JAPANESE

INDUSTRIAL
STANDARD
Translated and Published by
Japanese Standards Association

JIS B 7512 :2016

(JMIF/JSA)
Steel tape measures

ICS 17.040.01
Reference number: JIS B 7512 : 2016 (E)

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B 7512 : 2016

Date of Establishment: 1957-03-29

Date of Revision: 2016-12-20
Date of Public Notice in Official Gazette: 2016-12-20
Investigated by: Japanese Industrial Standards Committee
Standards Board for ISO area
Technical Committee on Basic Engineering

JIS B 7512 : 2016, First English edition published in 2017-03

Translated and published by: Japanese Standards Association

Mita MT Building, 3-13-12, Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0073 JAPAN

In the event of any doubts arising as to the contents,

the original JIS is to be the final authority.

© JSA 2017
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without
permission in writing from the publisher.

Printed in Japan HT/HN

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Contents

Page

1 Scope ...................................................... ···········································1

2 Normative references············································································ 1
3 Terms and definitions ........................................................................... 1
4 Classification and grading ..................................................................... 3
5 Nominal size ...................................................... ·································3
6 Performance ........................................................................................ 3
6.1 Tolerances on length ............................................................................ 3
6.2 Standout ability··················································································· 3
6.3 Straightness of scale side face································································ 3
7 Graduation ......................................................................................... 4
8 Appearance and construction ................................................................. 6

9 Materials···························································································· 7
10 Measuring methods·············································································· 8
11 Inspection ........................................................................................... 9
12 Designation· ........................................................................................ 9
13 Marking ........................................................................................... ·10

(i)

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Foreword

This translation has been made based on the original Japanese Industrial
Standard revised by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
through deliberations at the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee
as the result of proposal for revision of Japanese Industrial Standard
submitted by Japan Measuring Instruments Federation (JMIF)/Japanese
Standards Association (JSA) with the draft being attached, based on the
provision of Article 12 Clause 1 of the Industrial Standardization Law
applicable to the case of revision by the provision of Article 14. Conse-
quently JIS B 7512:2005 is replaced with this Standard.
However, JIS B 7512: 2005 may be applied in the JIS mark certification
based on the relevant provisions of Article 19 Clause 1, etc. of the Indus-
trial Standardization Law until June 19, 2017.
This JIS document is protected by the Copyright Law.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some parts of this Standard
may conflict with patent rights, applications for a patent after opening to
the public or utility model rights. The relevant Minister and the Japanese
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Industrial Standards Committee are not responsible for identifying any of

such patent rights, applications for a patent after opening to the public or
utility model rights.

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JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL STANDARD JIS B 7512 : 2016

Steel tape measures

1 Scope
This Japanese Industrial Standard specifies steel tape measures of nominal sizes 0.5
m to 200 m (hereafter referred to as tape measures).

2 Normative references
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this Standard. The most recent editions of the standards (in-
cluding amendments) indicated below shall be applied.
JIS B 7516 Metal rules
JIS G 4305 Cold-rolled stainless steel plate, sheet and strip
JIS G 4401 Carbon tool steels
JIS Q 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
labora tories
JIS Z 8103 Glossary of terms used in measurement

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this Standard, the terms and definitions given in JIS Z 8103, and
the following apply.
The names of the respective parts of tape measure are given in Figure 1.

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3.1 reference point
the centre line of graduation line or the end face to be taken as the reference of meas-
urement (see Figure 1)
3.2 effective measuring range
the range from the reference point to the graduation line which expresses the nominal
SIze

The tolerances on length are applicable to the scales in this range.

3.3 extended scale, margin scale
scales outside the effective measuring range
The tolerances on length are not applicable to these scales.
3.4 margin
portion of the tape outside the effective measuring range
The margin up to the graduation line indicating the reference point is called top
margin, and the margin from the graduation line indicating the nominal size is called

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end margin (see Figure 1).

