They have a nylon-coated blade thats 20% thicker and a stainless steel spring to help them last longer than Komelons less expensive tapes. Copyright 2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. Nadia Hassani is a gardening expert with nearly 20 years of experience in landscaping, garden design, and vegetable and fruit gardening. The upgraded color display with back lighting helps with visibility in dark areas. This soft-but-sturdy measuring tape also folds or rolls up into a small, packable size that easily fits in your sewing kit, purse, or pocket. For a deeper dive into laser distance measures, check out our recommendations here. Should you not want to use the AutoLock, you also have the option of manual mode for speed marking. Some tape measures have a stop button to let you lock the tape at the desired measurement. In todays world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. Milwaukees Stud, DeWalts XP followed by its Tough Series, Crescent Lufkins Shockforce, and others have been pushing the durability expectations to new levels. It also comes with a belt clip for easy access. She became a Penn State Master Gardener in 2006 and is a regular contributor to Penn State Master Gardener publications. Andwe'll even send you our "Best Tools for Your Hard-earned Dollars" white paper! This type of tape measure is a must-have in your toolkit and is useful for most measuring tasks around the home. We consult with them extensively on testing methods, categories, and practical applications. Because its accurate, reliable, and affordable. The side crank rolls up the tape measure quickly and easily when you're finished measuring and is ergonomic for comfort. You certainly get better durability and features at those higher price points, but its up to you to decide whats worth it. Thanks to Kleins focus on electricians, they also have a conduit bending table and a 3-phase layout guide on the backside of the blade. Boschs 165-foot laser measures have come a long way since the GLM165-40 we reviewed back in 2018. Now, premium tapes can cost $30 or more. There are some, however, that automatically lock the blade in place as it is extended, and do not release the blade until you push the button to retract it. Most people don't need an excessively long tape measureafter all, the longer the blade, the more of a pain it can be to work with. https://www.insider.com/guides/home/best-tape-measure, The Best Tape Measure. The classic 25-foot tape measure is still under $20, its Made in the USA using global materials, and we believe its the best bang for your buck. Measurement markings go down to 1/16 inch, but this tape measure does not include metric measurements. Since you don't have to hold it in place on one end, you can complete various jobs solo. When you need more than just the tape measure function, you can measure in real-time out to 65 feet or calculate area for quick estimates. With an incredibly strong magnet on the end of the hook, the Stanley FATMAX attaches securely to studs and other metal surfaces. This pick measures 165 feet to within one-eighth of an inch, with extreme accuracy; measuring accuracy is plus or minus to within one-sixteenth of an inch. The most common length for a sewing tape measure is 5 feet, but there are some as long as 12 feet. For that feature, look to Skils laser distance measure. In our opinion, its the DeWalt Tough Series tape measures. You can size up a space and tackle a measuring job in seconds. The belt clip on a tape measure is to attach it to your belt within easy reach. Ryobi doesnt do a whole lot in the hand tool department, but they do have a highly affordable 25-foot tape measure. Make precise measurements at home and on the job with these handy tools. The most common length for a cased tape measure is 25 feet, which is long enough to measure the average rooms walls or floors, yet not so long that its unwieldy or overly heavy. Why? Thicker, and you may find the tape measure too bulky or difficult to retract. Lets take a look. Neither option is superior; its mostly a matter of preference. The case might be plastic or metal. It's compact, weather-resistant, and delivers an accurate read. But there are also times when you might not want it. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year. Reading and taking measurements are easy due to the large size of the number. After all, when theyre not in our toolboxes or on a workbench, we usually clip tape measures to our belts. The high-impact rubber case prevents any damage should the tool be dropped. Sign up to receive Popular Science's emails and get the highlights. You get it all with an accuracy of 1/8-inch. Printing on both sides of the tape is helpful as youre working around different scenarios. There have been some outstanding heavy-duty tape measures to hit the market in the past several years. If you need very precise measurements without the bother of squinting at tiny lines, we recommend the Milwaukee Auto Lock. But if you need to measure a commercial space, lot, or an otherwise extra-large area such as a deck, your best bet is this 100-foot-long DEWALT tape measure. