Measuring Tools

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**Lint**

Hello all,
First off I'd like to know how you normally measure distances while playing.

I typically use a tape measure like this:

But wonder what other (if any) instruments you guys use.

Secondly I have an idea for some custom tape measures, where not only is the outside case themed towards gaming, but also the tape itself being themed and geared towards wargaming. Commonly measured distances would be marked uniquely on the tape, etc..

I'm trying to feel out what level of interest there would be in such a product, so what do you think? Interested?

**Aerethan**

I'd buy something that had 4" multiples highlighted in some way.

At the same time, it would have to be priced right, as I can get a regular tape measure at the dollar store. I wouldn't mind paying $10 for a nice themed one though. The GW one just doesn't do it for me, especially after seeing it in the flesh. A cheap aquila does not a theme make.

**Alfndrate**

I use a small 12 foot tape measure and a tac template from gale force 9.

**Steelmage99**

I also use one of these;

**Aerethan**

Steelmage99 wrote:I also use one of these;

One problem with these is that they are useless for WFB.

**chromedog**

3m tape measure (with measurements on the case, too - it's 3" long) and tac template (mine is the smoky grey "FoW" one, but the 6", 4", 2" and 1" lengths are marked clearly.)

**Aerethan**

chromedog wrote:3m tape measure (with measurements on the case, too - it's 3" long) and tac template (mine is the smoky grey "FoW" one, but the 6", 4", 2" and 1" lengths are marked clearly.)

How do you measure those 48" shots?!

**Lint**

Yeah it's not something that you're going to go out and buy 10 of, or even need to return and buy replacements for either.
I was thinking though that something with clearly marked lengths for movement and shooting with a non-infringing theme that isn't too generic, or lame, might have some interest. Especially in a hobby that loves custom/themed stuff.

**Steelmage99**

Aerethan wrote:
Steelmage99 wrote:I also use one of these;

One problem with these is that they are useless for WFB.

I strictly play 40K, so in essence I don't care that it is useless for Fantasy.

Of course, I also use a regular tape-measurer like the ones shown.

**Aerethan**

Steelmage99 wrote:
Aerethan wrote:
Steelmage99 wrote:I also use one of these;

One problem with these is that they are useless for WFB.

I strictly play 40K, so in essence I don't care that it is useless for Fantasy.

Of course, I also use a regular tape-measurer like the ones shown.

Which is fine and dandy, but from a business perspective you want your product to have as broad an appeal as possible.

**Chowderhead**

I use this!

**biccat**

I have a laser etched zippo measuring tape with the Menoth logo.

Used to have a Cryx one, not sure what happened to it.

**chromedog**

Aerethan wrote:
chromedog wrote:3m tape measure (with measurements on the case, too - it's 3" long) and tac template (mine is the smoky grey "FoW" one, but the 6", 4", 2" and 1" lengths are marked clearly.)

How do you measure those 48" shots?!

With a 3 METRE tape measure, it's QED (Quite Easily Done). 3m is, after all, close to 10 FEET or 120" in the old money, so 48" is a doddle. Unless you were referring to the 3m tape measure with 3" markings on the case ... in which case, that's just the size of the casing, the tape itself is wound in a spiral inside the case and can be much longer than this.

The TAC template is for infantry movement and coherency issues. Everything else is done with the tape measure. The red whacky sticks are used also - to discourage younger hands from touching my stuff.

**Aerethan**

I apologize for the misunderstanding on my part. Here in the US, 3M is a company which is what I thought you meant, and I read 3' as the length of the tape.

Good idea on the red sticks!

**Talliostro**

I use a tape measure with inches and centimetre on it, one measure-thingy for all game systems I play.

**Locclo**

Mostly the tac template, but I've also got a tape measure for long shots. That tac template is a brilliant piece of equipment for any 40k player - no need to fiddle around with the tape measure to get precise distances.

**chromedog**

Aerethan wrote:I apologize for the misunderstanding on my part. Here in the US, 3M is a company which is what I thought you meant, and I read 3' as the length of the tape.

Good idea on the red sticks!

Yah, My aunt used to work for 3M Aust.
Had I meant it was a 3M tape, I would have capitalised it (it's just what I do.). The lower case 'm' is the abbreviation for "metre" here. So 3m is 3 metres, and 3M is the sticky tape company.

That was part of the ad campaign for one of our "classic RAWK" FM stations back in the 80s (it was called MMM, or "Triple M"). It was one fo the first two FM stations we had in this country back in 1981 or so.

"Triple M (not the sticky tape company).

**Kilkrazy**

Talliostro wrote:I use a tape measure with inches and centimetre on it, one measure-thingy for all game systems I play.

Same for me.

The template things are quite good for short distance measuring.

Some games use special measuring devices. In MERCS, the unit card also defines the movement measurements.

In DBA there is a thing called the Barker Marker, which is used to measure standard zones of control of units.

**notprop**

Yeah, I'm a retractable tape and FoW tactical template man as well.

The Tact template is invaluable for geting large infantry fromations (IG horde) moving quickly and accurately.