Abstract: A removable and attachable tool for attachment to a measuring tape. The tool may have a body defining a cavity which is configured to receive the measuring tape. A cap may be hingedly attached to the body to secure the measuring tape in the cavity. The tool may have a mount, such as a tacky outer surface, for example, for temporarily affixing the tool to a workpiece. The tool may have a cavity for receiving a rigid member. The tool permits unassisted measuring using a measuring tape.

Abstract: A length measurement device comprises a first connector, a measurement wire, and a second connector. The second connector comprises a substrate and a fixer pivotally connected to the substrate. The measurement wire is an electrical wire with a scale. One end of the measurement wire is connected to the first connector, and another end is movably connected to the substrate of the second connector and the fixer.

Abstract: A small multi-tool device designed to aid the performance of length measurements using measuring-tape devices is disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the multi-tool device is comprised of two substantially parallel planar support surfaces, coupled to each other at one edge, and with holes strategically disposed through the surfaces to facilitate the insertion of elongated and rigid members that lay on or otherwise engage parts of the target structure to be measured. The multi-tool device is designed to facilitate hypotenuse measurements, as well as measurements on structures where the edge to serve as an anchor point is rough, rounded, or non-existent. Further, the multi-tool device can also serve to act as a clip/clamp for various documents or the tops of bags of goods.

Abstract: A measuring and marking device used as an attachment to, or as an integral part of, a standard tape measure. The device comprises a specially configured stop member, indicator member, and scribe member, which operate together to provide for a precise take, read, transfer, recordation, and replication of a measurement.

Abstract: FIGS. 1,2, and 3 show front and side views of an improved tape measure having a hinges or pivots (16) making segments or sections or tip measures (14). This pivoting action gives means to measure horizontally in out of reach areas. Comprised of front tip (12) that is the beginning of the tape measure and zero inches. Tip measure (14) is a first means of segmentation. An alternative is a plurality of sections along the tape measure. The pivot (16) allows movement in any direction at section's back tip (18). Angle hold (20a) and (20b) give traction or grip facing each other on the base measure (22) and the tip measure (14). The tape measure when in straight position will recoil into the housing (24). FIGS. 4 and 5 show exploded and a close view at pivot (16). Viewable is the Lock lever (26) and wedge (27) attached to bolt (28) that go through washers 30a and 30b and through pivot (16) of both segments and or tip measures (14) and base measure (22).

Abstract: A small multi-tool device designed to aid the performance of length measurements using measuring-tape devices is disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the multi-tool device is comprised of two substantially parallel planar support surfaces, coupled to each other at one edge, and with holes strategically disposed through the surfaces to facilitate the insertion of elongated and rigid members that lay on or otherwise engage parts of the target structure to be measured. The multi-tool device is designed to facilitate hypotenuse measurements, as well as measurements on structures where the edge to serve as an anchor point is rough, rounded, or non-existent. Further, the multi-tool device can also serve to act as a clip/clamp for various documents or the tops of bags of goods.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, and an elongated blade having an end hook member on a free end thereof. The elongated blade is arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing. The end hook member is formed of sheet metal to include a mounting portion and a hook portion bent at a generally right angle from an end of the mounting portion. The end hook member includes a pair of generally upwardly extending side edges, a generally laterally extending lower edge, and recessed edge portions disposed at corner portions at which the upwardly extending side edges and the laterally extending lower edge intersect.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, and an elongated blade having an end hook member on a free end thereof. The end hook member includes a mounting portion having a length dimension and a top surface area and a hook portion having a width dimension and a front surface area, where a ratio of the width dimension of the hook portion to the length dimension of the mounting portion is greater than or equal to 1, a ratio of the front surface area of the hook portion to the top surface area of the mounting portion is greater than or equal to 1.1, and at least two-thirds of the mass of the hook portion lies outside a center section that includes one third of the hook portion's width.