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Tape measures are a staple in everyones toolbox from the most seasoned Pro to the greenest DIYer. This makes it easy to measure large spaces and allows you to get a precise reading without assistance. See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Find the closest whole inch to point B, then use the shorter indicator lines to see which fraction of an inch it is. The black diamonds are stud or joist markings for builders to help them space floor joists in new construction. These are very useful tools for sewing and similar projects, but are also handy for taking body measurements, measuring items with curved surfaces, or general measuring tasks around the home. Type: Cased | Length: 25 feet | Standout: 12 feet | Metric Measurements: No | Autolock: Yes, The most useful tools for a DIYer wanting to tackle a basic repair on their own are a hammer, an assortment of nails and screws, a stud finder, an adjustable wrench, a tape measure, a set of screwdrivers,pliers, a manual or laser level, a flashlight, a utility knife, a pair of wire cutters, and an extension cord. Glenn Wiseman, RASDT, RHDT, Sales Manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services. Since everyones hand is different, there are a lot of different opinions about which size feels the best. But you cant determine that as easily online. Measuring out at 25 feet in length and 1.83 inches, this should meet most of any electricians needs, although it is rather wide for its size. Most cased tape measures have some sort of clip so you can easily carry the tool on your belt or toolbag. Ive tried a number of different tapes over the years. A steel clip is the most durable. Plus, the high-contrast tape makes taking measurements quick and easy. Cheap measuring tapes are unclassified, meaning their accuracy cant be traced to any known standard. Komelon tape measures are popular thanks to a price thats very easy on your wallet. Which Home Depot Power Tool Brands Are The Best Fit For You? For most homeowners, a 25-foot option is great because its easy to store and long enough to handle most of the projects youd need it for.Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling. There are some, however, that actually indicate the fractions with numerals rather than lines, which can be much easier to read. Theres one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: Were all about the professional tool user and tradesman! Ranging in length and price, most cost less than $30. Stanley FATMAX Magnetic Tape Measure, Best Extra-Long: With inches on one side and centimeters on the other, it's versatile and convenient for needlework, clothes-making, tailoring, and other projects. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. For this roundup, she considered dozens of tape measures, evaluating each for basic features, extras, and feedback from customers. A metric measuring tape has markings for meters, centimeters, and millimeters. Unlike most other options, this one has a fractional scalethat means it actually has the fractions printed right onto the nylon bladeso you can see clearly indicated 1/8s, 1/4s, and 1/2-inch numerals, plus small lines to indicate 1/16ths of an inch. This tape also comes with dual magnets that securely attach to EMT (electric metallic tubing) sticks and steel studs. Why it made the cut: The durable high-impact case with non-slip rubber and full tape blade coating make the Stanley FATMAX Auto-Lock Tape Measure a great option for any construction site. Additionally, measurements are accurate with markings down to one-sixteenth of an inch and millimeter. A tape measure absolutely has to hook easily on the top and bottom. Bob Vila. Most tape measures sold in the US have only imperial measurements, meaning inches and feet. If youre looking for something more compact, go with a 16-foot. WASTE OF MONEY! Stanleys 33-599 Max Steel was the highest quality 25 tape Ive ever had excellent ergonomics, the blade steel was more durable, possibly thicker stock, 10 standout while only 1 wide, they lasted a long, long time, which is probably why they were discontinued. What does the diamond on a measuring tape mean? The hook lets you catch the end of the tape measure in place to keep it steady while you extend it. The standout of a cased tape measure is the distance the unsupported blade can extend before it bends or sags. The blade retracts automatically when you release it. Nearly every name-brand tape measure is solid in this department. Bookmark this page to stay up to date on the latest newest products and releases! When we went looking for the best tape measure, we wanted it all: durability, standout, accuracy, visibility, hook grip, ergonomics, and features. Stabila also adds a unique hook grip on the lower side to help keep it from slipping. Additional features such as built-in pencil sharpeners and two-sided printing are the cherries on top. When you are done, let the blade retract back into the case, which depending on the model happens automatically or you need to push a button. Too much mass will make the hook flip when youre trying to grab on the side. Yes, there are four different types of tape measures: case, long or open-reel tapes, diameter tape and sewing tapes. If its accurate and its tough, you just need to be able to read the markings. They are sold in different lengths, depending on your needs, and can be made of flexible cloth, metal or fiberglass ribbon. So which one is the best? It covers 16, 25, and 40-foot lengths, and only the 25-foot is available with a magnetic hook. