How to Find the Center of a Pipe
In many building applications, pipes are used for plumbing, support beams and railing. Properly measuring a pipe is essential to many construction projects as well as pipe fitting and cutting.
Knowing the basics of taking measurements on a pipe will greatly improve the use and life of the pipe as you apply it to your construction project. Measuring to find the exact center of a pipe requires just a bit of basic knowledge of how to use a ruler or a tape measure.
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Lay the pipe out on a flat surface and brace it into place using a vice or clamps. Ensure that the pipe is straight when clamping it into place.
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Measure the length of the pipe using a tape measure or a large ruler. Write the measurement down on a piece of paper.
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Divide the number by 2. For example, if your pipe measured 12 feet, divide 12 by 2, which equals 6 feet.
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Extend the tape measure to the measurement that you figured in step 3 and place it on the pipe. The tape measure should extend to half of the pipe's length. Mark this spot using a marker or pencil to pinpoint the exact center of your pipe.
Things You Will Need
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pencil or marker
- Vice or clamps
