Top Best Tape Measures to Buy in 2020
Looking for the best tape measures to buy? Let’s be honest, finding the right tape measure is homework that will take a good deal of time. After all, there’s a host of tape measures out there that range in length, design, quality, and price. We’ve spent hours sifting through hundreds of models and putting them head to head to determine the best from the list. This review is a narrowed down list of top 10 best tape measures you might want to consider. So what models edge out other competitors? Let’s dive in!
List The Best Tape Measures to Buy in Reviews
#10. Stanley 33-425 Powerlock 25-Foot
Lightweight, classic tape built with durability in mind. The blade is steel coated in Mylar for improved resistance to abrasion. It maxes out at 25 feet and sits sturdily to straighten out 7 feet without bending. At the end of the blade is a true zero hook for accurate measurements. The hook doubles as a pivot suitable for drawing circles and arcs. Stud center markings (16-inch and 19.2-inch) make a handy feature for framing jobs. The blade is housed in a high-impact ABS case for improved durability. A rubber over-mold provides a better grip.
Pros
- Time-tested design
- Smooth retraction and extension
- Very affordable
- Can be used to draw arcs and circles
Cons
- End hook tends to break off some units
#9. Measuring Tape Measure By Kutir – EASY TO READ 25 Foot
A durable tape 5 times tougher than ordinary tape measures. It has a sturdy, rust-resistant stainless steel blade that can stand out 7 feet unsupported. The blade stretches out 25 feet and has a bold number that is easy to read, even from a standing position. The case is made of top-grade rubber that’s lab-tested to withstand drops and shock. There’s no need for an extra hand to hold the end of the tape, thanks to a powerful magnetic hook that attaches on metal surfaces. This tape has a strong locking mechanism that holds it secure while working. You can strap on your wrist for easy portability. Measurements are in inches and centimeters.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Smooth retraction mechanism
- Strong magnetic hook
- Heavy-duty shock-resistant case
Cons
- The tape is a bit heavy
#8. Lufkin QRL625MP Quickread Hi-Viz Value Tape Measure, 25 Feet
It looks more like a standard tape measure but packs more durable features. The entire length of its 25-foot blade is coated to protect the markings from fading. A riveted strip reinforces the blade for increased sturdiness and standout length. Better control and secure hold are achieved via a simple locking mechanism. The case sits relatively small to fit comfortably in hand. You can clip the tape on your belt for increased portability. The tape displays measurements in feet and inches. Decimal and fraction equivalents add more accuracy to the measurement.
Pros
- Super easy to read
- Durable construction
- Lightweight and compact
- Fraction graduations for more accuracy
Cons
- Graduations need long, darker lines
#7. Tacklife Measuring Tape 25Ft, TM-D01 Measure Rule with Metal Case
A durable tape with an adjustable retractable speed for convenience and long lasting performance. The stainless steel blade is matte-coated for increased sturdiness. It can straight out 220cm without bending. The metal case is double protected with metal and rubber for excellent shock resistance and durability. A dual scale marked in bold numbers makes reading fast and easy. An adjustable hook at the end improves accuracy for both inside and outside measurements. You can wrap the tape around your wrist or clip on your belt for easy portability. The measurement system used is metric and inch.
Pros
- Includes both imperial and metric measurements
- Large easy to read numbers
- Durable and comfortable in hand
- Hook can be adjusted
Cons
- Only good for occasional use
#6. Keson PR618 6-1/2 Feet Builder’s Pocket Rod
More like a mini tape measure that fits easy in the pocket. Pocket Rod, as it’s called, makes a suitable choice for small-scale measurements. The blade stretches out 6.5 feet and is coated in nylon for improved strength and protection. The coating makes the graduations more resistant to moisture and wear. A built-in target on two sides makes sighting a whole lot easier. The surface of the blade is glare-free, which makes it easy to read even under bright light. The blade stores in a sturdy, compact case that fits easy in hand. Measurement style used is feet and inches.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Huge visible numbers
- Entire length straight up without bending
Cons
- Doesn’t auto-retract
#5. Klein Tools 86216 Double Hook Magnetic Tape Measure, 16-Foot
A tape with inventive features for professionals. It has a 16-foot blade, a good size for medium-scale measurements. A heavy-duty nylon coating reinforces the blade for durable, heavy-duty performance. This is a coating that protects the graduations from wear and fading. The prints consist of bold lines and uncluttered numbers for easy reading. Dual magnetic hooks make solo measurement possible, especially in conduit and steel works. A brake mechanism controls the speed at which the blade retracts to protect your fingers. It stores in a rugged, rubber case that provides secure non-slip grip. This tape uses metric measurement system.
