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How does anyone maintain a tape measure for 30 years? Isn't the riveted lip attachment all wobbly by now adding a couple of 16/ths to every measurement?
I am amaze. I salute you.
Aroogah-
Not noticing details such as coloured numbers puts a level to how often I use a tape measure.
I tend to reach for a steel rule as the measuring stick of choice - retired Technology teacher, more engineering than woodwork. -
How does anyone maintain a tape measure for 30 years? Isn't the riveted lip attachment all wobbly by now adding a couple of 16/ths to every measurement?
It's meant to be wobbly.
The lip moves the same amount as the depth of the flat bit of the lip measures.
When you measure the inside of something (by pushing the lip against the end of the tape measure) it moves in by the appropriate distance and the tape measure gives the right measurement to the outside of the lip.
When you hook the lip over the edge of something the rivet allows it to move the same distance as the depth of the lip and the tape measure gives the right measurement to the inside of the lip.
I doubt wear and tear would make it add more than the expected amount...
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It's supposed to do that - so that you can measure from the outside, or the inside, and account for the 1/16 inch thickness of the lip.
[Edit] Dagnamit. Page refresh fail.
MrE
Greenbank
NotThamesWater
You're quite right about the different colours on the tape measure.
Having used the same tape measure for 30 years, I hadn't noticed - I had to go and check.
I find this worrying.