Topic # 3

Measuring Tools
 Objectives

At the end of this session you should be able to;

• explain the importance of obtaining accuracy when
measuring materials and/or workpieces;
• name the two (2) classifications of measurement
according to purpose/use and state the purpose/
function(s) of each;
• define steel rule;
 Objectives

• explain the two(2) types of measuring scales on

steel tapes/rules;
• discuss the procedure on how to obtain correct
measurements using a steel tape/rule;
• define least count;
• measure and read steel rule with different least
counts;
 Importance of obtaining accuracy when
measuring materials:
To meet and comply with the standard
requirement(s) necessary and needed for the
job (ex. to fit together component parts with an
acceptable degree of accuracy required for
the job).
Note: 1. Accuracy means the extent to which the
results of a calculation or the readings of an
Instrument approach the true values of the
calculated or measured quantities and are free
from error.
Note: 2. Factors to consider in order to obtain
accuracy when measuring in general:

material/workpiece:

shape and size

surface and edge

Measuring tools:

• system of measurement
used.

• appropriate measuring
tool in relation to size
and shape of the material/
workpiece to be measured.
• appropriate measuring
tools for the degree of
accuracy required.

• accurate and correct

reading on the
graduation
of the measuring tool.
 Two (2) classifications of measurement
according to purpose/use:
Linear Measurements:
The most common measurements made in
general practice in the machine shop on
flat surfaces.

• determines the length,

width, height, depth,
etc.
• measuring tools include
steel rules (rulers), steel
tape rules, try square,
Vernier calipers,
micrometer caliper, etc.

• other related measuring

tools include protractors
(angularity), level gage
(flatness/straightness),
square head/ combination
set (squareness/ flatness),
etc.
Round Work Measurements:

Common measurements made in general

practice in the machine shop on circular
and curved surfaces.

• measurements are usually

made by contact, using
tools with contact points or
contact surfaces.
• determines the inside
diameter, outside
diameter, thickness, etc.

• measuring tools include

inside caliper, outside
caliper, Vernier calipers,
micrometer caliper, etc.
 Define steel rule.

Steel Rule – a graduated

strip of metal or other
material used to measure
lines or as a guide in
drawing lines.

Tape rule – is much used measuring tool for

measuring longer distances.
Types of measuring scales on steel tapes
rule/steel rule:
English System: inch-based scale (in.)
Least count – the smallest value of measurement
that a particular measuring instrument has.

Decimal:
0.125; 0.25; 0.5

Fractional:
1/16; 1/32; 1/64
Types of measuring scales on steel tapes
rule/steel rule:

Metric System: metric-based scale (mm.)

Least counts:

Decimal: 0.5 mm.

Decimal: 1.0 mm.

Example ?
?

Least Count?
Methods of Measuring and Reading Steel Rule

1. Metric System
10mm.
5mm.
1mm.
2mm. 20mm.
9mm.
3mm.
4mm. 30mm.
40mm.
50mm.

4 in. 5 in. 6 in.

2. English System
Methods of Measuring and Reading Steel Rule
English System

2/16
1/16
3/165/16
4/16 8/16 15/16
7/16
6/16 16/16
1/81/4 3/81/2 1
16 equally spaced Each gradation
graduations is equivalent of
1/16
Methods of Measuring and Reading Steel Rule
English
System

Least count 1/32

31/32
32/32
2/32
3/32
1/32
4/32
5/32
1
1/16
1/8
32 equal graduations
Methods of Measuring and Reading Steel Rule
English
System

Least count 1/64

4/64
3/64
5/64
6/64
2/64
1/648/64
10/64
9/64
7/64 63/64
64/64
1/16
2/16 2/32
1/32 5/32
3/32
4/32 1
1/8
64 equal graduations
Each graduation is
equivalent of 1/64
Steps In Measuring and Reading using a Rule

1. Identify the required

accuracy for the work.

2. Determine the point of Wrong

reference ( side, edge,
surface, etc.) for tool
setting. Right

Note: Never use the end of the rule to align with

the edge of the work for a measurement.
3. Measurements are made
directly on the surface of
the material/workpiece for Right

both steel tape rules and

rulers.
Wrong
4. Read the steel rule
as follows:

126 mm

10 7/8 inch
Example
107 mm
92.5 mm

3 25/32 in. 4 5/16 in.

 1 2 3 4

5 7 8 9
6

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20
End of Presentation