Metric Measuring

[Oso Rojo]

I'm making the jump into working in metric. The biggest problem is my measuring tools. I need an inside reading folding rule, tape measure, and conversion calculator in metric.

What are the suggestions for the best quality tools in these categorizes?

I've bought cheap measuring tools before and learned my lesson. Get the best if you want to measure the best.

Bernie

 

[Danny]

I would suggest Lee Valley.  Many of the measuring stuff  they sell are available in either imperial or metric.

www.leevalley.com

Danny

 

[Paul G]

Fastcap has a metric tape http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=112

 

[bkharman]

Do you have an iPhone?  You can always ask Siri what conversions are. You can also download convertabot. Very good conversion app.

 

[tbellemare]

For some reason, I've found it hard to find folding rules with the slider for inside measurements in metric.

Maybe it's just that they aren't imported and sold here or something else.

Maybe someone from Europe knows of something?

Please help!

Tom

 

[dltflt]

I looked for the folding rule with slider while I was in Iceland last week and there was none.

 

[sancho57]

fast cap tapes, woodpeckers metric story pole and other metric items, and construction calc app does conversions.

Dont do what I did, go back and forth between imperial and metric, if you start a project in metric finish the project in metric

 

[Stephen B]

. . . . .

Dont do what I did, go back and forth between imperial and metric, if you start a project in metric finish the project in metric

[size=10pt]

Quite right, stick with one system.

Also you will find it easier to think in MM only. Ie. 2.4 metres as 2400mm.

In AUS and, as I understand it, in Europe, all plans are usually in MM only. This leads to less confusion.  [smile]

Edit. Do not buy duel metric/imperial measuring instruments. You will only do your head in!

 

[RC]

I'm having a hard time picturing what makes a folding ruler special for 'inside reading'?

At least in the pictures I googled for 'inside reading folding ruler' they looked exactly like the ones we have over here i.e. folding rulers with markings on both sides.

 

[GarryMartin]

I'm having a hard time picturing what makes a folding ruler special for 'inside reading'?

inside markings: numbering begins on inside of rule: measurement lies close to the work

Some also have a sliding section.

OUTSIDE READING WITH SLIDE

INSIDE READING

OUTSIDE READING

Comparison Contactmeter with normal folding rule
Top: normal Hultafors folding rule
Bottom: Hultafors Contactmeter - Used for measuring directly on surfaces

[Edited to add more detail and pictures]

 

[Uffe Kaagaard]

I never use folding rules after i got a Talmeter from Hultafors.



http://www.hultafors.com/news/new-talmeter-3m-vp/

 

[jeh]

+1 on the fast cap tapes.

I'm not sure what kind ofdistances you are using it for, but if they are more than a feet the digital measuring tools are outstanding. I have a bosch and it is spot on.

I also have a telescoping tool that is without a doubt one of the finest inside measuring tools made. The name escapes me ow, but when I get home I will post a photo and the name.

I first saw it when I ordered a eudiculously expensive custom shower door. The owner of the company had one and I bought one immediately. This was before the digital tools were reasonable and I like analog measurements.

 

[Stephen B]

I never use folding rules after i got a Talmeter from Hultafors.



http://www.hultafors.com/news/new-talmeter-3m-vp/

[size=12pt]

I am impressed, checked their websites, so I probably know answer, but does anyone know of an Australian importer?

 

[Bgladd]

Check out M1 (imperial). It works for me!

http://m1tapes.com/

 

[amt]

I recently got one of these, which has imperial and metric:

http://www.bestmadeco.com/collections/tools/products/the-folding-ruler

It's made by BMI.

 

[pmarcusm]

I work in the engineering world as a structural designer and remember the first metric job and whined about it, and now I whine about having to do a job in imperial. Is much easier once you learn to thing metric. I remember the engineers would always go to 305mm instead of just 300 for 12". I sure like it on drawings, because the dimensions layout so much better.
I have a tape that has both and it helps to get started in thinking metric. Measure the feet and inches and the see what the closest equivalent is, round up or down as needed. Also lay it out on paper in metric for a simple project to help get started.

My 2 cents.

Marcus

 

[suds]

I've been trying to find the Hultafors in the US inside reading metric.  The Talmeter looks even sweeter.

 

[Howad]

I have an english Rhino extension rule.  It's not clear to me if their metric version has an extension but one would think so.

http://www.engineersupply.com/Rhino-Rulers-Folding-Euro-Style-Metric-Ruler-55170.aspx?gdftrk=gdfV22645_a_7c983_a_7c5300_a_7cES4267

 

[CarolinaNomad]

+1 for the fast caps.  And the Hultafors Talmeter looks great as well.

As for conversion, try BuildCalc on your smart phone.  It's worth the $20.  You can input imperial fractions and add imperial to a metric number and it will give you calculation in metric.  It has other features dealing with construction, ie stairs, rafters, compound miters and so on.  Adding 5' 6 3/8" to 95.38m is awesome for what I do.

 

[panelchat]

fastcap true 32 is very good. the numbering system on it makes large millimeter numbers very easy to read. for the all metric millwork i'm hired for these days its the only one to use.