Buy forestry measuring tapes online

A forestry measuring tape belongs to the standard equipment for wood harvesting. It is usually worn on the belt on a measuring tape holder. Measuring tapes are used for determining the length of a felled tree stem in the process of limbing. This is done en passant, as it were. Log length measuring is part of timber measurement. The second decisive value of a stem, its diameter, is measured by means of calipers.

How forestry measuring tapes are used

Usually measuring occurs during the processing and limbing of a felled tree. The hook of the measuring tape is fixed in the wood on the front side of the stem. The chain saw operator then works up along the stem step by step. In doing so the measuring tape is continually being drawn out. In order to meet the rough conditions in the forest, forestry tapes are usually made of steel. Good visibility and a distinct, permeable marking is also important.

Which forestry measuring tape should one buy?

Even a supposedly simple tool such as the forestry measuring tape can be ordered in different varieties. Of course, the length of the tape is a very important criteria. Measuring tapes come in the range from 15 to 30 m in length steps of 5 meters. But which length is best for a forestry measuring tape? If you know in advance which lengths you are typically measuring, this question is already answered. Within Germany the most common transportation length of logs is 20 meters, which corresponds to the most common length of forestry measuring tapes.

Which hook for which purpose

For attachment to the wood forestry masuring tapes end (i.e. begin) with a (usually) pointed hook. There are up to three different types of hook so here is a brief run-down which hook serves which purpose.

Flap hook type A:

This hook can be universally applied to coniferous trees. It is pressed into the front side of the log which is to be measured. Due to the hook's hinges the rolled-up measuring tape sits well on the stem. The flap hook type A is available for all of our measuring tapes.

Release hook type B:

The release hook is particularly suitable for trees with a rough bark, for instance oak or pine. It is an alternative to the above named type A and can be ordered as a spare or retrofit part or ready-mounted with the measuring tape. The particular advantage (or disavantage) of the release hook is its high tenacity on the wood, which prevents premature detachment from the wood.

Forged hook type C

This hook has sharp edges and is well suited for deciduous wood and frozen wood. This type of hook is not available for all measuring tapes.

Buy spare tapes and spare parts for measuring tapes online

Due to their use in rough conditions forestry measuring tapes are subject to some wear and tear. Even the best kind of tape can tear under excessive strain. For this reason our online shop offers spare tapes to match your forestry measuring tape. Besides, for some measuring tapes, eg. for those by Spencer, we also offer a great number of spare parts. Please contact us if you have any questions in this regard.

Some advice on rolling up measuring tapes

All mesuring tapes are rolled up by means of a spring mechanism. Once the hook is released from the wood by a little tug, the tape springs back. What with the pointed hook, this entails some potential for injury, particurly when the tape is held by hand.

Tip: First place the (case of the) measuring tape on the log, only then release the hook to have the tape rolled up. Never let the tape slide through your blank hands when it rolls up. Consider wearing working gloves instead.