Tapes and Rules

Constructing laboratory equipment requires the use of accurate measurement tools to produce parts with tight tolerances. In this section of the course we will cover some of the basic measurement tools used in the laboratory and show you how to read them accurately.

Tape Measure

The tape measure is used for rough measuring, cutting of stock, and often wooden and metal frame construction. It is a spring steel material that is rolled into a ruggedized carrier. The tape measure can be extended, locked, and used to measure easily down to the 16th of an inch. Tape measures have a few special features that allow easy measurement in a variety of construction scenarios. See video below for a few tips and tricks that you probably didn’t know you could do with a tape measure.

Folding Rule

The folding rule is a predecessor to the tape measure, and often has about the same accuracy. Its advantage is that it is a rigid device, so it can be used in the situations where the measurement device needs to extend a significant length without bending, warping, or breaking over as tape measures are known to do.

Steel Rule

The steel rule is one of the most common measurement devices the laboratory and is easily read to a fraction of an inch. Its rigid construction with fine engraved measurement fiducials makes it a pocket essential when working in the machine shop or laboratory.