Which scale is recommended for measuring and marking fastener locations on an assembly?

The use of a 12-inch decimal scale with graduations of .01 inches is recommended for measuring and marking fastener locations on an assembly due to its precision and ease of use. This scale provides a high level of accuracy in measurements, which is critical in aerospace assembly where small tolerances can greatly affect the overall integrity and functionality of the assembly.

In aerospace applications, fasteners must be precisely located to ensure that components fit together as designed and function safely under various conditions. The decimal scale allows mechanics to easily read and mark measurements down to a hundredth of an inch, thus facilitating the placement of fasteners within very tight tolerances.

While metric scales and standard rulers are useful in certain applications, they may not provide the same level of detail in increments, particularly in scenarios where aviation standards require precise control over measurements. For instance, a metric scale with only millimeter graduations may prove more cumbersome for those accustomed to inch measurements, and a standard ruler with 1/16 inch increments may not adequately capture the fine detail needed for modern aerospace applications. Additionally, while laser measuring tools are highly accurate, they are primarily used for longer distances and may not be ideal for marking specific locations on a smaller scale where detailed measurements need to be marked directly on