OK, tape measures here in the US display the length in inches, usually divided into 16ths of an inch and marked in multiples of 12 (feet). But I’ve noticed some other unusual markings on some brands. Some have additional markings at 16-inch increments. I imagine this is for carpenters because studs are arranged on 16-inch centers. But there also marks on 19 3/16” increments. Why? Is this some alternative stud spacing?
Lastly, there is a single mark located at 6 ½ inches. What does this signify - average penis size?
There’s no special mark at 6 1/2" on my ten foot metric/english tape. Come to tink of it, I don’t recall seeing such a mark on any of my tapes (I have three. I’m not anal, they’re for my job). Are you sure the mark isn’t a stray splotch of paint?
The one I was looking at is a new Craftsman[sup]TM[/sup] 25’ tape measure. The red dot at 6 1/2" is definately looks like it is supposed to be there - it is circular, located in the exact center of the tape, and is the exact same shade of red as every 16th inch is marked.
None of my tape measures have any such marking, either.
WAG: Is the housing 3.5 inches wide? Then, if you pull out the tape so the red dot is right at the slot, you’d be set up for a 10-inch inside measurement. Dunno why that would be especially helpful, though.
While you’re on the subject, how would you read a measurement where the length measured out to the last line before the next number…
say, it’s 5 and 15/16ths ???
You are correct, provided that the tape uses 1/16 inch graduations. If so, there are 15 lines between each number, and the corresponding measurement at each line are as follows:
