Abstract: An integrated recoiling tape measure with an integral marker secured thereto by a marker holder. The marker holder is uniquely designed to be attached to the side of the tape measure, and is angled in a first direction such that the pencil tip extends forward to the tape holder, and is also angled laterally inward toward the tape itself and proximate the graduations thereof for easy and convenient marking of the material proximate the tape graduations. The present invention achieves technical advantages by allowing a workman to measure and mark and a material with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding the material or other tools.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a retractable tape measure is provided which functions as a finger guard and a measurement index either fixed or moveably attached to the tape storage case or measurement tape. A measurement index or scoring feature is provided to insure accurate and repeatable measurements directed perpendicularly to the direction of tape extension.

Abstract: An apparatus can be conveniently and temporarily attached to a tape measure to aid in measuring a workpiece. The apparatus has a means of engaging a workpiece at one end of a length to be measured, and has a means of removably attaching to the tape measure. The attachment mechanism consists of a rigid, substantially flat member which is designed to rest under the tape, with two tabs protruding upwards from said rigid member. Each tab has at least one kerf formed in the side of that tab which is adjacent to the tape when the rigid member rests under the tape, so that the curving edges of the tape fit into those kerfs, holding the apparatus in place. In this manner, the apparatus is conveniently attachable to and removable from the tape. Furthermore, while the apparatus is attached to the tape, the apparatus adds stability to the tape, by reinforcing the position of the curving edges of the tape.

Abstract: A chalk line end being comprised of two flat members (12a and 12b) set parallel at a slight distance from one another and bent and fused together along at least one shared edge to form a main body (10), containing a tear-shaped aperture (18) and towards one end a smaller aperture (22) which the chalk line (24) is tied through. A main tab formed by a section of at least one of said flat members bent essentially perpendicular to said main body. A blade (14), containing a similar tear-shaped aperture (18), is sandwiched between said two flat members of said main body, and pivotally attached (20) to said main body towards one end. A means for grasping (26) on said blade at the opposite end from the pivotal connection allows the user to grasp said blade between thumb and finger and rotate it out through a long open edge of said main body, until a fused section of said flat members stops it when the blade edge (30) is at an approximate ninety-degree angle to said main body.

Abstract: A manually wound tape measure includes a housing with a mouth, with the flexible tape extending through the mouth. A resilient grip element is slidably mounted on the tape for movement relative thereto. The grip element includes an internal passage through which the tape extends and is resiliently deformable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The exterior of the grip element may be tapered. Manually powered retraction of the tape into the housing causes the grip element to be urged into the mouth portion of the housing such that the grip element is, by interaction with the housing, deformed against and compressively grips the tape. The tape measure may include a manually powered retraction mechanism having a drive ratio of greater than 1:1. The tape measure is manually changeable from a deployed configuration to a retracted configuration wherein the grip element deforms against and compressively grips the tape.

Abstract: A combination measuring, marking and cutting tool comprising a housing, a measuring tape extendable from the housing, a ferrule attached to the free end of the measuring tape, an aperture formed in the ferrule, and a T-shaped pivot tab secured to the housing in proximity to the measuring tape.

Abstract: This description, together with the objects of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantage is in the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated at least one preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining the height of a tripod-mounted geodetic tool using a reference area. Said system comprises a spacer element (20) to be mounted on the tripod (25) and means (2) for linear measurement which are to be applied on the spacer element (20). A scale is disposed on the means (2) in such a manner as to directly indicate the height (h) of the tool (28). The means are preferably configured as a tape measure (2) or a plumb bar (1′). The invention provides a means for measuring the height of the tool outside the plumb line (32) with a sufficient amount of exactness and without substantial additional costs and/or effort.

Abstract: A measuring device including a mechanism for measuring such as a tape measure, the mechanism for measuring having a end hook; and a mechanism for selectively securing, such as a magnet, the tape to an object, such as a pipe, the mechanism for selective securing being attached to the end hook of the mechanism for measuring.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight and small removable device enhances the operation and utility of a tape measure when measuring metallic or nonmetallic structures. The device comprises a flat base, a small, powerful rare earth magnet secured to one side of the base, and a spring clip that extends from a bottom edge of the base and up its other side and includes a curved surface normally contacting the base to provide a pocket having an entrance slot for insertion of the zero hook. The zero hook is clamped between the base and the spring clip when inserted through the entry slot into the pocket. The small powerful magnet enables use with metallic surfaces behind wallboard, and above, below and beside the zero hook. A plurality of friction enhancing tangs extend from the spring clip in a direction opposite the magnet for gripping nonmetallic surfaces. The device can also be used to retrieve remote metal tools and other objects.

