The information herein will teach you how to use measuring and marking-out tools properly so you’ll be able to:
- Understand these tools and know when they should be used
- Read dimensions from drawings or sketches requiring the proper tools for the job; don’t cut corners
- Understand how to use tools correctly and conduct a review of any measuring and marking-out to ensure accuracy
Tools for measuring and marking out
The following are various measuring and marking-out instruments used in the workshop for various operations:
Pencil
Because it is easy to clean, the pencil is one of the most commonly used marking-out tools. The proper way to use it is to sharpen its edge very lightly in order to produce thin light lines that do not engrave the workpiece.
Steel rule
These measuring tools are made of steel and are used on a flat surface to create a rigid straight line. They are typically at least 30cm long.
Tape measure
A measuring tape is a tool that includes a thinning sheet in a rubber casing labelled with numbers. It can be up to 5m long, making it suitable for large projects. If it is not handled with care, it will become twisted and may break.
Marking calliper
Marking callipers are types of marking-out tools that scribe lines parallel to edges to clean off waste material. In a woodworking project, for example, where a small part needs to be removed, a marking gauge can be used to scribe out the unwanted part that will be chiselled away.
Try square
The try square is used to mark out workpieces by drawing perpendicular lines on a material. Try squares are used to ensure that paths are parallel to one another, and to draw lines at right angles to an edge.
Mortise gauge
A mortise gauge is a tool that allows two lines to be scribed parallel to an edge. It has two sharp spurs which can be adjusted and set to the width of the mortise chisel before marking the workpiece. In woodworking, these marking-out tools are frequently used.
Sliding bevel
The sliding bevel is used to mark out apart and it can be adjusted to create the desired angle. The line is then marked on the material with a pencil.
Engineer’s square
This hand tool is used to draw a perpendicular line on the material. It is placed on a workpiece surface, with the flat edge firmly pressed against the workpiece.
Spring dividers
These hand tools are used to scribe an arc or draw a circle on a variety of materials. They have two legs and resemble compass needles. One leg is firmly placed on the workpiece, while the other rotates, scribing the circle or arc.
Scriber
These popular hand tools aid in the marking of a line on a material. They have a sharp point and function as a pencil to engrave a fine line on surfaces like metal or plastic, where pens may not work properly.
Centre punch
The centre punch aids in the identification of a center dot for drilling. The point of the center punch is driven into the metal with a hammer, leaving a small surface impression.
Odd-leg callipers
The odd-leg callipers aid in the formation of a parallel mark on metal or plastic. The tool has two legs that serve different functions, one with a guiding edge and a foot and ascribe point. The guiding side runs along the edge of the to-be-scored object, while the scribing edge marks a line parallel to the edge.
Inside callipers
These marking-out tools have a similar appearance to odd-leg callipers. They’re used to measure distances inside materials such as tubes. These callipers have two legs with guiding feet pointing outward as well. The braces are inserted into the material or object to be measured, and then extended until the feet contact it.
Outside callipers
Outside callipers aid in the measurement of material thicknesses and outside diameters. They are wrapped around material and tightened so that the guiding feet meet the workpiece, but they can be removed easily without being affected. The leg span is then measured against a steel rule to provide an accurate reading.
Micrometre
This is used to provide an accurate measurement of an object. It is a more accurate version of outside callipers and can accurately measure the material’s outside edges.
Templates
When a number of identical shapes or patterns must be marked out, a template is useful. A template can be made out of any thin material, such as plywood or aluminum, or from any object that is easy to trace around.
For the best in measuring and marking-out tools, visit Steetz online or give us a call today at (855) 931–2228.
