4 Measuring Tools to Use at Home

What are measuring tools that I need at home?

1. Tape measure: for measuring lengths.
2. Level: to measure how leveled a surface is.
3. Caliper: to measure cylindrical objects.
4. Square: to measure angles and draw perpendicular lines.

Don’t underestimate the use of measuring tools when you’re at home. Even when everything is built well, things eventually get old and will someday need consistent maintenance or the occasional repair; or maybe you’re even looking to do some improvements and/or renovations; or maybe you just want to do a small DIY craft.

For times like these, you need the right tools to be able to do these tasks efficiently. After all, you don’t want to have a crooked shelf or multiple error holes in your wall.

That said, it’s always handy to have complete hand tools and proper measuring tools at hand before you even consider beginning construction or creation. Not sure which tools to buy? Then refer to the list below to find out which ones you should have!

Tape Measure

This is a general purpose measuring tool that can be used to accurately measure almost anything. It’s easily recognizable, with its spring-loaded tape being its central feature. This means that the tape that is pulled out of it will automatically retract. This allows it measure long lengths while remaining its small size in storage.

But while it is in use, this feature won’t be a problem since there is another mechanism that holds the tape in place so that you can use it like a standard ruler. Alternatively, you can lock in a measurement that you want to remember for later use.

The hook blade at the end of the tape measure is useful for latching to the edge of an item. This makes it more accurate to measure with.

Most tape measures come with tape that can reach up to 35 feet long and are about ¼-1¼ inch wide. But if you just need one to use for some DIY projects, then all you need is a 16-foot tape measure. For plumbing and carpentry, around 25 feet would do.

Level

A level, as its name implies, is used to check if an item is leveled (over a certain distance). The tool is ingeniously simple, working on nothing but the principles of gravity. It functions similarly to a standard ruler, but the only difference is that it has a small vial of water at the center with an air bubble inside. This small pocket of air is, when level, lined against the central measurement printed on the glass, thus allowing users to see whether or not the level is aligned perfectly.

It’s most often used to check the accuracy of surfaces such as tables, shelves, counters, and the like, ensuring that they are built of installed perfectly parallel against the floor.

The most common length of a level tool is around 2-4 feet. However, the most basic length that will still be useful for the user at home is around 2 inches.

Caliper

The caliper is one of the most often used measuring tools, with its main purpose being measuring the multiple dimensions of any one object. The caliper makes this possible via its locking mechanisms; the two curved metal pieces (which are attached to a pivot) make it so that one of them can be locked in place, thus positioning it into a certain measurement which can then be used as a baseline for marking, comparing distances, and more.

These tools come in plastic which are cheaper than most but are less durable than the steel variation. There are also digital versions that can measure up to 1/64 of an inch. While the mechanical version is an ideal tool for measuring the inner diameter of pipes and other cylindrical shapes, the digital one can accurately measure both inner and outer diameters. If a pipe breaks at home, then using this tool will tell you exactly what size of replacement pipe you need to purchase.

Square

Despite its name, a square it actually an L-shaped measuring tool. It’s mostly used for marking stringers on stairs or laying out rafters. However, it’s also best to be used to determine if an angle on an item is a perfect 90 degree angle. It’s also great for marking out lines that is perfectly perpendicular to an item’s straight edge. The ruler markings on both sides of the tool is helpful to measure the exact lines you need to mark out.

Key Takeaway

These items should be in any household’s toolbox. Whether you need to make measurements for repairs, improvements, or recreation, having these around will definitely be handy for you and your family. You can purchase all of the most sophisticated versions of these tools from us, KYK Tools. Check out our products page to see them and other tools we offer.

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