Construction Measuring Tapes: Types and Uses

Construction measuring tapes are handheld tools used to measure distances and dimensions of building materials, walls, and spaces. They come in various lengths, with the most common being a 25 or 30-foot tape. Measuring tapes are made of cloth, fiberglass, or metal and can feature both imperial and metric units (known as metric measuring tapes) of measurement. Tape measures are available in both imperial (US) and metric (metric measuring tape) units, with unit breakdowns for increased precision. Truss length marks for roofing and stud spacing indicators for construction can be included on specialised models.

What is a tape measure used for in construction?

A builder’s tape, typically 25 feet in length, includes 16-inch extensions for easily determining the normal distance between wall studs. The 100-foot tape is the best tape measure for construction. Made from reinforced cotton, it is great for taking outside measures like determining property lines. Most measuring tapes in construction have a clip that can be fastened to a stationary item for more precise measurements. When using a steel blade tape to measure a distance, the blade can be locked into position with the use of a tension-control brake.

Purpose of Measuring Tapes

Here are the reasons for getting the best measuring tape and the purposes for which measuring tapes are used:

1. Accurate Measurements: Measure the distances and dimensions of building materials, walls, and spaces.
2. Precise Planning: To plan and construct buildings and structures according to specifications and plans.
3. Material Size: To ensure the proper fit of building materials and components.
4. Material Quantity: To determine the amount of materials required for a construction project.
5. Detailed Cuttings: To verify the accuracy of cuts and measurements during construction.
6. Measurements for Estimation: To check square footage and other dimensions for bidding and estimating purposes.
7. Markings: To mark cutting lines and adjust on the job site.
8. Measurements for Designing: To aid in design and layout work.
9. Verify the Regulations: To guarantee conformity with applicable regulations and specifications for construction.
10. Reduce Errors: To assist in creating a smooth, efficient construction process by reducing errors and rework.

In other words, the measuring tapes can help construction sites benefit from the use of measuring tapes for quality control purposes. Even though exact measurements are a must for every step of a construction project, mistakes occur frequently. Leaders on a construction site, such as a foreman or safety supervisor, should always be prepared to inspect the work of contractors by keeping measuring tapes for construction available. Make sure to correct errors in construction, no matter how small they are, before they grow into more serious problems.

Negative Impact of Defective Measuring Tapes

When measuring tapes for construction have errors, the following issues may arise

1. Incorrect measurements: Using an incorrect measuring tape can lead to incorrect measurements and miscalculations.
2. Waste of materials: Incorrect measurements can result in the waste of construction materials, which is costly and can cause delays.
3. Poor fit: If incorrect measurements have been used, the finished product may not fit properly and may require additional work to correct.
4. Structural problems: Incorrect measurements can lead to structural problems such as weakened beams, unstable foundations, and misaligned walls.
5. Inadequate support: Incorrect measurements can result in inadequate support for weight-bearing elements, such as roofs and walls, which can lead to collapse or other safety hazards.
6. Unsatisfactory appearance: Incorrect measurements can result in an unsatisfactory appearance, as doors and windows may not fit properly and walls and roofs may not be straight.
7. Reduced durability: The finished product may not be durable, as joints may not be secure and components may not fit together properly.
8. Higher costs: Correcting mistakes caused by incorrect measurements can result in higher costs and additional time and resources.
9. Poor quality: The finished product may have poor quality, as corners may not be square and surfaces may not be level.
10. Loss of confidence: The use of incorrect tape measures in construction can lead to a loss of confidence in the contractor or construction team, as the public may view their work as unreliable or untrustworthy.

Types of Measuring Tapes

Some types of measuring tapes are as follows:

1. Steel Tape Measure

Steel tape is a type of measuring tape commonly used in construction and other industries. Construction site planning steel measuring tape consists of a metal blade, usually made of steel, carrying linear measurements and attached to a compact case. Steel tapes can range in length from a few feet to several hundred feet, depending on the specific application. They are durable, relatively low-cost, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for many contractors. However, they are susceptible to rust and corrosion, and the markings can become worn or difficult to read over time. Temperature changes affect the steel tapes and cause the blade to expand or contract, resulting in inaccurate measurements.

