5 Things to Know Before Buying tape measure manufacture

The team here at The Tape Store have put this page together to give you what is hopefully all the information you'll need to make a properly informed choice. Either scroll through this page to find what you need or, alternatively, why not simply click on one of the following links and be taken to the relevent section?

For more information, please visit SINOTOOLS.

Please note that this section only focuses on tape measures and does not provide guidance on laser measures. You can find information on choosing the perfect laser measure in our Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Leica Disto Laser Measures.

The Brands

We pride ourselves in stocking only the best brands that produce the very highest quality of products. As a result you can rest safe in the knowledge that absolutely everything you buy from The Tape Store will live up to your expectations.

Whilst this can change from time to time, the brands we frequently stock include...

You can search for a particular brand of tape measure by using the main site navigation on the left of this screen.

The Products

The Tape Store stocks an incredibly wide range of tape measures for use in all manner of situations by almost any trade you can think of. We don’t just supply to plumbers, carpenters, builders and engineers, we also supply to land surveyors, tree surveyors, IT specialists, electricians, setting out engineers, school caretakers, DIYers... you get the picture!

As the UK's leading online supplier, we take the quality and reliability of our products very seriously. Each and every type of tape measure we sell has been inspected, tested and used in anger by our staff just to make sure that it's fit for purpose. It goes without saying, therefore, that we're justifiably proud of our product range and the brands that we stock... firms such as Stanley, Irwin and Fisco but also including smaller but equally innovative firms like Advent.

To make choosing the right tape as easy as possible we've provided a structured product page to include the following information...

• Manufacturer
• Model name
• Manufacturer's part number/SKU
• Measurement type (metric, imperial or both)
• Weight
• Case dimensions
• Case material
• Blade length
• Blade width
• Blade material
• Standout
• Locking mechanism 

To further assist, we've then included a brief description of the product, expanding on the details above including the various features and benefits of that particular tape. See below for examples of a sample product...

Tape Measure Features or Attributes

There are a number of things that you should look out for when choosing one of our tapes... some of these will be more or less important to you depending upon your trade and what you'll be using your tape for. Below you'll find a list of some of the most important characteristics that most of our customers look for when buying a tape.

Length

Possibly the single most important factor to most of our customers, the length of our tapes can range from 3m/10ft to 100m/330ft with countless choices in between. The length you choose depends almost entirely upon quite what you need your tape for. Simple DIY, carpet fitting or carpentry? A 5-10m 'Short Tape' would probably be ideal. Setting out of structures or landscaping on a large scale, however, would most likely demand one of our  'Long Tapes', a term that encompasses almost all tapes over the length of 10m/33ft.

You can search for a particular lenght of tape measure by using the main navigation on the left of this screen.

Measurement Types

By 'measurements' we're referring to the types of increments you see along your tape's blade. In days gone by (pre-decimalisation) all tapes would be divided into inches and feet; the same is still true today in the United States. In mainland Europe, however, there has been a difinitive move towards metric divisions, e.g, milimetres, centimetres and metres. The UK, on the other hand, takes a somewhat more confusing approach to measurements!

Whilst the process of metrication started officially in the UK way back in there are still trades (and individuals) who still prefer to work using imperial measurements. As a result, many tapes made for the UK market are sold with both metric and imperial measurements running down the length of the tape on opposite sides, much as you can see in the image below...

Blade Material

There are three materials commonly used in the manufacture of tape measure blades; namely steel, stainless steel and fibreglass. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and only you will know quite which one is best for your trade and requirements. We've put together a short summary of the pros and cons of each material to help you make the right choice...

• Steel - The most communly used material for blade construction, the vast majority of tapes for sale will have a steel blade. Not only is steel durable and practical it also usually offers fantastic value for money for the average user. Steel tapes almost always come with a bright yellow, high-visibility coating and feature conventional black and red markings along their length. Additional coatings are becoming increasingly common (e.g. Stanley's Tylon and Mylar) and bring with them a range of benefits from reflectivity, durability and resitance to abrasion. View our range of Steel Tapes here.
• Stainless Steel - Ideal for those working in wet or muddy environments, stainless steel tape measures do generally come at a small premium over a conventional steel tape. That said, they can prove considerably better value for money when you consider that they are almost entirely resitant to corrosion. For someone working in a damp or salty environment this can mean the difference between a new tape every few months and a new tape every few years. View our range of Stainless Steel Tapes here.
• Fibreglass - FIbreglass tapes generally fall into the 'Long Tapes' category and have a loyal following across a wide variety of trades and industries. Fibreglass tapes are appreciated for their high tensile strength, flexibility, their resistance to heat and abrasion and, thanks to the use of open reel cases, their ease of cleaning. View our range of Fibreglass Tapes here.

