Best Overall
Stanley 25-Foot PowerLock Tape Measure
Best Bang for the Buck
Komelon Self-Lock 25-Foot Power Tape
Best Pocket-Size
Lexivon 16Ft/5m DuaLock Tape Measure
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The adage “ standard twice , cut once ” is cardinal in all variety of craft and construction task — and conform to it is much easy with a tape measure . However , since tape measures are readily available in various types and at a wide range of price , it ’s hard to know which ones are accurate and reliable . To avail you choose a measuring tape you could trust , we put 10 top choice to the test and reached out to an expert for their insights on the issue .
base on our mental test and our expert ’s advice , we opt theStanley 25 - Foot PowerLock Tape Measurefor its accuracy , durable construction , and reasonable price . We also found several other option that offer quality , precision , and the power to withstand repetitive use . Read on for a crack-up of the best tape meter , their pro and cons , and thing to see when choose the righttoolfor your need .
Tape Measure Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
To qualify for a office in our card of the good tape measures , the following product had to meet our high examination banner . While any of them are desirable of a place in yourhome tool kit , we suggest you go over each one to settle which is best for your motive .
From a name well known in the building industriousness come the Stanley 25 - fundament PowerLock taping cadence — a reliable and accurate choice for anyone need to make preciseness swing . It features a stainless steel case with a potent sword lock that holds steadfastly without slip . In our tests , the durable metal extended to near 10 feet before bend , which is quite an accomplishment compared to thinner blades that deflect at 5 feet or less .
The PowerLock has a 3 - rivet - reinforced tang for accurate measure and features imperial - only measure in ⅙-inch growth . This labeled tape measure measure also has red premarked 16 - inch notations for loose stud place and blackened diamonds every 19.2 inch , which is another space interval often used in frame . After the first 12 in , the Stanley tape designate both feet and in as well as accumulative inch measuring ( e.g. , both 30 column inch and 2 fundament , 6 column inch ) , which is useful when set longer distance .
What our quizzer says:“This magnetic tape is extremely accurate and durable , and since it has a clip for easy carrying on a sac or belt , it ’s a tapeline measure we find ourselves relying on fourth dimension and time again . ”—Glenda Taylor , intersection Reviews tester and writer
Get the Stanley tape measurement atTractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , orTheHomeDepot .
DIYers do n’t need to overspend to get an accurate tape measure , and the Komelon ego - lock ability tape is a majuscule budget - well-disposed alternative . The easy - read tape measurement not only has exact markings , but they ’re also on both edges , allowing for easy , accurate readings from either side . The Komelon also feature graphic annotation every 16 inch and 19.2 inches , make believe it well suited for received frame measurement . It demonstrated strict blade standout to just over 7 feet , making it a very decent tape measure measure for the price point .
Another standout feature of this Komelon is its self - lock mechanism , which automatically holds the brand in place when engaged , eliminating the need to manually engage a crocked vane lock . It has a bright immature button that , when pressed , retracts the blade smoothly and doubles as a manual ignition lock . While we do it using it to touch off a fluid retraction of the leaf blade , we found we did have to use it to manually lock the blade at longer lengths . The car lock chamber worked when at distance of a few feet , but by the time we extend the steel to 20 feet , it begin to slip . Still , the measurements are highly exact , and we appreciate being able to use the green button to lock the blade manually .
Get the Komelon self - lock tape beat atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Lexivon 16-Foot/5-Meter DuaLock Tape Measure
TThose looking for a quality compact tape recording touchstone need look no further than the Lexivon 16 - foot tape measure , which descend with both imperial and metric measurements and graphic markings denoting standard 16 - inch and 19.2 - column inch framing measurements . It features a still rubberized overmold , a steel belted ammunition / sac clip , and hook - under tang forks that allow the user to snag the upper or underside of the item being measure out .
In our mental testing , we were able to extend it most 6 foot ( standout ) before it bent , we witness the routine well-situated to register , and we were impress by the double blade - locking system . In addition to a standard blade lock , it also has a force per unit area - sensible button on the bottom of the case . urge on the button bar the leaf blade from moving , and let up on it a bit allows it to recant slowly . Anyone undertaking a small job who ’s been cut by a alloy tape blade that retracted too quickly will appreciate the pocket - sized Lexivon .