Abstract: A magnetic tape and storage means for securely positioning the measuring tape on metal surfaces during measurements. The magnetic tape and storage means includes a measuring tape having a bottom side and back side and further having a clip member attached to the back side for storing the measuring tape, a magnetized member being removably attached to the bottom side of said measuring tape, and a storage member for the measuring tape.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a measuring tape for measuring the torso girth of a user, the tape comprising a separable fastening that, when fastened, creates a loop of tape that extends in use around the user's torso without support from the user's hands, a link co-operable with the tape allowing the circumference of the loop to be adjusted or varied when around the user's torso, and girth indicia co-operable with the link to indicate the circumference of the loop. The link maintains a securing tension on the loop to secure the loop around the torso but allows expansion of the loop when the user expands her torso during said measurement, and resists variation of the loop circumference when the fastening is unfastened after use. In this way, the circumference of the loop can be read by the user after use with reference to the girth indicia A method for measuring the torso girth of a user by means of the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: Tape measure end hook for eliminating error in plane surfaces measuring. The tape measure end hook consists of a slidable hook composed by two pieces attached by rivets to the end of the metallic tape measure for more accurate when measuring the dimension placed in/on plane surfaces. The metallic tape has the apertures for rivets shaped that the strained end of the rivets not exceed the bottom/lower surface of the tape for eliminating snagging on a work piece.

Abstract: The combination of a flexible blade/tape and a clip. The flexible blade/tape has a length and first and second sides defined by oppositely facing, substantially planar surfaces. The clip has a first tab that projects angularly away from the first surface at the first side of the blade/tape and a second tab that projects angularly away from the second surface at the second side of the blade/tape.

Abstract: A tape scriber, formed as an integral device, either molded or cast, includes a base portion, having a cavity formed therein, for accommodating the tab end of the tape. The base portion includes a laterally extending stem, having a slot there through, and into which a box cutter may locate its razor tip, in preparation for cutting of a board during usage. A rearwardly extending member includes an inclined slot, or at least a slot which accommodates a pencil upon an incline with the tip of the pencil extending through a bottom aperture, aligning under the precise end of the tape, to furnish a scribe or pencil mark at that location, as the rule is moved, to the exact dimension measured on its tape during usage.

Abstract: A marking device is used with a measuring tape extendable from a coiled position to mark a desired distance measured by the tape. The marking device includes an actuation member and a marker holder. The actuation member has an exterior portion for manual movement from a retracted to a marking position which moves the marker holder from the retracted to the marking position. A marker is attached to the marker holder for marking the desired distance. A guide device is provided to guide the marker across an inker and then to the marking position. A biasing device, such as a spring, is connected to the marker holder to urge the marker holder towards the retracted position.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which can be used as a marking gauge and/or compass comprising a tape measure, an insert comprising a base, a guide attached to the base and generally parallel to graduated indicia markings of the rule blade when extended from the tape measure whereby the graduated markings of the tape measure's rule blade may be read. An alternative embodiment includes an insert enabling standard tape measures to be used as marking gauges and/or compasses.

Abstract: A guide tool assembly is provided for use with a tape measuring device to measure, scribe or cut drywall or the like. The guide tool assembly consists of two parts, one a slidable guide element including a mounting slot for enabling the slidable guide element to be slidably mounted on the measuring tape of the tape measuring device and a knife guide element adapted to be affixed to the measuring tape at the free end thereof. The knife guide includes a transverse opening therein for, in one application, receiving a cutting blade. In this application, the slidable element is set at the desired measuring point along the tape and with the slidable element in engagement with the edge of the drywall panel to be cut, the slidable element and the cutting blade are moved in parallel to provide a cut of the desired width. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly is used for making arcuate cuts or inscriptions.