You can look for a tape made from a specific material by using the 'browse by material' navigation on the left of this screen.

Case Material

A tape measure's case or 'body' is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a tape. Whilst we won't stock anything that won't stand up to the rigours of every day use, some tapes are more robust than others! Most tape cases are constructed from high quality, impact resistant plastic whilst others have stainless steel cases to help avoid corrosion.

These days, however, more and more high quality tapes have a bi-material case made from two materials. The first will either be steel, stainless steel or plastic for ruggedness whilst the second will generally be a rubber-like material designed not only to absorb impact but also to fit comfortably into your hand. The more frequently you use your tape the more important this should be to you.

Accuracy

In The UK we tend to classify tape accuracy according to the European Weights and Measures Regulations. Under these rules tape measures can fall under the classification of either Class I, Class II or Class III. The vast majority of products sold by The Tape Store are either Class I or Class II tapes. Whilst, as you would imagine, Class I tapes are the most accurate, for most uses a Class II tape is more than accurate enough.

The Tape Store will always display a tape measure's accuracy on each product detail page making it easy to identify the type of tape you need.

The following table should provide you with an idea as to just how accurate a Class I, II or III tape will be at a certain length. The measurements below indicate the error you can expect to see in mm (+/-). Please note that these tolerances have been predetermined at a 20°C and a power/load of 50N.

Coming soon to The Tape Store, you will be able to choose your tape measure based on its accuracy (Class I, II etc.) using our left hand menu.

Blade Diameter

Another important factor to consider when choosing a tape measure, the wider the blade the longer the standout... generally! What's more, a wider blade allows for larger, clearer markings and a tape that can be easier to read.

Locking Mechanism

The locking mechanism is a vital part of almost any tape, allowing the user to 'lock off' or hold the tape at a fixed point. Not only does this prevent the tape from getting in the way, bent or damaged when taking measurements, it also allows the user to mark a specific point on the tape, i.e. the tape can be locked to mark the end of a measurement.

Whilst some tapes are automatically held in place when extended (the Stanley Leverlock range, for example) the majority of pocket tapes use an 'auto lock' function whereby a small button on the body of the tape can be held or locked into place to keep the blade in position. An example of this can be seen below... note the tape held in place by the locking mechanism.

The Hook

A tape measure's hook, as you might imagine, is the small part at the very tip of the blade that allows the user to 'hook' the tape over an object. Whilst the hook is essential to almost all tape measures (apart from tailors' or fabric tapes), they come in particularly useful when working alone. With noone to help hold the tape, a large, protruding hook (such as that on the Stanley FatMax Xtreme tape pictured above) can be a very real advantage over a smaller, more conventional hook.

Measuring Using the Hook

The accuracy of a tape measure is partly dependent upon the hook being moveable to take into account the thickness of the hook itself. Obviously the hook has a thickness in itself - not compensating for this would lead to inaccuracies. When measuring towards an object, presure should be applied towards the object, thereby moving the hook ever so slightly towards it, taking up the slack and maintaining accuracy. When measuring away from that same object the user should always pull the tape towards them once securely 'hooked'... this in turn pulls the hook away from the tape and, once again, maintains accuracy.

Hook Material

The majority of hooks are made from metal (steel or stainless steel) but can occasionally be constructed from plastic - it will generally be either the cheaper end of the market or non-conductive tapes that fall into this category. Tape manufacturers also occasionally coat part of the hooks in rubber for added grip. Some manufacturers even use magnetic hooks which are particularly useful when measuring metallic objects. An incredibly useful feature for many but one that can (albeit only slightly) hamper accuracy due to the hook being 'pulled' towards the nearest metallic object rather than adjusting to compensate.

There are exceptions to the rule, however... the Stanley FatMax Xtreme pictured above uses a clever system whereby the magnet and the hook operate indpendently of each other. Not only do you get the obvious benefits of a magnetic hook, you also achieve accuracy to EC Class II.

