When working on projects, proper measurement can be one of the most enigmatic and frustrating skills to master. Mistakes can be time-consuming and costly, especially when removing material. Makers often learn the hard way how to measure properly. As they say, good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgement.
Here are some helpful pointers to make sure you measure correctly, and use the right tool for the job.
A Ruler for your Workbench
You can pick up these adhesive rulers inexpensively at fabric and craft stores. They come in handy and make your work faster.
Measure your Body
If you need rough measurements, knowing the sizes of certain body parts can come in handy. For instance, my foot is a foot, my hand span is nine inches, my pinky width is one centimeter, and my arm span is six feet.
This is such a useful tool, especially when working with tight tolerances. In recent years the price has come down so much it's worth the buy, and make sure you get a pair that can measure inside and outside dimensions.
Keep your Tang Tidy
The hooked end of a tape measure is called a tang. The rivets holding it in allow it to slide back and forth so you get accurate measurements when both butting up and overhanging. Make sure it moves and that the tang hangs at a right angle.
Use Fine-tipped Pencils
I recommend mechanical pencils for marking, but you can also use a finely sharpened wood pencil. They make your measurements that much more accurate.
We use the phrase "two by four" in common parlance, but did you know it's actually 3.5 inches wide? Don't make assumptions on size; always measure first.
Use the Factory Edge
Use the factory edge on a piece of lumber whenever possible, especially when squaring up a perpendicular cut. It will make everything fit together better.
Don't Mix Tapes
Not all tape measures are created equal. Some are, but why take the risk if you don't have to? Stick to one tape measure to keep your measurements accurate.
When marking a piece of wood for a cut, make a V shape that terminates at the point of the cut, and mark an X on the side that needs to be cut off.
Tape Measure Notepad
Sand off the front of a tape measure to create an erasable notepad when you need to jot down measurements.