We all know what a tape measure is used for. But, you've probably been using it wrong all these years. In fact, some of the things you thought were miscellaneous or flaws in your measuring tape are actually purpose-built to help you out -- if you know
how to use it, that is.
Below we've gathered some of the most useful tips and tricks you never knew about your tape measure. We guarantee you'll never look at this household tool the same way again, and you'll probably wish you'd read this a while ago, too. Check it out and let us know what you think -- and don't forget to share these tips & video with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest too!
1. Nail grab
At the very end of the tape measure and over the lip is a little notch inside the metal. This is for grabbing onto a nail or screw. By hooking the tape measure to that nail or screw, you can properly measure the distance without having someone else hold down the other end for you.
2. Serrated edge
Every been in the middle of measuring something only to realize you don't have a pencil to mark the spot? That's what this serrated edge is for. Jane explains that it can be used by moving it back and forth to make a light mark on your material.
3. The loose end is useful
You've probably looked at your tape measure and wondered why the metal end was so loose. Don't worry it's not a design flaw, in fact, Jane explains it's moveable because it helps properly measure edges.
The first inch of a tape measure is short by 1/16 of an inch to account for this metal-hooked ending. Can you guess how thick the metal hook is? Yep, 1/16 of an inch.
So when you measure, always account for that metal hook -- especially when you use it to grab onto the end of an edge and measure out. That looseness accounts for the 1/16 of an inch missing on the tape, allowing you to get the exact measurement every time. This also works the other way, too, simply push in to fill the gap and the metal end's 1/16" thickness makes up the difference.
4. The outside of your tape measure can help, too
The clever folks who made the tape measure have also measured the container it's in, too. The outside of your tape measure will have a number in the bottom left-hand corner which tells you how big it is. Jane says this is helpful when you want to get an accurate inside measure.
Inside measures are difficult because you often have to bend the tape to get the number -- but then it makes it tricky to know exactly what number it lands on. But, if you know that the measure is say, 3 inches, you can place it right on the bottom of the ledge and measure up with your tape -- adding on the 3 inches of the body. You'll always get an accurate measurement!
Plus...Need to cut something in a hurry? 
Fine Home Building says you should extend your tape measure to the length you need (like 20 inches) and with the metal end on the drywall, let the measure guide you in a straight line down the material as you cut it with a box cutter.
Don't forget to check out the video below and see these useful tips in action! Plus, share this video on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!
