Finish trim work around windows or doors requires accurate inside measurements, but it’s hard to get precise readings with a tape measure. The “see through” windows on some tapes don’t work very well, and I’ve never gotten accurate results from measurements that include the length of the tape case.
Instead, I use both my tape measure and my combination square, as shown. The square’s blade butts against the inside surface, while the tape measure records the distance from the opposite edge to the blade. I add 12 in. to the tape reading for the total. This method is fast, precise and makes use of the tools I’ve already got in my belt.
—Philip Zimmerman, Berkeley, CA
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #13
View Comments
Great trick thanks.
I use two good folding rulers. Pick an even dimension on one ruler and from the other, read off the measurement to add.
I use the folding rule with the slide-out extension. Very accurate and quick. Available at Home Depot.
Great tip Bob, these two items are always on hand, and with this tip I wont have to buy another tape measure of two.
Measure over 12 inches from one side make a mark, measure from other side to your mark add a foot.