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

 

 

 

 

3 Signs You Should Invest in Pocket Diameter Tape Measures

Diameter tape measures are used by plumbers, oil and gas drilling companies, and tree people. When should you buy some diameter tape measures? Here are 3 clues:

  1. The shop’s diameter tapes are too large to put in your pocket when you need to go into the field and measure some pipelines.
  2. You don’t want to use a regular measuring tape and divide by pi.
  3. You want to be always prepared in case you need to find the diameter of a pipeline when you are away from the shop.
Lufkin Pipe Diameter Measuring Tape
Lufkin Pipe Diameter Measuring Tape

How A Pipe Diameter Measuring Tape Can Make Your Life Easier

Pipe Diameter Measuring Tape
Pipe Diameter Measuring Tape

If you are in the oil business, or drilling, or plumbing business, you are always measuring pipes. You also need to know the outside diameter of pipelines and pipe fittings that are part of a piping system. How do you do that without cutting the pipeline and measuring the diameter directly?

  • Use a caliper, and transfer the measurement to a metal rule. This works, but is only as accurate as the metal rule, and your ability to transfer the distance to the rule. Also, who wants to carry around a caliper all day?
  • Use an OD micrometer. But what size micrometer do you need? A 0-1 mic will only measure a pipe that is less than 1 inch in diameter. A 1-2 mic will only measure a pipe that is between 1 and 2 inches in diameter. Who want to keep a whole set of mics with them in the field?
  • Use a flexible measuring tape, wrap it around the pipeline, make a reading and divide by pi. This works, but it’s not that accurate because the markings are on the side of the tape that is not physically next to the pipe. Your are really measuring the diameter of the pipe plus twice the thickness of the tape.
  • At last, the best and easiest way to get the diameter of a pipe: Use a Lufkin Pipe diameter measuring tape. The diameter tape does all the work for you! Just wrap it around the pipe and read the diameter.

    Lufkin Pipe Diameter Tape
    Lufkin Pipe Diameter Tape

Add A Pipe Diameter Measuring Tape To Your Toolbox

What's the diameter of this Pipeline?
What’s the diameter of this Pipeline?

Diameter tape measures are able to give you the diameter of a pipe, pipeline, log, or any other round object. They do it in 1 easy step. All you do is wrap the pipe diameter measuring tape around the pipe and read off the diameter. A regular tape measure would give you the circumference. Then you would have to divide by pi (3.14159). That adds another step, plus you would need a calculator, pencil, and paper to arrive at the diameter.

Why do you need a diameter tape in your toolbox?

  • To measure the diameter of a heater hose in your car, for replacement.
  • To measure the diameter of your round furnace ductwork, so you can extend it, or tap into it.

    Furnace ductwork in your home
    Furnace ductwork in your home
  • To find the diameter of a hose in your boat, so you can replace it. You can go buy the new hose without  removing the old one first.

    Pipes and hoses on your boat
    Pipes and hoses on your boat
  • To find the diameter of pipes or copper tubing, or plastic pipe in your house plumbing, so you can extend it, or add onto it.
5600 × 4200 – servicemaster
Pipes in your basement
Pipes in your basement