Hook Direction / Orientation

The final thing to bear in mind when considering which hook type to choose is the direction or orientation of the hook in relation to the measurements. Most tapes (as with the Stanley Tylon pictured on the left below) use 'bottom hooks' that face downwards when taking a measurement from above. More advanced tapes such as the Stanley FatMax Xtreme pictured on the right now feature top hooks. These allow the tape to be read from above whilst hooked onto an object above it. Such tapes can also include side hooks which allow the tape to be securely hooked onto an object to either side of the blade without the blade slipping.

Standout

Put simply, 'standout' is the distance a tape measure's blade can be extended before it bends or 'snaps'. As most of you will be only too aware, the longer the standout the better. Using a tape with insufficient standout when working alone or measuring long or tall objects simply isn't an option. You can find each tape's standout length listed under the 'Product Information' section of each page.

Further Information

How can I choose the perfect tape measure?

With so many products available on the market sometimes it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Perhaps you're a builder and need a rugged, Professional Tape that will stand the test of time... but are overwhelmed by the range of tapes on sale. Or perhaps you're a plumber who's fed up with throwing away tapes every few months through corrosion... you know you need a Stainless Steel Tape but aren't sure quite which.

To make life easier we're currently working with tradesmen of all types to produce what we feel is the 'Ultimate Buyers Guide to Tape Measures'... available to veiw online or download from our site, this document will walk you through the whys and wherefores, dos and don'ts of buying a tape measure and the pros and cons of each general type.

in the meantime, however, we've developed a couple more tools that will make your life easier. The first is a 'Tape Assistant'. Made up of four simple multiple choice questions, this widget makes choosing the right tape as easy as 1-2-3. Simply answer these questions and, in a matter of seconds, you're faced with a nice, tight selection of tapes perfectly suited to you and your needs. The second is a tape measure comparison tool that displays the attributes of up to three tapes against each other simultaneously making a fair comparison incredibly simple. To use the comparison tool simply click 'compare' underneath a maximum of three tapes in any category and then hit 'compare products'... a button that appears at the top right of the page.

I need more info than you can give me... Help!

The Tape Store stocks a huge range of tape measures, from Budget Tapes suitable for measuring the odd pair of curtains to heavy duty Surveyors Tapes or Professional Tapes for tradesmen. Whilst we do our best to provide you with all the information you could possibly need there's only so much that one website can give! When it comes down to it the best source of information on a product is almost always its manufacturer.

As a result we've put together a list of contact details - numbers, website or addresses - that will allow you to get in touch with our products' designers and manufacturers. Anything that we can't answer the chances are they can! Why not take a look at our Technical Help page?

The History of Tape Measures

The very first record of a tape measure sees the Romans using strips of leather with markings scored into its sides. The first commercially viable Steel Tape, however, was patended by Hiram Farrand of Berlin, New Hampshire in . This product was later sold to Stanley Works, a firm that is still a byword for quality and reliability even today.

• The best measuring tape we tested is the Komelon Self-Lock Tape, as our expert testers found the self-locking design and durable build lent itself to perform well in our tests.
• High-end tape measures will set you back around $25-$35, but our team found some great models that are available that for under $20.
• Tape measures are a simple, yet necessary, tool for your tool set whether you’re a professional contractor or just looking to knock-out some DIY projects at home.

Tape measures are a necessity in every home tool kit. But as technology becomes more advanced, so do tape measures.

You can now buy a standard tape measure with a blade you read manually or a digital one that takes measurements for you. To help you decide on what tape measure is best for your needs, we researched over 30 of the top tape measures on the market and we personally tested the top five. We also over 300 customer reviews. Read the guide below for more of our top picks, reviews, and more.

Advertisement The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products. Best Tape Measure Komelon Self-Lock Tape 4.7 /5 Check Price Most Accurate Tape Measure Craftsman 25 Ft. Tape Measure 4.7 /5 Check Price Best Magnetic Tape Measure Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure 4.6 /5 Check Price

Tape Measure Reviews

We rigorously tested each tape measure you see featured in this review. At the end of the day, our goal is to recommend tape measures that provide our readers with the best overall user experience in a fair, balanced, and transparent way.

