When doing your own metal fabrication, there are a lot of tools you need to use in order to make sure your project turns out exactly the way you want it. One tool that is very important to use making sure you get the best result possible is a measuring tool. Precise measurements are of vital importance in order to make sure the item you're creating functions and look the way you want it to. In order to make the most precise measurements for your specific project, you first need to choose what type of measuring tool you want to use.

Tape measure

This method can seem a bit simplistic, as measuring tape is used for many different things that don't have the same requirements for preciseness as metal fabrication. However, a measuring tape is excellent for taking large measurements on big pieces of metal. Many other types of measuring units won't be able to do the same. You should get measuring tape that doesn't just measure in centimetres but also in millimetres, as this makes it possible for you to make very precise measurements. If you use this method of measuring on large materials, you should cut a little bit bigger than you actually need and sand or cut it down later, as that will make the piece more manageable and easier to make precise measurements after the initial cut.

Magnetic angle finder

This type of measuring device doesn't measure distance, but angles, which is very important if you're working on fragile projects that need to be perfectly composed to function. You place the angle finder on the material, and it will tell you if the material is crooked or if the surface you're working on isn't completely flat. Finding this out will help you compensate for the angle, making sure the cutting or bending is done perfectly in the angle you want it to. These tools might not be available in every hardware store, but you can turn to a firm providing metal fabrication services to either buy one off them or find out where to get one.

Calliper

A calliper is very useful to have if you need to measure small objects on your project such as bolts and screws. It gives you an exact measurement that might have been too small for other types of measuring tools. If you can, you should also consider getting a digital calliper, as this makes it easier to read, meaning you eliminate the risk of human error as you're reading the result of the measurement. 

For assistance, talk to a metal fabrication expert.