2. Fiberglass Tape Measure

Fiberglass tapes are a type of construction measuring tape that uses a fiberglass blade instead of a steel blade. They offer several advantages over traditional steel tapes, including:

1. Durability: Fiberglass is more resistant to wear and tear than steel, making fiberglass tapes more durable and long-lasting.
2. Corrosion resistance: Fiberglass is also resistant to rust and corrosion, which can be a problem with steel tapes.
3. Flexibility: Fiberglass has a higher level of flexibility than steel, allowing for easier winding and unwinding of the blade.
4. Improved accuracy: Fiberglass tapes are less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, which can result in more accurate measurements.
5. Lightweight: Fiberglass is lighter than steel, making fiberglass tapes easier to handle and carry.

Fiberglass tapes are versatile and used in a variety of applications, including construction, surveying, and engineering. They are used in outdoor environments where steel tapes would be prone to rust or corrosion. However, fiberglass tape can be more expensive than steel tape, and the markings on the blade may not be as visible as those on steel tape.

3. Retractable Tape Measure

Retractable tapes, also known as automatic tapes, are the best construction tape measure that automatically retracts the blade into a compact case. They are convenient and easy to use. The blade extends and retracts with a simple push of a button.

Advantages of retractable tapes include:

1. Portability: The compact size of retractable tapes makes them easy to carry and store in a tool bag or pocket.
2. Ease of use: The automatic retraction feature eliminates the need to manually wind the blade, making the tape measure easier to use.
3. Convenience: The button activation allows for quick and easy extension and retraction of the blade, making it ideal for one-handed use.
4. Increased accuracy: Some retractable tapes have locking mechanisms that keep the blade in place, allowing for more accurate measurements.

Retractable tapes are a type of measuring tape used in a variety of applications, including construction, woodworking, and home improvement. They are available in a range of lengths and sizes, and some models also include additional features such as self-locking mechanisms and digital displays.

4. Self-Locking Tape Measure

Self-locking tapes are the best measurement tapes for construction because they have a mechanism that allows the blade to lock in place when extended. This mechanism keeps the blade from retracting while measuring, providing stability and accuracy. You can press a button or slide a switch to release the lock.

Advantages of self-locking tapes include:

1. Improved accuracy: The locking mechanism helps to eliminate blade movement, allowing for more accurate measurements.
2. Hands-free use: The locking mechanism holds the tape in place with one hand, while the other hand is free to make marks or hold objects.
3. Increased safety: The locking mechanism can help prevent the blade from accidentally retracting and causing injury.

Self-locking tapes are the best measuring tapes used in construction, woodworking, and other industries where accurate measurements are important. They are available in a range of lengths and sizes, and some models also include additional features such as digital displays and retractable mechanisms.

5. Digital Tape Measure

Digital tapes are a type of construction measuring tape that uses digital displays instead of traditional linear markings to show measurements. Digital tapes are smart tape measures for construction that typically have a sensor that reads the blade position and displays the measurement on an LCD screen.

The advantages of digital tapes include:

1. Increased accuracy: Digital tapes use sensors to measure the blade position, which can result in more accurate measurements than traditional tape measures.
2. Ease of use: The digital display makes it easier to read measurements, particularly in low-light conditions or when the markings on a traditional tape measure have become worn or difficult to read.
3. Convenience: Some digital tape measures in construction include additional features such as memory storage, automatic calculation, and backlit displays, making them more convenient to use.
4. Versatility: Digital tapes can measure length, width, and other dimensions and also calculate area, volume, and other measurements.
5. Improved durability: Digital tapes often have a more durable design with a protective casing and sturdy blades, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.