Abstract: An improved friction tab or clip for a blade catch at an end of the tape measure blade. The friction tab is provided with an outer coating of a substantially soft, resilient and pliant material generally a soft, non-skid material, e.g. an elastomeric material, such as rubber or other similar non-skid material. The friction tab is removably mounted to the blade catch by appropriately molding an inner pocket which frictionally engages the blade catch directly. A protrusion may also be provided in the inner pocket which engages at least an aperture through the blade catch of the measuring tape to further secure the friction tab to the blade catch.

Abstract: A tool and/or the combination of a spring-biased reel type measuring tape and the tool which serves the purpose of measuring and marking a cut on a board. The tool consists of a bracket attached to the spring-biased reel type measuring tape. An apron is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting to a vertical downward position to serve as a bearing surface against a board to be cut. An elongated measuring bar is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting horizontally from a closed position adjacent the measuring tape to an open position angularly displaced away from the measuring tape to serve as a guide for a marking line on the board to be cut. A carriage is slidably mounted in the on the measuring bar for carrying a marking implement suitable for making a marking line on the board to be cut.

Abstract: An improved friction tab or clip for a blade catch at an end of the tape measure blade. The friction tab is provided with an outer coating of a substantially soft, resilient and pliant material generally a soft, non-skid material, e.g. an elastomeric material, such as rubber or other similar non-skid material. The friction tab is removably mounted to the blade catch by appropriately molding an inner pocket which frictionally engages the blade catch directly. A protrusion may also be provided in the inner pocket which engages at least an aperture through the blade catch of the measuring tape to further secure the friction tab to the blade catch.

Abstract: An endpiece for attachment at the end of a tape measure tape. A cross curvature tape measure supports its own weight when it is extended horizontally and is held in an upright position. A perpendicular hook at the end of the tape measure tape can be used to secure the end of the tape measure tape to an edge of an object. A hook that extends above the curved surface of the tape measure tape allows measurements to be secured from below an object while maintaining the upright and self supporting position of the tape. An adhering or magnetic means attached at the end of the tape measure tape further assists in allowing measurements to be taken without causing the incidental collapse of the tape measure tape. Such an endpiece may be removably attached, and may be adapted to fit on existing tape measures.

Abstract: A tape measure, also called a “tape rule” and a “coilable rule,” includes a coilable rule housing and a retractable measuring blade with a free end that extends out of the housing. A finger-protecting component connected to the housing provides a bearing surface beneath the measuring blade for a person to place against and slide along an edge of a sheet of drywall as the person uses the tape measure in combination with a utility knife or other cutting tool to make a longitudinally extending cut in the sheet of drywall parallel to the edge of the sheet of drywall. The finger-protecting component preferably includes a nail-receiving hole enabling the user to rotatably fix the tape measure at the center of a desired arc with a nail in order to use the tape measure in conjunction with the utility knife for purposes of cutting an arc of a desired radius in a sheet of drywall.

Abstract: A device (20) for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object (22) from a remote area is provided. The device (20) contains a retractable tape measure (24) and a magnetic gripping head (26). The tape measure (24) has a blade (30) with a first end (64), an opposing second end (66), a longitudinal axis (68) extending between the first and second ends (64,66), and a zero hook (32) coupled to the first end (64). The gripping head (26) has a housing with a gripping opening (40) in a face (42) thereof and a coupling opening (62) in another face (70) thereof. The gripping head (26) also has a magnet (38) within the housing (34). The housing (34) and magnet (38) are configured so that a portion of the magnet (38) protrudes through the gripping opening (40) to effect magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic object (22) during retrieval.

Abstract: A device attached to the tag end of a retractable measuring tape extends the range of measurement achievable, increases the ease of operation of the measuring tape over rough surfaces and betters the operator's safety of measuring elevated or angled surfaces. The measuring tape aid contains two wheels on an inner axle. The outer channels, one fixed and one moveable, each contain one half of the clamping device that will attach to the retractable measuring tape. The moveable half of the clamping device is held in place via an internal compression spring. The use of this device permits tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers the ability to extend the range of operation of most brands of retractable metal tape measures.

Abstract: A deck board spacing strap. The strap has a series of spacer bars attached thereto thereby enabling a deck builder to position, space and hold a substantial number of deck boards in place at one time before nailing.

