Sounding Tapes

Also known as oil-gauging tapes, use these tape measures to check the level of oil and other fluids in deep, large containers such as tanks and vats. Liquid in tank tape measures have a cylindrical plumb bob that sinks to the bottom of the tank. The blade indicates the distance to the surface of the liquid. Liquid removed from tank tape measures have a rectangular plumb bob. To find the amount of liquid removed from a tank, lower the plumb bob until it makes contact with the liquid’s surface, then add the measurement from the plumb bob to the measurement from the blade. To determine the amount of liquid in the tank, subtract the liquid removed from tank measurement from the overall tank height. Chrome-plated steel blades are for measuring dark liquids. Chrome-plated blades with black stripe are for measuring dark and clear liquids. The black stripe makes it easy to see the level of clear liquids. Black steel blades are for measuring clear liquids. They have wear-resistant etched markings. Stainless steel blades are corrosion-resistant. Use them in clear and dark liquids. They have wear-resistant etched markings.