During construction or repair work, the accuracy of measurements is extremely important, because incorrectly performed measurements can provoke serious problems already at the final stage of work. Mismatching important seams is practically a disaster, and the solution to this issue is often costly. For each type of work, certain tools are used. But what tools are used to measure distances? We'll talk about this later.
Types of appliances
Hardware stores sell a variety of tools with which you can measure the distance. More expensive ones can be rented. For many companies, this is a solid business - they rent out tools. This is beneficial not only for them, but also for construction teams - this ismakes it possible to reduce the financial costs of buying your own tools.
From the most popular tools for measuring distance, the following can be distinguished:
- Regular roulette.
- Level.
- Laser roulette.
- A standard ruler that every student has.
- Caliper.
- Micrometer.
At school, the basic tools for measuring distances on geometry are the well-known rulers. But in construction they are used extremely rarely.
Metal tape measure
Roulettes are different, but they all work on the same principle. They are ideal for simple outdoor and indoor measurements.
The advantages of this device:
- Compact. A thin steel bar is conveniently wound and hidden in the case. The device can be carried in your pocket.
- Safety and sustainability.
- Does not require batteries.
- Can be used outdoors in any weather.
- Service life is measured in tens of years.
- Shows the minimum error. Actually, the error depends on the user.
- Affordable price and availability. Sold in any store and is inexpensive.
Flaws
- Fixed length. If the measurement volume is longer than the length of the tape measure, then the device itself will have to be shifted for measurement in order to measure an additional distance. This is not only inconvenient, but also inefficient, sinceerrors appear.
- Because this length measuring tool is made of metal, frequent contact with water will corrode.
- It cannot be used in hard-to-reach places.
Laser roulette
There are also more modern and efficient instruments for measuring distance. For example, a laser roulette. It is used to measure long lengths or in places with limited access. They are extremely handy and are highly technological instruments that quickly and accurately take readings in places where a regular tape measure cannot be reached.
All rangefinders (laser tape measures) have a display - it displays the settings, as well as the measurements taken. The essence of the work is as follows: a special microprocessor reads the time during which the laser beam reaches the end point (solid surface), then the distance is calculated based on the time obtained and the known speed of light propagation.
In construction work, laser tape measures are often used. Crews engaged in reconstruction, finishing work, installation of ceilings, erection of structures and walls, always have a rangefinder in their arsenal, and sometimes even several. Despite the high cost, it is one of the most common modern instruments used to measure distances.
Pros and cons of long lengths
Laser roulettes have their pros and cons.
Dignity:
- The ability to measure the distance in hard-to-reach places.
- You can take readings alone.
- There is a built-in calculator for the convenience of other calculations.
- Can work in almost all weather conditions.
- Guarantees high accuracy of distance measurements.
- Has a height measurement function.
- Keep a few results in memory for later reference.
- Takes measurements between two points without touching the surface.
- Can convert units of measure.
Flaws:
- Price. These appliances are expensive.
- When measuring long distances, even a slight shaking of the user's hand will cause oscillation, so a special tripod must be used.
- When measuring short length, the error is high.
- The battery drains very quickly in the cold.
The biggest drawback of the device is the high price. However, cheap Chinese rangefinders are sold on the market, but they give a large error when measuring even large distances, not to mention small ones.
What instruments are used to measure small distances?
To measure a small length (when, for example, you need to know the cross section of a bolt, wire, or any other parts), you need to use another special high-precision tool. These include a caliper, micrometer, caliper. The essence of measurements by these devices is simple: between the barsthe desired object is placed on the device, then it is fixed with clamps, and on the scale the user sees the distance with an accuracy of a tenth of a millimeter.
Levels
On the ground, the distance is most conveniently measured on flat surfaces. This is done with the help of levels. They are widely used in finishing work (when laying tiles and other floor materials), as well as for taking marks on buildings from ground level. Thanks to this, an accurate marking is formed for the future structure, the correct direction of the walls.
Classic devices are equipped with a scale and an eyepiece, newer models even have laser beams. These devices are used only with a tripod, without it it is difficult to hold the instrument motionless in the hands, and the accuracy will be low.
Conclusion
Now you know what tools are used to measure distances. In fact, if you turn on your imagination, you can come up with such devices yourself. For example, you can throw an ordinary stone from the roof of a house and calculate how many seconds it takes for it to reach the ground. Knowing the time, as well as the equation of free fall, we can easily determine the distance that the stone has covered. And you don’t need any tools for this (except maybe a stopwatch). However, a similar principle is applied in long lengths, only there, instead of a stone, there is light.
