On Thu, 03 Mar 2011 08:32:36 -0800, Smitty Two
wrote:

In article ,
Vic Smith wrote:

Another thing about tapes besides end tab run out is the tab can
easily get you off by 1/8" if the rivets loosen up.

I don't know what you mean by "end tab run out" but the rivets are
supposed to be loose, and allow travel equal to the thickness of the tab.

Run out is the distance off a flat surface the tab causes.
Just applied the term to it. Might be the wrong term.
If the tab is 1/4" off the work you measure long.
Some tabs are maybe 3/8"
Might not be much, but even 1/32" misses a tight fit.
I've had plenty of tapes that come with tight rivets in holes.
And some with slots where the tab is meant to move.
Doesn't matter if the hole/slot gets elongated from wear, like
slamming it back in.
The measurement is off unless you recalibrate and allow for it.
Check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y63OV_E7M-4

I won't lend him my tapes.
Ever hear of using body parts measuring?
Read about it long ago, think by a carpenter.
He knew the exact length of his fingers, arms, joint to joint.
Could get to within 1/16" for anything less up to about 8'.
Helps if you ain't fat and have sharp bones.
Recalibrate with age and shoe wear.
I measured my middle finger to wrist, different fingers,
middle finger to elbow, etc.
Then when I next had to measure something I had forgotten those
measurements, so I just grabbed a tape.

--Vic