Spring Tape Measures

[gumboil]

The majority of good quality spring tape measures have a slot in the hook at the end of the blade thus:

http://www.jamesheiresconsulting.com/Tape%20Me asure.jpg

How are you supposed to make use of this slot when measuring? Is the user meant to tack a brad or similar through the slot into wood etc to keep the hook in place?

Personally, I can't think of a situation where a captive hook would be needed even during repetitive measuring.

Thanks in advance for any enlightenment.

[gumboil]

Incidentally, while I'm at it, why is there a V-shaped notch cut out oif the bottom of the hook in the photograph?

It seems to me there's more to one of these tools than meets the eye!

[mibn2cweus]

If you've continued to ponder this while waiting for an answer you've probably already figured this out, but just in case you had better things to do in the mean time (I hope):

The slot securely captures the edge of a slightly raised nail head. This can be handy when/where there is no edge to keep the end hook in place.

The notch helps (somewhat) with keeping the end hook over a wire, string or other lengthwise edge.

[Clanad]

Need to measure or set up an arc or circle? Drive a small brad with a flat head into the center point of the arc with about 1/4 inch sticking up. Place the end of the tape slot with the head of the brad or small nail perpendicular to the tape blade. The head of the brad will fit neatly into the slot and the tape may then be rotated around the brad/center point for an accurate, one man measurement of a an arc... Can't help you with the notch though...

[Clanad]

Hmmm, sorry for the similar answer mibn, yours wasn't there when I started...

[mibn2cweus]

Clanad, I hadn't thought of the arc thing. Cheers!

[RATTER15]

How interesting!!! I had never really notice the slot or the notch before and I use them every day!!

[gumboil]

What a fantastic question folks. Not only have I learnt what the slot and notch are for, but we've also enlightened mibn2cweus and RATTER15 as well!

There truly is something new to be learnt everyday.

Thank you all very much.

[joko]

its to enable the borrowers to see what floor they are on.