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We Finally Know Why
Your Tape Measure Has Grooves On The Metal Tip
By KYLE SCHURMAN
If you've ever wondered why the metal tips of tape measures have grooves, it's because they're ingeniously designed for practical usage, especially in the construction industry.
These grooves function like the serrations on a steak knife, allowing users to lightly score the material they're measuring, thus eliminating the need to reach for
a pencil.
Applying a bit of pressure while moving the tip back and forth creates a small but visible mark on the surface, precisely indicating where to put a nail or screw, or to make a cut.
This technique is useful when speed is more important than accuracy and works well on common building materials like wood, drywall, and masonry — though not on glass or metal.