Left Handed Tape Measures

One of the key tools within any workshop--whether you are a professional or a hobbyist--is the trusty tape measure. A few of us use the laser measuring devices now, but I bet most of us still have a backup black-and-yellow Stanley in the toolbox somewhere. Measurements are an important part of any project, and the more exact the measurements need to be--the more critical a good tape measure is.

So here's where I reveal to you the secret....

Go grab your tape measure. Hold it in your right hand. Pull out the tape with your left hand.
1, 2, 3, 4, everything looks the way it should.

Uh oh. Wait a minute. Is that really how you work when you are building baby furniture, putting up a new wall, or just measuring for a simple cut? Here's what I do--tell me if you're the same.

I put the pencil in my right hand so that I can mark off whatever I need to, or just scribble measurements on the workbench.
I pick up the tape measure in my left hand because that's what I have free.
I pull out the tape and....uh oh.....

Look down.....

The numbers are upside down!

Over 85% of the tape measures on the market today are meant to be held in the right hand. We've put up with an inconvenience for years, and we've probably never given it a second thought.

But the tension has been building (just imagine all those left-handed lobbyist groups with their picket signs...), and manufacturers have given in to the pressure.

In order to make your woodworking -- building -- carpentry -- construction -- home improvement -- hobby life easier, manufacturers have created left-handed tape measures. The concept is quite simple. When you hold the tape measure in your left hand, the numbers will appear right-side-up.

If you are "versatile" in your measuring needs, manufacturers also offer tape measures with mirrored numbers so that they will appear right-side-up whether you hold them in your left hand or right hand. I'm not a big fan of these personally, since I find too many numbers and lines on a tape measure to be confusing instead of helpful.

My best suggestion is to give all three different types of tape measures a try and see which one fits your needs the best.

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