Debate: Tape measure pull-out vs push-in on long horizontal runs? I'm split after a job in Toledo

I was doing a wall layout last Tuesday at a warehouse in Toledo, and I kept going back and forth between pulling the tape out to full extension for a 20 foot span versus pushing it in from the middle. Pulling gave me more accuracy but took forever because the tape kept sagging. Pushing was faster but I worried about measuring errors. Anyone else deal with this on long runs and settle on one method over the other?

4 comments

4 Comments

david5622mo ago

Heard some guys on a job site argue about this once. They said pushing from the middle is where it's at for long stuff because you can brace it better. But man, the sag on pull-out still bugs me too.

taraanderson2mo ago

I've noticed that with most things in life, the middle usually gives you the most control.

sethhernandez2mo ago

Yo wait, @taraanderson that's actually really interesting. So you're saying the middle gives you leverage in a way the ends can't? Like you're not dealing with as much resistance or wobble? @the_linda you seeing this logic too? I'm curious how that applies to something like a long pipe or board where the flex is worse in the middle - does that change things or is it still the sweet spot for control?

the_linda2mo ago

Changed my mind about this @david562, always figured pushing from the end was better but you guys make a good point.