This idea is as old as the Pharaohs, but it’s worth repeating. When laying out a measurement that exceeds the length of your folding rule or tape, always lay off the short segment first. For example, if you’re using a 6-ft. rule and the measurement is 6 ft. 2 in., lay off the 2 in., then the 6 ft. If you lay off the 6 ft. first, you’ll end up with two marks just 2 in. apart — one on layout, and one not. It’s easy to forget which one to cut on.
—C . R. Kennedy, Rushville, OH
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #63