3.5 scale spacing
the length between two adjacent graduation lines, obtained by measurelng the cen-
tre-to-centre distance
3.6 scale interval 1)
magnitude of measuring amount corresponding to the scale spacing
Note 1) The scale interval mentioned here is an abstract idea.
3.7 hook ring
ring attached to the tip of tape

Reference
point

point Extended scale Extended scale

Effective measuring range End margin

Tape
a) Wide tape measure and narrow tape measure
Reference
point

b) Tank tape measure

~HOOk
I I::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::\\\.u:..I.L.::.:::L.I..¥lo
... _ _ _ _ _
.....I

Reference point (for measurement by hooking, inside end face of hook)

Reference point (for measurement by butting the movable hook, outside
end face of hook)

c) Convex rule and narrow tape measure

NOTE: These drawings are intended only for indicating the names of respec-
tive parts and not intended for specifying the shape and construction.

Figure 1 Names of respective parts

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4 Classification and grading

Tape measures shall be classified as given in Table 1 according to the construction,
application or other conditions. They shall be divided into Grades 1 and 2 according to
the tolerance on length.

5 Nominal size
The nominal size of tape measures shall be expressed by the maximum scale value of
effective measuring range, as given in Table 1 according to the type.

Table 1 Classification and nominal size

Type Nominal size Construction and application
Tank tape Integer multiple of 5 m Tape measure having a weight at the end of tape, to
measure (5 m to 200 m) be used for measurement of the depth of liquid in a
tank and the depth of hole
Wide tape Tape measure to be used for general survey and
measure measurement
Narrow tape Integer 0.5 m to 3 m Pocket-sized tape measure using narrow tape
measure multiple
of 0.5 m 0.5 m to 30 m Tape measure with long standout length having
Convex rule
curved cross-sectional shape

6 Performance
6.1 Tolerances on length
When measured in accordance with Table 9 a), tolerances on length from the refer-
ence point and length between two arbitrary graduation lines shall comply with the
following formulae. In the case of tape measure whose reference point is located on its
end face, the tolerance on length from the reference point shall be obtained by adding
0.2 to the value given by the following parenthesized formulae.
Grade 1: ± (0.2 + 0.1 L) mm

Grade 2: ± (0.25 + 0.15 L) mm

where, L is the measured value in metres (rounding up the fraction less than 1 to an
integer place), which has no unit. For the tolerance for Grade 2, round up the second
decimal place of the value obtained from this formula.
6.2 Standout ability
The convex rules of tape width 13 mm or over shall not be bent under their own
weight per length at least 50 times the tape width when its standout ability is tested in
accordance with Table 9 b).
6.3 Straightness of scale side face
The straightness of the scale side face in the horizontal direction shall meet the re-
quirements of Table 2 when it is tested in accordance with Table 9 c).

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Table 2 Straightness
Nominal size Straightness
Steel Stainless steel
3 m or under 11500 max. of the nominal size 11500 max. of the nominal size
Over 3 m up to 6 mm max. for nominal size
and incl. 5 m
Over 5 m 6 mm max. for arbitrary 5 m 10 mm max. for arbitrary 5 m

7 Graduation
The graduation of tape measures shall be as follows.

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a) One end of the graduation line shall not be located 0.5 mm or over apart from the
scale side face.
b) The reference point shall be located on a graduation line or end face. For a convex
rule and narrow tape measure whose reference point is on the end face, the at-
tachment of hook, measuring method and positioning of reference point shall be as
given in Table 3. For a convex rule which is graduated on both faces (concave and
convex surfaces), the reference point and nominal size shall be as given in Table 4.

Table 3 Reference points of convex rules and narrow tape measure

with the end face as the reference point
Attachment of hook Measuring method Reference point
Hook is fixed to the tape so Measurement by hooking the Inside end face of hook [Fig-
that it does not move (fixed inside end face of the hook on ure 2 a)]
hook) the measured object (hooking
measurement)
Hook is attached to the tape Measurement by hooking the Inside end face of hook [Fig-
so that it is movable (mova- inside end face of the hook on ure 2 b) and d)]
ble hook) the measured object (hooking
measurement)
Measurement by butting the If movement length of hook
outside end face of hook on corresponds to the thickness
the measured object (butting of hook, the outside end face
measurement) of hook [Figure 2 c)]
If movement length of hook
corresponds to the thickness
of hook, the end face of tape
[Figure 2 e)]

