Who knows the answer

[benaround]

A co-worker asked me today what the mark on a measuring tape at every

19.25" is, It was the first time I ever knew it was there. Anyone know?

[kpepin]

sounds pretty close to 1/2 meter, fwiw

[iwire]

Originally Posted by benaround

A co-worker asked me today what the mark on a measuring tape at every

19.25" is, It was the first time I ever knew it was there. Anyone know?

It's used (or was) to space framing with 5 studs per 8' of wall.

It's not 19.25" it just a little under.

[kpepin]

look here I think bob nailed it

[benaround]

Bob, I would of never guessed that, and thank you. I'll pass that info on

tomorrow. By the way, how do you know this stuff?

[iwire]

Originally Posted by benaround

By the way, how do you know this stuff?

I could lie to you and say I just know this stuff.


But mostly I Google

[480sparky]

8', or 96"/6 = 16" on centers.

8', or 96"/4 = 24" on centers.


Now, 8', or 96"/5 = 19-3/8" on centers.

It's a compromise when 16" OCs is over-built, but 24" OCs would not be strong enough. Still allows use of standard 8' building materials like drywall & paneling.

[peter]

This mark, at the 19.2" point and thereafter, is known as the cubit. It is often also refered to as "the black diamond". As mentioned, it is a compromise between standard stud spacing of 16" and 24"
The history of the cubit goes way back to when God ordered Moses to build the Ark. My dictionary states that it is based on the length between the elbow and the wrist and varied between 17" and 21". When Horatio Stanley invented the tape measure in 1897, he decided to formalize the exact point as 19.2" as a convenience to carpenters since it is 8' evenly divided by 5.
If you doubt the veracity of this, then post or search the FineHomebuilding forum "Breaktime" at Taunton.com.
~Peter

[benaround]

Peter, Thank you for that info, I never really knew what a cubit was !!!

[BryanMD]

Originally Posted by peter

The history of the cubit goes way back to when God ordered Noah to build the Ark. My dictionary states that it is based on the length between the elbow and the wrist and varied between 17" and 21". ~Peter

Been raining a lot in your area too?