Stanley FATMAX Magnetic Tape Measure, Best Extra-Long: Why it made the cut: With blade-coating protection, the Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure is built to endure on the job. Id gladly pay more for a tape that lasts and works better bring that model back and Ill buy a case of them. Each year, we bring in and review more than 350 individual products. HART has an impressive depth to its line of tape measures that includes keychain, standard, and chrome models. The clip on the back allows you to attach it to a toolbelt while the square base allows it to sit upright. The classic 25-foot tape measure is still under $20, its Made in the USA using global materials, and we believe its the best bang for your buck. Most cased tape measures have a small toggle that locks the extended blade in place with a push of your thumb, preventing the blade from retracting before you are done with it. 
Many Pros throw it out there, then continue extending the blade across the top of the material until it reaches the end. 
He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Join our newsletter and get the latest tool reviews every week! Add the fractions to the number of inches to get the total measurement.
Reading and taking measurements are easy due to the large size of the number. It has a double-sided fiberglass blade with exact measurements down to 1/8s of an inch on one side and metric measurements on the other. To measure from point A to point B, put the end of the tape measure on point A. Should you not want to use the AutoLock, you also have the option of manual mode for speed marking. The Stanley FATMAX Auto-Lock Tape Measure is offered in three different lengths, 16 feet, 25 feet, and 30 feet, to accommodate your needs on the job or at home. The ones that arent accurate usually have a bent hook that you can fix on a Lixer tape measure calibrating tool. For a deeper dive into laser distance measures, check out our recommendations here. As long as the standout gets you beyond the length of sheet material, were pretty happy. Additional reporting was done by Nadia Hassani, a master gardener with over 20 years of gardening experience. You can test the clip strength in the store by simply pulling on it while its in the package. There are plenty of great laser distance measures to choose from, but not all of them have a tape measure function. It measures only in imperial units, not metric. I use tape measures all the time and store them in multiple locations throughout my home. 
Most tape measures are capable of surviving dozens, if not hundreds, of drops onto concrete from workbench height. Finally, the hook can be stored inside of the tape measure when not in use so it doesnt snag on anything. When sorting out which tape measure to add to your toolbox, first consider the type that will best fit your needs, regular or laser, budget and whether you want one with standard or metric measurements. Its available in 16 or 26-foot lengths. As a general rule, a tape measures standout should be at least 7 or 8 feet, although many go further. When you need more than just the tape measure function, you can measure in real-time out to 65 feet or calculate area for quick estimates. Andwe'll even send you our "Best Tools for Your Hard-earned Dollars" white paper! We took a few factors into consideration when deciding which devices would make the cut: durability, user-friendliness, and added features.
We put durability first on our list because tape measures are often used on construction sites and should last a long time. The FATMAX has 14 feet of standout and extends as far as 25 feet. Now, premium tapes can cost $30 or more. Its sturdy, chrome-plated case and Mylar-coated blade stand up to even fairly rigorous use, and the blade lock lets you set a stop-point on the measuring tape right where you want it. Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure, Best Budget: Durable rubber bumpers on the outside of the case and a five-point reinforced frame provides impact protection if you drop it. The tape casing has a reinforced rubber overmold for impact resistance and a comfortable grip, plus a wear-resistant nylon coating over the blade. The metal hook at the end of a tape measure is intentionally not fixed, it wiggles to make up for the hooks thickness (usually 1/16 inch) to obtain the accurate measurement or true zero. Make precise measurements at home and on the job with these handy tools. Before you worry about anything else, a tape measure has to be accurate. Some of the springs in these tape measures will give your finger a pretty good pinch if youre not careful. Boschs 165-foot laser measures have come a long way since the GLM165-40 we reviewed back in 2018. Why does the metal piece on a tape measure move? This makes it easy to measure large spaces and allows you to get a precise reading without assistance. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect this to your phone or tablet via the Bosch free apps, so you can transfer and store any measurements. Printing on both sides of the tape is helpful as youre working around different scenarios. This tape measure has a Stanley's Tru-Zero hook, which starts the measurements at the beginning of the tape, giving you better accuracy when you're measuring long distances. Its 13 feet of standout is solid and it felt better in our hands than the bulkier version from a few years back.