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Reference point

a) Fixed hook, hooking measurement

I~: i: :i:l:i: : ~: : : :~: : : :}r

Reference point

fi: ~: : : :~: : : :1: : : :~: : : :~: : : }r

b) Movable hook, hooking measurement c) Movable hook, butting measurement

,i i:l: : i: :i: : : :~: : : :~;

Reference point

i: ~: : : :~: : : :~: : : :~: : ](

d) Movable hook, hooking measurement e) Movable hook, butting measurement

NOTE: These drawings a) to e) are intended to indicate the position of reference point, and
not intended to specify the appearance, shape, construction and other elements.
Figure 2 Reference points of convex rules and narrow tape measure
with the end face as the reference point

Table 4 Reference point and nominal size of convex rule with double·sided scale
Refer- Concave face End face (see Figure 3)
ence Convex face Either of the following (see Figure 3)
point a) End face
b) A graduation line having a top margin of L cm (L is an integer
value) from the end face. The deviation of this reference point
shall be within ±O.4 mm from the graduation line of Lcm on the
concave surface.
Nominal size The nominal size of both sides shall be identical.
The marking of nominal size, etc. may also be made on either of two
sides.

Top margin

©©
Lcm
Lcm

(Reference point)Movable hook, butting measurement

Figure 3 Double·sided scale of convex rule and their reference points

(an example setting L = 3)

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c) The scale interval shall be 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 50 mm or 100 mm.
It is permissible to have two or more scale intervals and use them in combination.
However, the other scale intervals than the above shall not be given.
d) For a scale of the same interval, both the tolerance on scale spacing and the differ-
ence of spacing between two adjacent scales shall fall within the values as given in
Table 5, except for the scale spacing from the end face reference point.

Table 5 Tolerance on scale spacing and difference of spacing

between two adjacent scales
Unit: mm
Scale interval i i =1 1 < i::;; 100
Tolerance on scale spacing and difference ±0.2 ±0.3
of spacing between two adjacent scales

e) The thickness of graduation lines shall be 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, which may vary ac-
cording to the type of graduation lines (1 mm line, 5 mm line, 10 mm line, etc.). For
the gradual lines with the same nominal thickness, the minimum value of the ac-
tual thickness shall be at least 70 % of the maximum value.
D Where extended scales are provided, their lengths shall be 1 000 mm or less in to-
tal of the top and end.
g) The graduations shall be clear, and be free from defects detrimental to measure-
ment such as distortions and discontinuities.
h) The principal graduation lines shall be marked with the length from the reference
point or its numerical value.

8 Appearance and construction

The appearance and construction of tape measures shall be as follows.
a) The marking and graduation lines shall be clear, indelible, and be free from defects
detrimental to measurement such as missing and errors.
b) Tape measures whose reference point is a graduation line shall be provided with a
top margin having the length as given in Table 6 according to the type.

Table 6 Length of top margin

Unit: mm
Type Length
Wide tape measure 150 min.
Convex rule and narrow tape measure 10 min.

c) For the end margin, the length from the opening of housing shall be as given in
Table 7 according to the type.

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Table 7 Length of end margin

Type Nominal size Length
Wide tape measure and tank 5m 50 mmmin.
tape measure Over 5 m 200 mm min.
Convex rule and narrow tape -
30 mmmin.
measure

d) The thickness of tape coating films shall be 0.5 mm or less for one surface.
e) The hook ring, hook, weight and attaching metal fittings thereof shall be corrosion
resistant and shall be attached appropriately.
f) The mass of the weight for tank tape measures shall be 200 g to 2 kg, and the
weight shall be marked with its mass. The tank tape measures with separable
weight shall be marked with an identification number on each separable part.
g) The housing shall allow smooth extraction and retraction of the tape, and be ro-
bust.

9 Materials
The materials of tape measure shall be as follows.
a) Quality and hardness The quality and hardness shall be, under the normal use
conditions and for the purpose of normal use, in accordance with clause 6 and ei-
ther of the following.
1) SK 95 or SK 85 specified in JIS G 4401, or that of at least equivalent contents,
having hardness 400 HV to 600 HV.
2) SUS301 or SUS420J2 specified in JIS G 4305, or that of at least equivalent con-
tents, having hardness 360 HV or over.
b) Dimensions The dimensional range of the width and thickness of material shall
be as given in Table 8 according to the type of tape measure.