Abstract: A new and improved tape rule that increases stiffness and standout length over standard tape rules is disclosed. The tape rule includes a primary rule and a secondary rule, the secondary rule providing increased strength. This invention can provide a variety of benefits, including increased blade flexibility while performing short extension related tasks, increased standout and reduced sag while performing tasks requiring longer extensions, reduced size and weight for tasks requiring the longest extensions and adds the ability to utilize alternate measurement methods or units and built in computational references.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a casing containing a conventional tape with a hook on its outer end and a return spring. A magnifying lens is mounted in a front end of the casing above the tape with an indicator line on the bottom of the lens extending transversely of the tape. An LED in one side of the casing illuminates the lens and the area therebeneath. A marker is slidable in the lens beside the tape and aligned with the indicator line. A slider, which can be operated with a thumb, turns on the LED and then pushes the marker against a workpiece. When the slider is released, a spring returns the marker to the rest or non-use position and the LED is turned off by the slider.

Abstract: A tape measure calibrator includes a base with a first reference surface and a second reference surface. A pull calibration mark is made on the base which indicates a first distance from the first reference surface. A push calibration mark is also made on the base which indicates a second distance from the second reference surface, in which the first distance and the second distance are substantially equal.

Abstract: A universal tape and drywall scoring apparatus for use with a tape measure that includes a tape measure encasement for encasing a portion of the tape measure housing, a clip assembly connected to the distal end of the measuring tape, the clip assembly comprising a hollow housing having a top wall provided with a slot and a pair of spaced apart side walls each having a cavity formed therein, and a cutting assembly connected to the clip assembly, the cutting assembly comprising a scoring blade receivable within the slot in the top wall of the hollow housing of the clip assembly and a pair of spaced apart connector clips having end portions receivable the cavities formed in the side walls of the clip assembly.

Abstract: A tape measure having a winding drum or reel rotatably mounted on a support structure, and a measuring tape attached to the drum so as to be coilable thereon. The support structure comprises a handle that extends radially beyond an upper half of the coiled tape and a bottom edge portion that extends radially beyond a lower half of the coiled tape, the bottom edge portion comprising a hand grip.

Abstract: The invention is an tool for measuring and marking wall sheathing materials such as drywall, veneer, paneling, and various other wall sheathing materials. The tool provides rolling contact to protect finished surfaces and also maintains parallel positioning to maximize accuracy.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, and an elongated blade having an end hook member on a free end thereof. The end hook member includes a mounting portion having a length dimension and a top surface area and a hook portion having a width dimension and a front surface area, where a ratio of the width dimension of the hook portion to the length dimension of the mounting portion is greater than or equal to 1, a ratio of the front surface area of the hook portion to the top surface area of the mounting portion is greater than or equal to 1.1, and at least two-thirds of the mass of the hook portion lies outside a center section that includes one third of the hook portion's width.

Abstract: A flat lay-out tape for roofers that eliminates errors and saves time in striking chalk lines for aligning rows of shingles. The flat design allows the tape to lay flush against the roof surface, which facilitates accurate measuring and striking. The lay-out tape prevents errors by providing simple, easy to follow row indicators on the tape. In the preferred embodiment, row indicators for architectural shingles are provided. In operation, a nose hook at the end of a lay-out tape is hooked over the drip edge of a roof and the tape is extended over the apex of the roof. The nose hook has a shape that is complementary to that of the drip edge and the hook resists becoming unattached from the edge even when pulled straight up. The same operation is done with a second lay-out tape, near the opposite side edge of the roof. A chalk line is then stretched across the two tapes, and chalk lines are struck between corresponding indicators of the two lay-out tapes.

