Every year on July 14th, we honor the humble, yet indispensable tool known as the tape measure. National Tape Measure Day is a special occasion to recognize the vital role this tool plays in industries like construction, tailoring, and engineering, as well as for do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
This day is all about celebrating the tape measure for its remarkable precision and fundamental usability. Dust off your tape measure and join the celebration of this tool that makes our tasks more manageable and exact.
History of National Tape Measure Day
Every year on July 14th, we celebrate National Tape Measure Day, a day that commemorates the granting of the patent for tape measures to Alvin J. Fellows from New Haven, Connecticut in 1868.
Although there were some rudimentary versions of the tape measure before 1868 like those described by Roman engineer Vitruvius in the first century BCE and those used by the Chinese during the construction of the Great Wall, it was Fellows who created the version we are familiar with today. He saw to the improvement of a previously patented, impractical model by a certain William H. Bangs Jr. Fellows introduced unique enhancements to make it more user-friendly and practical to use. This design included an inventive way of fixing the tape to the handle and a novel lock to prevent the tape from reeling back into the holder.
A tape measure is basically a handy tool made of cloth, plastic, fiber glass, or metal with markings for linear measurements. It’s known for its portability and flexibility. The latter feature means shapes with corners and curves can be measured with ease, and its compactness allows for convenience in carrying it around. This tightly-packed tool which can unravel to considerable lengths is a great gadget to have in one’s pocket or toolbox.
Since the day of Fellow’s patent, tape measures have been an indispensable device for many, ranging from builders to carpenters, tailors, DIY home repair and improvement enthusiasts and more. With time, various enhancements like magnetic tips, laser measures and digital displays have been added, although the essential design and function remain much the same as Fellows’ originally patented version.
National Tape Measure Day Timeline
Early Concepts of Measurement
Ancient Egyptians used cubit rods to measure length for construction projects, land division, and distance calculation.
The Invention of Tape Measure
Alvin J. Fellows patented the first tape measure enclosed in a circular case with a spring return.
Development of Modern Measuring Tape Design
Hiram Farrand received a patent for the modern design of the measuring tape, which was later sold to Stanley Works.
Digital Tape Measure Invented
The introduction of the digital tape measure, providing measurements in digital format, made tasks even more convenient.
National Tape Measure Day Established
National Tape Measure Day was established to honor the invention of the tape measure and recognize it as an essential tool for everyday tasks.
Ideas to Celebrate National Tape Measure Day
Crafting with Tape Measures
Host a crafting session where you use a variety of tape measures of different sizes and colors to build creative art pieces.
Tape Measure Competitions
Conduct contests in your office or among friends to see who can guess the length of random objects or distances most accurately using a tape measure.
Family Construction Project
Celebrate the day by starting a DIY project using tape measures at home. It could be something fun like a treehouse or a simple bookshelf.
Educational Workshop
Organize an educational event where a local tradesman shows kids how to use a tape measure and explains the importance of accurate measurements in construction and DIY projects.
Tape Measure Appreciation Post
Share your appreciation for the tool on social media with #NationalTapeMeasureDay and tell a story about a time a tape measure came in handy.
7 Interesting Facts About Tape Measure
The Invention
The retractable tape measure was first patented in 1868 by American inventor Alvin J. Fellows.
Black Diamond
The mysterious black diamonds you see on tape measures are known as the 'black truss' markings. They appear every 19.2 inches and are commonly used in construction for marking out evenly spaced five roof trusses or floor joists.
Mystery of Serrated Edge
The serrated edge at the end of a tape measure is designed for making a scratch line in wood or drywall when a pencil isn't available.
Small Hole in Metal End
Ever noticed the small hole in the metal end of a tape measure? It's designed so one can hook the metal tip onto a nail or screw.
Moving Metal End
The loose riveted metal hook at the end of a tape measure is designed to slide to correspond to its thickness, ensuring the inside and outside measurements remain accurate.
Origin of Tape Measures in Tailoring
Long before the retractable tape measure was invented, tailors used a plain non-retractable tape for taking measurements. These tapes were made from flexible and soft cloth or plastic.
Metric vs Imperial
Tape measures are available with either metric or imperial units, or sometimes both. The type used often depends on the country and the industry.
National Tape Measure Day FAQs
Next National Tape Measure Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 14th | Friday |
| 2024 | July 14th | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 14th | Monday |
| 2026 | July 14th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 14th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 14th | |
National Tape Measure Day Word Search
- Measurement
- Inches
- Centimeters
- Length
- Height
- Distance