Tips and Hints for Successful Measuring and Marking

When working on a project, making the right measurements and markings can really make or break what you are trying to accomplish. You can be doing everything right, but if your measurements and markings are wrong, it won't come out the way you want it to. So to make sure that you make the right measurements and markings, here are some easy tips to help you get the job done right.

The right way to read a ruler

When you're working on a project around the house, using a ruler will most likely be one of the tools you will be using. Without it, things can get really difficult. You might end up with crooked shelves or a slanted border.

To make sure that you get a straight line, you need to hold the ruler at eye level. Try to read the ruler with your eyes directly in front of or above the point you are reading. This will ensure that you get an accurate reading.

If you want a more accurate reading, hold the ruler on the edge instead of flat against surface of the item you are measuring. When you mark the points, instead of making just a dash use a V shape so it will be more visible and easier to read.

Duplicating a crooked line

If you're working on a project that needs for you to imitate a crooked edge or an irregular line, here is an easy way to do it. Take a compass and hold the pivot on the irregular line or the edge that you need to duplicate, and use the compass to help trace the line. Both of the points will be even to the line you're trying to duplicate.

When you're caught without a ruler

There have been so many times that I was right in the middle of a project when I discovered that my ruler was nowhere in sight. Thank goodness there is an easy fix to this problem, just use your hand as a ruler. If you know the approximate distance between your thumb and your index finger, you can use it as a ruler when the ruler itself is missing in action.

To measure a long distance, just walk your hand along the surface you are measuring and then multiply by the distance of your hand. You can also use your hand with shorter distances too. Just use a segment of your finger to measure the correct distance. Now you don't ever have to worry about not having a ruler again, you will always have one handy.

So next time you have a big project going on, try some of these tips to ensure that you make the proper measurements and markings.

More from this contributor:

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Sources: Personal experience