Pro tip: Double check your tape measure on crown molding cuts

I was trimming out a living room in Des Moines last weekend and cut a whole run of crown molding 3/8 inch too short on both ends. Turns out my tape measure was off because the end hook got bent when I dropped it off a ladder 6 months ago. I didn't think to check it against a known length until after I ruined $40 worth of poplar. Now I test mine against a 2x4 I know is exactly 8 feet before every job. Has anyone else had a measuring tool screw up their project without realizing it?

2 comments

2 Comments

angela_dixon22d ago

Hold up but isn't that on you for not checking it sooner? Your tape measure didn't mess up your project you did by trusting a tool you knew got dropped. I've been using the same Stanley tape for like 8 years and never checked it against anything and it's fine. Dropping it off a ladder is rough but you shoulda tested it right then not 6 months later. This whole "test before every job" thing seems like overkill too cause most tapes are solid unless you really beat them up. Just buy a new one for $15 instead of blaming the tape for your forgetfulness.

the_mia22d ago

Right, blame the tape measure like it owes you money.