1.

Tapes
Tapes are used for measuring long distances and circumferences where rules cannot be applied.

Type of Tapes
 Steel tape. Steel tapes are made from 6 to 100 feet in length. In the shorter lengths, they are
frequently made with a curved cross section so that they are flexible enough to roll up, but remain
rigid when extended. Long, flat tapes require support over their full length when measuring or the
natural sag will cause an error in reading.
 Tape rule. The tape rule is a ribbon of flexible steel that is wound into a flat metal case by
pressing a button or pushing it in by hand. A hook is provided at one end to hook over the object
being measured so that one man can handle it without assistance. On some models, the outside of
the case can be used as one end of the tape when measuring inside dimensions.

Fig.3. Type of Tapes

2. Calipers

These are used for measuring diameters and distances or for comparing dimensions or sizes with
standards such as a graduated rule.

Type of Calipers
 Outside calipers
Outside calipers (fig 4) are used to measure distances over and around adjacent surfaces and to
transfer the measurements to a rule. Several types are made in different sizes to accommodate a wide
range in measurements. The size of the caliper is expressed in terms of the maximum dimension it is
capable of measuring. A 3-inch caliper, for example, will measure a distance of 3 inches. Actually, the
maximum capacity of a caliper will be greater, often as much as one-third. This means that a 3-inch
caliper will actually measure up to 4 inches; however, it is not recommended that you use a 3- inch caliper
to measure 4 inches, since you may spring the legs resulting in an inaccurate measurement.
 Fig. 4. Type of Non-Calibrated Inside and Outside Calipers
 Inside calipers
Inside calipers (fig 4) have the same general function as outside calipers, except, that where the latter
are used in measuring distances over outside surfaces, the inside caliper is used in measuring distances
between inside surfaces. The points are rounded so that they are slightly ballshaped. This ball shape
establishes the point of contact, and in inside callipering where the surfaces are likely to have an inside
curvature an error may occur if the radius of the hole being callipered is less than the radius of the points.
Some inside calibers are equipped with an adjusting screw on one leg which provides a fine adjustment of
the caliper legs.
o Spring Caliper
o Firm Joint Caliper
o Transper Firm Joint Caliper

3. Micrometers
These tools are used for measurements requiring precise accuracy. They are more reliable and
more accurate than the calipers discussed in the preceding section.