When measuring large volumes of paracord, a tape measure can get awkward. Long have I wanted a Manual length Measuring Device, but I really can't afford the price.

Enter the do-it-yourself version. I spent less than $15 on parts, and am quite happy with the result.

Step 1: Materials

Chunk of Wood
You need to mount the assembly on something, so this can be a scrap chunk of lumber. You can also mount it to a workbench if you want it permanently in one spot. Home Depot has a discount lumber section where they sell damaged wood for really cheap. The piece I used is 1 1/2 x 2 x 24 inches.

Measuring Wheel
Those things you push along the ground to measure distance. Get the kind with a counter. I got mine at Harbor Freight for $9. They have digital and analogue counters, but I chose analogue so that I wouldn't have to worry about batteries.

Screw Eyes
These look like tiny eye bolts. I got #210 which have an internal diameter of 1/4 inch. They are 1 1/8 inches long. These are just to make managing the cord easier.

Epoxy
Just a standard two-part epoxy to hold the meter to the wood. I used the quickset since this isn't going to get a lot of abuse.

Step 2: The Wheel

The measuring wheel comes with a handle that needs to be removed. Mine was held in with a single screw and came out pretty easily. If it doesn't just come out, you could use a hacksaw, but that is dependant on what kind you get.

Once the handle is gone, epoxy the counter box to the piece of wood. Make sure the numbers are pointing up so that you can read them. The box should go right in the center. Keep the wheel just far enough away from the wood to keep it from scraping.