Abstract: A tape measure endpiece is disclosed that can hook the measuring blade onto the edge of an object to be measured. The hooking member of the endpiece is positioned to avoid impacting the performance of the measuring blade when not using the hooking member to make measurements (e.g., when making different types of measurements and when stored). In one embodiment, the endpiece comprises a tab extending below the plane of the measuring blade, an arm extending from the tab beyond the edge of the measuring blade, and a hooking member extending from the end of the arm. In other embodiments, the endpiece further comprises a support that extends above the plane of the measuring blade, with the arm extending from the support and supporting the hooking member. In some embodiments, the arm and hooking member are moveable to allow greater flexibility in making measurements.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus is provided for a measuring tape having upwardly curving side edges, a downwardly, substantially perpendicular tab at a leading end, and a scale along the length between the side edges. The apparatus includes an end fitting piece and a medial fitting piece. The end fitting piece has a leg and a seat. The leg extends from the piece to provide a measuring edge. The seat is configured to secure with the tab at the leading end of the tape. The medial fitting piece has a leg and a seat. The leg extends from the piece to provide a measuring edge. The seat is configured to mount onto the tape for slidable movement relative to the end fitting leg to define a distance between the measuring edges readable from the scale on the tape.

Abstract: Disclosed are an arc-drawing assisting apparatus and a tape measure including the arc-drawing assisting apparatus. The an arc-drawing assisting apparatus, which is disposed at a tape of a tape measure so as to allow a user to draw a circle or an arc by using the tape measure, includes an upper case having a graduation checking part for checking graduations of the tape, the graduations checking part being formed at one surface of an upper portion of the upper case and a center adjusting member which is rotatably assembled with the upper case and includes a lower case having an assembling protuberance, which has a center fixing pin protruding downward, formed at a lower end of the lower case.

Abstract: A tape measure having a support structure and an elongate spike mountable on the support structure. The elongate spike is moveable relative to the support structure for mounting in any selected one of two or more positions relative to the support structure. The two positions can include a position can include a position for use and a storage position.

Abstract: A magnetic end hook on tape measure, comprises a magnet (3) and a main body (1) of the end hook which includes a horizontal portion (11) jointed with a tape blade, a vertical portion (12) having a front surface (12b), a rear surface (12a) and at least one hole (121) for setting said magnet (3); wherein the magnetic end hook further comprising an gasket (2), said gasket has an adapted hole or groove (24) for receiving said magnet (3). A method of manufacture and an application are also described. Compared with the prior art, in this invention, the gasket, additionally set between the hole of the end hook and the magnet on the magnetic end hook, is resilient and can adjust the preferred distance between the magnet and the inner wall of the hole. Therefore, the magnet is mounted more firmly and the probability of falling or breaking is reduced.

Abstract: The tape measure apparatus has a rule blade that is retractably stored in the tape measure apparatus and protrudes when extended during use. For measurements, the rule blade has graduated indicia markings along the rule blade. An end-piece attached to the rule blade has an aperture for receiving a marking instrument to mark and scribe on a work piece and a blade slot for receiving and supporting a blade. There is also a protective shield guide that protects the fingers from slivers and cuts. It has a pivot attachment between the protective shield and the guide. The pivot moves the protective shield into a stored position generally parallel to the rule blade, and in a working position generally perpendicular the rule blade. The guide is slidable along the rule blade. The entire protective shield guide slidably moves into the housing. Thus, the entire protective shield guide disappears and is protected from any outside force by being inside the housing when not in use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape measure with a magnetic tip. The tape measure is constructed so that a first magnet is provided in an end hook of the tape measure in a more convenient manner using insert molding, and the removal of the magnet from the end hook is more reliably prevented using a first coupling part.

Abstract: A measuring tape device has a hook piece. The hook piece is used for preventing the tape from slipping off from an object of measure. The hook piece consists of a hook body and an anti-slip piece; the hook body consists of a pulling part and a connecting part; the pulling part is a flat surface, the connecting part extends out from one side of the pulling part in the direction that is perpendicular to the pulling part; the anti-slip piece is adhered onto the inside surface of the pulling part; and magnetic pieces are attached to the outside surface of the pulling part. Therefore, during the measuring process, both the anti-slip piece and the magnetic pieces may help keeping the hook plate of the measuring tape attaching to the object of measure and hence the tape does not slip off from the object of measure easily.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape measure with a magnetic tip. The tape measure is constructed so that a first magnet is provided in an end hook of the tape measure in a more convenient manner using insert molding, and the removal of the magnet from the end hook is more reliably prevented using a first coupling part.