During testing, we evaluate each tape measure for the following:

• User-friendliness
• Overall performance
• Bonus features and components
• Areas for improvement and potential deal-breakers

Read on to learn more about each of our top picks below:

Contact us to discuss your requirements of tape measure manufacture. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best Tape Measure

Komelon Self-Lock Tape

Courtesy Amazon At an affordable price, the Komelon Self-Lock tape measure rated the highest possible score in my tests for grip and locking. Its locking mechanism is easy to pull back without needing to move your finger out of the way. It features a sturdy clip and can measure up to 25 feet. Courtesy Amazon $8.59 – At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of Komelon Self-Lock Tape

Pros

• Auto-locks, meaning it locks without the user having to push the lever down
• Features an easy-to-use recoiling button in a user-friendly position
• Has a comfortable grip and a rubberized case

Cons

• Extends less far than some heavy-duty tape measures
• Does not have metric measurements or fractions

What People Are Saying About The Komelon Self-Lock Tape

Positive customer reviews noted that the Komelon SL produced accurate measurements and was easy to read. Many stated that it was well-made, especially considering its affordable price. Negative customer reviews said the measurements were not specific enough, and others said the locking mechanism jammed.

“My old tape measurer broke, and I was looking at expensive, brand-name tape measurers. This one popped up on Amazon, and reviews were great, so I gave it a shot. It’s an awesome tool that works as it should. I love that it automatically locks into place when you pull the measurer out. The button is a release rather than a lock. Why isn’t this the norm? Anyways, great product and a great price. I’d recommend this to anyone needing a new tape measurer.” — GuzelStride via Amazon

“We bought several for our business, use them about twice a week for a few minutes at a time, indoors, and are not rough on them at all. Each of them, over the span of a year, has stopped holding its place with the built-in lock. If that feature is important to you (and we didn’t realize how often we’d actually need it!), I’d look elsewhere.” — D. West via Amazon

Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Most Accurate Tape Measure

Craftsman 25 Ft. Tape Measure

Courtesy Amazon

This tape measure from Craftsman has an excellent self-locking feature and extends up to 25 feet. It has easy-to-read measurements and is particularly effective at measuring long distances. It also includes fractions printed on the line, allowing you to get exact measurements.

Courtesy Amazon $13.03 – At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of Craftsman 25 Ft. Tape Measure

Pros

• Lists fractions for specific measurements
• Features a self-locking feature that keeps the blade in place
• Has its locking mechanism located away from the measurer to avoid accidents

Cons

• Has a clip that feels flimsy and small
• Isn’t ideal for short distances

What People Are Saying About The Craftsman 25 Ft. Tape Measure

Positive reviews said the CRAFTSMAN tape measure was easy to read and provided good value. Other reviews highlighted its locking mechanism and its specific measurements. However, negative reviews criticized this model for its heaviness and not being sturdy enough.

“So great that it has both metric and standard markings… This one is great because it auto locks the tape when you pull it out, no need to use your finger to keep pressure to keep the tape out. When you are ready to put the tape back inside, just hold the release button and it recoils with the right amount of recoil. It has a lock if you want it to be locked and not move as well. All around a great tape measure.” — Troy via Amazon

“The tape measure is super heavy, and the clip that holds it to your belt is really cheap and insubstantial. The clip actually broke just pulling the tape measure out of its plastic packaging so it would not have lasted very long actually holding the tape measure to my belt. It does seem sturdy, but they should make it rugged throughout.” — Lovina via Amazon

Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best Magnetic Tape Measure

Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure

Courtesy Amazon

This magnetic tape measure from Milwaukee is impressive due to its long readout, smooth locking mechanism, and useful magnetic hook design. It features a convenient finger stop that ensures you won’t get hit when the line recedes. It also has a sturdy and durable clip.

Courtesy Amazon $46.99 – At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure

Pros

• Is heavy-duty and drop resistant
• Has a magnetic design that allows for more convenient measuring
• Features a useful finger stop

Cons

• Has a difficult-to-open clip
• Doesn’t automatically lock

What People Are Saying About The Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure

Customers who like the Milwaukee 25-foot magnetic tape measure commented on its large, easy-to-read numbers, durable design, and magnetism. However, those who were let down by this product said that the packaging was particularly difficult to remove, and others said it folded too easily.

