Stupid Question

[CNCRob]

I was just sitting here drawing a project that I want to cut out for my daughter. While I was doing that I started to wonder why they put that tiny amount of play in the end of a tape measure( I mean the little tab you use when you wanna hook it over something and measure)? I figure its gotta be there for a reason because there would have to be a way to fasten the end on with out the play. And another question on the same topic, Are you suppose to measure with the end held out tight or pushed in?

[fyffe555]

Its to allow for the thickness of the tab. When you put the tape against a wall, say, the tab slides in so you measure from the outside edge. When you hook it over something the tab slides out so you still measure from the same place on the tape.

Having said all that it's pretty pointless because most tapes are out more than that over any length and since the tab often obscures the first few fractions most people I know mark off starting from 1" or what ever...

good question though...

[CNCRob]

Thanks fyffe555, It all makes sense now.