Measuring Tape Hanger

I turn scraps of flat metal (primarily aluminum) into simple brackets to hold my tape measure(s) at various points in my shop where I find myself needed to measure this, that or the other.

I do not use AutoCad, Laser Cutters, Water Jets or much planning at all.

I turn dirty scraps of metal into useful tools.

Scrap piece of metal

Vise

Hammer

Drill

Driver

Screws

Scrap metal bits and pieces result from other projects where larger pieces are cut to meet the needs of one project or another - and often result from errors in measurement and similar shop ooops. This particular piece was found in a drawer, a bit worse for wear. I think it came off a Microwave Oven I'd dismantled to get the transformer. My earliest attempt (most successful) was longer and made from an aluminum access cover (2 x 8") salvaged from a cooler removed from a gas station - it held three tapes at once and is fastened to one of my larger rolling tool boxes (from HFT) with a pair of Pop Rivets.

You want to begin with a reasonably flat piece of material - I used a hammer on an anvil.

Them slip the tape measure over it to determine how much material you will need - in the center of your bracket and mark the edges accordingly. These marks determine the locations of the first two bends you will need to make.

I have a cheap (16"?) HFT brake (break?) but you can use a couple of pieces of flat bar stock or simply clamp the piece in a vise and press or hammer it into a right angle along one of the marks made and then rotate it 180 and repeat to form the 'channel' shape in the fourth image.

Now, look at the clip on your tape measure to get an idea of how 'deep' your bracket will need to be to allow it to slip slide into place. Mark your piece accordingly and bend along those lines to form the 'mounting tabs' used to screw or "Pop Rivet" it in place.

Now the astute and observant among you will realize that the particular piece of scrap came with three little holes "from the factory" so there are no images of me drilling holes for the mounting screws. If you're not so lucky with your scrap, put a hole in each end/side to fit the screws you've on-hand.

Or, if fastening it to a table saw or to a miter saw stand or a lathe, you might need to use a couple of Pop Rivets or drill and tap a couple of holes and use ,machine screws.

Now, if you're anal and like to have a place for everything and everything in its place, you will want to make several of these while HFT is still giving tape measures away with any puchase!

Thought to share a few of teh other versions I've scattered about my work spaces.