Get the Lexivon tape measure atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best Heavy-Duty
Craftsman 25-Foot Self-Lock Tape Measure
Everything about the Craftsman impenetrable - duty mag tape measure points toward it being a quality putz made to withstand eminent purpose . The case is made from heavy molded polyethylene and feature a fond rubberized grip along the top and bottom border . The whang clip is milled solid blade , and the metal steel is nylon coated for durability and rust opposition . The movement on the blade is smooth , and the abjuration is controlled and even .
Although it only has majestic measuring ( with stock vivid note every 16 and 19.2 inches ) , it improves over some magnetic tape in that incremental fractions are printed along the bottom sharpness of the blade . We checked the measure on the Craftsman tape against our steel measure , and they were spot - on . This Craftmas also feature a 3 - stud tang and a pronounce lock release that does n’t leave the substance abuser guessing which focussing is locked and which is unlocked . The taping is ego - locking as well , making it well suited to anyone who does n’t require to take the redundant time to set the lock manually .
Get the Craftsman tape measuring stick atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best for Layouts
DeWalt 100-Foot Closed-Case Long Tape
The DeWalt 100 - foot magnetic tape bar is perfect for project like game out an area for hollow or limit the dimension of a bunch . With regal measure at ⅛-inch increments , it ’s not suited to making accurate woodworking cuts , but it was n’t design for that . rather , the 100 - base bobbin tapeline bar is made to incur longer measurements , and it ’s typically used outdoors when laying out foundations or ascertain the length of a proposed fence line .
The tang comes with a fold - out spike that is utile for fitting over a nail or screw head , and the mould plastic case is strong and perdurable with a partially rubber grip . The flexile fibreglass vane has a rusting - resistive finishing that give it constancy , even in tough jobsite experimental condition like wind and rain . The stainless steel Methedrine arm is cosy without any play , and it features a 5 - to-1 gearing proportion , which allow us to wind up the full magnetic tape with just a 12 or so turns . The tapeline come with an committed stainless steel carabiner clip that ’s perfect for hanging on a hook .
What our tester says:“We’re familiar with reel tape measure measures and DeWalt products , so we had high hopes for this specific tool — and we were n’t thwarted . We were especially impressed when we snarf the tang on a nail , elongate the tape to its maximum length , and it did n’t flip this path and that in the wind like some reel tape do . ”—Glenda Taylor , Product Reviews tester and writer
Photo: The Home Depot
Get the DeWalt tape measure atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Easiest to Read
Milwaukee 25-Foot Compact Auto-Lock Tape Measure
Milwaukee is nationally known for high - quality construction tools and accessories , and the Milwaukee 25 - foot ego - lock tape measuring is no elision . As with all the tapes we tested , the Milwaukee ’s measurements were spot - on . The tape recording ’s bold black whole - in numbers are large and easy to study against the muted yellow background . In addition , the smaller fractions are clearly mark along the bottom sharpness of the tape , with the ¼-inch fractions appearing in sheer and the ⅛-inch fractions in even type , making both easy to see at a glimpse .
The Milwaukee tapeline measure sport a 3 - rivet tang with crotchet - under fork that allow the user to snag the topside or the undersurface of the item being measured . The tape had the longest standout of all , just under 9 feet before it bent , and the peter comes with a self - lock chamber that keep back the leaf blade from retracting until we dismay the recantation button .
Get the Milwaukee tape measure atThe Home Depot , Northern Tool + Equipment , orWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best Laser Measure
DTape DT50 165-Foot Laser Measure
With the DTape laser touchstone , there ’s no thieve a nip over a nail head , enroll a help to contain the conclusion of the tape , or locking a blade in property while wonder if it will retract too quickly and snap your helping hand . Instead , this digital tapeline measure allow you mold distances easy by advertize a push button , positioning a bright ruddy laser dot on the smirch you require to measure , and checking the recital on the LED blind . It ’s fast and leisurely to practice , runs on two AAA batteries , and come with calculator functions .
