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You probably all know this, but I don’t. What are those diamond symbols at intervals on builders’ tape measures?
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Oh God, not this question again....
*All I can do is laugh....Mary- not at your question, but at the terribly verbose debate the spawned last time it was asked.
*They are called 'carats'. They are used to determine how much you are allowed to charge a customer.You slowly pull the tape out, trying to keep it standing straight out in front of the tape body. When the tape finaly bends and falls to the floor, you make careful note of how many carats are showing on the tape. You take this number, subtract two, divide by a third the number of inches showing, then multiply by your age to determine the price per square foot of the project.This method has been carefuly developed over the decades that spring metal tapes have been available. It is accurate and fair, because the longer you work with the tapes, the better you get at holding that tape out from the body.
*19.2 inch spacing as opposed to 16 inch or 24 inch spacing....
*Due to inflation, they have come out with 'stiffer' tapes that now stand out farther before bending
*...which is one less stud in 8'....
*or ten studs in 80 feet... come on aj.. those estimates will wait.. let's go get some coffee...you gonna mosey on over to Petefest this weekend ?
*No diamonds on my tape, not anywhere at all between 0 and 100 mm, nor between any of the divisions betwee 100 mm and 1M. What are you folks talking about? Perhaps this is why I'm so 'economical' going by Lukas post. ;-/ Sliante.
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You obviously have an unlicensed tape measure. I would discsard it immediately before an inspector sees it!
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Mary - I checked my tape, a cheap imitation, and found Zircons. Oh sorry, that was the stud finder ...
The spacing derives from dividing 8 feet (96 inches)by 5 (19 3/16", 38 3/8" etc.) rather than 6 (16", 32", 48" etc.).
Happy?
*Luka:Try one of the new Stanley "Fat Max" tapes with the 1 1/4" blade. I can get up to $175.00/sf with mine and I haven't practiced a lot. My siding subs hate it 'cause I can get it 20' up in the air to check their footage.Bill
*That diamond marking was originally a designation made by an astronaut doing exploration on a UFO. Whether the first degree relates to the size of an aliens foot, total height, or length of penis is at this time still held secret in the confines of the pentagon and Hillary Clinton's personal files.
*Hey Mary,All kidding aside........I was told it's for laying out TJI (manufatured joist). They claim that they can be spaced further apart than 16" on center.I'm not sure; but that's what I heard.There is a dissucsion on this in the archives.....but for the life of me, I don't remember what they said.Ed. Williams
*Please note Ed that teh diamonds have existed longer than TJIs....Near the raging stream and endless rain,aj
*....'cause diamonds are forever....Rich Beckman
*Conversations like these are why I really can't wait to get together with all you guys. You all had better be as funny in person as you are online.Mary, I really have no clue about why those diamonds are on the Taoe measures. I do, however, know the difference between red and blue line chalks, thanks to my BT bretheren.Pete
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You probably all know this, but I don't. What are those diamond symbols at intervals on builders' tape measures?