Measuring Tools and Instrument

- is a device for measuring a physical quantity. In the physical sciences, quality

assurance, and engineering, measurement is the activity of obtaining and comparing
physical quantities of real-world objects and events.
Types of Measuring Tools and Instrument
1. Steel Tape Measure or Tape measure - is a flexible ruler. It consists of a plastic,
fiber glass, or metal strip and mylar blade with linear-measurement markings. It is a
common measuring tool. Its design allows for a measure of great length to be easily
carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners.
Uses of Tape Measure
Tape measures that were intended for use in tailoring or dressmaking were made from
flexible cloth or plastic. These types of tape measures were mainly used for the
measuring of the human's waist line. Today, measuring tapes made for sewing are made
of fiberglass, which does not tear or stretch as easily. Measuring tapes designed
for carpentry or construction often use a stiff, curved metallic ribbon that can remain stiff
and straight when extended, but retracts into a coil for convenient storage. This type of
tape measure will have a floating tang or hook on the end to aid measuring. The tang is
connected to the tape with loose rivets through oval holes, and can move a distance
equal to its thickness, to provide both inside and outside measurements that are
accurate. A tape measure of 25 or even 100 feet can wind into a relatively small
container. The self-marking tape measure allows the user an accurate one hand
measure.
The tape measure was invented by Alvin J. Fellows of New Haven, Connecticut,
receives a patent for a spring-click tape measure. His improved design creates a useful
and enduring tool.
2. Wire gauge it is a measuring tool used how large a wire is, either
in diameter or cross sectional area. This determines the amount of electric current a wire
can safely carry, as well as its electrical resistance and weight per unit of length. Wire
gauge is applicable to both electrical and non-electrical wires, being important
to electrical wiring and to structural cable.
The term wire gauge refers to a measurement of what the diameter of a wire is. This
measure can be used to determine what the electrical resistance, weight per unit of
length, and the amount of current that can safely be carried by the wire.
How to Measure Wire Gauge
Step 1 Note whether the wire gauge measurement tool supports
American Wire Gauge (AWG) or Metric Wire Gauge (MWG).
Step 2 Clip the end of the wire to be measured, then slice the
circumference of the covering to expose the wire.
Step 3 Insert the exposed wire into a hole on the wire gauge measurement tool that
snugly fits the wire. Be sure not to insert one of the wire strands into a measurement
hole that is too small as it may get bent.

Step 4 Read the measurement on the external side of the hole on the tool to get the
wire gauge measurement for the wire.

3. Vernier Caliper - is an instrument that measures internal or external dimensions and

distances. It is a device that lets the user measure more precisely than could be done
unaided when reading a uniformly divided straight or circular measurement scale. It is a
scale that indicates where the measurement lies in between two of the marks on the
main scale.
A vernier caliper - is one of the most useful tools there is that can measure both the
internal and the external diameter of an object. Depending on the precision of the
instrument, it is able to measure in fractions of millimeters so that absolute exact
measurements can be obtained. This means that a zero error can be obtained, allowing
for no discrepancies will be
HISTORY OF VERNIER CALIPERS
The vernier caliper , invented by the French mathematician Pierre Vernier(15801637), is a well-known tool for high-resolution length measurements . The caliper
consists of two graduated scales , a main scale like a ruler and a second scale , the
vernier , which slides parallel to the main scale .
The main use of the vernier caliper is to measure the internal and the external
diameters of an object. To measure using a vernier scale, the user first reads the finely
marked "fixed" scale (in the diagram). This measure is typically between two of the
scale's smallest graduations. The user then reads the finer vernier scale (see diagram),
which measures between the smallest graduations on the fixed scaleproviding much
greater accuracy

MAIN
SCALE

VERNIER
SCALE

DEPTH PROBE