Category: promotional items

How to Use an Architect Scale Ruler

An architect scale ruler can come in many sizes and gradations. For now, let’s keep it simple, just to get started. Here is how these handy rulers can make reading a blueprint very easy.

  • First, look in the title block of the blueprint, which is usually located in the bottom right hand corner. It will tell you which scale to use. If it says: 1/4″=1′, then you will be using the 1/4 scale on the architect ruler. That means, 1/4″ on the blueprint represents 1 foot in the actual size of the object. If it says: 1/8″=1′, then you will be using the 1/8 scale on the architect ruler. Many other scales are used, because of the size limits of the paper the drawing is put on, and the actual size of the object or building or landscape.
  • Now, simply use the correct scale to measure the actual size of each part of the drawing.
  • Fine-tuning: You will notice that the zero mark is not the first mark on the scale. It is preceded by some very small gradations. These gradations could have been printed on the entire scale, but that would be very hard on the eyes. Let’s say you are measuring a line that is between 5 and 6 units. Now put the 5 mark on one end of the line. Look now to the other end of the line where it lines up with the very small gradations. Here you can read how much more than 5 units the line is.
  • If this sounds a little confusing, just give it a try, and you will see how easily you will catch on.

3030 Hollow Triangular Architect 12″ Scale 3030

 

Who Needs Tally Books, and What Are They?

Tally Books are similar to jotters, or pocket notebooks. All are useful for writing notes and small enough to keep in your shirt pocket or jacket pocket. What is different about “tally books”?

  • They are protected by a heavy duty vinyl cover, to help keep the pages dry when
    tallybook-in-the-field
    Tally Book In The Field

    you are working outside.

  • They have an optional “stone pad”. That is not paper, but it looks like paper. Stone pads are water resistant and you cannot tear them. If more people knew about them, they would prefer them over paper pads.
  • They have an optional clear vinyl 3 page insert. You can insert your own tables and data sheets for easy reference in the field.
  • For oil and gas industry users, the tally books have optional oilfield stock art which complements your company logo.
  • All-in-all, tally books are very rugged pocket notebooks for use in all kinds of weather. They are preferred by oil, gas, and wind energy companies. They use them for keeping track of repetitive data entries.

15 People Who Use Architect Scale Rulers

How To Read Blueprints
How To Read Blueprints

Architect scale rulers are a specialty item. Not everyone needs one. So here is a list of people and businesses who really need and use them. For them,  Architect scale rulers are a necessity. This gives you a great way to advertise your business to them.

  1. Floor tile retailers and wholesalers
  2. Architects
  3. Draftsmen
  4. Builders
  5. Carpenters
  6. Designers
  7. Electricians
  8. HVAC installers
  9. Engineers
  10. Draftsmen
  11. Housing developers
  12. City planners
  13. Painting contractors
  14. Ceiling tile installers and retailers and wholesalers
  15. Carpet retailers and wholesalers

Why Do Tally Books Sales Follow the Price of Oil?

Oilfield Drilling Rigs
Oilfield Drilling Rigs

Tally Books Sales Follows the Price of Oil for these reasons:

  • Tally Books are used by the oil and oil service industries. When oil companies are busy, they need tally books.
  • They are a daily necessity for keeping accurate records of drilling.
  • Gifts between oil service companies and drilling companies usually are tally books. When oil flows, so does the money to buy business gifts.

$57.67 was the price of a barrel of crude oil on November 30, 2017.

How to Use An Architect Scale Ruler

How To Read Blueprints
How To Read Blueprints

To use an architect scale ruler is not an easy task. Since these rulers come in many configurations, you first must know which scale to use. Here are the basic steps:

    1. Find the scale needed in the Title Block of the blueprint. If it says 1/8″ equals 1 foot, then go to the next step.
    2. Use the right scale. 1/8, 1/4, etc. The 1/8 scale means that the markings are 1/8″ apart. The 1/4 scale means that the markings are 1/4″ apart.
    3. Lay the scale on the blueprint and measure your object. If you are using the 1/8 scale, and the object is at mark 5 on the scale, then it is 5 feet long.
    4. Accuracy. If the object is not an even number of markings on your scale, you can get the accurate measurement by using the fine markings before the zero mark. Say the object is between 5 and 6 on your scale. Just slide the final mark (5 in this case) to the end of the object. Then you can read the answer as 5 marks plus whatever the object lines up with in the fine markings below the zero mark.

There are complete instructions shown here:

How to Use An Architect Scale Tape
How to Use An Architect Scale Tape

 

 

The 5 Oddest Uses for Pipe Tally Books

The 5 Oddest Uses for Pipe Tally Books

(How many more can you add?)

Tallybook Contest
Tallybook Contest

Pipe Tally Books are really designed for outdoor use. They are mainly used by oil and gas field workers. They keep track of continual data such as the number of pipes inserted into an oil well drilling rig. They have a weather proof vinyl covering. They are small enough to fit into your pocket, and be available constantly. Some of the new ones come with “stone pads”. They are waterproof and tear proof. They are a great improvement over paper pads. But pipe tally books can be used for any kind of writing. Here are 5 silly and odd uses. How many more can you come up with?

  1. Composing a music score for a Broadway show.
  2. Doodling while you are sitting on a jury.
  3. Writing love letters to all your girlfriends overseas while at your best friend’s wedding.
  4. Keeping track of your dairy cows medical care.
  5. Writing police reports you read in the newspaper.
If you post the best addition to this list by the end of October 2017, I’ll send you a free sample tally book. (USA address only)

5 Tips You Need To Know When Ordering Promotional Advertising Items

Promotional advertising items are the best ways to advertise your business. Here are 5 quick tips to help you.

  1. Choose a vendor with a good reputation and is easy to do business with.
  2. Choose the right product. Pens are always the first products that come to mind. But, ask for help in choosing an appropriate product for your particular promotion. Sometimes the best way to advertise you business is with refrigerator magnets,calendars, or screwdrivers.
  3. Order enough to do the job, plus some extras. This is cheaper than placing a small repeat order when you run out of items.
  4. Keep your imprint simple, and not cluttered. People don’t like to read a bunch of small print. Just use your well-designed logo, and your phone number.
  5. Plan ahead. Don’t wait till the last minute, and be forced to pay for overnight shipping. Planning ahead also reduces the chance of making mistakes.

Good luck in your next promotion! See you at the trade show.