One of the most basic but necessary tools for construction, DIY renovations, and hobby-related tasks is the humble tape measure. Whether you are building your new home, constructing a chicken coop, building a train set, or just sizing up a space to fit your new wardrobe, a tape measure gets your measurements right.
A tape measure is a simple machine that has been part of our toolbox since the 1860s. However, there are some very important specifications to consider before you set out to buy yourself a new one.
The 6 Best Tape Measures
- MulWark Tape Measure
- Kutir Tape Measure (Our Top Pick)
- Stanley Tape Measure
- Komelon Tape Measure
- MILWAUKEE Tape Measure
- Keson Measuring Tape
Our Top Pick for the Best Tape Measure
Our top pick for the best tape measure is the Kutir Tape Measure.
With a shock-absorbent rubber case, a sturdy steel blade that will not collapse in the middle of a job, and easy-to-read measurements, the Kutir tape measure is good value for money. The magnetic hook, auto-lock function, and fast retraction also mean that this is the perfect tape measure for DIY or hobby-related tasks.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Tape Measure
Tape Measure Length
Tape measures come in a range of sizes: 10, 12, 16, or 25-feet in length. Some manufacturers even design their tape measures with an extra foot, at 26-feet.
A tape measure that has a length of 25-feet is the best length to choose as you never know when this type of length will come in handy, especially if you are working on a construction site or doing some DIY around your home.
Tape measures that have a shorter length would be ideal for hobbies or measuring a smaller building such as a chicken coop. Some fiberglass tape measures give you a very generous 50-feet in length, which is very useful for construction projects.
Blade Durability
The blade is the tape that extends from the opening of the tape’s casing or housing. As the blade is the part of the tape measure that gets used for all types of measuring jobs and on all kinds of surfaces, the blade can get dirty over time, especially if you are working in a dusty area or outside in all kinds of weather conditions.
As well as dirt and debris, a blade gets extended and retracted countless times, so the best type of blade should be one that has a protective coating, which will not come off after a few uses. Most good quality tape measures have a blade that is made out of nylon-bonded steel or coated with Mylar to help it stand up to abrasion and repeated use.
Fiberglass tape measures are stretch-resistant and can handle tough working conditions. Whether you choose steel or fiberglass, blade durability will ensure that your tape measure will continue to give you long life, regardless of the environment you are working in.
Blade Material
A tape measure’s blade can either be manufactured out of steel or fiberglass.
– Steel
Steel is the most commonly used material for blade construction, and the vast majority of tape measures will have a steel blade. Not only is steel durable and practical, but it is a very good value for money.
– Fiberglass
Fiberglass measuring tapes generally fall into the ‘Long Tapes’ category and are very popular with trades and construction industries, but fiberglass can also be used for hobby-related tasks and DIY tasks. The blade of a fiberglass tape measure is not as wide as a steel blade, but its slimline design and its lightweight case or housing make it a great choice for working in confined spaces and with sensitive material such as curtains or clothing.
Fiberglass is also known for its high tensile strength, flexibility, and superior resistance to heat and abrasions.
Blade Strength and Extension
Another key thing to look out for is the strength of the blade and how far it can be extended unsupported from the case without collapsing or twisting in the middle. In the construction industry, a good quality blade has the longest “stand-out” and should be able to be extended for at least 9-feet or even more without bending in the middle.
It can be incredibly frustrating when you have just measured up a wall or shelving, just to have the blade collapse in the middle, which means you have to start all over again. A blade that collapses at 5 or 6-feet is just not going to last the distance (no pun intended). When it comes to construction or DIY projects, you need a strong, reliable blade that maintains its extension for all kinds of measurements.
Blade Width
The width of a tape measure blade generally ranges from ¾ up to 1¼-inches. The wider the blade, at least 1-inch, the easier it will be to read the measurements. Some people prefer more slimline blades as wider blades can be too bulky and may not be ideal for hobby-related tasks.