“Very impressed with the divot on the back for slowing retraction, the large numbers, that the scale measures on the reverse side, so there’s not confusing reads on the front. The magnet picks up stuff you drop, so you don’t have to get off the ladder, and they are pretty stiff when stretched out across the room.”  — J.M. Brown via Amazon

…”The rewind spring is too weak, and the tape is only sturdy if held perfectly flat,  but it tends to want to roll to the side, causing it to fall. The belt clip is not that great either… I fight getting it on and off my belt/pant pocket. I ended up spreading it open a little, now it’s easier to get on and off but falls off easier.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon

Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Most Durable Tape Measure

Stanley FatMax Tape Measure

Courtesy Amazon

The Stanley FatMax tape measure extends up to 35 feet and is great for heavy-duty actions and long distances, such as when working in a construction job site. It received high marks for its intuitive clip design and its large numbers that are easy to read even from a distance.

Courtesy Amazon $26.99 – At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of Stanley FatMax Tape Measure

Pros

• Extends up to 35 feet
• Self-locks when fully extended
• Has a sturdy, compact clip

Cons

• Isn’t good for measuring short distances
• Has a difficult-to-use locking mechanism

What People Are Saying About The Stanley FatMax Tape Measure

Customers who were happy with the Stanley FatMax said it was easy to read, long-lasting, and durable in tough conditions. However, others found it difficult to handle during retraction. Others found the tape flimsy.

“… This is the most rugged and well-built tape I’ve ever used. It has an easy 12-ft stand out, but I  haven’t needed to push it beyond that yet, but have had zero issues. its easy to read and the 35-ft makes it great for literally anything around the house or job site. If you’re looking for a premium tape measure, this is it.” — Jeff via Amazon

“This tape gets stuck a lot. Love the stiffness and reach, but the retrieve mechanism needs to be coaxed most of the time and frequently binds.” — Gavin via Amazon

Ad Disclaimer The listings that appear are from companies from which this website receives compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. This listing does not include all companies or all available offers and products.

Best Digital Tape Measure

eTape16 Digital Tape Measure

Courtesy Amazon

This tape measure from eTape16 has the best display of any tape measure we tested, showing exact measurements on an easy-to-see digital screen that updated instantly as you moved the device in or out. It also allows you to swap between imperial and metric measurements.

Courtesy Amazon $39.95 – At Amazon Prices taken at time of publishing.

Pros and Cons of eTape16 Digital Tape Measure

Pros

• Has a digital display so you can easily see the measurements
• Can measure both imperial and metric systems
• Features side buttons to switch between measurement units and memorize specific measurements

Cons

• Has a difficult-to-use locking mechanism
• Can’t measure long distances

What People Are Saying About The eTape16 Digital Tape Measure

Satisfied customers said the eTape digital tape measure was easy to read and accurate. Many noted its durable build. However, negative reviews said that the digital display wasn’t always accurate, and that the blade couldn’t be pulled out quickly without causing glitches on the display.

“This is really easy to use and read the digital display. I love the option of Imperial vs Metic and even fractions vs decimals. The only confusion was how to fully turn it off, as there are no instructions that come with it, but the power turns off fully after 5 minutes of non-use. Power comes on as soon as you pull out the measuring tape. It’s great!” — Grant Cosper via Amazon

I really love being able to take measurements in tough situations. … However, it sometimes gives inaccurate measurements that I have seen be more than a quarter inch off at times. If I have to depend on the display, I make it a point to retract the tape fully and retake the measurement several times to ensure I’m getting a consistent result.” — Frederick H. via Amazon

Tape Measure Guide

In addition to choosing between a standard and digital tape measure, there are several other important factors worth considering before choosing what product is best for you.

Look at each tape measure’s blade length to ensure it will be long enough for your needs. Blade width can also play a factor, especially if you will be measuring long distances. You should also be aware of the measurement system used (US residents will likely want a product that does not use the metric system of measurements) and the durability of the tool, especially if you plan to bring it with you to a job site or on the go. Read our buying guide below for more information on how to select the best tape measure.

What is the standard blade length of a tape measure?

Most blades range in length from six to 100 feet. Before purchasing a tape measure, consider what tasks you’ll need it for to ensure you pick one that has a long enough reach.

What’s the standard blade width of a tape measure?

Blades are typically between 0.25 and 1.25 inches in width. The wider the blade, the further you’ll be able to extend it unsupported before it curves.

What measurement system do tape measures use?

Depending on the measurement system you prefer to use, you’ll want a measuring tool that measures in centimeters or inches. You can find double-sided tape measures that have a measurement system on each side or digital models that can switch between systems.

