David Lock

What is the significance of these numbers (every 16 inches), printed in red, on my metric/imperial 5m measuring tape alongside the inch numbers? 48 is not indicated presumably because it coincides with 48 being 4ft exactly?

Not some kind of trick question btw. Just curious. My memory of rods, poles and perches is fading I'm afraid

David

I'm sure it's something blindingly obvious to everyone but me!

tony de wonderful

None I think. Probably made in China and they thought it looked good.

Daryl

Walls were traditionally framed at 16" centres...

Dedrater

Easy really.

16 = yeah you are allowed
32 = score
32-64 = auto ranging, from score to you fu**ing greb
80 = Hero, 100 dude points also known as a Wayne

Jamie

You sure on that ?

Dedrater

I'm not a mathematician, but the numbers work for me.

WRXBOB

Studwork frame centres every 16"

Dedrater

As are joists.

fast bloke

If you count in 48, hammer the nail in just above the red bit and it will bite.

However, there could be a deeper explanation. If the house was built metric, 16 and 32 will still hit a 2" joist at 400 mil centres. 48 might nip the edge of the third one, or it might miss entirely. If you get a good fix on 48, you know it was built imperially, so 64 and 80 will be spot on. If 48 didn't bite, you will be looking at the metric side of the tape, so you won't see the red imperial numbers....................... probably