Overall, a tape measure blade that has a 1-inch blade will be strong and durable, and it will be easier to see the individual measurement markings on both sides of the blade.
Size of the Tang or Hook
The tang or the hook is the metal tip of the blade that allows you to hook the end of the tape over an object or the edge of a wall or fence. A large (but not too large) tang will be able to be securely hooked over an object or surface when you are taking your measurements.
A tape measure that has a tang that is too bulky might end up getting caught on other objects or material, but the larger size is very helpful for when you are working alone and do not have anyone else to hold the end of the tape.
Blade Locking Mechanism
The blade’s locking mechanism or button is also important. The blade locking mechanism comes into play when the tang is stretched out at a considerable length and attached at the other end of a wall or piece of furniture.
If the tang becomes detached with a slight pull or a bump, your measurements can be incorrect, which can be frustrating. When the blade is stretched out and locked firmly into position by the locking mechanism, the tang should stay securely attached until you are ready to disengage it.
Magnetic Tangs
Some tape measures come with a magnetic tang. These types of tape measures are a good choice if you work with steel, are installing a refrigerator, or when you need to pick up stray screws. Although it can be very useful, a magnetic tang contains a powerful magnet that can be a problem if you are working in a kitchen or an area that has other objects or appliances that the magnet can be attracted to.
Depending where you store the tape measure, it can stick to other metal items or tools.
Measurement Types: Metric or Standard Imperial Scale
The metric system is the most internationally accepted system of measurement, with millimeters, centimeters, and meters, while the US uses the standard imperial scale (with inches and feet). So depending on where you live in the world or what kind of measurement system you are comfortable with, most tape measures use both the metric and standard imperial scale of measurement.
There are only a few tape-measure manufacturers that only feature metric or the imperial system.
Case Durability
The durability of a tape measure’s case or housing is also important. Tape measures can have a plastic or metal case. These days most tape measure cases are pretty tough, but your choice of material will depend on where you will be using the tape measure or it can just depend on your personal preference.
My dad always used a tape measure that had a steel case, which could withstand rough treatment and he had it for many years. However, if you work in construction and need to stand on a scaffold, a steel case may get more than just a few scratches if you drop it from a great height.
Steel cases can be heavy and bulky and not very portable, and they may not be the best choice for wet conditions. Some manufacturers break the mold of heavy and clunky steel cases and design them to be smooth and compact and to fit snugly in your hand.
In comparison, plastic tape measures are constructed from high-quality, impact-resistant ABS plastic. However, depending on their design, they may be bulky and may not fit very well in your hand. Most plastic cases are weatherproof and are more lightweight than metal, so they have a greater level of portability.
If you are looking for comfortability and portability, some manufacturers such as MulWark use rubber coating over the plastic, which makes the tape measure fit comfortably in your hand and it can fit easily in your pocket.
Easy to Read Measurements
Easy-to-read measurements are a very important part of choosing a tape measure. It can be incredibly frustrating when you are working in a tight spot or standing on a ladder, and just when you get into the right spot, you find that the measurement markings on the blade are hard to read.
You need a tape measure that is easy to read the first time. Easy-to-read measurements are especially important if you are sight-challenged or if you need to work in low-light areas.
There are 3 things to remember in relation to the visibility of the tape’s measurements:
1. Width of the blade
Most tape measure blades are either 1-inch, ½, or ¾-inches in width, but if the blade is too narrow it can make the markings too small to read. Generally speaking, blades that measure 1-inch in width can make the markings easier to see and read.
2. Color of the Blade
The color of the blade can be bright yellow or white, depending on the material the blade is made from. Most steel blades are bright yellow in color, while blades that are made from fiberglass are usually white with black and red markings.
3. Size of the Individual Measurements on the Blade
Whether you choose steel or fiberglass or a bright yellow or white background, the size of the individual measurements, or numbers, that are marked on the surface of the blade can make all the difference to their level of visibility. The best type of blade is one that has large measurements that are printed in a bold, black font.
