NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

What is the typical tension required when using a 100-foot steel tape?

1. 10 pounds

2. 15 pounds

3. 25 pounds

4. 30 pounds

The correct answer is: 25 pounds

The typical tension required when using a 100-foot steel tape is generally around 25 pounds. This tension is necessary to ensure the tape remains straight and relatively free of sag while measuring. Maintaining the proper tension is critical as it helps improve measurement accuracy; if the tension is too low, the tape may sag, leading to longer measurements, while excessive tension can distort the tape and affect measurements negatively. When measuring distances accurately, especially in highway construction applications, keeping the tape taut helps prevent errors that could arise from the physical properties of the tape, such as elasticity and physical bending. A tension of around 25 pounds strikes a balance that allows for accurate readings without risking tape damage or distortion, thus ensuring precise distance measurement is achieved in field conditions.