Tape measure clamp

[30-30remchester]

Having a bad habit of collecting tools with no knowledge what they are or how to use them, I have, thanks to Google Lens, found out what one item I have had for years is. It is a tape measure clamp to pull tight a tape. Looks like a pair of scissors handles with no blades. I have trouble posting photos, but a quick Google search shows images. I however can't think of a need or use of such a tool. Has anyone ever used one and if so, in what manner?

 

[senlow]

 

[Ohio Andy]

You mean like this

https://www.amazon.in/Measuring-Tape-Clip-Tool-Precision/dp/B098NJVZ8X

I didn't even know they existed till I googled them

 

[Shadowdog500]

Surveyors use them to pull the tape to a specific tension for more accurate measurments.

 

[30-30remchester]

For all you computer wizards, you need to remember some of us are computer challenged to say the least. My wife just calls me old. I have difficult time posting pictures or attaching anything. There is a clamp on EBAY right now that is what I am asking about. It is EBAY item #204958915925. If someone with more skill than I have could transfer this photo maybe someone has used one of these.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Vintage LUFKIN - Model 584 Tape Measure Clamp Handle

From a computer I know how to grab the image, not on my phone sister from a screen capture. Not saying you can't do it, just that I didn't know how to do it.

 

[LeeG]

Here’s the item he is talking about. https://www.ebay.com/itm/204958915925

 

[30-30remchester]

That it, thank you. If a photo could be taken of the other side, you can see thar the scissor parts open just a tiny bit and a tape measure tape can be inserted between the 2 pieces and squeezed together and tighten up on the tape. Just don't know why you would want to use this item to pull on a tape. If you will click on the link above you can see the other side and how they work,

 

[RTM]

Just don't know why you would want to use this item to pull on a tape

See the answer to your question above

Tape measure clamp

Having a bad habit of collecting tools with no knowledge what they are or how to use them, I have, thanks to Google Lens, found out what one item I have had for years is. It is a tape measure clamp to pull tight a tape. Looks like a pair of scissors handles with no blades. I have trouble posting...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

That is pretty cool as it might eliminate my over estimation that requires a couple blade width cuts for a nice TURE fit. No; I’d still cut large regardless.

 

[30-30remchester]

Thanks everyone. I had quickly viewed the above video and missed the part where the clamp was actually used. Interesting to me anyhow is the fact I used one of those rolled steel tapes multiple times a day for 40 plus years and never needed or even knew about the clamp till I bought mine as an unknown item from a pawn shop. Thanks again.

 

[PopcornSutton]

What is shown in the video is actually a "chain", not a tape. Those clamps are rarely used, cause the dumb end has a significant ring on the end you run a finger in, and the other end you have the reel to pull with. But, doing a lot of 200 foot pulls can get tiring and the clamp does work.

 

[RTM]

cause the dumb end has a significant ring on the end you run a finger in, and the other end you have the reel to pull with.

Funny you should mention that. I’ve meant to posts catalog cut, and they talk about grabbing the tape anywhere along its length.

Lufkin Measuring Tapes, Rules and Mechanical Tools : General Catalog No.11 : Lufkin Rule Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

138 p., illus., 26.0 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[Rusty Wrench]

In the days before electronic distance measuring (EDM), we surveyors used them daily. Many wouldn't know; but measuring with an unsupported 100' 'chain' required a tension, sag, and temperature correction in order to meet accuracy standards. Properly executed, the method is surprisingly accurate.
The National Geodetic Survey has established many EDM calibration baselines across the country, usually airports. They were established by taping method under rigorous procedure. Newer baselines are EDM installed I believe.

 

[30-30remchester]

If mine were made by Lufkin I could have figured it out. Mine has one static and one dynamic jaw. The Lufkins have 2 dynamic jaws. Mine is only marked "CHICAGO made in USA".