Abstract: A measuring tape (150) having a pivoting catch (160) that rotates (172) about a measuring tape axis (159). A rotational catch coupling assembly is secured to the distal end of the measuring tape. The catch (160) is pivotally assembled to the rotational catch coupling assembly via a pivot assembly having a pivot shaft (180) and a lock assisting spring (188). The pivot shaft (180) is oriented parallel to the measuring tape axis (159). A registration interface such as pins (174) and apertures (176, 177, 178) maintain the catch (160) in position. The catch (160) rotates 360 degrees, and can include registration at any angle, but preferably at least 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees.

Abstract: An improved adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool, as well as a press-down tape stop to hold the tape in place. This invention can be used to scribe a line along a piece of material using the leading edge of the square as a guide instead of using the index finger of one hand, which often results in injury due to slivers from the material being scribed.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts a children's tape dispenser and method that incorporates it into practice. The apparatus has a housing in the form of a toy, and has a tape coil positioned within the housing. Tape having a gentle and nonpermanent adhesive is dispensed underneath the apparatus as it is moved across a surface.

Abstract: An improvement on the structure of a measuring tape device is that a magnetic mechanism is secured at the distal end of a measuring tape. The magnetic mechanism is not placed onto the leg piece of the hook member and thus is not formed as part of the body of the hook member of the measuring tape. The front end of the magnetic mechanism is placed in alignment with the “0” cm mark on the measuring tape. During measuring process of an object of measurement and a designated point, the magnetic mechanism allows the measuring tape to be magnetically attached to the surface of the object and anchored at the exact starting point of measurement, and therefore, the measuring precision will not be skewed because of thickness of the hook member or because of the gap caused by the movable mechanics of the hook member.

Abstract: An improvement on the structure of a measuring tape device is that a magnetic mechanism is secured at the distal end of a measuring tape. The magnetic mechanism is not placed onto the leg piece of the hook member and thus is not formed as part of the body of the hook member of the measuring tape. The front end of the magnetic mechanism is placed in alignment with the “0” cm mark on the measuring tape. During measuring process of an object of measurement and a designated point, the magnetic mechanism allows the measuring tape to be magnetically attached to the surface of the object and anchored at the exact starting point of measurement, and therefore, the measuring precision will not be skewed because of thickness of the hook member or because of the gap caused by the movable mechanics of the hook member.

Abstract: A measuring tape having a concave blade marked with a measuring scale on the concave surface, and an end hook having a hooking portion, wherein the end hook has a portion which partially covers and is attached to the convex side of the blade and is slidable between limit points with respect to the blade.

Abstract: A magnetic end hook on tape measure, comprises a magnet (3) and a main body (1) of the end hook which includes a horizontal portion (11) jointed with a tape blade, a vertical portion (12) having a front surface (12b), a rear surface (12a) and at least one hole (121) for setting said magnet (3); wherein the magnetic end hook further comprising an gasket (2), said gasket has an adapted hole or groove (24) for receiving said magnet (3). A method of manufacture and an application are also described. Compared with the prior art, in this invention, the gasket, additionally set between the hole of the end hook and the magnet on the magnetic end hook, is resilient and can adjust the preferred distance between the magnet and the inner wall of the hole. Therefore, the magnet is mounted more firmly and the probability of falling or breaking is reduced.

Abstract: A tape measure fastening kit having a series of end pieces in varying lengths to attach to a tab of a tape measure blade so that a single user may secure the tape measure blade to an edge or corner of a work surface. Each end piece has an outer tip which is angled at a 45-degree angle to catch the bottom of the edge or corner of a work surface. Another embodiment provides a solitary L-shaped attachment piece which attaches directly to the top side of the blade at the distal end and which has a lower portion having a 45-degree angled tip to catch the bottom of the edge or corner of a work surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement of tape rule, in particular to end piece of the tape rule which includes measuring tape connecting portion and hook hanging portion, both parts are made of same material as a whole body. The hook hanging portion of measuring tape contains at least one space, inside the space, there is an absorbing member which can be easily detached from the hook plate by people without using a hand tool.