While we wish a tidy sum about the DTape laser measure , it ’s much immediate to figure estimates on a stock twist computer , and its measuring are only exact between ¼ to ½ of an column inch . While that ’s not precise enough for construction or woodworking project , it ’s enough closely for calculating the width , length , volume , and area of suite for estimate purposes or to estimate paint , carpeting , or wallpaper .
If you need a laser measure that offers more accuracy ( albeit at several times the price ) , jibe out our review of the sound digital tape measure measure , theDeWalt digital tapeline measurement .
Photo: Amazon
Get the DTape laser tape measure atAmazon .
Best for Distances
Komelon 300-Foot Fiberglass Open-Reel Tape Measure
Lengthy mensuration , such as across an entire lot or from a kerb to the back of the family , require a long reel of tapeline , and that ’s just what the Komelon open - spool measurer provides . All 300 feet of lime - green fiberglass tape are neatly wind around a center spool and have in place by strong mildew polyethylene arm supports that keep it snug and evenly combat injury . Both sides of the double - sided tape measure feature imperial measurements in ⅛-inch increments , which is standard for a reel tapeline . The reel tape measure is sturdy and undestroyable , and we found it to be one of the most precise measure tape models we ’d ever test .
The tang features a fold - down ear that can be suit over a nail or screw head , and the Komelon comes with a disjoined bright orange spike for push into the primer to determine the origination point in time . We ’ve used reel tapes before that became misrepresented on the spool when rewinding them up , but the fiberglass tape on the Komelon has just enough rigorousness to aid keep it straight .
Get the Komelon undecided reel tape measure atAmazonorBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Photo: Amazon
Best Metric
Zabiki 25-Foot Dual-Side Tape Measure
Most tape recording measures sold in the U.S. come with imperial measure only , and those that include measured measurements often have small and hard - to - see Book of Numbers . Not so with the Zabiki 25 - foot tape measure : Both inches and centimetre are clearly marked and evenly sluttish to take . It also has a 3 - rivet bladderwrack for durability and features a sturdy case with a partial rubberize suitcase .
One thing this measuring mag tape had that none of the others did was a strong charismatic serrated wrack , open up the choice to measure alloy object without involve a help . Our exam showed the tang is unattackable enough to hold firm against metal even when the tape is fully extended . We really liked this and most of the rest of the Zabiki , with the only exceptions being the lack of marker at 16 and 19.2 in and the fact that the blade lock tended to nonplus . Still , it offer to almost 6 feet in our standout test and will be excellent overall for anyone needing imperial and metric measurement .
Get the Zabiki tape bill atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Tape Measures
To bring in a spot in our card , each of the tape measures had to be accurate and accurate , so we compared each one ’s measurements against a steel measuring shaft for accuracy . We then extended them to their maximum length , take note how well-fixed it was to pull the blade out and how smoothly it retracted back into the housing . We also looked at quality , sword standout , blade ignition lock , and the overall innovation of the magnetic tape .
Though even the good measure tape is a comparatively simple tool , we inspected each option close to see how well its tang was attached and whether its marking were clear and easy to take . We evaluated case and tape enduringness and whether a tape included both regal and metric measurements . Still , we did n’t bob a tape measure for not have metric unit since many U.S. DIYers and pros use only imperial measurements . We awarded points for each test we perform , reckon on how well the tape measure measured up .
What to Consider When Choosing a Tape Measure
Getting precise measurements is indispensable for many projects , even ones as simple as hang art or estimating how much wallpaper will be necessary for a specific way . This means you need to fuck about the types of tape measures , the meaning of the lines on a tape measurement , and whether any extra feature would make your project easy .
Type
Do n’t choose a tapeline measure at random ; take some fourth dimension to find out the staple . First off , sleep with that there are four introductory diversity to choose from :
Blade and Tang
The tape itself — recognise as the blade — needs to be hard enough to remain straight and firm when extend in the air . Cheap blades bend easily , denting and dipping in places . calibre blades , made of blade or fiberglass , should literally “ remain firm out ” for 6 groundwork or far before bending . alloy blade coat with nylon are highly durable and various .