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment. Wirecutter. With the click of a button, this professional-grade tool projects a laser beam as far as 65 feet with accuracy up to 1/8 inch. We wont recommend anything unless wed actually use it ourselves, and we dont really care who the primary retailer is. Most commonly, tape measures have numerals for inches and feet, and small lines to indicate fractions of inches. Whether youre an electrician or not, Klein makes some durable tape measures and its magnetic models hold stronger than most. Who else recommends it? Either material is often covered at least partly with a rubberized coating to add extra grip and to help the tool withstand drops without cracking. That includes objective evaluations of individual tools and products. Closely related, but rarely discussed is tape measure throw. A good hook is large enough to hold in place when required, but not so large that it catches where you dont want it to. Go with a 35-foot if youre consistently measuring more than 25 feet at a time. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand, and the attached belt clip allows you to keep it within reach. And Glenn Wiseman, RASDT, RHDT, Sales Manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services and Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling offered further advice. The strength of the clip is part of the equation, a design that slides on and off your belt without too much difficulty is the other. Bosch BLAZE 65-ft Outdoor Laser Distance Measurer with Backlit Display, The 7 Best Laser Levels for Your Next Home Project, Best with Fractions: Many Pros throw it out there, then continue extending the blade across the top of the material until it reaches the end. Additionally, hooks with upright points are more likely to catch on items other than what you are measuring. Other than 25 feet, the most common sizes are 12, 16, 30, and 35 feet. Ox Tools isnt crazy-deep in the measuring tools category just yet, but we liked what we saw from its Pro Tuff tape measure. If you want a laser or digital tape measure, they can get quite expensive. Type: Cased | Length: 25 feet | Standout: 7 feet | Metric Measurements: No | Autolock: No. Typically, a cased tape measure has a blade made of steel or fiberglass, often coated with nylon or a similar material for durability and water-resistance. We took a few factors into consideration when deciding which devices would make the cut: durability, user-friendliness, and added features. Reel tape measures are most often used by surveyors and others needing to measure large stretches of open space. The acrylic blade has smooth extension and retraction but note that it can become less sturdy the longer the distance youre measuring. Its sturdy, chrome-plated case and Mylar-coated blade stand up to even fairly rigorous use, and the blade lock lets you set a stop-point on the measuring tape right where you want it. While you may only need the features of a regular tape measure for your work, laser tape measures offer better accuracy and can measure further distances but can also be recalibrated. They have just one non-magnetic model (25-foot) while covering 16, 25, and 30-foot lengths along with a 7.5-meter model on the metric side for magnetic options. They have a retractable blade marked with imperial or metric measures, and a case thats made of plastic or metal. This tape measure from Komelon will only run you a few dollars, and it gets the job done accurately. Sewing tape measures are flexible tapes that dont have a case. After that, consider any additional features that will help to make your job easier. Most are very affordable. This 65-ft laser measurer makes it easy to accurately measure large spaces on your own. Ridgid 18V Handheld Vacuum R8609021B The Ridgid R8609021B handheld vacuum uses [], Since graduating from discounted box store brands(disposable ones) I have used FatMax 16 tapes(Im a commercial insulator primarily) and have found it works extremely well for me. Were breaking things down into the categories our Pro team says are most important when theyre looking for the best tape measure. Nylon coating on the blade helps reduce the amount of wear that eventually starts rusting and peeling away. Its all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product. Accurate to one-sixteenth of an inch and comes with a heavy-duty belt clip. These tools typically have a very long bladesome are several hundred feet longbut instead of an enclosed case, the blade is retracted onto a reel by turning a hand crank. Its what you get for your money and that takes into consideration the whole package: function, durability, readability, standout, and more.