Pros
- Uncluttered easy to read bold lines
- Double magnetic hook for metal and conduits
- Adjustable retraction speed
- Includes conduit bend multipliers
Cons
- Takes a bit of time to retract
#4. Swanson Tool SVPS16M1 16-Feet Magnetic Savage Proscribe Tape Measure
The tape measure that makes scribing a whole lot easier. This is a tape with a 16-foot blade that sits sturdy enough to straight out 8 feet without bending. The prints are large and located on both sides for easy readability. Nylon sleeve coating protects the prints from moisture and wear. A dual-end magnetic hook grips easy on metal surfaces for solo measurements. Innovative scribe guide lets you scribe circles, arcs, and straight lines without the need of a trammel. Scribing is easy, clean, and consistent. Measurement style is in feet and inches.
Pros
- Scribes circles, arcs, and straight lines
- Strong magnetic dual-end hook
- Large, easy-to-read numbers
Cons
- Edges tend to ripple with time
#3. Lufkin L1025B Black Widow 25′ Tape Measure
Easy on your eyes and tough on the job. This tape offers a sturdy blade with a maximum stretch of 25 feet and standout length of 10 feet. The blade is designed with easy readability in mind. Matte coating eliminates the glare effect under bright light. High-contrast markings make reading easier in low light conditions. Dual-end magnetic hook provides better grip on metal surfaces. The case has a rubber mold for better grip and increased resistance to impact. The tape can be tethered for safety, especially when working at a height.
Pros
- Outstanding visibility
- Excellent standout
- Excellent ergonomics
- 360-degree end hook
- Built-in tether point
Cons
- A bit expensive
#2. MulWark 27ft Measuring Tape
Functional tape that gives you that extra length. This extra-long tape is housed in a compact case that sits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The blade peeks out the traditional tapes at 27 feet long. It’s sturdy enough to straight up 7 feet on the horizontal and 13 feet vertically without bending. The blade material is steel reinforced with ultra-wear matte coating for improved strength and durability. The coating provides easy-to-read anti-glare effect. The blade has a powerful magnetic end for solo measurements. A spring retracting mechanism allows for smooth recoil and extension. There’s a brake that controls the speed at which the blade retracts. The case is constructed of hi-impact ABS material and has a rubber over-mold for better grip. You can strap or clip the tape making it convenient to carry.
Pros
- Powerful magnetic hook
- Excellent vertical standout of 13 feet
- Fraction reading
- Durable construction
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t include incremental measurements between each inch
#1. OPOUTILTape measure retractable 25ft
A tape for the pros built for precision measurements. It’s a foot longer than standard, stretching out to 26 feet. The blade is marked on both sides for easy reading. A nylon coating adds an extra layer of protection to the steel surface for improved resistance to wear. The tape has an automatic lock mechanism for safe, controlled retraction. Impact-resistant rubber used on the case provides non-slip grip. The tape is easy to carry as it can be clipped on a belt on wrapped around the wrist.
Pros
- Automatic lock with retraction control
- Sturdy construction
- Precise markings
Cons
- None so far
How to Choose The Best Tape Measures
What makes a good tape measure? Well, there are certain features and attributes you need to look at. Note that, some of them will be less or more important based on your need or trade.
Length
This is the single most important consideration for most people. Tape measure length range from 6 feet to 330 feet with countless options in between. The length that you choose largely depends on your needs. For instance, short tapes of 5-10 meters are suitable for simple projects. Long tapes over 10 meters are a good option for large scale projects, such as landscaping.
Standout
The standout is the distance to which the blade extends before it bends. The longer the standout the better. It makes a solo measurement of long or tall objects quite possible.
Measurement Types
This is more of personal preference. Basically, there are two types of measurements: feet/inches and metric (meters, centimeters, and millimeters). Settle for one that’s simple and less confusing.
Blade Material
There are several materials used for the blade. There’s fiberglass, steel, and stainless steel. Each comes with its own advantages and drawbacks. Steel is the most common and offers good value for the average user. It’s durable, practical and accepts several coatings for improved protection and visibility. Stainless steel makes a suitable choice for muddy or wet conditions owing to its excellent resistance to rust and corrosion. Fiberglass is associated with long tapes. It’s suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications, thanks to its high flexibility, tensile strength, and excellent resistance to abrasion and heat.
Hook
A hook is a handy feature when working alone. Choose a tape with a large protruding hook constructed of durable material, such as steel. A non-slip coating on the upper section of the hook is an added advantage for a better grip. Settle for a magnetic hook if you plan to measure metallic objects at some point.
Blade Diameter
The wider the blade the clearer the markings. This translates to easy reading. Additionally, wider blades tend to provide a longer standout.
Locking Mechanism
This is a good feature for helping keep the blade in position. It makes it easy to mark specific points on the blade. A lock is a good safety feature that prevents accidental retraction of the blade, which means your fingers are safe from scratches.
Conclusion
We hope the guide and recommendation of best tape measures to buy have helped make your search a whole lot easier. With these tape measures, taking measurements will no longer be a hassle. So what model suits your needs the best? Well, that’s for you to decide. But regardless of what tape you choose from the list, be sure that you’re getting good value for money.
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