The market for diameter tapes is relatively small. But for the people that use them at work, they are very valuable. There are a few manufacturers worldwide. Of that small group, one manufacturer stands out above the others. Lufkin. Yes, Lufkin makes the most popular pipe diameter tape measure in the world. Everyone who works with pipes and oil and gas pipelines prefers that brand. It is known for consistent quality and engineering.
There aren’t a whole lot of pipe diameter tape measures out there, but there are enough to make a contest. In my opinion, looking at the most popular one in our store, the winner is:
Lufkin is a name you can trust. They know how to make an accurate pocket tape measure. An when it comes down to a detail, like putting a wider space between the zero mark and the next mark, they do it right. That extra space accounts for the thickness of the tape. The resolution is 100th of an inch diameter. It comes in a durable chrome-plated metal case. A company logo is imprinted on the front, and protected by a clear overlay. This is the best choice for a pipe diameter tape measure.
If you could wrap a pipe diameter measuring tape around the earth, you would get 7,917.5 mi diameter. That’s if the tape were calibrated in miles. But most diameter tapes are marked in inches or centimeters. Who in the world needs a pipe diameter measuring tape? These people do….
How do you measure the diameter of a pipe without the end of it exposed? That’s not a Dumb Question. It’s a real every day problem for those who need to work on a pipeline. You can’t cut into the pipe to measure it. Who needs the solution?
Plumbers
Oil & gas pipeline workers
Pipeline estimators
HVAC engineers and installers
Electricians using metal and plastic conduit.
Foresters and arborists
The answer, short and sweet: All you do is wrap a pipe diameter tape around the pipeline and read the diameter on the tape.
The Pipe diameter tape measure is often misunderstood, and often unheard of. That’s because most people don’t need one. But if you understand what it can do, you would probably use one.
It’s too hard to use. False. All you do it wrap it around the pipe and read the diameter right off the tape.
It’s too bulky to carry in my pocket. False. Many are no bigger than 1 1/2 inches square, and 1/4 ” thick.
I can’t find any at the hardware store. False. Try an online store. They are out there.
It’s not accurate. False. The simple pocket Lufkin diameter tape is accurate to the 100th of an inch of diameter.
It’s no better than using a regular tape and dividing by pi. False. Due to the calibration and the location of the zero mark, it is made specifically to measure pipe diameters.
It is not useful for the everyday person. False. You can measure the diameter of a tree, a hose in your car or boat, your furnace pipe, or plumbing in your home. Want to find out the diameter of that water pipe in your basement, so you can replace it? And you don’t want to cut it to measure it? Use a Pipe diameter tape measure.
Portable pipe measuring tapes are used by workers and inspectors in the oil and gas drilling industries. Also by plumbers, tree arborists, and hvac workers. These people need to know the diameter of an installed pipe, without having the luxury of seeing an open end. All these people need a pipe measuring tape in their pocket.
The best tape for this job is made by the Lufkin company, and we sell a ton of them with corporate logos imprinted on them in full color. So, treat yourself to the best; get a Lufkin pipe measuring tape.
Maybe you never used a pipe measuring tape, but your boss does. His customers use them, too. And your boss wants you to order some Pipe measuring tapes with his corporate logo to give out to his best customers.
W616PDC Lufkin Diameter Tape, 100ths
If you want to impress your boss, here are 7 points about these tapes that will help you get some brownie points with your boss.
Google “pipe measuring tape” and the website will help educate you on this arcane subject.
Order a brand name, like Lufkin, which is known all over the world for quality tapes.
Use a distributor that has an easy-to-use website. This will make your job easier.
Telephone the diameter tape distributor and ask questions about the quality of the tape and the quality of the imprinting method.
Send a vector art file to the distributor. If you don’t have one, a good distributor will be able to convert your neatest looking artwork into vector format. Vector files will make a professionally neat looking imprint.
Ask for a virtual proof before production begins, and have your boss look at it and approve it.
Ask about the warranty. A good diameter tape distributor will warranty for the product workmanship and material.
Happy hunting. An make your boss happy by solving his problem about getting some pipe measuring tapes with your logo for his clients.
If you need to know the outside diameter of a pipeline, and don’t have an exposed end, this is how you do it. Please click here for a short 2 minute video on this easy task. Let the Lufkin diameter tape do the work for you. There’s no need to use a bulky caliper or micrometer. There is also no need to divide the circumference by pi. A simple pocket-sized diameter tape is all you need. Here is How to measure the diameter of a pipe.
W906PD Lufkin Diameter Tape 
