Getting it Right - How to Measure Outside Diameter

Learning how to measure outside diameter is one of those basic skills that sounds incredibly simple until you're actually holding a piece of pipe or a bolt and wondering why the numbers aren't making sense. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast trying to fix a leaky sink or a hobbyist working on a 3D printing project, getting an accurate measurement of the "OD" (outside diameter) is the difference between a project that fits together perfectly and a frustrating trip back to the hardware store. ...

February 25, 2026 · 7 min · Matthew Rodgers