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In Search of the Meaning of Oilfield Pipe Tally Books

In Search of the Meaning of Tally Books
In Search of the Meaning of Tally Books

Oilfield pipe tally books have been used by oilfield workers for many years. Since most people don’t work in an oilfield, you may be wondering what the heck a tally book is. Here’s a brief answer:

The guys who drill an oil well have to keep track of how deep they are. Every time they add a new pipe, they have to record the time and the size of the pipe. They need a rugged, pocket-sized waterproof book in which to make these notations. Most of these books are vinyl covered. Some even have waterproof paper called “stone paper”. It is waterproof and tear resistant. Some have a vinyl pen loop, so you don’t have to go looking for a pen every time. The pages have horizontal lines and a few vertical lines.

These books are so handy, that anyone can find a use for them. Contractors, builders, electricians, plumbers, estimators, inspectors, law enforcement officers and natural resources field people can use tally books.

3420camotally.jpg Oilfield Camo® Pipe Tally Books 3420

How to Choose the Right Pipe Diameter Tape Measure

Why do you need to choose a diameter tape, anyway? Because you want a quick and easy way to take a tape measure out of your pocket and find the diameter of a pipe or other round object. The best pipe diameter tape measure for your job can be solved by asking these questions:

  • Metric or inch, or both? Some tapes are marked in any of these 3 different scales.

    Lufkin Y906PD pipe diameter tape measure, not Barlow W906PD Lufkin Diameter Tape

  • How big is the pipe? Some tapes stop at 24 inch diameter. Some go to 38 inches.

    Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Inches T217-6654 Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Inches T217-6654

  • Does a brand name matter? Lufkin tools have made a name for themselves. Pi-Cobra tapes are made in China, but they are less expensive, and longer.
  • What accuracy do you need? The pocket sized ones are quick and convenient. They are accurate to 0.01 inch. If you need a highly accurate one, check out Pi Tape. They cost about 10 times as much, and they can’t fit in your pocket. But here is their accuracy: Pi Tape metric tapes have a diameter accuracy of ± 0,03 mm up to 3 600 millimeters. Pi Tape inch tapes have a diameter accuracy of ± 0,001″ up to 144 inches.
PI Tape 24" to 48" Range Periphery Tape Measure - 57-065-856PI Tape 24" to 48" Range Periphery Tape Measure - 57-065-856
PI Tape 24″ to 48″ Range Periphery Tape Measure ‑ 57‑065‑856

 

Which is the Best Architect Scale Ruler?

Architect Scale Rulers
Architect Scale Rulers

Suppose you own a business. Suppose your customers are architects, designers, contractors, builders, engineers, or real estate developers. Suppose you want to advertise your company to them, in a way that your name and phone number are visible to them every hour of the day. An architect scale ruler would be a very effective advertising tool for you! But which one?

  • Architect 6″ long with four bevel scales
  • Engineer 12″ long with four bevel scales
  • Architect 6″ long pocket scale
  • Hollow triangular architect 12″ scale

These scales are all good choices. Of course the 6″ one are very portable. They are for inspectors and estimators that are on the go. The 12″ ones would usually stay at the work station. Architects and engineers would need different scales, so that is something for you to consider. Ask a couple of your customers which ruler they would prefer. That would take the pressure off of you to make a difficult decision.

 

3331-3130 Architect 6″ Four Bevel Scales 3130

3331-3130 Engineer 12″ Four Bevel Scales 3331

3010 Architect 6″ Pocket Scale 3010

 

3030 Hollow Triangular Architect 12″ Scale 3030

 

Tally Books Explained in a Few Words

Oilfield workers need a handy way of keeping track of how many lengths of pipe

Custom Full Color Imprint on Tally Books
Custom Full Color Imprint on Tally Books

they have put in the ground. The easiest way to do this is to record each pipe in a small pocket-sized notebook. The exact time of day should also be recorded. The book needs to be rugged and water resistant and the pages need to be lined. This problem has led to the invention of vinyl-covered Pipe Tally Books.

 

Pipe Diameter Tape Measures Are Made For All Users

The United States never did switch over to the metric system, as it was planned in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Yes, metric went over like a lead balloon. Americans are happy with inches, feet, gallons, and yards. The centimeter, liter and meter were mostly rejected. Both systems are used today in 2021 in labeling food products and liquids, but we Americans have learned to skim over those parts of the label that don’t fit into our familiar system.

The scientific community is firmly based on the MKS and CGS systems (meter, kilogram, second) and (centimeter, gram, second). The biggest part of the world is metric-based also.

Fortunately, pipe diameter tape measures are made for both systems, separately, and there is even one that is made with the inch and metric system together. The front side of the tape is in diameter inches (up to 38). The back side is in diameter millimeters (up to 955). This is a rare tool, but some companies need both measurements to satisfy their requirements.

Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Metric & Inch Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Metric & Inch

 

Using a Pipe Diameter Tape Measure Is a No-Brainer

If you have a pipeline and need to find the OD (outside diameter) it makes sense to use a pipe diameter tape measure. Even a chimp could be trained to use one. (I think). All you do is

My New Pipe Diameter Tape Measure
My New Pipe Diameter Tape
  1. Wrap the tape around the pipe.
  2. Read the marking where the zero mark touches the tape.
  3. Even though the tape is wrapped around the circumference, it is marked by a factor of pi, so it gives you the diameter.
  4. You’re done.

Now it’s time to enjoy the rest of the day in the shade.

The Anatomy of Today’s Architect Scale Ruler

Using a Good Architect Scale Ruler
Using a Good Architect Scale Ruler

An architect scale ruler is used by architects, designers, planners, and draftsmen. If you are going to order some with your company logo, which ruler should you choose?

  • 6 inches long, or 12 inches long? Will the person using it, be carrying it in their shirt pocket, or in their brief case, or on their desk?
  • Scales. A good architect scale ruler has at least 8 scales. Examples are (1/8, ¼), (½, 1), (3/8, 3/4), (3, 1½). These are listed in pairs, because they share the same edge, but are marked in opposite directions.
  • Color. It is good to choose a color that goes with your corporate colors.
  • Imprint color. The logo imprint color is usually the same color as the markings. So, you should choose a markings color that has a high contrast from the color of the ruler.
  • A good ruler is imprinted using a photo anodized method. This assures smooth edges, so you can use a pen or pencil to draw tick-free lines.
  • Aluminum is the best material, since it doesn’t warp.

If your architect ruler has all these characteristics, you have a good one.