This browser is too old to run Achievable.

Update it, or open this page in a current version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge. On an iPhone or iPad, update iOS: every browser there runs on the version of Safari that comes with it.

Achievable logoAchievable logo
ASVAB
Sign in
Sign up
Purchase
Textbook
Practice exams
Support
How it works
Resources
Exam catalog
Mountain with a flag at the peak
Textbook
Introduction
1. Word Knowledge
2. Mathematics Knowledge
3. Paragraph Comprehension
4. Arithmetic Reasoning
5. General Science
6. Mechanical Comprehension
7. Electronics Information
8. Shop Information
8.1 Measuring Tools
8.2 Striking Tools
8.3 Turning Tools
8.4 Cutting Tools
8.5 Finishing Tools
8.6 Other Tools
9. Auto Information
10. Assembling Objects
Wrapping up
Achievable logoAchievable logo
8.1 Measuring Tools
Achievable ASVAB
8. Shop Information
Our ASVAB course is currently in development and is a work-in-progress.

Measuring Tools

2 min read
Font
Discuss
Share
Feedback

Shop is all about picking the right tool for the job. In this section, we will learn about different types of classifications of tools, and how they are used in the real world and the military.

Measuring and layout tools

These tools help you take accurate measurements and check angles before cutting, assembling, or installing parts.

Nine labeled measuring tools: a tape measure, a steel ruler, a micrometer, a caliper with a main scale and a sliding vernier scale, a depth gauge, a level, a measuring wheel, a steel square, and a protractor marked from 0 to 180 degrees in both directions.
ASVAB Measuring tools
Achievable

Tool Used for
Tape measure Measuring lengths and distances. It is especially useful when a flexible measuring tool is needed such as measuring wire runs or equipment clearances. It is also useful for measuring large distances.
Steel ruler Measuring short, rigid materials with precision. Its straight edge also serves as a guide for marking and making straight cuts.
Micrometer Measuring the thickness or diameter of small parts with very high precision, such as sheet metal, wire, or bolts.
Caliper Measuring outside and inside diameters of cylindrical objects such as pipes. It also measures the thickness of materials or components such as sheet metal.
Depth gauge Measuring the depth of holes, slots, and recesses. Similar gauges are also used for setting spark plug gaps and checking tire tread depth.
Level Determining whether a surface is level or plumb. Commonly used when setting posts, installing equipment, or ensuring proper drainage.
Measuring wheel Measuring long distances quickly, such as runways, roads, utility lines, or property boundaries.
Steel square Marking and checking 90° angles to ensure accurate layouts, cuts, and assembly of materials.
Protractor Measuring and marking angles other than 90°, such as for map reading, machining, or cutting materials to a specific angle.

Measuring and layout tools

  • Purpose: ensure accurate measurements and angle checks before cutting, assembling, or installing parts
  • Tools generally fall into categories: length/distance tools, precision diameter/thickness tools, angle/alignment tools
  • Examples:
    • Tape measure – flexible, long-distance measuring (e.g., wire runs, equipment clearances)
    • Micrometer/Caliper – high-precision thickness, diameter (inside/outside) measurements
    • Steel square/Protractor – checking 90° angles vs. other specific angles
    • Level – checks surfaces for level/plumb (e.g., posts, equipment installation)
    • Measuring wheel – quick measurement of long distances (roads, runways, property lines)
    • Depth gauge – measures depth of holes/slots/recesses (also used for spark plug gaps, tire tread)

Sign up for free to take 5 quiz questions on this topic

Previous
Next  | 8.2 Striking Tools
All rights reserved ©2016 - 2026 Achievable, Inc.

Measuring Tools

Shop is all about picking the right tool for the job. In this section, we will learn about different types of classifications of tools, and how they are used in the real world and the military.

Measuring and layout tools

These tools help you take accurate measurements and check angles before cutting, assembling, or installing parts.

Tool Used for
Tape measure Measuring lengths and distances. It is especially useful when a flexible measuring tool is needed such as measuring wire runs or equipment clearances. It is also useful for measuring large distances.
Steel ruler Measuring short, rigid materials with precision. Its straight edge also serves as a guide for marking and making straight cuts.
Micrometer Measuring the thickness or diameter of small parts with very high precision, such as sheet metal, wire, or bolts.
Caliper Measuring outside and inside diameters of cylindrical objects such as pipes. It also measures the thickness of materials or components such as sheet metal.
Depth gauge Measuring the depth of holes, slots, and recesses. Similar gauges are also used for setting spark plug gaps and checking tire tread depth.
Level Determining whether a surface is level or plumb. Commonly used when setting posts, installing equipment, or ensuring proper drainage.
Measuring wheel Measuring long distances quickly, such as runways, roads, utility lines, or property boundaries.
Steel square Marking and checking 90° angles to ensure accurate layouts, cuts, and assembly of materials.
Protractor Measuring and marking angles other than 90°, such as for map reading, machining, or cutting materials to a specific angle.
Key points

Measuring and layout tools

  • Purpose: ensure accurate measurements and angle checks before cutting, assembling, or installing parts
  • Tools generally fall into categories: length/distance tools, precision diameter/thickness tools, angle/alignment tools
  • Examples:
    • Tape measure – flexible, long-distance measuring (e.g., wire runs, equipment clearances)
    • Micrometer/Caliper – high-precision thickness, diameter (inside/outside) measurements
    • Steel square/Protractor – checking 90° angles vs. other specific angles
    • Level – checks surfaces for level/plumb (e.g., posts, equipment installation)
    • Measuring wheel – quick measurement of long distances (roads, runways, property lines)
    • Depth gauge – measures depth of holes/slots/recesses (also used for spark plug gaps, tire tread)

More from Shop Information

  • Striking Tools
  • Turning Tools
  • Cutting Tools
  • Finishing Tools
  • Other Tools