6 Best Tape Measures – Reviews
1. MulWark Tape Measure
This high-quality MulWark Tape Measure delivers a solid and reliable performance. The casing is made out of durable, impact-resistant ABS plastic that is covered in rubber, so it will sit snugly in your hand and allow you to maintain a good grip on the casing, even in wet conditions.
MulWark has also designed this compact tape measure with a smooth running tape that extends up to 26-feet and it is quick and easy to retract. The blade is made from thick steel with an ultra-resistant coating, which means it will not break or crack even if you bend it or run it around corners, and when you fully extend the tape, the blade will not collapse in the middle.
A locking lever locks the blade firmly in place, and the metal hook has a powerful magnet tip that greatly enhances the stability of the blade. These features are especially helpful when you have to measure an extra long distance by yourself.
Both imperial and metric systems of measurement are available. Taking your measurements is made even easier with the big and bold font, so you can be confident of highly precise and accurate measurements.
The tape measure has a never-twist-up wrist strap and a replaceable belt clip to keep this measuring tool close at hand. MulWark offers a lifetime 100% money-back or replacement guarantee.
Pros
- High-quality metal blade
- Strong ABS plastic and rubber casing
- Tape mechanism works very smoothly
- Tape does not collapse when extended
- Locking lever
- Powerful magnetic hook
- Big and bold font
Cons
- Metal tang can come loose when worn on the belt
- Metal tang can slip off when used on some surfaces
- Heavy casing
2. Kutir Tape Measure
You can be assured of a high-quality measurement performance as the Kutir Tape Measure is built to last and will deliver accurate metric and imperial measurements on demand.
The strong stainless steel blade can easily support itself without any bending up to 7-feet, while its strong magnetic grip hook makes it easy to take measurements when you are working alone.
The stainless matte blade is very durable and will help you to work indoors or outdoor comfortably, and you can easily control the retraction and locking of the blade with just a tap of a button.
The measurement markings on both sides of the blade are printed in large black font against a bright yellow background, which makes them easy to read, and there are stud marks every 16-inches, which is ideal for carpenters.
Kutir has designed a shock-resistant case that is made from tough ABS material and it has a chrome rust-resistant magnet. The non-slip rubber coating feels solid and comfortable in your hand, so you can work in rough conditions and this tape measure will continue to perform well.
The Kutir tape measure comes with a handy strap that you can wrap around your wrist while you climb a ladder and take measurements on a roof.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for DIY projects and hobbies
- Solid case
- Good level of comfortability
- Automatic locking mechanism
- High level of functionality
- Strong blade
- Magnetic grip hook
- Very good retraction
- Easy to read measurements
- Metric and Imperial measurements
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty construction work
- Locking mechanism can get stuck
3. Stanley Tape Measure
The original Stanley Tape Measure gives you an all-around reliable performance. Whether you are measuring curtains for a window or doing some outdoor DIY around your property, the chrome high-impact, corrosion-resistant ABS case with Mylar polyester film can withstand tough treatment and outdoor elements.
The metal blade can extend up to 25-feet and features 16-19.2-inches stud-center markings that help to make any construction-related DIY tasks easy. If you have to take measurements on your own, the blade has good rigidity and the blade lock keeps the blade firmly in position for accurate measurements, while the heat-treated spring allows the blade to retract smoothly into the casing.
One of the highlights of this classic tape measure is the patented Tru-Zero™ tang, which doubles as a pivot for drawing circles and arcs, and it automatically adjusts to handle inside or outside measurements. If you need to read the measurements in low light, the markings on the 1-inch wide tape are clear and easy to read.
