TAPE MEASURES for Railway Sleeper Projects

Overview

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE!
A tape measure may seem the most basic of ingredients to use for a railway sleeper creation, but ultimately the success or failure of a project may depend on it. A tape measure is an essential tool in precisely measuring lengths and distances. It's crucial for a wide range of railway sleeper projects, from simple raised beds to more complex retaining walls. Its accuracy and ability to measure curves and corners make it a fundamental instrument for achieving your impressive railway sleeper creation! Tape measures are compact, portable, and relatively cheap! They save time and money by enabling precise measurements, that avoid costly mistakes. 

TAPE MEASURE FEATURES 
Lock
The thumb lock is designed to hold your tape precisely 4in place at your desired length. It stops your tape from automatically retracting back into its housing when carrying out measurements. Simply release the thumb lock to put the spring assisted tape measure back in its case. You can slow down the retraction speed of the blade by placing light pressure on the lock.
Hook
The hook, located at the end of the tape comes in handy when measuring hard surfaces such as tables. You may notice that the hook is loose; this is intentional to ensure accuracy. If the hook has a hole in it, this is so it can grip onto screws.
Belt Clip & Wrist Strap
Does what it says on the tin. The belt clip simply allows the measuring tape to be hooked onto your belt so you can always have it to hand. Likewise you can put your hand through the wrist strap, to avoid dropping the tape measure.
Measurements
Metric measurements are displayed in Millimetres, Centimetres and Metres whereas Imperial measurements are in Feet, Inches and fractions of Inches. In addition there are stud markings every 16 inches. 
Curved blade
The curved shape of the tape measure blade helps it stay rigid when extended, making it easier to measure long distances.
Case
Textured rubber no slip grip case.

TAPE MEASURE DIMENSIONS 
1) The 3m tape measure is 3m or 10ft long. The blade is 16mm or 5/8" wide. 150g weight.  78mm(H) x 78mm(W) x 40mm(D).
2) The 5m tape measure is 5m or 16ft long. The blade is 19mm or 3/4" wide. 255g weight.  91mm(H) x 91mm(W) x 40mm(D)
3) The 10m tape measure is 10m or 32ft 9" long. The blade is 25mm or 1" wide. 510g weight.  104mm(H) x 104mm(W) x 40mm(D)
4) The 30m surveyors tape measure is 30m or 98ft. The blade is 13mm or 1/2" wide.  170mm(H) x 170mm(W) x 20mm(D)

LUNA'S TOP TIPS
1) Here's an easy way of creating an exact 90 degree angle.  It's called the 3, 4, 5, method. You measure 3 feet on one side, 4 feet on the other side and then the hypotenuse (or the measurement from point to point) should be 5 feet exactly. If it’s not, you can adjust until it is. This also works with 6ft, 8ft and 10ft, as well as 60cm, 80cm and 100cm etc..
2) If you are building a box, and you want it to be exactly square, both diagonals from corner to corner should be equal. If they aren’t, you need to tap the sides or until both measurements are the same. Simple!

DID YOU KNOW?
1​) The first recorded use of a measuring device was by the Romans who used marked strips of leather, although more of a ruler than a tape measure
2) One of the first documented tape measures arrived on the scene in 1829, made from leftover wire that was used for hoop skirts. The fashion of hoop skirts only lasted about 10 years and when it had finished, James Chesterman, a metal worker,  was left with masses of flat wire that had no apparent use. He patented a spring tape measure that utilized flat metal with marked measurements. The metal was cased inside a doughnut shaped leather case that made the tool easy to transport and use. After receiving a patent for his invention, Chesterman began to sell the product for $17 in the United States. That was equal to approximately $300 now! The modern retractable measuring tape was invented by Alvin J. Fellows in 1868.
3) Did you know that the first inch on a tape measure is actually short by 1/16 of an inch? This is why the end hook is loose, as it measures exactly 1/16 of an inch, and provides accurate results when the tape is pulled tight.

FUN FACT
1956, Justus Roe, a surveyor and tape measure maker by trade, made a 600 feet (183 metre) gold-plated tape measure and, in a publicity stunt, presented it to the American professional baseball player Mickey Mantle. The measuring equivalent of a gold plated toilet seat!

Extra Info