This content was originally published on OldHouseOnline.com and has been republished here as part of a merger between our two businesses. All copy is presented here as it originally appeared there.
Nothing is worse than trying to hang something in your house, but it’s in the wrong spot. Or buying new furniture, but it’s too big. Sometimes, “eyeballing it“ doesn’t cut it. That’s why every home owner needs a tape measure. Whether I’m picking our new picture frames, furniture, or supplies for my next DIY, I always have a tape measure on me.
In this guide, we’ll review our favorite tape measures for home projects and more. With features like automatic locking, smooth retracting, and compact designs, you’re sure to find one that works for you (there’s even one that works better in low lighting). Keep reading to see the top tape measure picks to add to your home toolbox.
Buying Guide for the Best Tape Measures
Working as a carpenter, contractor, or DIYer, you definitely need a tape measure for proper measurement. Without this, you cannot measure the thing properly, which will create problems for you while working. If you are planning to buy a good tape measure for your needs, you have to be aware of some of the important things that will help you make the right purchase.
To make things easy, we have assembled the following buyer’s guide:
What Are the Different Types of Tape Measures?
First, we are going to talk about the different types of tape measures that you can get from the market as per your requirement:
1. Tailor’s tape
As you can guess by the name, this tape is used for sewing purposes, and it is mostly 1 to 2 meters in length.
2. Non-retractable tape
In this category, we have two different types of products:
Open reel
This is best for large-scale jobs when you have to measure long distances. They have a hand crank and a blade made from fiberglass and steel.
Surveyors
This tape measure is used for long-distance, and they are very useful for surveyors.
3. Retractable tape
The blade is made from a metal or plastic case with the help of a spring that is present inside the case. The tape measure has a blade that has a length of 2 to 10 meters.
What Features To Look at When Buying Tape Measure?
Now, let’s talk about the features that you should look at when you are going to buy the tape measure from a home improvement or hardware store:
Length
This is one of the most important things that you have to look at. The length size can range from 3m/10 ft to 100m/330 ft. The choice is yours; you can select any according to your need. If you are a professional, you might need a tape of a long length, but if you are DIYer, a tape of a short length will be enough.
Measurement types
Measurement refers to the type of increments that we are going to see on the blade of tape. The tapes can be divided into inches and feet. This is a standard present in the US. On the other hand, in mainland Europe, the measurement is done in millimeters and centimeters.
Material of case
Next, you have to look for the material from which the body of the tape is made. It is important to pick a tape that has a robust body so that it can last longer. The tape case made with plastic can break easily. But some tapes also come with rubber on their outer body to withstand the impact.
Locking mechanism
This is very much important in all types of tapes. It will allow the user to lock off or hold the tape at a fixed point. This will prevent the tape from getting in the way, bent, or damaged while a person is taking measurements.
You should also look for some other features, including accuracy, standout, blade diameter, and hook when buying the tape measure.
What Are the Different Blade Materials for Tape Measures?
The blade is an essential part of the tape measure. This is the part that is going to be used for the measurement. There are three main types of materials that are used for making tape measure blade:
Stainless steel
It is best for those who want to be in a wet or muddy environment. It is better in comparison to conventional steel tape. If you buy this, this is going to be a better choice in terms of value for money. Furthermore, it also provides great resistance to corrosion.
Steel
This material is commonly used for blade construction. The majority of the tapes will have a steel blade. It is not only durable and practical. Furthermore, for an average user, it also provides good value for money. These tapes come with bright yellow and high visibility coating. It also features red and black markings along the length of the blade.
Fiberglass
These types of tapes fall under the Long Tapes category, and they are chosen by people working in different industries and trades. It is preferred due to its high-tensile strength, resistance against heat, flexibility, and abrasion. Furthermore, they have open-reel cases that make it easy to clean if needed.
What Is the Price Tag for Tape Measure?
You can expect a price between $5 to $32, depending on the brand and blade material. Note that the fiberglass tape measure will cost you a lot more in comparison to the steel and stainless tape measure. Moreover, the price can vary according to the length of the blade.
Moreover, some tape measures have locking mechanisms and digital LCD displays for measurements. As the list of features will be increasing, you will have to pay a lot more than the traditional tape measures. But note that you should always spend a little more to get high-quality products that are durable and can last longer.
The Best Tape Measures You Can Buy
CRAFTSMAN Tape Measure
– Best Overall
The next product on our list is from Craftsmen. It provides tape measures in different sizes that range from 16-foot to 35-foot. It has a weight of 13.4 ounces, and its dimensions are 6.14 x 4.25 x 2.28 inches. It is made in Thailand. It is made of metal, and the color available for this product is chrome/black. It has a retractable tape measure that is 7 ft.
