Tape measure mystery

[Red88Carrera]

Why does it seem that the majority of tape measures are designed for left-handed people? Unless you use one alot, you probably never noticed it. When a right-handed person uses a tape measure and pencil to mark a measurement, they usually hold the tape in the left hand while marking with the right. Most tapes will have the numbers upside down in this scenario. After using a tape measure literally thousands of times over the years, I have mis-marked several times, ALL attributed to this design. Any ideas why they're made this way?

[Rapewta]

Probably for "lay out" ease.
I think when we put something down and measure for a cut or whatever, we
like to start from the left and work to the right.
How many remember the "old school" 6' wooden folding rulers?
They sold them in different configurations and you learned real quick which ones not to
use.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by Rapewta

How many remember the "old school" 6' wooden folding rulers?

That brings back memories.
I have a couple of old 3' folding rulers w/brass hinges sitting in the bottom of a rarely-used tool box.
I worked my way through Catholic high school working for my uncle, the carpenter/builder, back in the early 60s. He carried his 6 footer in the leg pocket of his coveralls. Good days, back then.

[mossguy]

I have two 6' folding rulers, one very old and one pretty new. I use both of them regularly. The angular bulk makes them very stable in certain situations.

[ben parrish]

Because most carpenters are right handed and use their right hand to mark the measurment with a pencil.

[Red88Carrera]

Originally Posted by ben parrish

Because most carpenters are right handed and use their right hand to mark the measurment with a pencil.

My point exactly. That means the pencil is in your right hand, tape in the left, numbers upside down.

[A930Rocket]

I must be used to holding it in my left hand and marking with my right.

Having the numbers facing each edge would be helpful but the two usually have different gradients.

[VINMAN]

Never noticed it. But now that you told me , it will annoy me!

[ben parrish]

Originally Posted by Red88Carrera

My point exactly. That means the pencil is in your right hand, tape in the left, numbers upside down.

ahh..really never paid attention and I have built a LOT of things...houses, decks, trim work, etc.. funny how I've never noticed.

[Red88Carrera]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Never noticed it. But now that you told me , it will annoy me!

My work is done here....

[trekkor]

As a right handed craftsman, many of my measurements are made on the saw with my right hand holding the tape to the blade... numbers facing me.


KT

[slodave]

You can buy a lefty version.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004SGPMI2

[Zeke]

Been using tapes for 40+ years several to dozens of times a day. I don't even see the big numbers but for an isntant, I'm always focused on the fractions. Yes, that has bit me more than once.

But, the lines have no top or bottom. And all these years I have struggled with 11/16 vs. 13/16. But as an old carpenter once said (me), "There are no sixteenths in a house."

So in that situation. 3/4s will generally do. Shy or fat. If it gets more precise, then it's a RCH.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by slodave

You can buy a lefty version.

Lefty's Left Handed Retractable Tape Measure:Amazon:Home & Garden

The numbers should be facing the reel.

[Red88Carrera]

Originally Posted by Zeke

And all these years I have struggled with 11/16 vs. 13/16.

That's funny...same here.

[peppy]

The lefties of the world need one win, everything else is made for righties.

[sc_rufctr]

I'm right handed. I hold the tape measure with my right hand and mark with my left.
I guess it's the best compromise because we read from left to right so the tape measure reads the same.

I wonder if the Chinese use a right to left?

[Dantilla]

I framed houses for quite a while, lots of remodels, bought & sold fixer-uppers. I've never noticed this.

Awfully nice to be ambidextrious.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

I framed houses for quite a while, lots of remodels, bought & sold fixer-uppers. I've never noticed this.

Awfully nice to be ambidextrious.

Man, I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous!

[M.D. Holloway]

Because there is no such thing as a "left-handed" person only one that refuses to be right.