Measuring and Marking Rulers Rulers are commonly graduated

Measuring and Marking

Rulers • Rulers are commonly graduated in feet, inches and fractions. • On the opposing edge it usually graduated in centimeters and millimeters. • The ruler forms the foundation of several measuring and layout tools. • Different styles are available for specialized work. • Ex: – Steel Scale – Wood Ruler – Folding Ruler

Tape Measure • One of the most essential measuring tools is a tape measure. • Tape measures are extendable, flexible rulers, that retract in to a sturdy case. • Tapes range from 3 ft to 100 ft in length. • They are usually made of steel but, can be made of cloth. • Good Tape measures are not cheap and can range in price from $20 -$50.

Gauges • Feeler gauges are measuring tools for deterring clearances. – They have a specific thickness. – Common to mechanics and machinists. • Thickness gauges are common for welders.

Levels • Torpedo levels are typically 9’’-12’’. – They can usually read level, plumb, and 45 degree angles. – They can have additional features • Levels – Levels can be 4’-10’ long. – They can be back lit. – Have digital read outs. • The better they are the more expensive. • They must be taken care of. • Range in price from $20 -$300.

String Levels • String levels are an extension of a level. • They attach to a string between two points.

Plumb Bobs • A plumb bob may be used to establish a vertical line or to accurately position another measuring tool directly over a specific point. • Common to use in large weldments.

Transit Levels • A surveyors optical instrument is called a dumpy level. • They are very common for foundation work, establishing grade, drainage slopes, but have many practical uses in a building projects. • Laser levels are also useful. – They can be mounted to tripods, sit on top a cabinet, attach to construction equipment.

Framing and Speed Square • Framing squares is one of the first tools used for positioning lumber when laying out a building. • They also are used for laying out rafters and stringers. Good framing squares have a rafter table printed on them. • Speed squares are very useful for quick layout of lines and can read various angles.

How to Read a Tape Measure

Common Formulas • Perimeter of squares, rectangles, and triangles. – Square and add the length of S 1+S 2+S 3+S 4= perimeter. Triangle add the length of S 1+S 2+S 3 • Circumference of a circle. – 2*3. 14*r • Area of a square – S 1*S 2 • Area of a triangle – ½*bh • Area of a circle – 3. 14*r 2

Land Measurement • A section is 640 acres. • A acre has 43560 square feet. • A section is 1 mile square. • Feet in a mile 5280. • 3 ft are in 1 yard. • 12 inches are in 1 ft.

Liquid Measurement • There are 7. 48 gallons in 1 cubic foot.

Volume Measurement • Volume of a Cylinder – V=πr 2 h • Volume of a Cube – V=a 3 • Volume of a Cone – V=πr 2(h/3) • Volume of a sphere – V=(4/3)πr 3