Measuring Diagonals Easily

Measuring Diagonals Easily Diagram 1 The last step to assembling a case is to make sure it's square. And the quickest way to do this is to measure diagonally from corner to corner. (If it's square these measurements will be the same. If not, you'll need to make some adjustments.) Using a tape measure is an easy way to check for square. The problem is that keeping the end of the tape on the corners can be difficult. But with a quick modification to the hook of the tape you can solve this problem.

To do this, simply cut a small slot on the hook with a rotary tool (or hack saw), see the drawing above right.

Measuring Diagonals Easily Diagram 2 The slot slips over the point of the corner of the project, see the drawing and detail at left. The slot holds the tape in place for those large projects where an extra set of hands would be a big help. And it doesn't effect the tape measure's accuracy when I use it for other projects.

Have a great weekend,
Ted Raife
Online Editor, Woodsmith

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