16 Different Types of Measuring Tools and Their Uses [PDF] (2024)

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Measuring Tools

Measuring tools are essential accessories needed to measure physical quantities. In fields such as physics, quality assurance, and engineering, measurement is the activity of obtaining and comparing quantities of particular objects.

The measurement gives a number related to the item under study and the referenced unit of measurement. Measuring tools with perfect methods that describe the use of the tools are the means by which these relations of numbers are obtained.

One minor error in measurement ruins the whole project. You must be aware of the different types of measurement toolsand how they work in order to prevent such mistakes. Therefore, to help you introduce these tools, we have gathered a list of essential measuring tools with their use.

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Types of Measuring Tools

Following are the types of measuring tools used for all purposes:

1. Angle locator
2. Bubble inclinometer
3. Caliper
4. Compass
5. Digital angle gauge
6. Level
7. Laser level
8. Micrometer
9. Measuring squares
10. Odometer
11. Pressure gauge
12. Protractor
13. Ruler
14. Speedometer
15. Tape measure
16. Thermometer

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#1 Angle Locator

The angle locator is sometimes also known as an angle finder. It is the perfect tool to measure angles and replicate the angle of an existing area. These are commonly used for construction or carpentry purposes. These measuring tools have a magnetic base that allows them to be attached to metal measuring sections. It is a manual tool with a digital display.

You will need to place the ends of this angle locator on the workpiece and use the readings obtained to determine your angle. The angle locator allows easy at-a-glance measurement of angles from 0° to 90°. There will be times when you need to find an angle inside a closet or small space, so having a tool like this will greatly simplify the process.

#2 Bubble Inclinometer

An inclinometer is essential and a smart choice if you need to determine a particular inclination. These are specifically designed to measure the range of motion of a joint and are also used to measure the stability of the grade.

To identify the range of motion of a joint to be measured, set the bubble inclinometer to zero, and then determine what the difference is as it undergoes its changes. It is often used by sports therapists to test a healthy range of motion at critical junctures of the body.

#3 Digital Angle Gauge

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It is very essential for workers to measure angles, and they need access to accurate data so angle gauges have been invented. These types of measuring tools allow quick measurement of any angle surfaces attached to them.

Compared to an analog angle gauge, a digital angle gauge is faster, easier to use, and more accurate. It consists of a powerful magnetic base and automatic calibration controls that are useful for determining precise bevel and miter angles on powered saws. They are relatively cheap and also very precise tools.

#4 Caliper

A caliper is a measuring tool used to measure the dimensions of an object such as thickness, outside and inside diameter, length, width, and depth. These measuring tools provide multiple-dimension measurements and are usually made of steel. They are used in various fields such as engineering, medicine, construction, household, and metalworking.

By adjusting the tips of the calipers to fit across the object to be measured, and then removing the calipers, the total length can be easily measured via a fixed ruler. There are different types of calipers that allow the measurement to be read on a controlled scale, dial, or digital display.

#5 Compass

Compass is a very important tool that is used for various tasks like maths, drafting, navigation, and other purposes. If you are an architect then you will already be familiar with a compass. It is commonly used in the process of shipbuilding as well as in carpentry.

Compasses are usually made of metal and have two “legs” attached to a hinge that can be adjusted to allow varying the radius of the circle drawn. A compass is a technical drawing tool that can be used to write circles or arcs. As a divider, it can also be used as a tool for separating distances, in particular, on maps.

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#6 Level

It is a type of measuring tool that is used to indicate the horizontal plane. The level is an optical device that consists of air bubbles in a liquid medium to display measured results. The tube is sealed and fixed horizontally to a block of wood with a smooth bottom surface.

The glass tube of the level is tilted and the adjustment in the horizontal is indicated by the movement of the bubble. Builders typically use longer-level instruments that range from 2-, 4- or 6 feet in length. They are used in construction works, woodworking, and metalworking shops.

#7 Laser Level

A laser level is a measuring tool consisting of a rotating laser beam projector that can be firmly attached to a tripod. This is leveled as per the accuracy of the tool and projects a fixed red or green beam in a plane about the horizontal and/or vertical axis.

Certain types can measure the distance from the unit to the end of the laser beam, making a fast and accurate solution for worksite distance measurement. Laser levels are commonly used for leveling and aligning applications in the construction and surveying industry.

#8 Micrometer

The micrometer resembles a caliper that screws down instead of sliding. The spindle is very precise and the object to be measured is placed between the spindle and the anvil. The spindle is rotated by adjusting the ratchet knob until the object is measured. In addition to the name micrometer, they are also known as screw gauges.

