The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing Portable maintenance-free steel pipe diameter measuring gauge

When working on a DIY or construction task, the accuracy of measurements can make the difference between a successful project and a costly mistake. So, it's essential you use the best measuring tools for the job.

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This measuring tools buying guide focuses on the different types of tools to measure flat surfaces, angles, and levels. You’ll learn how to choose the right measuring tools, the different types of measuring tools available, and their uses. It then looks at measuring tool storage and maintenance and highlights some key things to consider before buying. Finally, it answers some frequently asked questions.

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Many different types of measuring tools are available for a wide range of uses. Choosing the best measuring tools for your needs will depend on several factors. For example, the type of task you are carrying out, the size of the material or space being measured, the type of measurement needed (i.e., distance, angle, level, etc.), and the necessary level of accuracy.

In this section, we list the popular types of measuring tools to measure distances, angles and levels in a variety of situations. There are measuring tools to suit different budgets, professionals and DIYers.

Laser levels explained

Laser levels emit strong light beams to project straight lines across large surfaces such as walls and floors. They give users a highly accurate reference point to ensure their work is level and straight without marking a physical line.

A wall laser level is useful for many applications, such as hanging pictures and cabinets or as a laser for tiling. You can also use lasers for floor levelling and laying floor tiles, laminate, etc. Unlike other measuring tools, laser levels don't take actual measurements such as lengths and angles. 

Different types available:

• Automatic laser levels have an inbuilt self-levelling compensator which means they automatically create a level line without input from the user. They are the best laser levels for accuracy and can produce vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines.
• Cross-line laser levels produce horizontal and vertical laser lines, either individually or simultaneously, to mark a cross shape on a surface.
• Floor laser levels project laser lines horizontally along floors at a 90° angle. They are useful when laying floor tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or PVC.
• Multi-line laser levels produce three laser beam lines: a horizontal line and two vertical lines. They are useful for fitting kitchens and bathrooms, carpentry, electrical fit out and tiling.
• Rotary laser levels are an advanced type of laser level that spins a beam of light fast enough to create an optical illusion of a solid line. They can produce horizontal and vertical lines.
• Spot laser levels produce a spot of light rather than a line (although most models give you the option to produce both). They are used to transfer points of reference from one surface to another and are commonly used in plumbing and electrical work. 

Top things to consider: 

• Do you need a laser level for outdoor use? If so, look for options specifically designed for this (they usually operate with an electronic receiver). The light beam of a standard laser beam can’t be seen outside in full sun for more than a couple of meters.
• Laser levels can have red or green light beams. Green beams can be easier to see, but laser levels with green beams are often more expensive and have a shorter battery life than those with red beams.

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Spirit levels explained

A spirit level is used to determine whether a surface is 100% vertical or horizontal. It's a plastic or wooden rod with a liquid-filled vial in the centre. Two vertical lines are drawn on the vial, and an air bubble is inside. To read a spirit level, place it on the surface to be checked. The surface is level when the air bubble is centred between the two lines. 

Spirit levels don't take actual measurements such as lengths and angles. Instead, they simply check whether a surface is level or not. Uses include aligning shelves, cabinets, curtain poles, tiles, basins, deck and fence posts, ceiling joists and much more.

Different types available:

• Box beam levels get their name from their shape and construction. If you were to cut the level in half and look at the cut end, it’s in a rectangular box shape and is usually hollow.
• Post levels are short, two-sided levels designed to fit around the top of 2x4 fence or decking posts at a 90° angle. They are used to check whether posts are both vertical and horizontal at the same time.
• Scaffold levels are specialist spirit levels with a magnetic base designed to stick to metal. For this reason, they are primarily used to erect scaffolding but can also be used by plumbers and other trades working with metal surfaces.  
• Torpedo levels are small spirit levels (approximately 165 to 250mm in length) with a tapered end and three vials to determine vertical, horizontal and 45° angles. They are designed to fit into small spaces.

Top things to consider: 

• What length spirit level do you need? Spirit levels are available in various sizes. A big spirit level can be around mm in length, while small spirit levels are as tiny as 65mm. For best results, always use the longest spirit level that will fit on the surface you are testing.
• What level of accuracy do you need? The best spirit levels are accurate to within plus or minus 0.5mm/metre, or 0.029°. So, if accuracy is essential for your project, look for a spirit level that falls within this range.

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Laser measures explained

Laser measures, also known as laser tape measures, use laser light beams to accurately measure long distances, area, volume and Pythagoras function. A laser measure works by shooting a light pulse at a surface and calculating the length based on how long it takes for the beam to reflect back. The measurement is displayed on a digital screen.

