home improvement tooltime
This is another post about tools for the home D.I.Y renovator. We talked about hammers and pry bars, next you need to get yourself a good tape measure. It is tempting to get yourself a cheap tape measure but you really will regret this later on.
What makes a quality tape measure is the ability to have the tape out for several feet and to be able to have it hold suspended. If you are trying to measure something by yourself, it is important to be able to open the tape at least 6 feet (for a tape about 10' long) without it collapsing.
If you buy a cheap tape measure the metal isn't strong enough, neither is the curve, or the cup, in the tape, deep enough. It will be very frustrating not being able to take simple measurement without someone holding the other end of the tape. This doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money on a tape, just expect to spend $5-7 for a good 16 footer. Ideally you should get yourself at least a 25 foot tape and expect to pay about $8-10.
Stay tuned for some more tool buying tips.