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.