An Easier Way to Measure Long Spans
Split the distance when working alone or measuring spans longer than your tape.
When I’m working alone and have to find the length of a long piece of crown molding or some other kind of ceiling trim, it can be difficult to hold the tape measure in place without having it fall or slide out of position. I find that it’s easier to split the distance in two. Mark a line somewhere near the middle. Measure over from one side and write down the distance, and then measure over from the other side. Add up the two numbers and you’re good to go. This is also a great way to measure a span longer than your tape.
—Rich Balland, Moultrie, Ga.
Edited and Illustrated by Charles Miller.
From Fine Homebuilding #313
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Good tip- it also works great to measure 100" and add to that so your math is easier.