Abstract: A multifunctional tape measure device includes a housing, a tape reel which is mounted within an interior chamber of the housing, a flexible measuring tape which is wound on the tape reel and which extends through an aperture formed in the front wall of the housing and a brake for releaseably holding the extended measuring tape. A magnet is rigidly mounted within a recess formed in the bottom wall of the housing and a light is mounted within the housing and is manually operable for generating a visible light beam. A magnifying lens is attached to the housing adjacent one of the first and second side of the housing. A writing surface is retained within a recess formed in an opposed one of the first and second side of the housing and a holder is provided on the housing for retaining a writing instrument.

Abstract: A measuring tape device with illumination function comprises a casing; a measuring tape received in the casing; an illuminator having a switch and an illuminating unit; the switch serving for actuating the illuminating unit; the illuminating unit being installed at a lateral side of the casing and near the measuring tape and hook; a cover covering upon the illuminating unit; the cover being reflective and deflective so that light is incident into the measuring tape for viewing the scales on the measuring tape. The casing has at least one battery. The illuminating unit is one of a bulb or light emitting diodes. The cover has a cross section of a right triangular. One side of the cover faces toward an exterior of the casing and another side of the cover faces toward the measuring tape.

Abstract: The tape measure apparatus has a rule blade that is retractably stored in the tape measure apparatus and protrudes when extended during use. For measurements, the rule blade has graduated indicia markings along the rule blade. An end-piece attached to the rule blade has an aperture for receiving a marking instrument to mark and scribe on a work piece and a blade slot for receiving and supporting a blade. There is also a protective shield guide that protects the fingers from slivers and cuts. It has a pivot attachment between the protective shield and the guide. The pivot moves the protective shield into a stored position generally parallel to the rule blade, and in a working position generally perpendicular the rule blade. The guide is slidable along the rule blade. The entire protective shield guide slidably moves into the housing. Thus, the entire protective shield guide disappears and is protected from any outside force by being inside the housing when not in use.

Abstract: One embodiment of a tape measure with a writing surface 2 on the retractable plastic or metal retractable strip onto which are printed units of measurement. The writing surface 2 is made of plastic that allows for ease of writing and eraseability. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A rule assembly is described providing novel and beneficial features to the user. In a first aspect of the invention, an improved device and method is described for removably attaching the rule assembly housing to the clothing or equipment of a user. A beam is provided with a first and a second end, each end being connected to the housing to define a space sufficient to permit the introduction of a retention element for suspending the rule assembly. Preferably, the beam may pivot at the first end, and may be detachably lockable to the housing at the second end. In another aspect of the invention, means for making a preliminary determination as to the cause of any malfunction within the housing of the rule assembly is described. The housing of the rule assembly is provided with a window sealed with transparent material. A reel within the housing that carries a tape blade and a retraction spring is provided with at least one opening.

Abstract: An improved structure tape rule hook that provides a hook of the tape rule which has an attractive component. The hook is a planar component bent vertically to thereby form a hook mounting element at its upper extent, and disposed on the hook mounting element are a plurality of elongated round holes and, furthermore, the other side is bent downward vertically to form a hook measuring element. The hook measuring element has a containment recess, which is die extruded, enabling the embedding of the attractive component in order to fix it onto the hook measuring element. As such when taking measurements the attractive component of the tape rule increases user convenience, thereby enhancing the practical value of the tape rule provided by the improved structure tape rule hook of the invention herein.

Abstract: An improved device for attachment to a retractable tape measure is provided which functions as a finger guard and a measurement index or indices either temporarily fixed or moveably attached to the tape storage case or measurement tape. At least one measurement index and at least one scoring or marking feature are provided to insure accurate and repeatable measurements directed perpendicularly to the direction of tape extension. An undercut is provided upon an edge of the device to facilitate the slide of the device along the workpiece edge.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case having first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls; a flexible tape blade selectively deployable from the case; the tape blade having a generally curved cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a generally flat profile when retracted into the main case; a hook attached to a first end of the tape blade so as to be movable a distance along a longitudinal axis of the tape blade; the hook having a first section disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second section connected thereto and disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis, the hook comprising titanium and having a weight factor of not more than about 0.60. The tape blade may advantageously be not more than about 1.10 inch in width and have a standout of at least 9½ feet.

