DEAR TIM: I’m just starting to get into building and remodeling as a do-it-yourselfer. Now that I’m using a tape measure, I’m having some difficulty. Perhaps I should have paid more attention in math ...

Q. I’m just starting to get into building and remodeling as a do-it-yourselfer. Now that I’m using a tape measure, I’m having some difficulty. Can you tell me about the markings, what they mean and ...

If you have ever worked with someone on a project who uses a tape measure frequently, it can be impressive when they can glance at a tape measure and just know its 12 15/16 of an inch at a glance.

Tape measures typically consist of a long flexible steel blade (the tape) coiled inside a plastic or metal case with a spring mechanism to retract the tape after being extended. While the markings can ...