Are you a tradesman, hobbyist, or just an individual having a drawer full of hammers, screwdrivers, and cordless drills? Investing in the best tape measure will be an important addition to your tool drawer or toolbox. We definitely need accurate measurements and a quality tape measure is capable of offering that!
However, tape measures are available in different brands and models which have made it difficult for any interested buyer to identify one that suits him or her best. In this review guide, we will be looking at the top five best tape measures currently available in the market. We have also listed some of the important factors you need to consider when shopping for the best tape measure in the market. Once you’re ready and have already spotted the best one, click on the buttons below to see their best deals on Amazon!
Best Tape Measures Comparison & Rating
Tape Measures | Features |
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1. General Tools LTM2X Laser Tape Measure
Brand | General Tools |
Dimensions | 9 x 6 x 3 inches |
Weight | 14.4 ounces |
Blade Length | 65 feet |
General Tools LTM2X tape measure is very easy to use. It has a very high visibility display. The large white display lights located on the screen offer an easy reading at an angle. This tape measure has a continuous measurement that adjusts as you move closer and farther from the target. General Tools LTM2X offers real-time measurement.
2. DeWalt DWHT36225S Tape Measure
Brand | DeWalt |
Dimensions | 8.5 x 5.5 x 3.7 inches |
Weight | 1.38 pounds |
Blade Length | 25 feet |
DeWalt DWHT36225S suits people who are in need of a tough and durable tape measure. It is made with a resilient blade coating that safeguards the paint preventing rust. It also contains a high carbon steel blade that offers 13” of straighter blade standout. This tape measure comes with a well-reinforced hook connection and an inbuilt lanyard slot that offers extra security options. There is also a heavy-duty thermoplastic coating at the end of the blade that reduces the breakage of the blade.
3. Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure
Brand | Stanley |
Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 2 inches |
Weight | 0.96 ounces |
Blade Length | 25 feet |
Stanley Powerlock is a classic tape measure that was specifically designed for professional and weekend warriors alike. This tape measure offers maximum usability in all measuring situation types. It is a highly portable tape that will meet the needs of anyone. Its standard features include a lockable blade that ensures precise measurements and minimal slippage. It comes with an added heat-treated spring to help increase the lifespan of the tape.
4. Komelon SM2825 Self Lock Tape Measure
Brand | Komelon |
Dimensions | 2.4 x 4.8 x 6.8 inches |
Weight | 13.3 ounces |
Blade Length | 25 feet |
This Komelon SM2825 is perfect for anyone in need of a high-quality tape measure. Kamelon brand has been in the market for some years now, so you should never have any worry with any of its products. It comes with a unique self-locking mechanism that allows the blade to extend smoothly. It is a perfect tool for anyone, be it a professional or a novice craftsman. It comes with an impact-resistant rubberized case and a nylon coated blade that makes them durable.
5. Etronic Heavy Duty Tape Measure
Brand | E Depot Express |
Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.2 inches |
Weight | 5.3 ounces |
Blade Length | 12 feet |
Etronic tape measure is a perfect one for people who are in need of a tape measure that is very easy to read. This tape measure also has a longer blade life and an auto-lock that ensures easy tape retraction. It does have a nylon bond blade that helps in protecting the blade marking from wear and tear. It also has a double-end magnetic hook that securely holds steel studs ensuring accurate measurements.
Best Tape Measures - Buyer's Guide
The main reason why you are purchasing a tape measure is to help you get an accurate measurement. This makes accuracy the most important factor to consider. The majority of the tape measures are very accurate and the main difference in their accuracy is a negligible fraction. When your projects call for high accuracy and precision, it is important to check how accurate a tape measure is before you purchase it.
Tape measures never cost that much when compared to other equipment and tools. However, no one would want to buy a new tape measure after a few uses. It does not matter the type of tape measure you are buying, it is important to ensure that it is highly durable to ensure that you do no go shopping for a new tape measure soon.
Check how the different sections are joined or the overall construction or the materials used in making the tape measure.
We all want the tape measure to be close to us and be ready for use whenever we need it. For most people, it will mean clipping on the best. All the tape measures do come with a clip which makes this possible although the handy clip design also matters. Ensure the tape measure design allows it to slide on and off the belt fast without any difficulties.
Any good tape measure is one that will come with a hook that makes both the internal and external measurement easy. The cheap tape measures will always come with a small and flat end hook which will allow its users to comfortably hook it over an object to enable the easy taking of measurements from above.
There are also the multidirectional hooks which are relatively larger and sold. These types of hooks do allow one to hook on objects which are either below or above or on the sides.
Standout of a tape measure simply refers to the distance to which you can extend the blade before it bends or snaps. The longer the standout the better since it makes working along together with measuring the tall and long objects easier and faster.
Throw refers to how far you can through the blade of the measuring tape. Just like the standout, the farther you can through the blade the better.
Best Tape Measures - FAQs
Most of the tape measures we have reviewed above do have blades measuring 25-feet long. The other standard size is 12- feet. Tape measures with a length of 25-feet are referred to as builders tape and are very common in construction trade jobs. They do have markings on the feet and come in 16-inch increments. However, the 12-feet length tape measures are perfect for use at home.
Getting and reading markings is one thing most of us already know how to do. For instance, when using a standard tape, the largest mark with the boldest number is usually in black and is the inch measurement. When the numbers reduce, there will be the second-largest mark which is the ½-inch point. ¼-inch mark is the smallest.
Take the end of the tape and place it at the end of the item or area you want to measure. Extend it to the required length and take the reading.
The steel tape measures are known to be very accurate and have been built to be precise. However, a tape measure can be wrong and this can be true if you are not using it right. A tape being of basic design and cheap does not mean it is inaccurate. Hence, it does not mean you have to spend a lot just to get accurate measurements.
Although it does not appear counter-intuitive, it is a design feature and one of the most important parts of a tape measure. A hook does have its own thickness that will affect your measurement. The hook is fastened to pull out slightly whenever you are measuring an outside edge and does sit flush when measuring an inside edge.