Abstract: A weight is provided for attachment to a tip of a tape measure and to facilitate stabilization of the tip when extending far from a housing thereof. The weight includes a cavity passing through a high mass body with a slot extending between the cavity and an exterior of the body. The slot is configured to allow the tape to pass therethrough, to enter the cavity. The cavity is sized to allow a clasp at a tip of the tape to reside therein. The slot is preferably curved to match a curvature of a common metal roll-up tape measure. A recess can be provided on the body adjacent the cavity to accommodate a portion of the clasp of the tape therein. Magnets can optionally be provided on the body to allow the weight to be attachable to ferromagnetic surfaces. A door can optionally be provided which selectively closes the slot.

Abstract: An adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool.

Abstract: An adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement of tape rule, in particular to end portion of the measuring tape which includes measuring tape connecting portion and hook hanging portion, both parts are made in same material as whole body. The surface of measuring tape connecting portion is formed with rivets. The hook hanging portion of measuring tape has at least 1 mm thickness, its surface contains holes with enough depth to enclose a magnetic object, the magnet's thickness does not exceed the depth of the holes; the surface of hook hanging portion is wrapped with a holding element covering its front surface, rear surface, and the magnetic object enclosed.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing and a tape retractably coupled to the housing. The tape has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a free end onto which an end clip is moveably coupled. The end clip includes a first attachment portion and a first flange extending therefrom. In addition, an intermediate clip is fixedly coupled to the tape. The intermediate clip includes a second attachment portion and a second flange extending from second attachment portion. The second flange includes a flange face located one measurement unit from the free end of the tape. The end clip cooperates with a set of first measurement markings applied to the tape to provide linear measurements. Whereas, the intermediate clip cooperates with a set of second measurement markings applied to the tape. The set of second measurements markings commence at one measurement unit from the free end of the tape. In addition, the tape measure may include reverse marking applied to the back side of the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing; a measuring tape deployable with respect to the housing between a fully retracted position and a deployed position; the tape having an anchored end and a free end; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the first and second coupling portions are interlockingly engageable, and advantageously also disengageable, when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. Advantageously, each of the end fittings have a measuring abutment surface disposed aligned with a zero point of the tape's measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape.

Abstract: Fastmark Groutline Ruler enables tile, stone and masonry installers to properly measure tile, stone or masonry materials which will be cut and installed between the end point and the previously installed materials on the floor or wall. This device is a two piece measuring device which will automatically deduct the size of the required grout-line(S) measurement from the fill cut, Fastmark Groutline Ruler has subtractive grout line stop block that automatically aligns to the edge of tile stone or masonry edges, even on crooked horizontal or vertical edges, removable subtractive grout line stop blocks can be mounted to standard hand held tape measure, stop blocks have a depth adapted to the depth of grout spacers installed in field area for perfect grout spacing, and subtractive grout line stop blocks that automatically subtracts for of grout line(S) sizes. Subtractive grout line stop blocks made to all grout line sizes and multiples of.

Abstract: A system for measuring and cutting includes a portable measuring unit and a cutting unit. The measuring unit includes a transmitter and a measuring processor in communication with the transmitter. The measuring unit includes a first retractable tape measure having a first variable resistance wire and a sensor, the measuring processor having programming for determining first distance data and for transmitting that data. The cutting unit includes a saw and a receiver for receiving the first distance data transmitted from the measuring unit. The cutting unit includes a second tape measure with a second variable resistance wire, sensor, and processor for determining a second distance. When the second distance measurement is equal to the first distance measurement, an indicator is actuated so the user knows to actuate the saw to cut the workpiece. The system, therefore, eliminates inaccurate measurements and the need to remember or record measurements.