Measure Twice, Buy Once (And Cut Your Expenses in Half)

It’s a common saying anywhere there are tools.

“Measure twice, cut once.”

It makes perfect sense especially when you consider that most times, you’ll only get to “cut once” either way. The only question is whether or not you’ll be happy with what’s left.

Buying hardware isn’t as final as cutting wood or metal but it can create delays, stress and tie you up in returns and exchanges for weeks.

Here are some tips to avoid the mis-measurement purgatory:

1. Always measure first. There is no excuse for not measuring. It only takes a couple of minutes and it could save you months in delays. Grab your tape measure and go.
2. Be as exact as possible. You might be tempted to round off numbers. Don’t do that. There might not seem like a big difference between 2 3/4″ and 2 3/8″. Just 3/8 of an inch, right? It’s actually two completely different products. If you need 2 3/8″ but get 2 3/4″ then you are in trouble. So don’t guess, ballpark or estimate. Be exact.
3. Make sure you don’t get caught up on these common problem areas:
   • Floor Registers: Don’t measure the register you have. Measure the vent you are trying to cover. If you’re floor register is near a wall then measure the distance between the edge of the vent and the wall. Your new register will only be able to overlap by that much.
   • Door Hardware: There are two main points to measure here: door thickness and backset. Door thickness is easy. Measure how thick the door is and make sure your new knob or lever will accomadate that thickness. The backset isn’t as obvious. Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the hole your knob or lever will fit into. You’ll probably measure 2 3/8″ or 2 3/4″. Remember, be specific.

Measuring isn’t fun. Cutting things is. That’s why they came up with the saying “Measure twice, cut once.” Buying may not be as much fun as using a power tool (depends on what you are buying, I guess) but it’s more fun than measuring.

Measure anyway. It’s more fun than sending things back.

Posted on 11/23/10 // Posted in Home Hardware Tips