Digital micrometers produce a quick reading of the work distance between their two caliper heads. A micrometer is widely used for the precise measurement of components in mechanical engineering and machining as well as in most mechanical trades, along with other metrological devices such as dials, verniers, and digital calipers.

#9 Measuring Squares

A square is a tool used to mark and refer to a 90° angle, although a miter square is used for a 45° angle. A square measuring instrument consisting of two straight edges set at right angles to each other. These tools are available in a variety of special forms such as combination squares, drywall squares, framing squares, and speed squares.

These are commonly used by carpenters and machinists to check the accuracy of right angles when drawing lines on the material before cutting. Some types of square measuring instruments include a scale (ruler) for measuring distances or for calculating angles.

#10 Odometer

The odometer is also a type of measuring tool used in automobiles to measure the distance traveled by a vehicle, such as a bicycle or a car. The distance traveled by car is used for many purposes.

It can be manufactured either electronically, mechanically, or by a combination of the two (electromechanical). Mechanical odometers are the most common type that is mounted by a flexible cable made from a tightly wound spring. Such odometers are being replaced by digital odometers that offer additional features and are cheaper, but they are not nearly as good.

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#11 Pressure Gauge

Measurement of the pressure means is the analysis force applied by the fluid on a surface. Thus, the pressure gauge is used to measure and display the pressure of the fluid in an integral unit. Pressure is measured in units of force per unit of surface area.

Pressure gauges are used to measure everything from altitude to air pressure to depth to blood pressure. The advantage of using a pressure gauge is that it is easy to read and often appears on the screen rapidly. Hydrostatic and aneroid gauges are the most common types of analog pressure gauges.

#12 Protractor

Protractors are measuring instruments usually made of plastic or glass shaped like a half-circle. These are used for measuring angles and are usually marked with degrees. Sometimes, you will find more mathematically oriented protractors that measure in radians.

A typical protractor is in the shape of a semicircle with an inner scale and an outer scale and marks from 0° to 180°. Engineers and designers use an angle protractor tool that gives more accurate measurements. A bevel protractor is an improved version of a protractor with one or two swinging arms, which can be used to help measure angles.

#13 Ruler

A ruler is a tool used in geometry and technical drawing as well as in the engineering and construction industries to measure distances or draw straight lines. Commercially, they are mostly found in engineering, where they are used to ensure accurate measurements on flat surfaces.

A ruler is measured in both metric and customary units. The standard distance above the ruler is indicated in centimeters and below in inches, and the interval in the ruler is called the hash mark. Rulers are probably the most common measuring tool in use today.

#14 Speedometer

It also comes in the list of measuring tools that are used to measure and display the immediate speed of a vehicle. They became available as alternatives in the early 20th century. Currently, these are generally fitted to motor vehicles and used as standard equipment since about 1910.

The speed-indicating mechanism of the speedometer is driven by a circular magnet that makes 1,000 revolutions per mile of vehicle travel. Speedometers have specific names for other vehicles and use other standards of sensing speed.

#15 Tape Measure

A tape measure is a flexible ruler that can be folded into any shape and used to measure size or distance. In their simplest form, they consist of a ribbon of fabric or plastic marked with measurements in inches, centimeters, and/or millimeters.

The most common tape measures range from 12 feet to 25 feet, or 100 feet in length. Its design allows large length measurements to be easily carried in the pocket and also allows measuring curves or corners. Today it is everywhere, appearing even in miniature as a keychain fob, or novelty item.

#16 Thermometer

As the name suggests, thermometers are used for measuring temperature. It is important for a wide range of activities including manufacturing, scientific research, and medical practice. Thermometers are generally cheap, durable, accurate, and easy to calibrate.

It consists of two elements, a temperature sensor in which something changes with a change in temperature and some means of converting this change into a numerical value. Thermometers are widely used to monitor processes in technology and industry, meteorology, medicine, and scientific research.

Closing It Up

As I said, measuring tools are very helpful to us in many ways. Without them, measurement of length, diameter, width, and other dimensions could not be easily done.

In order to measure accurately and more easily, it is important to use the right tool and measure with the most accurate units for each object measured.

So for now, I hope I’ve covered everything you were looking for about“Measuring Tools”. If you still have any doubts or questions regarding this topic, you can contact us or ask in the comments. If you like it, then share this with your friends.

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