It may come as a surprise to you, but Saturday, July 14th was Tape Measure Day. More specifically it was the birthday of the Spring Action Tape Measure.
The picture to the left is the original drawing of the “Spring Action” tape measure submitted by Alvin J. Fellows to the US Patent Office in 1868.
As you know, tape measures have come a long way; there are even talking tape measures. Just turn it on and pull it out to the length of the object or distance being measured, and the distance will be announced within .06 of an inch.
There are a number of electronic tape measures for the Android and iPhone, so you’ll never be caught without one. While there are a number of “APPS” for a tape measure, most likely the familiar spring tape measure will remain a fixture in the tool box.
There’s a lot to be said for accurate measuring and thinking ahead. The old adage “Measure twice and cut once” brings to mind a story a friend shared. While she was helping her Mother move from her home to lovely Retirement Community, her couch was too large so they decided to have a smaller one recovered. They took the measurements of the couch, the room size and even the door to the apartment. When it came time to deliver the beautiful new couch, they found one BIG mistake, they forgot to measure the elevator doors. It would not fit!! Ouch!
Here’s a “Magic Trick“ for the kids Pull out the tape measure and fold it in half so that the metal end of the tape measure is lined up to the current year. Your tape measure should be doubled back on itself. Since it is 2012, you need to line up the end of the tape with 112. Next, find the year you were born. The corresponding number on the opposite side of the tape measure is how old you will be on your birthday this year. For example if you were born in 1992 you will be 20 this year.
How about you? Any stories or tape measure tricks to share?
