Tape Measure Secrets for RV Maintenance
Dave SolbergDescription
In this free video lesson, RV maintenance expert Dave Solberg teaches you some tape measure secrets that you can use to maximize this handy tool when working on your RV.
First, the wider your tape is, the longer it’ll stand up on its own when measuring for distance (without needing a second hand).
Next, the metal piece at the end of the tape is designed to wiggle so you can record a variety of measurements—your tape isn’t messed up, it’s meant to be that way! This metal piece also has a small slot for hooking it onto a wall nail so you don’t need another set of hands, as well as a serrated edge so you can score your material if you don’t have a pencil nearby.
As for the last of the tape measure secrets that you can use to your advantage: most tape measures have a marking every 16 inches. Those marks are to help you find the on-center distance on any standard stud wall. Studs are generally 16 inches apart, so those marks should serve as a helpful guide any time you’re looking for your center. They also have marks every 19.2 inches, which is the standard on-center distance for roof trusses.
Now you know!
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2 Responses to “Tape Measure Secrets for RV Maintenance”
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Dave, I have used tape measures all my life and you taught me some new stuff. I will stop throwing my tape measures away when the hook at the end seems loose.
Many tape measures have a specific length of the main body, often 2 inches. If you know that, or measure it, you can get a more accurate inside room measurement by not bending the tape and guessing on the measurement. Just run the tape measure body back tight against the wall or object opposite the tip end.