Favorite Diameter Measurement Tool?

ChrisIsThis · January 07, 2015, 11:03:44 AM

At the risk of starting a regional feud I'm going to pose the question: What is your favorite tool to measure diameter at breast height (DBH)?

For me it is the 75' Spencer logger's tape with diameter on one side and feet on the other. I feel that it is fast, accurate, and versatile. For big trees (usually 28"+) I do carry a small 20' diameter tape so I can hook on one side and wrap it around.

Texas Ranger · January 07, 2015, 02:04:11 PM

Yep

BradMarks · January 07, 2015, 02:29:20 PM

There are only a few ways to measure diameter, and obviously the d-tape is the most accurate. Also one can use calipers on the tree or the hi-tech calipers with lasers away from the tree. And don't forget the Biltmore stick (or similiar). Region wise, it is almost always d-tape out west, and my understanding is calipers are very popular in the south.

ChrisIsThis · January 07, 2015, 03:24:15 PM

I always assumed calipers were more common in the west. I worked in North Carolina (which isn't the deep south) and never saw anyone using a caliper. I'm in the midwest now and Biltmore sticks seem to be the common tool, but they give me the heebie-jeebies.

BradMarks · January 07, 2015, 04:02:39 PM

Biltmore's are rough estimators, just like an angle guage is, compared to a cruising prism. All depends on the level of accuraccy needed as to which tool should be used.

Texas Ranger · January 07, 2015, 05:06:36 PM

Some use calipers in the south in plantation pine.

Ron Wenrich · January 07, 2015, 05:14:16 PM

Also depends on the skill of the user. I've done real well with volume estimations using an angle gauge that was later confirmed with a 100% cruise. Same goes with cruising ability.

I have always used a diameter tape after seeing a forester butcher a cruise with a Biltmore stick. He was consistently off in his diameters. I've never seen anyone use a caliper.

I remember working with a forester when I worked in Oregon one summer. He didn't use anything. I questioned him about how he knew what the diameter was without measuring. He said I should check him. He was off on one tree for the whole day. Skill and accuracy go hand in hand.

curdog · January 07, 2015, 07:09:05 PM

I like using a dtape the best, unless a tree has poison ivy, then I like someone else using a dtape best :D

WDH · January 07, 2015, 08:47:50 PM

No calipers for me. Woods are too thick. I like the 75' loggers tape with diameter on one side of the tape as well.

Phorester · January 16, 2015, 09:50:28 AM

20 foot steel d-tape.

Holmes · January 16, 2015, 05:56:51 PM

Micrometer , small small trees :

;D

ashes · January 16, 2015, 08:10:10 PM

I use a 75' loggers tape diameter on one side and inches/feet on the other. It works just fine for me.
I also use the same tape to pull spokes on creek buffers. I would feel lost without that thing if I didn't have it.

RynSmith · January 18, 2015, 11:41:53 AM

Quote from: ChrisIsThis on January 07, 2015, 11:03:44 AM
For big trees (usually 28"+) I do carry a small 20' diameter tape so I can hook on one side and wrap it around.

A bent horseshoe nail on the end of the Spencer means one less piece of equipment to carry...

ChrisIsThis · January 22, 2015, 02:46:48 PM

Beech trees are pretty hard to get the horseshoe nail into, but the little hook on the 20' tape can grab a bark fissure when they're too big to sling the tape around.

WDH · January 22, 2015, 09:20:39 PM

I have slung many a tape around.

roger 4400 · February 04, 2015, 06:44:20 PM

Hi. I use a soft tape ,the one some tailors use to take your measurement, easy to carry , mine is 10 ft.

kczbest · February 16, 2015, 07:07:29 PM

20' Steel D tape. The only calipers I've ever seen were either in the classroom or a catalog.

gpgriz · February 17, 2015, 09:20:59 PM

D-tape here. Steel Lufkin.

kczbest · February 18, 2015, 05:28:04 PM

Welcome to The Forestry Forum, gpgriz!

JRiedy · March 13, 2015, 03:07:34 PM

8) 8) :D :D :D :D :D That's a good one!

Quote from: curdog on January 07, 2015, 07:09:05 PM
I like using a dtape the best, unless a tree has poison ivy, then I like someone else using a dtape best :D

kwendt · March 25, 2015, 08:49:07 PM

Quote from: ChrisIsThis on January 07, 2015, 11:03:44 AM
At the risk of starting a regional feud I'm going to pose the question: What is your favorite tool to measure diameter at breast height (DBH)?

For me it is the 75' Spencer logger's tape with diameter on one side and feet on the other. I feel that it is fast, accurate, and versatile. For big trees (usually 28"+) I do carry a small 20' diameter tape so I can hook on one side and wrap it around.

I'm glad you asked this question.... I've been debating how best to do this.....