6. Laser Tape Measure

Laser tapes are a type of measuring tape that uses laser technology to measure distances. These smart tape measures for construction emit a laser beam that projects a straight line onto the surface that is to be measured. This helps in the quick and easy measurement of distances up to 50 feet or more.

Advantages of laser tapes include:

1. Increased accuracy: The laser beam provides a straight line for measurement, reducing the chance of measurement error.
2. Hands-free use: The laser beam allows for measurement without having to physically touch the surface that is to be measured.
3. Convenience: Laser tapes can measure distances quickly and easily, eliminating the need to extend a tape measure and manually read the markings.
4. Versatility: Laser tapes can measure distances in hard-to-reach places, around corners, and across large areas, making them ideal for a variety of applications.
5. Improved durability: Laser tapes are often more durable than traditional tape measures, with sturdy casings and protective lenses.

7. Ultrasonic Tape Measure

An ultrasonic tape measure is a measuring tape used in construction as a distance-measuring device that uses ultrasonic sound waves to determine the distance between the device and a target. The device emits an ultrasonic pulse, which reaches the target and travels back to the device. The time taken by the pulse to hit the target and reflect helps in calculating the distance.

Advantages of ultrasonic tape measures include:

1. Increased accuracy: Ultrasonic tape measures can provide highly accurate measurements, making them ideal for applications that require precise measurements.
2. Hands-free use: Ultrasonic tape measures can measure distances without having to physically touch the target, making them ideal for hard-to-reach or dangerous locations.
3. Versatility: Ultrasonic tape measures can measure distances in various environments and materials, including through air, water, and other substances.
4. Speed: Ultrasonic tape measures can measure distances quickly and easily, eliminating the need to extend a tape measure and manually read the markings.

8. Infrared Tape Measure

Infrared tapes, also known as infrared distance measuring devices, are a type of measuring tape that uses infrared technology to measure distances. They emit an infrared beam. The target reflects the beam. The time it takes for the beam to travel to the target and back determines the distance.

9. Invar Tape Measure

Invar tapes are a type of tape measure made from an alloy of iron and nickel that is known for its low coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that the tape measure in construction will maintain its length and shape even when exposed to changes in temperature. This makes it ideal for applications that demand precise measurements over a range of temperatures. One can have custom measuring tapes for Invar tapes to improve both efficiency and quality.

10. Linen Tape Measure

Linen tapes are a type of measuring tape in construction made from a woven cloth material, typically linen or synthetic fiber that is similar in feel and appearance to linen. They are known for their durability and strength, making them ideal for use in construction and other industries that require rugged tape measures.

In conclusion,

There are a variety of measuring tapes available for use in construction, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of construction measuring tapes include steel tapes, fiberglass tapes, retractable tapes, self-locking tapes, digital tapes, power-locking tapes, laser tapes, surveyors’ tapes, ultrasonic tapes, and infrared tapes.

Each type of measuring tape in construction has unique features and capabilities, and the best choice will depend on the specific needs of the construction project. For example, steel tapes are durable and affordable but may not be as accurate as other types of tapes, whereas digital tapes and laser tapes are highly accurate but can be more expensive.

Ultimately, when choosing a construction measuring tape, it is important to consider factors such as accuracy, durability, length, ease of use, and cost to find the best construction tape measure option for the specific needs of the project.

Image Courtesy: Image 3, Image 6, Image 7, Image 9, Image 11, Image 12, Image 13

Author Bio

Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury – Nafisa Nazneen Choudhury is a Civil Engineer (completed B.E. from Assam Engineering College) and is currently pursuing M.Tech in Structural Engineering at National Institute of Technology, Silchar. She is a Technical Content Writer, having over 3 years of experience and has wrote many articles related to Civil Engineering. She is also a Book Author (Authored – “Dream Tales of NNC: Revenge By Murder”) and her book can be found on Amazon. She is also a Guest Author at Gharpedia. Moreover, she is a certified member at Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). She writes her blogs at her website – nnc2017.wordpress.com. She can be reached on LinkedIn.