The alloy final stage - hook at the tip of the tape measure , the tang , is key to getting an accurate reading . check that the tang on the measurer you choose looks and feels solid without being static — there should be a little in - and - out drift ( call in “ blow ” ) when you tug it mildly . You ’ll discover that when the tang rack up a wall or solid object , it pushes in slenderly . When you hook the tang around an edge , it draw out slenderly . The tang is designed to blow to compensate for its own width , providing uniform and precise measuring . Magnetic nip act as an extra tool — serve a solo measurer when measuring a metallic element object .
Markings
Tape bar marking are the information print on the brand , which should be clear and well-to-do to say . In the U.S. most markings practice the imperial system of feet , inch , and fraction . If you reckon you may need to make conversions ( for a carpet or piece of article of furniture from abroad , for example ) , get a tapeline measure that also has metric marking .
Graphic markings ( diamonds and trilateral ) noting 16 - inch and 19.2 - in interval are utilitarian for establish wall compliant with computer code since studhorse are often place 16 inches apart . Stud marking also make flow pictures and establish shelves much easier , allow you to anchor the nail solidly .
Size and Weight
Most standard tape measure are extremely portable . They librate just a few apothecaries' ounce , and the absolute majority amount with a snip on one side for carrying on a swath or a scoop . The exception is the spool tape , which can measure as much as a substructure in diameter , count on length .
Accuracy
While all tape measures should be accurate , stopping point carpenters , cabinetmakers , and woodworkers count on a high grade of accuracy . Most tape criterion fare with 1/16 - in increment , although a few come with 1/32 - column inch increments . When learn how to learn a tape measure for precision , if the measure has only 1/16 - inch increments , the received regulation is to say the measuring is “ impregnable ” when it come between increments . For example , if a measuring falls between 3/16 column inch and 4/16 column inch , it would be called a “ unassailable 3/16 inch ” which tells the substance abuser it ’s actually 7/32 in .
In addition to marking increments , a few more condition can impact a mag tape measuring stick ’s accuracy :
Additional Features
FAQs
magnetic tape measures are found in most family , workshops , tool boxes , andtool belts , and for a skillful reason — there ’s always something that require measuring . Still , different character of measuring tape are well accommodate to some job than others , so it ’s born that those looking to find the best taping bar for a specific project may have a few remain questions . the best tape measure for a specific project are likely to have some question .
Small black triangles appear every 16 column inch on many appraise mag tape to denote standard 16 - inch on center ( O.C. ) measurements between studhorse . Small dark diamonds appear every 19.2 inches , another standard spacing for wall studs or floor joists , although 16 - inch O.C. is the most common .
It sure is handy , but you do n’t need it . you may always affiance the manual lock if the tape does n’t automatically lock when you pull the vane out .
Photo: The Home Depot
With mag tape measures , 25 pes is the most vulgar length , although some are as short as 12 feet , and others are 30 feet or longer .
It depends on how they ’re used . They ’re typically accurate to around ¼ of an inch , suitable for cypher paries space but not accurate enough for woodworking . tangible estate agentive role , appraisers , and engineer often find optical maser tape measuring rod worth the money .
They should be evenly precise — the difference is that a tape measure is accurate over a farsighted distance .
Photo: Amazon
We inquire the COO ofBates Electric , Inc. , Andrew Bates , this interrogation . harmonize to Andrew,“Tape measures are almost never 100 % accurate , though they ’re relatively close to the truth . ” He also point out that it ’s difficult to get the precise same length from two different tape measure measures , so it ’s very important to choose a tape measure type that ’s appropriate for the truth your project requires .
The short solution is that a value taping should be hold tight while being stretched from stop A to designate B. If you ’re still wondering how to take a measuring tape and would like more wind , check out our templet onhow to use a tape measure .
As observe above , the trap at the closing of a tape recording beat is a nail snap . you’re able to drive a nail or small screw into this hole to hold the mag tape in place when work alone .
Photo: Amazon
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Photo: Amazon
