How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe or Pipeline

 

Blonde With A Question
Girl With A Diameter Question

Have you ever wondered how to measure the diameter of a pipe? Don’t feel alone. Many people have asked that question. The answer is quite simple. You need a diameter tape, and then watch this little 2 minute video. It’s as simple as measuring the length of a stick. You just need a pipe diameter tape to to the work for you, then a pencil to write down the answer.

Many people need a pipe diameter tape every day. Plumbers, oilfield repairmen, gas and oil well drillers, city water departments, tree experts, and pipe manufacturers all need to use a pipe diameter tape continuously in their job. Just watch this short video, and then purchase a diameter tape. It will make your job go much easier.

How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe
How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe

 

The Most Popular Pipe Diameter Tape Measure In The World

Diameter Tapes
Diameter Tapes

The market for diameter tapes is relatively small. But for the people that use them at work, they are very valuable. There are a few manufacturers worldwide. Of that small group, one manufacturer stands out above the others. Lufkin. Yes, Lufkin makes the most popular pipe diameter tape measure in the world. Everyone who works with pipes and oil and gas pipelines prefers that brand. It is known for consistent quality and engineering.

Lufkin Y906PD pipe diameter tape measure, not Barlow W906PD Lufkin Diameter Tape

 

Who in the World Needs a Pipe Diameter Measuring Tape

earth
Who in the World?

If you could wrap a pipe diameter measuring tape around the earth, you would get 7,917.5 mi diameter. That’s if the tape were calibrated in miles. But most diameter tapes are marked in inches or centimeters. Who in the world needs a pipe diameter measuring tape? These people do….

Oil Workers
Oil & Gas Workers
  • gas and oil line repairmen and inspectors
  • gas and oil line engineers
  • oil rig drillers and inspectors
  • pipeline engineers
  • plumbers
  • auto repair mechanics
  • boat repair people
  • arborists and foresters
  • hose manufacturers
  • ball manufacturers
  • HVAC installers and designers
  • engineers
  • architects
  • machinists

How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe

Just a Simple Question
Just a Simple Question Paleeeeez!
How do you measure the diameter of a pipe without the end of it exposed? That’s not a Dumb Question. It’s a real every day problem for those who need to work on a pipeline. You can’t cut into the pipe to measure it. Who needs the solution?
  • Plumbers
  • Oil & gas pipeline workers
  • Pipeline estimators
  • HVAC engineers and installers
  • Electricians using metal and plastic conduit.
  • Foresters and arborists

The answer, short and sweet: All you do is wrap a pipe diameter tape around the pipeline and read the diameter on the tape.

To see a short video of How to measure the diameter of a pipe, just click here.  Tapes are available at diameter-tapes.com.

W616AC Diameter Tape Measure
W616AC Diameter Tape Measure

6 Common Misconceptions About The Pipe Diameter Tape Measure

W906PDC Diameter Tape
W906PDC Diameter Tape

The Pipe diameter tape measure is often misunderstood, and often unheard of. That’s because most people don’t need one. But if you understand what it can do, you would probably use one.

  1. It’s too hard to use. False. All you do it wrap it around the pipe and read the diameter right off the tape.
  2. It’s too bulky to carry in my pocket. False. Many are no bigger than 1 1/2 inches square, and 1/4 ” thick.
  3. I can’t find any at the hardware store. False. Try an online store. They are out there.
  4. It’s not accurate. False. The simple pocket Lufkin diameter tape is accurate to the 100th of an inch of diameter.
  5. It’s no better than using a regular tape and dividing by pi. False. Due to the calibration and the location of the zero mark, it is made specifically to measure pipe diameters.
  6. It is not useful for the everyday person. False. You can measure the diameter of a tree, a hose in your car or boat, your furnace pipe, or plumbing in your home. Want to find out the diameter of that water pipe in your basement, so you can replace it? And you don’t want to cut it to measure it? Use a Pipe diameter tape measure.
Diameter Tape w606pmc
Diameter Tape w606pmc

How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe

How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe
How to Measure the Diameter of a Pipe

If you need to know the outside diameter of a pipeline, and don’t have an exposed end, this is how you do it. Please click here for a short 2 minute video on this easy task. Let the Lufkin diameter tape do the work for you. There’s no need to use a bulky caliper or micrometer. There is also no need to divide the circumference by pi. A simple pocket-sized diameter tape is all you need. Here is How to measure the diameter of a pipe.

pi symbol
pi symbol