Self-Marking Tape Measure
Intro: Self-Marking Tape Measure
The Self-Marking Tape Measure a is tape measure and a marking unit all in one. When marking a measurement traditionally, sometimes it feels like you need a third hand. Whether you are measuring and marking your wall to hang a painting, or finishing your final measurements on that weekend project; with the Self-Marking Tape Measure, you can feel confidant making measurements in solitude.
STEP 1: Materials
You will need the following:
- Stanley 33-312 Tape Measure
- 2 #8-32 x 3/4" Machine Screws
- 2 #8 flat Washers
- 2 #8-32 Wingnuts
- 2 mm Mechanical Pencil Lead
- 1 1/4" Brad Nail
- 3D Printer or use of 3D Hubs
STEP 2: Design
After doing some measurements on the tape measure, I came up with this extremely simple design that clamps onto this specific tape measure.
If you use a different tape measure, feel free to download my solid file and make any necessary changes.
STEP 3: Print
I printed my part using ABS filament with a fill of 25%.
If you use this exact same tape measure, print the stl and assemble.
STEP 4: Drill Hole for Guide
The first guide hole was included as part of the design, however, it was purposefully designed to be smaller than the nail used as the guide. This was to allow for a perfectly tight fit of the guide after printing.
Drill the hole in the print larger to 1/16" for a tight fit of the nail. Make sure to only drill halfway through the lead side of the part.
STEP 5: Assemble
To assemble the final tape measure:
- Insert machine screws into the printed part
- Carefully remove the screw and belt clip of the tape measure
- DO NOT LET THE TAPE MEASURE COME APART
- Insert the tape measure into the printed part and tighten screw
- Insert the marking guide nail
- Attach washers and wingnuts
- Break lead so that it doesn't stick out above printed part
- Tighten wingnuts
STEP 6: Thoughts
This was a really fun project inspired by many of the self marking tape measures out there. At first glance, I didn't think they were worth the money. If you look at the reviews of most, people claim they are terribly inaccurate. After building my own, I can say it's usually accurate within about 1/16 of an inch. Definitely a tool that can come in handy in a lot of situations, but not something I would want to use for precision joinery.
28 Comments
mikeasaurus 6 years ago
Great minds think alike, Troy :)
I like your design better, as I think it can adapt to more varieties of tape measures without much modifications.
tomatoskins 6 years ago
Haha I saw that the other day! :) I like that yours uses a standard pencil. Much simpler than specially ordered lead.
Luke Wilson 6 years ago
That is absolutly Amazing!
inventorinlearning 7 years ago
can this design used for tatctix 12ft tape measures? thx
tomatoskins 7 years ago
You will probably need to modify the design to fit your exact tape measure.
Proto G 8 years ago
Great idea!
vandenbrande 8 years ago
Handy stuff troy the tomato! gonna build one to.
tomatoskins 8 years ago
Awesome! Be sure to share a picture when it's done!
SteveMann 8 years ago
Very useful, especially with a nice diamond-tipped scribe to mark and break glass and tiles, etc..
napoleonrubio2 8 years ago
como descargo todos los pasos.??
Naugas 8 years ago
There's a very clever Swedish measuring tape that has this and some more functions in-built, made since the fifties - the "Talmeter".
http://www.hultafors.com/hand-tools/measuring/marking-measures/marking-measure-talmeter-2m3m/talmeter/
calistoar 8 years ago
True, there is also a similar brand Mabo (a French subsidiary of Stanley), of the early 70s. I have one and it still works perfectly and in addition, has a spirit level and the body can be used as square angle. Look on Ebay: Nivomètre Mabo. (labelede as "vintage"!!) Not expensive . Very ingenious & robust construction. Greetings from Argentina.
Gandyo001 8 years ago
Very nice. I am making one now!
Jedi_zombie85 8 years ago
Nice work and a great idea
Proto G 8 years ago
Good job!
John L 8 years ago
Job well done. It really looks nice. But can't you accomplish the same thing with a combination square? They can even be purchased 24"(600mm) long.
KarenW80 8 years ago
I agree with other comments! Making life/projects easier is what it's all about!
Unfortunately job keeps me too busy lately so...Where can I buy it:)
ste 8 years ago
Great! Very simple and effective.
peter.kocsis.77964 8 years ago
I can see how this can be handy to quickly draw arcs by using a small brad as the center pivot point.
BeachsideHank 8 years ago
Actually, this looks rather handy in spite of the accuracy issue, sometimes it's smart to cut oversize and trim to final length.