Laser measures are ideal for plumbers and electricians who work alone and are also used by builders, landscapers and surveyors. They are the best tools to measure long distances but cannot measure angles or tell you whether a surface is level or not.

Different types available:

Laser levels differ by the range of distance they can measure and their accuracy. Some models can only measure distance, while others can also measure area, volume and Pythagoras function. 

Top things to consider: 

• Roughly how long a distance do you need to measure? Laser measures have various working ranges; the one you choose will depend on what you need. For example, the best laser measure for home use indoors would be one that measures distances up to 15m. But for measuring long distances outdoors, there are models for up to 80m.
• What level of accuracy do you need? The best laser measures are accurate to within plus or minus 1.5mm. So, if accuracy is essential for your project, look for a laser level that falls within this range.

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Tape measures explained

A tape measure is a flexible ruler usually consisting of a curved metallic ribbon wrapped around a reel for storage, although some types are made from fabric. It has linear-measured markings along its length, usually covering metric and imperial measurements.   

Tape measures are the most recognised and popular type of measuring tool as they have multiple uses for DIYers and professionals. They are best for measuring distances on flat surfaces but can also bend around corners. They are an excellent alternative to a laser measure when you need to measure a long distance but don't have a surface from which to bounce a laser beam.

Different types available:

• Retractable tape measures have blades which automatically retract into their casing using a spring. They make putting the tape measure away quick and easy.
• Non-retractable tape measures have a hand crank which you wind to draw the tape back into its case. These tape measures come in longer lengths.
• Surveyor’s tape measures usually come in an open reel and feature a ground hook so they can be spiked into the ground while you pull the tape's end to the required distance. They are the best tape measures for surveyors as they can measure very long distances. 

Top things to consider: 

• Look for useful features such as:
  - a belt clip, so the measure is always at hand as you work
  - an auto-lock function to prevent the measure from accidentally retracting while in use
  - a magnetic hook on the end to secure it in place when working alone or in awkward spaces

• Roughly how long a distance do you need to measure? Tape measures come in various lengths ranging from 5m to 100m, and the one you choose will depend on what you need to measure. 

• What level of accuracy do you need? Tape measures are classified as class 1, 2 or 3, depending on their level of accuracy. The best tape measures for accuracy are class 1. But classes 2 and 3 can be used for projects where precision is less critical.

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Angle finders explained

Angle finders are used as tools to measure angles with ease. Their design can vary, but they typically consist of two metal, or plastic rods joined together at one end on a pivot. As the rods are moved apart, the angle they stop at is displayed at the pivot point. 

They have many uses and are a must-have tool for plumbers, builders, joiners and DIYers. They can be used to measure and mark down known angles or measure unknown angles so they can be transferred to another surface.

Different types available:

• Digital angle finders have a digital display on their pivot, which displays the angle on a screen. They rely on gravity to read angles, so they give accurate readings even if the workpiece is uneven. 

• Protractor angle finders are analogue gauges with either a 180° or 360° protractor at the pivot point. The range of angles is marked on the surface of the protractor. 

Top things to consider: 

• What range of angles do you need to measure? Some angle finders can measure any angle up to 360°, but others are more restricted and only measure up to 180°. So always check to ensure you get the best one for your needs. 

• What level of accuracy do you need? The best digital angle finders are accurate to within plus or minus 0.5mm. So, if accuracy is essential for your project, look for an angle finder that falls within this range.

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Sliding bevels explained

Sliding bevels (also known as sliding T-bevels or bevel squares) are simple tools used to measure the angle of one workpiece and mark the same angle onto another. They consist of a slotted metal blade with a wooden or plastic block (or stock) which is joined to the blade with a wing nut or locking lever. Unlike angle finders, they do not tell you what the angle is. Instead, they simply open up to the angle you wish to replicate. And, unlike squares, they can find any size of angle, not just 45° and 90°.

Sliding bevels are essential for woodworking or any task where unknown angles need to be replicated, e.g., furniture making, roof rafter installation, picture frame corners and dovetail joints.

Different types available:

Sliding bevels come in a range of sizes. Some have no markings on their metal part, but others have metric and imperial measurements marked so they can double up as rulers. 

Top things to consider: 

• Do you need a sliding bevel, angle finder or square? All these tools measure angles but differ in their uses. Choose a sliding bevel if you need to transfer any angle from one piece of material to another, but don't need to know what that angle is. Choose an angle finder if you need to measure and know what that angle is. And choose a square to measure and mark only 45° and 90° angles.

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Measuring wheels explained

Measuring wheels are devices designed to measure distances whilst the user is walking. They consist of a wheel that rolls along the ground, a handle to push them along, and a counter to record the distance.

