What is your measuring preference?

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DB

DB

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Feb 7, 2001
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1,067
Loc
NH
I always use aluminum rules with 1/16" measures. I back all of the rules with linen framers tape, and each station has a supply of 18",24", 30" , 36", and 48" rules, including all work stations and front counter stations. I only use a measuring tape for pieces over 48". I get nervous about using measuring tapes because I would hate to have one slip out of the locked position and inadvertantly slide the tab on the end across a piece of art! I am training someone new and she has never used anything but a measuring tape at her previous job. What is your preference?
 
We use metal rulers, 18, 36, and 48". I taped one length of mat board with linen tape to the back so they don't slide around.
 
My preference is a measuring tape. My fear of the aluminum rule is it slipping out of one of my hands and having a corner of the rule slam against the art work and puncturing it. I guess with either one of these if you have a clumsy moment they can do damage. Probably the safest measuring instrument is the cloth type that can be rolled up, however, I don't know if they come in 1/16" graduations.

-Mike.
 
I use an aluminum tape, my wife uses a cloth or aluminum tape. The cloth tape has a tendancy to stretch a little if pulled to hard.

When we use our tapes we NEVER take both hands off of it. I don't use the locking feature for the same reason as above. I always hold both ends of the tape and start measuring from the 1 inch mark.
 
I use Picture Framer's Rule measuring tape. It is a small tape that starts at 0, so no need to remember to subtract 1 inch. Can't remember where I ordered them but it seems like there was a thread on this a year or so ago. I ordered several at the time.
 
I have a severe case of terminal klutz, so I'm always terrified of dropping things. As a result, I always use an automatically self-locking tape. 3M gave away some real nice ones at the Atanta show this year. It's my latest fav. Before that, I was using one I got online from a woodworking supplier. This way, I don't drop metal rulers, and the tape doesn't snap back in and zap either my fingers or the art. Customers get so cranky when you get blood all over their art. :D

Susan
 
I use both types of tapes plus I have a glue down tape on the edge of one of my work tables and one attached to the edge of my Seal vacuum press.

Depending on what needs to be measured, I will either use the aluminum "yard stick" or the retractable tape measure. I use the locking kind and buy good ones that won't slip easily.

The glue down type can be bought from most woodworker's supply catalogs and are really handy on the vacuum press platen to measure dry mount tissue and lay out mounting boards and tissue for trimming and such. It is also handy to have one of these on the edge of a workbench just to get close measurements on boards and moulding when looking for something of a particular size. You can simply hold the mat up to the tape and see whether it will be large enough for your needs.

Framerguy
 
I forgot to mention that I also use a tape that has a centering function on it in the shop. Don't know where my other half found it. It was a Christmas gift several years ago, but it is a real treasure when mounting. One side of the tape is marked in actual inches, 1/2, 1/4,1/8,1/16, and the other side shows where 1/2 of that is. Real handy, and keeps me from having to go back to that first grade math that I used to teach.

Susan
 
I have carried a 1/4" thick, 6' tape measure in my left hand pocket nearly every day for almost 30 years now. I feel lost without it. I hate the self-locking type. And like most, I never take my hands off the tape when I measure with it.

When laying out multi-opening mats I use an 18 or 36" metal ruler and a small t-square.

Betty
 
I cannot work without my Popular Mechanics bright orange 1/4" x 6' tape measure for measuring customer's art work at the counter. It is easy to read and has 1/32" increments. I don't use the 1/32s but do use the 1/16s on occasions. I don't lend it to nobody, nohow.

At the work table I'll use aluminum yardsticks and a seam gauge.
 
Anybody else out there use cubits as their standard unit of measurement? I only do this when someone brings in a pair of items to be framed, but it distinguishes me from the other guy down the street. Makes price shopping a little tougher, too.

I've found some creative ways to maim artwork during the design process, including spitting on a few prints (seldom on purpose,) but - so far - I haven't damaged anything with my tape measure (for most measurments) or my steel rules (for more precise work.)

Thanks for giving me something else to worry about.
 
I use a metal measuring tape and obviously hold it at both ends also. In my years of framing I have seen artwork damaged by both tape measures and by the metal rulers, so itusually is a clumsiness issue.

My favorite measuring tool is my clear plastic ruler. It is clear an has a grid in 1/8". It is also a centering ruler. I can't layout a multiple opening without it. It is my favorite tool in the shop.
 
My perfect measuring tape would be:

White blade with Black 1/16 inch marks

No metrics on the bottom

Have a weak spring

Come in an eight foot length

Be at least half an inch in width

I've not been able to find such a tape measure!

Thanks for the input on the centering ruler, too. I'll buy one.
 
I have an old folding cabinet makers rule I use for the most part. I also have a half a dozen of the "framers" tape that has a 2" lead from the hook that is blank, then starts with "0". One of the more versatile measuring tools I have is a 48" "Bubble-Stick", a plastic straight edge that doubles as a level. It has a 48" scale on one edge and a centering scale on the other. I have backed it with 4-ply rag to keep it from marking surfaces or walls. It is used in laying out multiple opening mats and in installation.
 
For measuring orders, I use just a standard, 12 foot measuring tape. Never had a problem thus far. I never use the lock, but I try to keep at least one finger near the casing's opening to control when and how fast the tape shoots back in. So far, so good. :D

As for laying out multiples opening mats, well, can't say that I use anything to measure. We use an Esterly Speedmat system here, and multiple openings are cut by use of a simple formula for spacing that has yet to fail me. :D When I have had to cut them on a table top cutter, it was always a combo of both a tape measure and a metal ruler... and LOTS of double-checking. You'd be amazed how "off" the ruler and measuring tape could be from each other.
 
You can bend the stop tab at the end of the tape measure slightly, using two pliers, to adjust it to match the ruler exactly...
 
I have 24", 36", 48", 60" and 72" corked back rulers here in the shop. I also use the centering rulers often. For non-Luddites, these were once used to manually center things, and are an invaluable tool for manual mat layouts (remember those? ;)
 
Wally and Seth,
Where did you get the 48" and longer rules? And, are they sturdy enough to use as a straight edge for cutting glass?
I recently ran into a problem trying to cut a piece of accursed UV glass 53" with a 48" metal ruler.
I tried to order a 'Big Yellow Ruler' from United, but they told me it was a discontinued item.
Help!!!
 
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