Measure safely from the ground with a tape dolly.
The tape dolly is an attachment that works with any standard measuring tape and speeds the process of measuring by pushing the end of the tape on two rollers. In addition to being useful on the ground, the device also allows homeowners to measure from the top of the roof to the eaves without having to actually climb up onto the roof. A tape dolly not only increases efficiency but also decreases the risk of falling from the roof.
Instructions
1. Look at the top of the tape dolly and locate the nut attached to a threaded bolt. Grasp the nut and turn it counterclockwise until it comes off. Grasp the silver metal plate that is positioned under the bolt and lift it up.
2. Locate the thin gap underneath the metal plate and insert the metal lip of the tape measure into the gap. Lower the upper metal plate and hold it on top of the tape measure.
3. Place the nut back onto the threaded screw and turn it clockwise until it no longer turns. The tape measure is now securely attached to the tape dolly.
4. Walk to an area just under the eaves of the house. If the home is very tall, such as a two-story, position a ladder under the eaves and climb up onto it.
5. Place the wheels of the tape dolly on the roof while holding the tape measure in your hand. Grasp the tape in your hand and slowly push it forward little by little to extend the tape dolly up the roof vertically. When you reach the top of the roof, stop pushing the tape measure.
6. Look at the number located on your end of the tape measure to determine how steep the roof is. Write the measurement down.
7. Retract the tape measure slowly until the tape dolly is back at the bottom of the roof.
8. Detach the tape dolly by reversing the steps you used to attach it to the tape measure.
