![]() This doesn’t mean that it was manufactured in the EU but is, to a certain extent, an indicator of quality. In the case of tape measures that means the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID). The CE mark indicates that the tape measure conforms to all European Union regulations that apply to it. M09 generally signifies a tape measure that came off the production line in 2009 whilst M13 (as seen in the picture below) shows a tape most likely manufactured in 2013. On the whole this will also be the year in which that tape was manufactured. The number simply denotes the year that the blade was stamped as conforming to the Measuring Instruments Directive. On many tapes (but by no means all) you will find a small red rectangle with the letter M printed inside followed by a number. 19.2” divides perfectly (5 times) into 8ft. Whilst this may seem to be a pretty odd measurement, many American building materials (such as boarding etc.) typically come in 8ft lengths. Joists, on the other hand, are generally spaced 19.2” inches from the centre of the joist before it. The centre of one stud is generally positioned 16 inches from the centre of the stud before it – hence the 16” stud mark. Whilst not featuring on all tapes, stud marks frequently appear at 16” intervals and joist marks at 19.2” intervals. The black diamonds, as they’re commonly called (sometimes shown as black circles instead), are actually stud or joist marks. ![]() ![]() The length must be printed on each scale – one for metric and one for imperial.īy far the most common question asked by our customers is “what do the little black diamonds mean?” Even though they’re not commonly used in the UK, these marks are still worth explaining. Whilst the length of most tapes is printed on the case, it is a legal obligation for manufacturers to print it on the blade as well. You can learn more about the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 tape measures by reading our article – The Advantages of a Class 1 Tape Measure. When used properly Class II tapes are more than accurate enough for the vast majority of users. That said, most everyday and professional tape measures on the market today (including everything from Stanley, Irwin, Draper, Bahco and more) are EC Class II accurate. By ‘unclassified’ we mean that they have not been tested and guaranteed to conform to a particular level of accuracy.Ĭlass 1 tapes are becoming more and more popular, especially amongst those who demand absolute precision in their work. ![]() Unclassified tapes will not feature any marking on their blade. Class 2 (denoted by ‘II’) the second most accurate with Class 3 (III) logically being the third. Class 1 (denoted by the Roman numeral ‘I’) is the most accurate. There are four generally accepted levels of tape measure accuracy. This refers to the accuracy of that particular tape. Pull the blade out of the case and you may notice a Roman numeral within either a circle or a rectangle, generally printed in red or black. The UK, however, still uses a combination of the two – the mandatory metric system as enforced by the European Union and the more traditional Imperial system still in use by many trades. Whilst some countries such as the USA still focus primarily on Imperial or ‘English’ markings (feet, inches, yards etc.), most countries have moved onto the metric system. Tape Measure Tips - Getting The Most Out of Your Tape.If you want to learn more about tape measures and, in particular, how to read them properly, why not check out some of our other articles? Other Articles This article should help you understand what they are and how they should affect which tape measure you choose to buy. In order to comply with these regulations it became a legal requirement for manufacturers (with a few exceptions) to include a number of markings along the length of their blades. The UK Government’s Measuring Instruments (Material Measures of Length) Regulations implemented the European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) in 2006. Whilst many of you will think you know how to use a tape measure, do you actually know how to use all of it? Do you know what the odd selection of markings refer to that are usually found within the first 20cm of a tape’s length? Got a tip to share? Then get in touch! Tape Measure Markings – What Do They Mean? how Always wanted to know how to take that particularly awkward measurement or how to take care of your tool? Perhaps you're interested in how particular trades use their tools? Then read on.
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