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Why is there a mark every 16 inches on a tape measure?

Why is there a mark every 16 inches on a tape measure?

Marks for Studs and Joists Tape measures usually have a red mark every 16 inches. This makes it convenient to mark off wall studs or joists, which typically are 16 inches apart.

What retracts the tape into its case?

A tape measure retracts because the tape connects to a flat metal spring coiled around a central post inside the tape housing.

What is hook rule?

Trying to visually align a ruler to the edge of a board opens up an opportunity for error, particularly if your lighting is marginal and you have a callous or two on your fingertips. Our latest tool, the Hook Rule, adds a little feature – a hook – to the traditional shop rule and instantly improves your accuracy.

What’s the Red number on a tape measure?

Most tape measures have a bright red number every 16 inches to help you layout wall framing (which are commonly built with studs spaced every 16″ O.C. in modern platform framing). You’ll see a red square or red number at 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96 and so on up. Use these to space your studs evenly and you’ll greatly speed up your framing. 4.

Which is the biggest mark on a tape measure?

How to Read a Tape Measure. Find/read the markings. On a standard tape measure, the biggest marking is the inch mark (which generally has the biggest number, if it has them). As the increments decrease, so does the length of the mark. For example, ½” has a bigger mark than ¼” which has a bigger mark than ⅛”, and so on. Read 1 inch.

What does the o.c.stand for in tape measure?

The O.C. doesn’t stand for Obsessive Compulsive but rather On Center. Most tape measures have a bright red number every 16 inches to help you layout wall framing (which are commonly built with studs spaced every 16″ O.C. in modern platform framing ). You’ll see a red square or red number at 16, 32, 48, 64, 80, 96 and so on up.

What do the Stud marks on a tape measure mean?

Whilst not featuring on all tapes, stud marks frequently appear at 16” intervals and joist marks at 19.2” intervals. The centre of one stud is generally positioned 16 inches from the centre of the stud before it – hence the 16” stud mark. Joists, on the other hand, are generally spaced 19.2” inches from the centre of the joist before it.