How can you tell if a tape measure is durable?

Your tape measure’s blade should be coated in nylon to protect it from normal wear and tear. The case should be rubberized to make it easier to grip and prevent the plastic body from cracking if it’s dropped.

How To Use a Tape Measure

Using a tape measure may seem simple, but there are some important tips and tricks to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the most accurate readings. Here are some things to remember the next time you use a tape measure.

• When measuring, try to keep the tape measure as straight as possible to ensure you get an accurate reading.
• If you own more than one tape measure and are trying to find the exact center point of a piece of wood or other material, pull one tape measure across from one side and one from the other side. Find the point at which the measurements match to determine the true center.
• You can use a tape measure like a ruler to draw straight lines. Simply hook the tab onto a table ledge and lock the tape into the desired length of your line. From there, use a pencil to draw along the edge of the tape.
• If you are a solo DIYer and don’t have an extra set of hands available, you can use the small hole in the front of a hook table on most tape measures called a nail notch to hook onto a nail or screw. This will keep it in place so you can pull from the other side and get a measurement.
• When you’re done using the tape measure, don’t let it slam back into the housing at full speed. Instead, place your finger on the bottom of the tape below the housing to act as a buffer. Or, if your tape measure offers speed control when recoiling, reel it in as slowly as possible.
• To ensure you never lose your tape measure, you can perform a small DIY project to connect it to a magnetic surface.

Best Rated Tape Measures: Our Conclusion

Above all, the best rated tape measures are accurate and durable. However, your preferred method of display will most likely determine which tape measure is best for your needs.

Below are the This Old House Testing Team’s picks for the best tape measures on the market in :

• Best Tape Measure: Komelon Self-Lock Tape
• Most Accurate Tape Measure: Craftsman 25 Ft. Tape Measure
• Best Magnetic Tape Measure: Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure
• Most Durable Tape Measure: Stanley FatMax Tape Measure
• Best Digital Tape Measure: eTape16 Digital Tape Measure

Tape Measures: FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions about tape measures:

What is a brake or lock on a tape measure?

A brake is a button on a tape measure that you can hold down to keep the blade extended. A lock is a similar feature, except the blade remains extended without you having to keep your finger on a button. Some tape measures are self-locking.

What does the hook on a tape measure do?

The end hook on a tape measure allows you to anchor the end of the blade on a seam or edge. This is helpful if you’re measuring something without assistance. Some hooks are magnetic, allowing you to keep the tip in place by attaching it to metal.

How long does my tape measure need to be if I only use it for occasional household tasks?

If you only use your tape measure to hang the occasional picture frame, you likely only need a 16-foot blade.

Best Tape Measure Review: How We Selected Tape Measures

To provide our readers with the best product recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide my selection process.

Initial research: Our research process began by generating a list of tape measures with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4-5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.

We also took into account how durable each product type should be to serve its intended purpose for several years or more. Finally, we used that information to help us evaluate whether each manufacturer’s warranty coverage was adequate and trustworthy.

Expert insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, we looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.

Final product selection: We then began fine-tuning my list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature-set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.

Our Testing Process

Our team has been reviewing products, conducting testing, and creating resources for homeowners for over six years. We take pride in our testing and review process, which we carefully customize to produce the most helpful information for homeowners.

For tape measures, we examine the following factors:

• User experience: I evaluated each tape measure for the comfortability of the ergonomic grip, feed action of the blade, readability of the numbers and distance indicators, and user-friendliness of the locking mechanism.
• Length and blade standout: I considered the maximum distance each product could measure. We then tested the maximum distance each tape measure blade could extend (or “stand out”) before folding.
• Fundamental features: I evaluated each tape measure for the quality and feel of the blade, sturdiness and flexibility of the belt clip, reliability and stability of the metal hook (or tang), and design of the lock button.
• Additional features: During testing, I considered optional features and how they affected the tape measure’s functionality. I looked at whether the blade was self-locking or manual-locking and how easy it was to read the indicators. I also considered if it offered imperial and metric units of measurement or just imperial units and if it was electronic.
• Price and warranty: Most tape measures cost between $10 and $50. In this guide, I tried to include a high-quality, warranty-backed option for every budget.

Why You Can Trust Us

This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.

The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.

Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.

For more information, please visit hammer manufacturers.