuring the length of an irregular
shape – the body. Other common materials
are thin bands of steel or plastic. Regardless
the material, the tape measure is routinely
found nearly everywhere measurement of length
is required.
The length of tape
measures is marked with a
uniform measuring system. The most common measuring
systems is either the English or the Metric.
In these instances the tape measure is marked
either in feet and fractions of a foot or in
meters and fractions of meters. Some tape measures
are marked with both units of measurement, one
on one side of the tape and the other on the
other side of the tape.
Measuring
Tools Have Been With Us Since We First Use
The Arm To Measure A Cubit
Measuring
tools of some kind have been used for thousands
of years. The cubit was an early measurement
and the measuring tool was one of the handiest
available – the human arm. The cubit was
the measurement from the elbow to the tip of
the longest of an adult man, or about 18 inches.
In the 19th century the tape measure, as we know
it, was developed. Today we commonly use low
powered lasers and similar high tech measuring
tools to give precise measurements. Even with
these sophisticated tools, we still rely on the
simple tape measure.
Measuring instruments of many varieties are
used in construction, woodworking, metal crafting
and other trades. There is everything from transits
to micrometers to provide precise measurements
to produce the best quality project. As we develop
ever more sophisticated measuring tools, we become
even more amazed at the ability of the ancient
Egyptians to build structures like the pyramids
with the cubit and string.
Look
in any tool
box and your are sure to find one.
Nearly any building project, from a hobbyist
building a birdhouse to a construction firm building
the world’s tallest skyscraper, the project
will involve using tape measures.
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