How to measure SVL

[ajcrestedgeckos]

I am making my first attempt at measuring SVL (snout to vent length) for Heather's BMI experiment.  Does anyone have a foolproof method on how to do it?  Please everyone share you idea's on how to measure those pesky little gecko's that dart across the room as soon as I get them out of the cage.  Thanks for all input!!

[Heather]

I have found that mine calm down a little if they're in lower light. I handle them for a few minutes to settle them a bit. then i either hold them upside down and use a see through ruler, or depending on the gecko, sometimes it's easier to lett hem walk a ways up the ruler so they straighten out....no fool proof way yet though

[ajcrestedgeckos]

I was taking a few pictures today anyway so I let each of them have a nice soaking (15 min in a dark drawer in a deli-cup with a soaked paper towel).  This helps them to fire up nicely and seemed to calm everybody down for handling.
A cheap way to measure ended up being a paper towel roll with alternating stripes of 1" tape.  I attached a pic of it.