DIY Basics: Essential Guide To Measuring And Marking Tools

Setout tools are designed to suit the scale and shape of the items they are used to measure or mark.

Measuring tools are used to determine the dimensions of objects and to help show where one should be relative to another.

Certain types, like measuring tapes, use a simple graduated scale, while other tools, such as calipers, rely on direct contact.

Marking tools can also have a measuring component, but their chief purpose is to allow you to set out measurements for cutting, drilling, levelling and fastening.

Some feature a point or blade that directly scribes or punches whatever is being marked, while others, such as a compass, act as a physical guide for a pencil.

For most builds, from a bookcase to a pergola, quality tools are crucial for working out lengths and angles.

Even a small miscalculation can make a major difference in the finished job and result in a waste of time and materials.

Retractable measuring tape (above)

For detailed measuring in the workshop, and basic building and construction work, use a standard 5 or 8m tape measure.

The case stores a springloaded metal blade with a hook on the end, so measuring is a one-person job.

Some tapes feature a magnetised hook, and a finger brake for safety.

This tool is essential for accurate measuring in the workshop.

In addition to drawing straight lines, the tough steel edge provides a guide for a cutting with a utility knife or scribing with an awl.

It’s available in 150, 300, 600 and 1000mm lengths with both metric and imperial graduations.

Use an open-reel tape for big measuring jobs like landscaping, fencing and house exteriors.

Made of non-conducting fibreglass with minimal stretch for greater accuracy, the tape is retracted by winding a crank.

The open reel is also easy to clean after use on muddy worksites.

Used for measuring any small space or items like fasteners or threads, this precision instrument can also show internal or external diameters.

Available in analogue or digital form, a Vernier caliper has a pair of fixed jaws and a pair of sliding jaws that move along a graduated scale to show the measurement.

Laser distance measurers send a laser beam up to 50m away.

When it hits a flat surface, the optical pulse reflects back to the tool, which displays the distance. Ideal for room measuring, with linear distance, area and volume calculations available.

Some models are accurate to within +/-1.5mm and can also perform Pythagorean calculations.

Also called a carpenter’s rule, this tool folds into quarters and extends to 1000mm.

Available in both metric and imperial versions, it can have either a square or bevelled edge.

Folding rules are particularly useful for vertical setouts, and any time a rigid rule up to 1000mm in length is required.

Angle meters are compact replacements for bulky levels or adjustable triangles used when measuring vertical angles.

Use an angle meter to measure and set the rise, angle or pitch of ceilings, roofing or rafters.

Simply place the tool on a surface and read the dial to find the angle.

Similar to the trundle wheels we used in primary school, modern measuring wheels have a built-in counter to keep track of the distance covered when measuring fence lines and large property areas.

Select one with a large wheel for greater accuracy over rough terrain.

Simply push the wheel along for a distance reading with a tolerance of about 5mm per metre.

Protractors let you accurately set and transfer bevels and angles.

Made from plastic or metal, protractors are usually semicircular with two sets of graduations from 0º to 180º in opposite directions.

Use a combination protractor and saw guide to accurately and easily cut angles between 15º and 75º.