Measuring wheels are primarily used by surveyors and builders to measure areas to allow them to calculate material requirements and check specifications. Unlike tape and laser measures, measuring wheels are not limited in terms of the distances they can count, and they can measure any shape – not just straight lines.

Different types available:

Most measuring wheels measure distances of up to 10,000 metres, and their counters can be digital or analogue. 

Top things to consider: 

• Look for measuring wheels with ergonomic handles for a more comfortable grip when measuring long distances.

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A variety of problems can arise from incorrect surface profiles. Both too much and too little can be problems. If there is insufficient profile then coating adhesion may be compromised. This is a more pronounced with high build industrial coatings. Too much profile and you risk rogue peaks. These can have very little coating film cover and risk initiating corrosion issues. Over profile can also increase paint consumption. This is a problem with thinner build coatings such as finishing coatings. Surface profile is affected by many factors including abrasive type, abrasive size, quantity of abrasive recycles, blast angle, nozzle distance, nozzle pressure, as well as substrate conditions. Both facility management and coating suppliers can specify profile. Ask them prior to starting work what their specifications are.

Depth Micrometers for Blasted Steel

Depth micrometers fitted with a flat base and fine pointed probe such as the PosiTector SPG, are a low per-test-cost method that use a spring-loaded tip which drops into the valleys of a blasted steel surface to measure peak-to-valley height. With a greater range than replica tape and most stylus roughness instruments, they are a quick and reliable way of determining surface profile.

Stylus Roughness Testers for Blasted Steel

Drag stylus roughness instruments operate by dragging a stylus at a constant speed across the blasted steel surface being measured. The instrument records the up and down distances the stylus travels as it traverses across the surface and averages the vertical distance between the highest peak and lowest valley (Ra).

Some stylus roughness testers may leave scratches on the surface being measured, potentially contributing to future defects that could cause premature rusting and coatings failures. Additionally, the precise stylus assembly tends to be somewhat fragile, so field use may not be ideal. Lastly, stylus roughness tester’s probe tips can be prone to degradation and reading accuracy may suffer.

Measuring Concrete Surface Profile

The most common methods of determining concrete surface profile (CSP) include depth micrometers, replica putty, and visual comparators.

Depth Micrometers for Concrete Surface Profile

Depth micrometers such as the PosiTector SPG TS, are a no per-test-cost method that use a spring loaded tip (60°—conically shaped) which drops into the valleys of a concrete surface profile to measure peak-to-valley height.

While less expensive methods are available, depth micrometers offer a means to quantitatively record readings in a statistically meaningful way.

Replica Putty

Replica putty is a means of creating a permanent replica of a CSP, similar in concept to replica tape. A 2-part compound is combined then pressed into the surface of a concrete slab. It is then removed and allowed to cure. Using a comparative reference, a subjective profile is assumed.

Comparative Methods

Using molded-rubber “chips”; subjective, comparative assessments may indicate a general profile of a concrete surface. Comparative methods are efficient in that they offer a quick check, but do not provide a quantitative means to measure and record the profile of a concrete surface.

2D Parameters

Ra — Roughness average: arithmetic average of the absolute values of the profile height deviations within the evaluation length measured from the mean line

Rq — RMS roughness: root mean square average of the profile heights within the evaluation length measured from the mean line

Rz — Average maximum height of the profile: arithmetic average of the successive values of the maximum peak to deepest valley within each sampling interval calculated over the evaluation length

Rp — Maximum profile peak height: the distance between the highest point of the profile and the mean line within the evaluation length

Rv — Maximum profile valley depth: the distance between the deepest valley and the mean line within the evaluation length

Rt — Total profile height: the distance between the highest peak and the deepest valley within the evaluation length

Rpc — Peak count: number of peaks per unit length within the evaluation length

Rpc Boundary C1 — The boundary lines located equidistant above and below the profile mean line. A Peak is counted after the trace goes below the lower boundary line and above the upper boundary line. The default is 0.5 µm

3D Parameters

H — Average maximum peak-to-valley height: the distance between the anvils minus the 50.8 µm (2 mils) of incompressible film

Spd — Areal peak density: the number of peaks per unit area

Sa — Average roughness: the arithmetic average of the absolute values of the measured height deviations from the mean surface taken within the evaluation area

Sq — Root mean square roughness: the root mean square average of the measured height deviations from the mean surface taken within the evaluation area

Sz — Maximum area peak-to-valley height: the vertical distance between the maximum peak height and the maximum valley depth. Commonly referred to as St

Sp — Maximum area peak height: the maximum height in the evaluation area with respect to the mean surface

Sv — Maximum valley depth: the absolute value of the minimum height in the evaluation area with respect to the mean surface

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