How to Use an Architect Scale Ruler

Don’t be afraid of the unusual scales on an architect scale ruler. It might have 4

Architects Scale ruler
Architects Scale Lufkin tape measure

scales, but you will only need to use one of them for a particular drawing. Let’s make one example. Take a look at the w906a Architects Scale Lufkin Tape. It has 2 scales. One is 1/8 and the other is 1/4. Let’s say that the drawing in front of you is drawn to the 1/4 scale. It says this in the information box at the bottom. The 1/4 means that 1/4 inch on the drawing represents 1 foot in real life. In this case we will ignore the 1/8 scale and use only the 1/4 scale. Set your zero mark at the corner of some part of the drawing. The other corner is even with the 9 mark. That means it is 9 feet long. It’s really that simple.

The Pros and Cons of Engraved Flashlights

Engraved Flashlights As Useful Gifts
Engraved Flashlights As Useful Gifts

The best companies in America give engraved flashlights with their logo to their employees and customers. Is this always the best idea? Let’s examine both sides of this practice. If you have any other points, please share them with us. We can’t think of any other pros and cons.

PROS:

  • They are quality gifts.
  • They keep your logo on display always.
  • They show off your generosity.
  • They last for a long time.
  • They are useful gifts.
  • They are appreciated by your employees and customers.

CONS:

  • They aren’t free.
  • ? I can’t think of any other cons.

Answers to the Top 10 Questions Asked About Diameter Tape Measures

Questions About Diameter Tapes Measures
Questions About Diameter Tapes Measures

Top 10 Questions:

  1. How long are they?
  2. Do I have to calculate the diameter, or does the tape tell me the diameter?
  3. Are the tapes traceable to the National Bureau of Standards?
  4. How big of a pipe can they measure?
  5. How soon can I have them?
  6. Can you put our full color logo on them
  7. What kind of an art file do you need?
  8. How accurate are they?
  9. Where are they made?
  10. Do you repair them?

Here are my concise answers about the diameter tape measures..

  1. Most of the pocket diameter tapes are 6 feet long. But the length isn’t really what they are all about. They are not designed to measure length. They measure diameter by wrapping them around the pipe circumference. See answer 4 for a more specific answer.
  2. These tools make it easy for you. You wrap them around the pipe and read off the diameter.
  3. These are pocket tapes. Their size makes them convenient, but they are not traceable to the NBS.
  4. They can measure up to 23 inch diameter pipes. Some go as high as 38 inches in diameter.
  5. Production time is about 3 weeks after you approve a proof.
  6. Yes.
  7. Vector art is the best for this process. That means an eps or ai file are recommended. If you have other types of art, we can convert them.
  8. The inch ones are calibrated to 100ths of an inch, 64ths of an inch, or to one millimeter.
  9. Pi-Cobra tapes are made in China. The Lufkin ones are currently made in Mexico. All are imprinted in the USA.
  10. Sorry, we don’t repair them.

How to Get Your Maglite Engraved the Modern Way

Maglite Engraved the Old Fashioned Way
Maglite Engraved the Old Fashioned Way

We have come a long way in getting your Maglite engraved with your logo. Before laser engraving, marking metallic objects was done with a mechanical “scratcher”. Jewelers used to do it that way, and may still do it. I don’t know. It’s cheaper than buying a laser engraving machine.

 

 

 

Today, many Maglites come in color that is anodized onto the aluminum barrel. The laser cuts through this anodized layer, exposing the bare whitish aluminum. This results in your white logo neatly placed on a colored barrel.

3dled-red.jpg 3DLED 3 “D” LED MAG-LITE®

In Search of the Meaning of Oilfield Pipe Tally Books

In Search of the Meaning of Tally Books
In Search of the Meaning of Tally Books

Oilfield pipe tally books have been used by oilfield workers for many years. Since most people don’t work in an oilfield, you may be wondering what the heck a tally book is. Here’s a brief answer:

The guys who drill an oil well have to keep track of how deep they are. Every time they add a new pipe, they have to record the time and the size of the pipe. They need a rugged, pocket-sized waterproof book in which to make these notations. Most of these books are vinyl covered. Some even have waterproof paper called “stone paper”. It is waterproof and tear resistant. Some have a vinyl pen loop, so you don’t have to go looking for a pen every time. The pages have horizontal lines and a few vertical lines.

These books are so handy, that anyone can find a use for them. Contractors, builders, electricians, plumbers, estimators, inspectors, law enforcement officers and natural resources field people can use tally books.

3420camotally.jpg Oilfield Camo® Pipe Tally Books 3420