Measuring tools

No matter the DIY task, having the right measuring tools can make all the difference.

1. RYOBI ULTRASONIC DISTANCE MEASURE // R540 USER LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

This device uses sound to accurately measure distance. The laser-beam guide ensures you aim it at precisely the right spot, and the LCD shows the measurement – accurate to ±0.5% of the reading. It’s ideal for measuring interior dimensions for carpeting, for carpentry, electrical and plumbing work, and for large painting projects (where knowing the area’s square metreage is important).

2. WALDO COMBINATION SQUARE AND CENTRE HEAD // R145 USER LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Mostly used in woodworking, masonry and metalworking, the combination square has a ruled blade and one or more interchangeable heads. It’s great for measuring corners. Some models, such as this one, boast a built-in level.

3. WORKSMAN 5 m TAPE MEASURE // R128 USER LEVEL: BEGINNER • INTERMEDIATE • ADVANCED

Getting your measurements right for any DIY project is vital, and a staple for every toolbox is a simple tape measure. They can be metal, plastic, fibreglass, or even cloth.

The small metal tab on the end is designed to move – no, it’s not broken. Whether you’re measuring against something, or hooking the tab over an edge, the movement compensates for the thickness of the tab, giving you a more accurate measurement.

4. WALDO STAINLESSSTEEL RULER // R65

Tougher jobs need tougher tools, which is why plastic rulers just don’t cut it in the workshop. Stainless-steel rulers are perfect for wood- working, and it’s also resistant to corrosion.

5. WALDO VERNIER CALLIPER 150 mm // R269 WORKSMAN 150 mm DIGITAL CALIPER // R429 USER LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Used mainly to measure the internal and external diameters of round objects, some models are incredibly accurate to within one 100th of a millimetre. They are useful for the measuring of cylindrical shapes, particularly in automotive and mechanical applications. There are analogue and digital versions available.

6. MITUTOYO MICROMETERS // R1 110 ( analogue) // R2 315 ( digital) USER LEVEL: ADVANCED

Also called a micrometer gauge or micrometer screw gauge, this fancy instrument gives extremely precise measurements in mechanical and machining applications. Never ever use it as a clamp! Measurements are taken by placing an object between the two main sections, called the spindle and anvil. Analogue and digital versions are also available. It can be used to fine tune meteorological instruments.

7. MTS MEASURING WHEEL – 10 KM // R689 USER LEVEL: BEGINNER • INTERMEDIATE • ADVANCED

Also called a surveyor’s wheel, click wheel, hodometer, trundle wheel, perambulator or waywiser, it has one function – to measure long distances (usually anything up to 10 km). Bumpy surfaces can reduce accuracy, and they have an error range of ±2 per cent.

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