Pros
- It has a rubber overmold for added grip to stay in hand for a long time
- This tape measure has a durable blade coating that will extend the life of the product
- It is a 1-inch wide tape that is easy to read and best for DIYers and professionals
Cons
- Locking issues
Spec Ops Tape Measure
– Compact Design
The Spec Ops Tools 25-Foot Tape Measure is a rugged and reliable tool, ideal for both the professional contractor and the do-it-yourselfer. Featuring a MIL-X coated 1-1/8³ blade, this tape measure is up to 20% more compact and 2x more durable than standard blades. The high-visibility, white blade is double-sided for clear and precise measurements and has an impressive 10² blade standout for maximum reach. The hook end is non-slip with added burrs to securely grip surfaces, while a precision speed lock allows for quick lock and release.
An integrated belt hook makes it easy to attach this tape measure to a tool belt or pocket, while it is also compatible with SRS Retention Lanyards for added safety. The military-grade composite housing ensures durability and protection against most environmental conditions. As an added bonus, 3% of all Spec Ops Tools purchases are donated to veteran and first responder causes.
In conclusion, the Spec Ops Tools 25-Foot Tape Measure is a great choice for professionals and DIYers alike. With its durable MIL-X coated blade and military-grade composite housing, this product offers superior performance and reliability while supporting a great cause. It truly is an exceptional addition to any tool collection.
Pros
- Durable and tough
- Highly readable with clear markings
- Resistant to drops, bends and throws at walls
- Light weight and compact
Cons
- Tape may jam when retracting
Komelon Tape Measure
– Best Grip
The first tape that we are going to discuss is the Komelon power tape. It has a size of 25-foot. This product has a weight of 13.3 ounces, and its dimensions are 2.4 x 4.8 x 6.8 inches. This tape has a self-locking mechanism that will allow the blade to get extended in a smooth way. Furthermore, the push will enable the blade to retract when needed smoothly.
Pros
- You can control the retraction with just a push button
- The nylon-coated blade provides maximum durability
- It is ergonomically designed to fit properly in the hands
- This has an impact-resistant rubber case
Cons
- It is heavy
FastCap Tape Measure
– Simplest Design
This product has a weight of 10.1 ounces, and its dimensions are 4.4 x 5.55 x 2.1 inches. The outer body is made up of plastic, whereas the present blade inside is made from steel. The blade has a length of 16 feet. Moreover, this product has an erasable notepad. It has a 16² stand and standard reverse rule.
Pros
- It has an easy-to-read fraction that starts from 1/16³
- The tape measure also has built-in pencil sharpeners
- You also get a protective rubber boot
- It is very lightweight and portable
Cons
- The outer body is made of plastic
Stanley Tape Measure
– Longest Reach
The next product on our list is from Stanley. It is available in black and yellow color. The weight of the item is 1.5 pounds, and its dimensions are 7 x 4.5 x 2.15 inches. This product has an 11-inch blade that stands out for easy reachability and efficiency while working. Furthermore, the blade armor coating is going to extend the life up to 10 times.
Pros
- The Mylar polyester film is going to extend the life of the entire blade
- It has a True-zero end hook for the proper measurement
- The 16” and 19.2³ stud center is going to make the framing job more simplified
- The blade is 1-¼ wide for easy readability
Cons
- A problem with the locking mechanism
Lufkin Tape Measure
– Versatile Endhook
This is a 25” tape measure. The weight of the product is 1.15 pounds, and its dimensions are 6 x 4.4 x 2.3 inches. It is a hand-powered tape. This product also comes in the form of a bundle that offers great value for money. It has a protected lock button and a 6-point dual-material case for better durability.
Pros
- It has an anti-pinch, fingertip control feature for better control when retracting the tape
- The tether hole ensures work safety on heights
- It has a matte clear protective blade for better visibility and offers great durability to the blade
Cons
- Blade width is small
People Also Asked
Q: What are the common sizes of tape measures?
A: Most of the common tape measures are 12 foot, 25 foot, and 100 foot. The person who is working in the construction industry has a tape with a length of 25-foot. At the same time, common consumers use the 12-foot tape.
Q: Are there any safety tips when using tape measures?
A: Yes, when using a tape measure, always make sure to keep your fingers clear of the blade when extending or retracting it so as to avoid injury. Additionally, when working with longer lengths be aware of objects in your way which could cause accidents if you trip or stumble over them. Lastly, be sure to not use too much force by pulling on the blade when extending it out too far as this could potentially damage the instrument.
Q: Why do tape measures twist?
A: When you are going to make a measurement, then it is important to ensure the side of the tape is flat against the surface, especially when you are going to do the marking. The tape is cupped out naturally from the surface, so you just have to give a twist on one edge that is flat against the surface.
Q: Are metric tape measures available?
A: Yes, metric tape measures are available in both imperial (inches) and metric (centimeters) units so that users can easily convert between them if needed for their particular project or measurement task at hand.
Q: How do you use a tape measure correctly?
A: To measure with a tape measure correctly, make sure that the blade is properly locked and extended before beginning your measurements. Mark points with a pencil or marker at both ends of the measurement you’re taking and then read the measurement off of the number printed on the blade. When finished, retract the blade back into its case slowly and carefully so as not to damage it.
