Why Does The End Of A Tape Measure Move?

In this video I talk about the mysterious reason behind the movement of the end of a tape measure. Why is it loose? Is it broken? Watch to find out!

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[romansstekolshchiks]

Thank you. I've watched a few videos but this was the visual I needed. Thanks again

[GreenVegan]

Thank you for finally clearing that up for me. It has always bugged me that it was loose, lol. Great tip about reeling it in, too.

[kingecho]

who came from tik tok trying to find a longer video

[rickace]

Okay, you explained it perfectly. Thanks. Other videos I have watched still made me confused. So, what this basically means is that what you are measuring will always be slightly off what it actually is because of the metal piece at the end.

[YouCantSawSawdust]

Fine carpentry!!!
Don't use a tape measure.
They're just not accurate enough.
Use a steel engineers rule.

[bernardinolagasca]

The 1st inch is 1/16th short and the thickness of the metal is also 1/16th.

[chemystify]

Awesome—one of life's little mysteries finally explained! And you illustrated it beatifully.

So that means the distance the tongue slides must be equal to the thickness of the metal it's made from.

[mmortiz]

Thanks for all the videos, they have been so informative and helpful to me. Keep them coming!

[ACommenterOnYouTube]

That tip moves because you are compensating for the thickness of that metal lip ... So as you said when you use that metal lip to PULL against the same object for measurement it will give you X reading... If you were to use that metal lip to push up against a different object to get the measurement for your object, it will give you another reading, this is why that metal tip moves so that it can compensate for the thickness of the metal lip...
I NEVER trust that metal tip's movement so i line up all my measurements at 1 inch if i have to make sure its perfect... otherwise i just clip onto it or use something else to push up against to get a round figure ..
I learned this back in the 90's when i was building sub woofer boxes ...

[davidrobertson]

I have an extensive background in construction n somehow i never knew that. Learning every day.

[JeffBitler]

Wow! I didn't even know that I didn't know. Excellent tip and great info. Thanks as always and keep 'em coming!

[AutoFixYT]

Haha I've always wondered that.... but now I know, so thanks!

[chrisgilbey]

Thank you, really helpful to know as I thought I kept buying dud measures bro 😂

[zjedinite]

Well here is A doozy for you, when I measure for length of deck post I always use a magnetic tip tape measure so I can pull it from the face of the metal post brackets and read the measurements of my laser I always use. When I cut the post I remove the pencil mark. So I’ve been doing it wrong my whole life yet Everything always comes out right. For some stupid OCD reason this is the only time I use this crazy “pull tape measurement” technique. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[DanaConquersBoutique]

Oh gosh! I’ve always slammed the tape back in.. I love that sound- better stop that 😬 Thanks for the info, Fixer

[kkeen]

Great info to have especially, when you're trying to play one upmanship on someone! Thank you... I'm go'n, I am, honest, doing it right now 👍 (click, click) 😉😎 lol

[itz_kaju]

SIR PLEASE ABOUT WHY END MOVE tape measure in hindi language PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

[georgiapeach]

Another great, informative video. 😃 Are you in your shed?

[Allison]

On the odd occasion that I've used a tape measure I love slamming it back in 😁

[williambb]

I'm not the smartest guy. I needed this demonstration to help explain it.