Pros
- Good price
- Strong construction
- Durable
- Accurate measurements
- Blade has good rigidity
- Tang doubles as a pivot
- Easy to read measurements
Cons
- Locking mechanism can stick
- No metric measurements
4. Komelon Tape Measure
If you are looking for a tape measure that is both solid and compact, the Komelon Tape Measure will have you powering through your DIY measuring tasks in a flash. It may be small, but this tape measure is very tough, with a durable shiny silver chrome case that protects the 25-feet 1-inch wide nylon-coated blade.
Komelon has also designed the Mighty Mite tape measure for both professional tradesman and home-based DIYers, and its medium weight will not weigh you down while you work, and its compact size allows it to fit comfortably in your hand.
The blade extends smoothly and has a fast retraction and will not twist or bend in the middle and the positive locking mechanism keeps the blade firmly in position. The Mighty Mite is also available in two and four-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for professional tradesmen and DIYers
- Solid case
- Compact size
- Medium weight
- Fast blade retraction
- Strong nylon coated blade
- Blade does not twist when extended
Cons
- No metric measurements
5. MILWAUKEE Tape Measure
For quality, durability, reliability, and innovative design, the very stylish red and black MILWAUKEE Tape Measure is a great choice for handymen and women. The 16-feet tape measure has a lot of smart features that can help you get all your DIY tasks done quickly.
The MILWAUKEE has a compact design that is ideal for when you have to work in a tight space, and the solid plastic case with a sturdy base plus a 5-point reinforced frame protects the tape measure if you drop it.
The nylon blade is strong, and there is an innovative finger stop, which protects your finger when the blade retracts, and there is a well-sized tang that can be firmly attached to most surfaces.
MILWAUKEE has also added some extra features such as dual magnets, which prevent any roll-off when you are measuring steel, and you can use the magnets to pick up stray screws. There is also a blueprint scale that calculates ¼-inch and 1/8-inch drawings. The 2-sided blade has good retraction and can remain unsupported for 9-feet, while the measurements are very easy to read.
If you need the tape measure close at hand, MILWAUKEE offers a sturdy wire form belt clip and a 360° hook attachment. The tape measure is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Good quality construction
- Solid and durable case
- Strong magnets
- Extra smart features such as a finger stop
- Very good blade release
- Good locking action
- Large tang
- Sturdy belt clip
- Easy to see bold-type measurements
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
- Tape can bend in the middle
- Imperial measurements only
6. Keson Measuring Tape
If you are looking for a high-quality alternative to steel tape measures, the Keson Measuring Tape is an excellent choice.
Keson has designed an extra-long measuring tape that can measure up to 50-feet and its stretch-resistant and highly resilient blade is made from 40,000 strands of fiberglass and two coats of PVC, so it is tough enough for the most demanding work environments.
The closed metal housing protects the blade, and the strong metal-reinforced flush-folding crank handle makes it easy to rewind the tape, while the double-throat rollers guide the tape smoothly into the housing without any twisting.
This lightweight tape measure is compact and will fit comfortably in your hand. At the same time, the slimline design makes it the perfect choice for measuring curtains or clothing, or for working in tight spaces.
The ½-inch blade is printed on one side, in feet and inches, and even though the blade is slimmer than other measuring tapes, the measurements are printed in bold on a white background, which makes them very easy to see, and the metal tang holds securely to most surfaces.
If you have to work alone, the metal catch is set to zero, so you can be assured of spot-on accuracy, thereby minimizing any need for a re-correction.
Pros
- High quality
- Ideal for measuring curtain material or hobby-related tasks
- Blade is made from strong fiberglass
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Easy to rewind
- Easy to read measurements
- Very reliable tape measure
Cons
- Expensive
Our Top Pick for the Best Tape Measure
Our top pick for the best tape measure is the Kutir Tape Measure.
With a shock-absorbent rubber case, a sturdy steel blade that will not collapse in the middle of a job, and easy-to-read measurements, the Kutir tape measure is good value for money. The magnetic hook, auto-lock function, and fast retraction also mean that this is the perfect tape measure for DIY or hobby-related tasks.
Check the price on Amazon
