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The humble tape measure is a tool any
woodworker, builder or DIY enthusiast cannot do without, and despite new
technology in the form of laser measures and the like, the standard tape
measure is still the most accurate way to measure distances and lengths.
One of the frustrating problems with
the standard tape measure design, however, is that it can be difficult to
use to measure diagonals accurately or for measuring over long distances. The tip of the tape always manages to stray from
where you want it to stay!
The new Tape Tip device aims to
eliminate many of those frustrations experienced with the standard measure
tape.
The Tape Tip
The Tape Tip is a device which simply hooks on to the tip end of your
standard measuring tape and provides a better and more functional holding
design then the standard flat metal tip that comes with almost all tape
measures. It is constructed from ABS plastic and its arrowhead style
design allows it the many versatile functions it offers...
To begin with, the Tape Tip includes
small small rare earth magnets; two on the top surface and one on the
bottom surface. Rare earth magnets are far stronger than standard magnets
and provide a great hold on any magnetic metallic surfaces, however, they
are added to the Tape Tip primarily to hold the measure tape itself onto
the Tape Tip more securely.
The arrowhead design provides the
means to accurately measure both inside and outside corners of boxes,
cabinet carcasses, furniture frames, or any other project where accurate
diagonal measuring is required.
There are some considerations with
using the Tape Tip. For inside corner measurement, the end of lower arrow
portion of the Tape Tip is pushed into the inside corner. Because the tape
measure end is set back exactly 1 inch from the Tape Tip end, you have to
add 1 inch to the final measurement.
For outside corner measurements, the
tail of the lower arrow tip end sits snugly onto the outside corner, and
because this is aligned directly with the measure tape's end, the
measurement is read directly from the tape, with no additional length
measurement required to be added (see below).
(Photos from Lee Valley Website)
For angled corners other than 90
degrees, the top tip of the arrow head is butted against the corner angle
and 1 1/2" must be added to the measured length. The photos above (taken
from the Lee Valley website) will explain it visually.
The Tape Tip can also be used as a
marking gauge by reversing the direction of the Tape Tip and adding 1" to
the final desired length. A pencil is then butted into the tailside
(V-notch end) and the tape body is run against the edge of the material to
mark a consistent line. While this works reasonably well, I definitely
prefer a regular wooden marking gauge for this task. It can be tricky at
times to keep everything running smoothly and squarely against a board
edge as the metal tape component of the tape measure itself is not an
overly rigid component. However, if you have no other option, it can work
ok.
Additionally the screw hole in the
center of the tape can be used as a pivot point over a nail to use the
tool as a rough compass type tool, with the pencil running against the
tape measure's body. Again, it works reasonably well, but I do prefer a
proper compass for this task. It's just a little easier to use for this
task and no need to subtract a 1/4" from the measurement.
(Photos from Lee Valley Website)
For measuring long distances, where
the end of your tape measure always seems to fall off the edge, and
usually when you have arrived at the other end of the length to be
measured, the Tape Tips screw hole will accept a countersunk style screw
to secure the Tape Tip to the wall or material being measured. The
downside is that is leaves a screw hole in your material afterwards. This
is ok if you are framing walls or where the hole can be covered easily,
but for finished walls or visible finished surfaces, this may not be
desirable. But if this can be used, the screw hole fixing is ideal for
long distance measuring, especially if there is no-one else to hold that
tape end securely!
(Photos from Lee Valley Website)
Conclusion
For US$3.95, the Tape Tip, in my opinion, is a must-have item for
anyone that uses a tape measure. It is perfect for measuring diagonals
accurately, something which is essential for quality woodworking and
cabinetry or fine furniture and it allows these to be measured much more
quickly with very little chance of the tape measure slipping off. The
other possibilities for measuring that it offers are a nice bonus, and
while not ideal, they simply add to the value for money factor and will
come in handy in the absence of dedicated tools for those marking
functions. A handy addition to the standard tape measure.
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