Measure From One End: the Tape Habit That Fixes Half of All Gaps

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When a frame comes out with gaps, the cuts are usually fine. The measuring isn't. Two tapes disagree by 1/32 inch, a hook is bent, you read 15/16 as 13/16 once.

The habit

Wherever you can, don't measure the second part. Hold it against the first one and mark it with a knife. Matching parts from each other is always more accurate than measuring both.

• Cut both aprons at once, clamped together, or set a stop block and cut them one after another.
• Mark a tenon's length directly from the mortise it goes into.
• Use one tape for a whole project. If you have to switch, check the new one against the old one first.

When you have to measure

Burn an inch: start at the 1-inch line instead of the hook, and subtract the inch. The hook on most tapes slides a little, and that's often your 1/32.