Abstract: A novel tape measure for a safer, more accurate and easier measuring, marking and cutting of raw materials for construction. The tape measure of this invention has a support and “T” shape tape lip. The support is installed within the housing below the tape. The support has “L” shape lip at the free end and has a “U” shape eyeliner for an accurate reading of the measure tape and for holding the tape in a normal arc shape. The support is sliding in and out of the housing through the same opening for the tape. The other side of the support, which remains in the housing, has scissors' blade shape. The whole shape of the support is of “Y” shape. The support slides in and out of the housing by moving the “L” lip from the bottom opening of the tape. The present tape measure is used not differently from the prior art tape measures when used to cut, measure or to draw a line.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which can be used as a marking gauge and/or compass comprising a tape measure, an insert comprising a base, a guide rigidly attached to the base and generally parallel to graduated indicia markings of the rule blade when extended from the tape measure whereby the graduated markings of the tape measure's rule blade may be read. An alternative embodiment includes an insert enabling standard tape measures to be used as marking gauges and/or compasses.

Abstract: An attachable/detachable workpiece grip-enhancing device which is removably attachable and detachable in different ways to the trans-axially extending blade in a conventional measuring-tape end element. In one embodiment, central connection structure in the device frictionally attaches to, and detaches from, such a blade under the influence of reversible linear relative translational motion. In another embodiment, attachment is enabled via undirectional relative linear translational movement, and detachment is promoted by either-direction relative rotation between a blade and the device. In a third embodiment, detent-like pseudo-locking attachment takes place.

Abstract: A plumb bob which may be used in combination with a measuring tape for gauging the vertical height of a liquid, such as oil, stored in a tank. The plumb bob comprises a weight which is cushioned at its lower end by a elastomeric bumper. The bumper, which may be formed from an oil-resistant elastomer, protects the tank base from deformational damage during the gauging process.

Abstract: A measuring system comprises a flexible tape fabricated of an essentially inextensible material with a short leading edge and a short parallel trailing edge, long parallel side edges, a front face and a rear face. An attachment member is secured to the tape adjacent to the leading edge and adapted to be releasably secured to an object to be measured whereby the remainder of the tape may be wrapped around the object for determining an approximate diameter. Indicia on the front face includes equally spaced major markings, equally spaced minor markings at every tenth between the major markings, and miniature markings between the minor markings.

Abstract: A power return tape in the form of a measuring tape including a case, a blade wound within the case graduated in marked increments, an exposed end hook at one end of the blade for unwinding the blade and drawing it from the case, and with at least one of the exposed hook and a length of the blade adjacent thereto cooperating to form a grasping tool for falling objects, in a manner separate and apart from the employment of the marked increments on the tape in making linear measurements—and particularly attractive for mechanics working from ladders and/or at other heights.

Abstract: A device attached to the tag end of a retractable measuring tape extends the range of measurement achievable, increases the ease of operation of the measuring tape over rough surfaces and betters the operator's safety of measuring elevated or angled surfaces. The measuring tape aid contains two wheels on an inner axle. The outer channels, one fixed and one moveable, each contain one half of the clamping device that will attach to the retractable measuring tape. The moveable half of the clamping device is held in place via an internal compression spring. The use of this device permits tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers the ability to extend the range of operation of most brands of retractable metal tape measures.

Abstract: A tape measure with a marking device holder. The tape measure with the marking device holder includes a tape measure assembly and a marking device holder installed on the tip end of the tape measure. The marking device holder includes two resilient clip structures for resiliently gripping and holding the tip end of a marking device such as a pencil.

Abstract: An endpiece for attachment at the end of a tape measure tape. A cross curvature tape measure supports its own weight when it is extended horizontally and is held in an upright position. A perpendicular hook at the end of the tape measure tape can be used to secure the end of the tape measure tape to an edge of an object. A hook that extends above the curved surface of the tape measure tape allows measurements to be secured from below an object while maintaining the upright and self supporting position of the tape. An adhering or magnetic means attached at the end of the tape measure tape further assists in allowing measurements to be taken without causing the incidental collapse of the tape measure tape. Such an endpiece may be removably attached, and may be adapted to fit on existing tape measures.

