Why do the hooks on almost every tape measure move back and forth [📹 reekontools]

It moves the same amount as the thickness of the hook to account for inside outside measurements

Measuring inside an opening or using a hook for outside measurements, with the only difference being how thick the hook is.

Inside outside measurements.

Compensation for the thickness of the hook

measuring inside an opening, or hooking on and measuring outside, the difference being the thickness of the hook.

Always burn an inch on critical tape measurements. Those hooks are evil

Well I have been measuring everything wrong to this date.

Compensates for the thickness of the hook.

I think figuring this out on your own without issue is sort of an IQ test. I had no idea people didnt understand that, gonna quiz the wife on it tonight.

So they measure zero when pushed or pulled against an end point