MODULE Measuring Tools
Measuring Tools Used For The Purpose Of Measuring Dimensions,
Measuring tools are imperative for implementing any work with precision. The
measuring tools are also used largely for carrying out different types of
measurements.
Importance Of Measuring Tools
Measuring tools are essential for examining a finished product or semi- tinished
product. The inspection or examination operations include checking, or testing an object
based on the required dimensions given on a diagram or a sketch. Again the
measurements taken must be accurate.
Types of measuring tools
1. T-Square is used a guide in drawing horizontal lines and in measuring up to 48"
straight line.
2. Triangles are used for drawing vertical and oblique lines. They are usually made of
celluloid or plastic and come in various sizes. The most commonly used triangles are
the 45° and the 30°x 60°.
3. Ruler is the most popular type of measuring tool. It is usually 6 or 12 inches in
length. It is needed for measuring sizes and distances.
4. Triangular Scale is used in general drawing. Its main purpose is to reproduce the
dimension in full size or to reduce or enlarge them on a drawing.
5. Protractor is used for measuring and setting of angles other than those obtainable
with the triangles.
6. Tape or tape ruler is a concave, spring-steel blade ranging from 1/4" to 1" wide and
6 to about 300 feet in length, coiled inside a carrying case. Metric tape ruler comes in
comparable widths and lengths up to 10 meters. It provides an easy means for
accurately measuring curved surfaces.
How to Take Care of Drafting Measuring Tools
Tools will last longer when properly kept and maintained. A good worker or
draftsman keeps and takes care of these tools. The following are some pointers:
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1. Be sure to inspect tools before using them. This is to check if they are in working
condition. This can be detected when there is ease and speed when in use.
2. After using a tool, clean it thoroughly with a damp cloth. Wipe it dry with another
piece of cloth before keeping it.
3. When not in use, the T-square is preferably hung by inserting the hole to a nail
(attached to a wall) at the end of its blade.
4. Do not abuse or misuse any piece of drawing instruments.
5. Avoid throwing tool to anybody instead hand it over
6. Avoid setting off the distances individually by moving the scale to a new position
each time, because slight errors in the measurements may accumulate and give rise
to a large error.
7. Avoid unnecessary sliding of T-square or triangles across the drawing. Pick up the
triangle by their tips and tilt the T-square blade upward slightly before moving.
8. Report defective tool and any hazard to instructor immediately.
MEASUREMENT
The word measurement comes from the Greek word “metron”, meaning limited
proportion. The metre (US: meter) was standardized as the unit for length after the French
Revolution, and it has been adopted throughout the world. Metric scale is applied when the
meter is used for linear measurement. Accurate measurement is essential in many fields,
and since all measurements are necessarily approximations, a great deal of effort must be
taken to make measurements as accurate as possible.
Measuring accurately is a skill that should be developed. Inaccurate measurement
would mean waste of time, effort and materials. The development of the skill in measuring
starts with the ability to read measurements.
TWO SYSTEMS OF MEASUREMENTS
There are two systems of measurement: The English system which originated in
England and the Metric system or Systems International (S.I) which originated in France.
The basic unit in the S.I. measurement is called the meter. The meter is divided into
100 centimeters. Each centimeter is divided into 10 millimeters. They are abbreviated as
follows:
Millimeters mm
Centimeters cm
Decimeters dm
Meters m
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In the English system, the inch is divided into 16 graduations and the smallest
graduation is read 1/16.
To read measurement exceeding 1 inch say 2” and for smaller graduations, it is read
and written as: 2 4/16 or 2 ¼.
1 Foot + 2 inches + 3 smaller graduations, it is read and written as: 1’ 2 3/16”
In the S.I. measurement, the meter is divided into 10 millimeters, as shown below:
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