Abstract: An articulated anchor for measuring tapes has a planar base having opposite parallel first and second planar surfaces. A releasable adhesive pad is secured to a first planar surface for releasably adhering planar base portion to a surface of an object to be measured. A spherical ball is mounted on the second planar surface so as to extend outwardly therefrom. A ball joint housing is rotatably mounted over the ball so as to form a ball joint which may be articulated in both horizontal and vertical planes. The ball joint housing may be advantageously a rectangular solid having a ball receiving cavity formed in a lower surface and, oppositely disposed on an upper surface a slot for mating of the pull tab therein. The ball receiving cavity may include opposed facing spherical segments or dimples for retaining the ball therebetween.

Abstract: A tool and/or the combination of a spring-biased reel type measuring tape and the tool which serves the purpose of measuring and marking a cut on a board. The tool consists of a bracket attached to the spring-biased reel type measuring tape. An apron is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting to a vertical downward position to serve as a bearing surface against a board to be cut. An elongated measuring bar is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting horizontally from a closed position adjacent the measuring tape to an open position angularly displaced away from the measuring tape to serve as a guide for a marking line on the board to be cut. A carriage is slidably mounted in the on the measuring bar for carrying a marking implement suitable for making a marking line on the board to be cut.

Abstract: A line holder for securing a chalking line to a work piece that is to be marked, particularly for diagonal cut lines, in which a planar body engages an end of a chalking line and includes a spaced-apart second opening, through which a spring-biased member extends. The member is joined to the planar body at a fixed end and has a pointed tip at a distal free end. The member is biased to a first position with the tip upwardly of the planar body and is selectively moveable to a second position with the tip extended through the second opening for engaging a work piece to be marked by the chalk line.

Abstract: A tape measure having an end hook and housing capable of attaching itself “in whole” both the end hook and housing to steel surfaces and with the end hook being able to attach to wood and such materials. The end hook has a magnet riveted firmly to the underneath side of the measuring tape for holding itself to the steel subject to be measured without falling off. A housing with a magnet recessed into the bottom wall of the housing to be attached to steel subjects. The end hook has a push pin in the shape of a T integrated into the hook leg to be pushed into the work piece and remain intact for the measurement.

Abstract: A measuring tape hook (16) snugly fits within a slot (26) formed between first and second sidewalls (22, 24), at one end of a guide attachment (18). The guide portion (28) has a concave side (30) facing in the same direction as the open end of the slot (26) and a convex side (32) facing in the same direction as the end wall (24). The hook (16) at an end of a measuring tape (14) is set into the slot (26) and the measuring tape is extended across an uneven surface (34) with the convex side (32) contacting the uneven surface and guiding itself and the hook end (16) of the measuring tape (14) forwardly over th uneven surface (34).

Abstract: A device attachable either removably or permanently, or installed as original equipment, on the outer free end of an otherwise conventional measuring tape for enhancing the ability of the outer end of the tape to grip and stay in place on the far side of a workpiece being measured. The device features a generally planar body expanse having perimeter structure disposed outwardly of the long axis of an associated measuring tape, with this perimeter structure being formed with a line-like array (curved or straight, and with or without corners) of tooth-like projection elements which are intended to face and engage and grip a surface in a workpiece being measured.

Abstract: The Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter is a labor and time saving device which allows small diameter cables to be retrieved and wound with an electric drill. The electric drill provides the torque required to retrieve and wind the cable. The Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter can be modified to work with any brand or type of hand operated down hole instrumentation as well as to retrieve and spool any hand operated cable, wire, tube, line, filament, fiber, thread, string, twine, cord, rope or hose. More specifically, the Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter significantly reduces the cost, time and effort required to retrieve Slope Indicator Company's Water Level Indicator (meter) cable and wind it back on its spool. Use of the Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter on a water level meter makes sounding wells significantly faster and requires much less physical labor. The Easy Arm Cable Winder Adapter extends the range of applications for the water level meter and, in some cases, may preclude the use of more expensive technologies.

Abstract: A system for holding the end tab of a retractable tape while the user swings measured arcs on the floor including a holder body having a pivot point fixed with respect to the floor and a spaced slot for receiving the tape end tab. The configuration of the holder body and slot is such that, after the holder body is fixed to the floor, the user can extend the end of the tape, and hook it to the body while standing erect and without manipulating the holder body.

