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Quick Answer: What Are The Diamonds On A Tape Measure

The black diamonds which appear every 19 3/16” on metal tape measures are for spacing I-beam “timbers.” Several wood-product manufacturers offer I-beam “timbers” as a substitute for solid lumber floor joists. The diamond marks on tape rule blades are for spacing these engineered floor joists in new construction.

What is the red dot on a tape measure?

The red is for 16-inch-on-center spacing. The common framing spacing is for wall studs, floor joists and roof rafters. There will be red marks on the tape measure if you decide to space frame at 24 inch centers.

What is M on a measuring tape?

On many tapes (but by no means all) you will find a small red rectangle with the letter M printed inside followed by a number. The number simply denotes the year that the blade was stamped as conforming to the Measuring Instruments Directive. On the whole this will also be the year in which that tape was manufactured.

Why is a tape measure yellow?

Tape measures often have black and red measurements on a yellow background as this is the optimal color combination for readability.

What is the 8 foot rule?

It’s called the 8-foot rule. A leader at a manufacturing facility recently gave the direction to his leadership team to engage with their employees every time they come within eight feet of one of their employees. It’s a simple rule that is simply brilliant!Aug 1, 2013.

What are the black diamonds on a tape measure for?

The black diamonds which appear every 19 3/16” on metal tape measures are for spacing I-beam “timbers.” Several wood-product manufacturers offer I-beam “timbers” as a substitute for solid lumber floor joists. The diamond marks on tape rule blades are for spacing these engineered floor joists in new construction.

What are the black numbers on a tape measure?

Tape measures often use small, black diamond or triangle shapes called black truss marks. They indicate truss layouts of every 19 3/16 inches. This spacing is often used by some engineered joist manufacturers. There are 5 of these marks for every 8 feet.

What is the distance between the little black diamonds?

The black diamond marker on a tape measure falls between the 16-inch and 24-inch spacing. This marker is commonly used in building a concrete block chimney. But, it has other uses too. Marked at 19.2 inches apart, using this type of placement also allows for more weight loads with fewer pieces of wood.

How many 16th are in an inch?

In this case, there are 16 units of smaller quantity (1/16 inch) in one unit of the larger quantity. Multiply the larger-quantity amount by the number of smaller units per unit of the larger quantity. Multiplying 16 by 0.5 gives you 8, so 8/16 equals 0.5 inches.

Are mm on a tape measure?

If you have a metric tape measure, the numbers should be read like this: The large, numbered markings are centimeters. There is a smaller marking exactly halfway between the centimeters for ease of reading. The smallest markings are millimeters, or one tenth of a centimeter.

What does the arrow on a tape measure mean?

Every 16 inches, you may see a double arrow, a number marked in red, or the word “STUD.” This helps you locate every stud that may run across a wall once you’ve located the first one.

Can a tape measure cut you?

A tape measure can’t cut off a finger like a table saw or puncture your body like a nail gun, but it comes with some safety considerations you need to observe. Tape measures can cause injuries when used improperly, and they can damage breakable items in your home.

What is the most accurate tape measure?

Class 1 tapes are the most accurate tape measures on the market. Ideal for precision trades and sensitive industries, they also delivery great value for money.

How fast does a tape measure retract?

In a vacuum, objects accelerate to 9.8 meters per second per second thanks to gravity. But the tape measure was not falling in a vacuum.Parts and materials: Falling object Accepted disabling claims Wallboard, drywall, sheetrock 1.

What is the 21ft rule?

It’s taught to police across the country. Prosecutors, including in Utah, point to it when deciding if a police shooting was legal. It’s called the “21-foot rule,” and it means that someone with a knife running toward police, could cover about 21 feet before officers unholster their gun and fire.

Why is the number 16 red on a tape measure?

The red indicates 16-inch-on-center spacing. This is a common framing spacing for wall studs, floor joists and common roof rafters. If you decide to space framing at 24-inch centers, the red marks will be at every other foot marking on the tape measure.

What is the 5 foot rule?

The rule dictates that when a staff member is 10 feet from a guest, the staff smiles and makes direct eye contact, and when they are within five feet, the staff verbally greets the guest. Applying this principle to nursing homes is a simple, inexpensive way to enrich patient and staff lives.

What does 19.2 mean on a tape measure?

Support. The black diamond marks every 19.2″ on our tape rule blades. This is for spacing of engineered joists common on job sites. The 19.2 inches allows for a break at 8 foot to accommodate full sheets of plywood.