Measuring wheels can be used as a Runners Training Aid

Measuring wheels are also used by runners and track coaches. We have many customers that use the distance measuring wheels to measure the distance of a lap or course. It’s used by long distance runners, track and field, sprinters, marathon runners, track and cross country athletes. Any standard exterior measuring wheel will work for this application. There is not a specialized sporting good distance measuring wheel.

I had one customer that ordered a measuring wheel to make his son a track course. His son was on the high school track team and was hoping for a college scholarship. This meant he had to keep training even during the off season. The track at school was far away and he was getting a little bored running the same circle everyday. So His father purchased a measuring wheel to chart a route he could run in their neighborhood. This not only saved him gas money and driving time but he could get a new view while he exercised.

Paint Marking Measuring Wheels

Road and utilities crews have a unique situation when it comes to selecting a measuring wheel. Working near the road can be dangerous and minimal time should be spent on the road side near dangerous traffic conditions.

Most workers using a distance measuring wheel while marking locations with spray paint (aka "marking paint", or "upside down marking paint"). The user has the measuring wheel in one hand and the paint in the other. So in order to mark a specific point you either have to bend down and apply the paint or carry a separate bulky inverted spray wand. In both cases your hands are filled with no way to write down any notes, other than to lay one of the items in your hand down. And, your finger can get very tired spraying paint all day. Hence, paint marking measuring wheels like Keson’s RRPA182 is a great solution to these problems.

Keson’s Road Runner Paint Applicator Measuring Wheel has a 38 inch telescoping handle with a trigger that will spray the spray paint onto the ground. This improves accuracy and saves time, minimizing the time spent near dangerous areas. It is also light and portable weighing less than 2 pounds and collapsing down to 17 inches. The belt counter allows it to add when rolled forward and subtract when pulled in reverse. It measures 9,999 feet, 11 inches without resetting. Keson Road Runner RRPA182 Paint Applicator measuring wheel is ideal for Asphalt road crews and concrete contractors.

I bought a Mayline Ranger Drafting Table

Last month, I bought a Mayline Ranger Drafting Table for my personal use here in my office at EngineerSupply. Ordering online is somewhat addictive in that I placed the order, and in a few days a truck driver delivers the box to our office door. I opened the box and everything, all the parts were well packaged and protected, I was glad to see no damage had occurred during transit. I had always heard that they were easy to assemble but this was quick. The leg assemblies, left and right, were already together. I simple installed the stringer support (the part you put your feet on) and then the top two supports, then the top, along with the hinges and height adjusters. I think it took me about 20 minutes top to open the box, unwrap the parts, and get the desk together. It took only a wrench and a screwdriver and was totally painless. I imagined it would be lots of parts but it really wasnt. I was delighted when I found the leg assemblies already together, plenty of hardware, and easy-to-read instructions (I'll admit I didn't use the instructions at all). The table is extremely sturdy, and the board is nice and thick.

EngineerSupply.com Celebrates 10 Years Online

EngineerSupply.com is celebrating ten years of online service. Since being founded in 1999, EngineerSupply has grown into a leading retailer for survey and engineering equipment. Our comprehensive product line includes engineering, surveying, architecture and measuring equipment including blueprint and large document storage. EngineerSupply is always looking for new ways to improve our customer’s online experience. Our efforts include a blog, online videos, a YouTube page, a Facebook page and a twitter profile. We are proud of the company EngineerSupply has become. But most importantly we are grateful to our customers who helped get us here. Thank you!

To read the press release about our 10 year anniversary Click here!

A Versatile Distance Measuring Wheel

We had another customer that was a contractor. He mentioned that he never really knew what type of job he was going to be on but he knew he needed a strong durable, versatile wheel that would be able to keep up with his line of work. Sometimes he’d have to measuring some pretty rough terrain so he had to be certain things couldn’t get caught in the spokes of his wheel.

We recommended to him the Keson Professional Measuring Wheel MP415 model. This Measuring Wheel has a Solid Wheel made of heavy ABS so spokes do not get caught in sticks or debris. Plus it has a two-scaled measuring wheel in Feet/Inches & Feet/Tenths. Simplicity and durability were two principles that guided Keson’s design of this Metal Measuring Wheel. The result is a wheel that rolls easily over the most difficult terrain and can stand up to constant heavy use. The Keson MP415 only two moving parts (reset and ticker) which means fewer things can go wrong. With its 5-digit counter it will count up to 99,999 feet. It also comes with a 6-Year Manufacturers Warranty.

The DuraWheel DW-500 Measuring Wheel

We have a lot of customers who are Realtors and estimators that order distance measuring wheels. One of their favorites is the Dura Wheel DW-500 Measuring Wheel. This is a great tool to measure the size of a room with, especially when you need to take the measurement by yourself. Another great benefit of the DW-500 is that it is belt driven. This means if you accidentally roll the measuring wheel too far moving the wheel backwards and will subtract the amount you’ve traveled. The DuraWheel DW-500 also features a 5-Digit Counter that measures in feet and tenths. The Extended Length is 38 inches and it folds down to a small compact size of only 14 inches. Another useful measuring tool from EngineerSupply.

Distance Measuring Wheels

For the next couple weeks we’re going to be focusing on one of our most popular tools, the Distance Measuring Wheel. The popularity of this distance measuring tool is simple. Many people in many different industries are looking for a practical, quick and easy way to measure distances. Taking measurements with a measuring wheel is as simple as taking a walk. Simply roll the measuring wheel along the area you need to measure and it will automatically track the distance you’ve traveled. Below are some tips to help ensure you’re picking the best measuring wheel for you needs.

Small wheels are intended to be used on hard smooth surfaces, typically found indoors. Small Wheels are ideal for Painters, Interior Designers, Appraisers, Realtors, and Carpet Layers.

Medium to large wheels are recommended for taking exterior distance measurements, like measuring a field or lawn. The smallest diameter recommended for exterior measurements is 10 inches. Rougher conditions require a larger wheel in order to improve accuracy. Medium to large wheels are ideal for exterior use including Fencing, Contractors (including paving, concrete, cement and road contractors), Landscapers, City Maintenance, Insurance Adjusters, and Appraisers.

You can buy mechanical or electronic (digital) distance measuring wheels depending on your needs. Theres advantaged and disadvantages to either mechanical or electronic. A disadvantage of electronic wheels is that you have to always have fresh batteries with you in the field, but they give you the ability to measure in different units of measurement with the click of a button. With mechanical wheels, you dont have to have fresh batteries since they dont require batteries at all, and they are very easy to use.

In my next few posts I will discuss some different uses for measuring wheels and ways our customers have used measuring wheels to make work easier.

Engineering Jokes Anyone?

The folks over at Boss International seem to have a good sense of humor with their blog that includes some Engineering Jokes. One of my previous supervisors and mentors when I was a GIS Manager told me to "never lose my sense of humor, if you do, the game is over". I considered it to be very good advice from a man that lived to retire and grow old while keeping things in perspective. In today's business and economic environment, this statement is probably more true than ever.

The Spiroll Drawing Protector

A wonderful drafting table accessory, this aluminum "tube" installs at the bottom edge of your drawing board. It has a slot opening so your drawing slips into the slot and protects it from you leaning forward into your drawing table. This protects your paper from getting bent or dirty. Includes all Mounting Hardware, and is Made in the USA. Various sizes (lengths) to choose from.