Abstract: An improved tape measure and an adhesive strip for a tape measure, the improved tape measure comprising a tape having a concave side and a convex side and a case for housing the tape in a coiled retracted configuration within the case. The tape has one end secured within the case, the other free end being extendible from the case to a substantially full length of the tape. The concave side includes graduations of a first linear scale extending along substantially the full length of the tape, the first linear scale being in metric or U.S. units of linear measure. The convex side has graduations of a second linear scale extending along only a relatively short portion of a length of the tape starting from in close proximity to the free end, the second linear scale being different and distinct from the first linear scale and calibrated for a different and distinct use such as an architectural scale or an engineering scale which are different from those of the first linear scale.

Abstract: A tape measure having a housing that encloses a coiled tape rule retractably mounted therein. The housing is constructed with an outer coating of a generally soft, resilient, pliant material that extends over a substantial portion of the housing. The tape measure further provides a locking button that is slidably attached to the housing and is adapted to selectively prevent the tape rule from moving with respect to the opening in the housing. The locking button generally includes a central portion that is located adjacent to the peripheral wall and at least one side portion located adjacent to a side wall of the housing. The locking button further includes an outer surface with an outer coating thereon of a relatively soft, skid-resistant material. The tape measure further provides a tape clip attached to a terminal end of the tape rule that includes a friction member made of a generally soft, non-skid material attached to a clip portion of the tape clip.

Abstract: A measuring jig preferably comprising an end engaging member for engaging a mitered end of a work piece, a mechanism for retaining a distal end of a measuring device adjacent to a reference point on a work piece, and member for retaining a measuring device. The invention may be supplemented by a measuring device such as a tape measure. The end engaging member is founded upon a base member with an end face engaging surface and a rear longitudinal face engaging surface coupled thereto to define a V-shaped angular alcove. The end face engaging surface may be fixed relative to the rear longitudinal face engaging surface, or it may be pivotally coupled for selective angular adjustability. The mechanism for retaining a distal end of a measuring device may be slidably retained along an elongate end face engaging surface. There may be a plurality of spaced-apart mechanisms, each comprising a slot, for retaining a distal end of a measuring device.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a guide at the end of the free end of the measurement tape that seats a marking instrument in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the tape and disposes the center line of the marking instrument aligned with the end of the tape. The tape measure may include at least one sharpener incorporated in its housing. The guide, or other attachments for the end of a tape measure, may include measurement markings on its upper surface aligned with measurement markings on the tape to permit precise measurements to be taken at the very end of the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure device with a measuring tape blade having a swiveling end assembly having a tape measure housing defining a chamber receiving a retractable tape blade of a tape measure. A tape blade attachment assembly is mounted to the tape blade and includes a support plate defining a cylindrical chamber, a slot leading to the cylindrical chamber, the slot also being provided with a recess adapted to receive an angular projection of a locking arm of the locking mechanism, a flexible arm mounted adjacent the slot and a recess on the other side of the flexible arm. The locking arm which is mounted in the slot has an angular projection on one side and a rounded projection on the opposite side from said angular projection which engages the flexible arm.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure of basically conventional design is provided and includes a tape spool hub projecting slightly outwardly of one side of the tape measure housing. A conventional blade-type belt clip includes a free end portion which overlies the hub for frictional engagement therewith upon inward deflection of the clip free end portion by inward finger pressure applied to the outer side thereof. The abutment flange carried by the free end of the tape has the usual opening formed therethrough (previously provided to receive a brad or tack) and a sharp pointed hook is shiftably supported from the tape free end and projectable through the opening. The pointed hook may be manually forced through the opening for penetrating a penetrable surface against which the tape end abutment flange is abutted. The housing of the tape measure includes a spool mounted chalk line and internal opposing pads between which the chalk line passes for wiping excess chalk therefrom.

Abstract: A tape measure including a casing defining an enclosure with a front wall having a blade aperture adjacent a bottom wall. A rule blade is normally retractably stored in a coiled condition within the enclosure having an inner end thereof secured within the enclosure and an outer end protruding through the blade apreture. Graduated indicia markings are positioned along the length of the rule blade functioning as a measuring scale. A lock and automatic rewind switch are carried on the front wall keeping a portion of the rule blade in an extended locked until the switch is manually operated retracting the rule blade into the enclosure. An end hook is attached to the outer end of the rule blade and is adapted to be normally laid over an edge of a flat item to be measured. A device is positioned on the end hook for stabilizing a marking/cutting tool allowing the marking/cutting tool to be grasped for making a mark, score/cut line across the flat item.