Table 8 Dimensional range of materials

Unit: mm
Type Width a) Thickness b)
Tank tape measure 10 to 15 0.10 to 0.40
Wide tape measure
Narrow tape measure 4 to 8 0.08 to 0.12
Convex rule 4 to 50 0.08 to 0.40
Notes a) The tolerance on width shall be the dimension
to be applied ±0.2 mm.
b) The tolerance on thickness shall be ±20 % of
the dimension to be applied.

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10 Measuring methods
The measuring methods and instruments for the performance shall be in accordance
with Table 9. Instruments that can measure in an accuracy at least equivalent thereto
may also be used.
The temperature for measurement shall be (20 ± 2) °C.

Table 9 Measuring methods of performance

Item Measuring method Measuring in-
strument
a) Tolerances on - Stretching the tape measure on the inspection Standard scale
length table horizontally, measure the length to be in- of length a)
spected by means of a standard scale of length a)Micrometer mi-
and a micrometer microscope, with each of the croscope (0.1
tensions of ±10 % of the tension indicated on a mmmax. in
part of the tape measure being applied in the scale interval)
axial direction of the tape measure (without ap-
plication of the tension in the case of a convex
rule and a narrow tape measure) (see Figure 4).
- Where the materials of the standard scale of
length and those of the measured object are the
same, the measurement may be made at normal
temperature, as their rates of linear expansion
are identical.
b) Standout ability - For a convex rule whose width is 13 mm or over,
extract the tape gently by the specified length,
D mm, from one end of the inspection table with
the concave surface upward as shown in Figure
5, and examine whether it bends down.
- The length D shall be at least 50 times the tape
width.
c) Straightness of - Place the tape measure so that both ends of the Standard b)
scale side face tape length to be inspected (in the case of the Metal rule
nominal size over 5 m, arbitrary scale points of (JIS B 7516)
5 m) are in contact with the standard b), apply-
ing the indicated tension on a part of the tape
measure (without application of tension in the
case of a convex rule and narrow tape measure).
- Measure the maximum gap among the gaps of
scale side face using a metal rule (see Figure 6).
NOTE: Figures 4 to 6 are given as examples.
Notes a) The standard of length refers to a length scale having calibration certificate, in
which the uncertainty is mentioned, issued by a calibration laboratory approved or
registered based on JIS Q 17025.
b) The standard refers to an instrument having calibration certificate for the
straightness issued by a calibration laboratory or an instrument calibrated by the
reference thereto.

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Micrometer
Spring balance
Tape measure Clip

Standard scale of length Roller

Figure 4 Measuring method (tolerance on length)

Figure 5 Measuring method (standout)

Length to be inspected

Tape measure
Application of tension indicated on a part of tape measure

Figure 6 Measuring method (straightness of scale side)

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11 Inspection
The type inspection of tape measures shall be carried out on performances, gradua-
tions, appearance, construction and materials, and the results shall conform to the re-
quirements of clauses 6 to 9.
The product inspection shall be made by a reasonable sampling plan and inspection
items shall be agreed between the interested parties.

12 Designation
The tape measures shall be designated by the number or title of this Standard, type,
grade and nominal size.
Example 1 JIS B 7512 Convex rule Grade 15m
Example 2 Steel tape measure Convex rule Grade 1 5m

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13 Marking
The following information shall be marked on a part of the tape measure which
meets all the requirements of this Standard.
a) Grade
b) Nominal size
c) Manufacturer's name or its abbreviation
d) Stainless steel-made, if applicable
e) Tension 2) (excluding convex rule and narrow tape measure)
Note 2) The unit shall be expressed in the International System of Units (sl).

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Errata for JIS (English edition) are printed in Standardization and Quality Conti'oJ, published
monthly by the Japanese Standards Association, and also provided to subscribers of JIS
(English edition) in Monthly InfOl'mation.

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