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool. Value is more than just price. Its all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product. Double check to ensure the tape you select has the features you want whether its a rubber casing, a nylon blade, or a lock lever. Nearly every name-brand tape measure is solid in this department. Every tape you review has tabs on top of the hook, and while that might seem to be a nice feature for framing, they are inconvenient when trimming, and utter garbage for siding as they wont fit into tighter spaces like built-in window channel or inside corner posts. This tape also comes with dual magnets that securely attach to EMT (electric metallic tubing) sticks and steel studs. While you may only need the features of a regular tape measure for your work, laser tape measures offer better accuracy and can measure further distances but can also be recalibrated. Why it made the cut: This budget-friendly measuring tape features fractional graduations printed on the blade making it super easy and quick to read. Our site will provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers. This article is edited and updated by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. For the belt clip, we selected options that are versatile enough for thick belts, pants pockets, and can be mounted on a wall. Cased tape measures are the most familiar type. Tape measures can cost anywhere between $10 and $125, depending on the quality, brand, features, and length. Drops from greater heights are where we begin to see the difference. This 65-ft laser measurer makes it easy to accurately measure large spaces on your own. If youre on a budget, you should have no problem finding a great tape measure. When you are done, let the blade retract back into the case, which depending on the model happens automatically or you need to push a button. But if you need to measure a commercial space, lot, or an otherwise extra-large area such as a deck, your best bet is this 100-foot-long DEWALT tape measure. Why it made the cut: The Bosch Blaze GLM 50 C Laser Tape Measure features Bluetooth capability to transfer and store measurements to a phone or tablet via the Bosch app. The Komelon Sm5425 Speedmark Gripper Measuring Tape features fractional graduations every one-eighth of an inch as well as a non-glare white blade so you can easily read measurements. Thanks to 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud markings, it's ideal for framing jobs. As for the blade width, around 1 inch is best. In our opinion, its the DeWalt Tough Series tape measures. You can definitely make the argument for 10 16 lumber that you might work with, but youre sliding the hook over those longer pieces most of the time. Type: Cased | Length: 25 feet | Standout: 7 feet | Metric Measurements: No | Autolock: No. Thicker, and you may find the tape measure too bulky or difficult to retract. Sewing tape measures are flexible tapes that dont have a case. Having said that, the high-tech Bosch BLAZE (view at Lowe's) might be worth the slightly higher price tag. However, the one we pick up most often in our shop is Milwaukees second-generation Stud. Once released, the blade automatically retracts back into the sturdy plastic housing. There's seven feet of standout, meaning you won't need somebody else to hold the blade in place up to that point. The side crank rolls up the tape measure quickly and easily when you're finished measuring and is ergonomic for comfort. We consult with them extensively on testing methods, categories, and practical applications. The hook lets you catch the end of the tape measure in place to keep it steady while you extend it. It starts with a durable Exo360 nylon blade coating that resists cracking well and houses it in a durable frame. Accurate to one-sixteenth of an inch and comes with a heavy-duty belt clip.
Thats not us. Using the Klein Compact Laser Distance Measure Range [], Bosch GLM165-27CG Laser Measure Reaches New Heights Bosch is definitely no stranger to the laser measure scene and theyve recently introduced a few newcomers to their Blaze lineup. Stabila also adds a unique hook grip on the lower side to help keep it from slipping. Because its accurate, reliable, and affordable. The strength of the clip is part of the equation, a design that slides on and off your belt without too much difficulty is the other. We considered user-friendly features such as how easy it was to extend and retract the blade, if there was a lock system, and the type of belt clip attached. Additionally, some have Bluetooth connectivity so you can document measurements via an app. Komelon The Professional 12-Foot Power Tape, The 8 Best Hammers of 2022 for Different Needs, Best Laser: We also like that it has a cushioned, slip-resistant design, which fits comfortably in your hand, and an easy-to-use blade lock. With a built-in pencil sharpener and erasable notepad, you can write down your measurements to remember them. The black diamonds are stud or joist markings for builders to help them space floor joists in new construction. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-tape-measures/. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay. What really opened our eyes is the improvement in durability for both the housing and the nylon-coated blade. The best tape measure will have a balance of the standout and throw and our Pros like 8 feet as a minimum standard for both. Junk! Want more? If you want to measure traditionally without having an object to bounce the laser off of, you need a wheel to roll across the surface instead. Additionally, measurements are accurate with markings down to one-sixteenth of an inch and millimeter. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. There are some, however, that automatically lock the blade in place as it is extended, and do not release the blade until you push the button to retract it. The ease of sliding on and off is a little trickier, but we find that clips with a flare out at the bottom tend to work the best. Ryobi doesnt do a whole lot in the hand tool department, but they do have a highly affordable 25-foot tape measure. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field. The 6 best tape measures for all your DIY projects. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home.
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Theres one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: Were all about the professional tool user and tradesman! Whether youre in construction, an electrician, or a carpenter, or just want to hang a painting straight on your wall, a tape measure is a necessity for your tool box. Unlike most other tape measures, this one actually has fractions of an inch indicated with numerals, not just small lines. Sporting 11 feet of standout, easy-to-read fraction markings (single-side printing), and greater overmold protection than many tapes weve used, its also easy on your wallet in the sub-$15 class. We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites. It measures in imperial units only, no metric. The downside of throwing the blade is that you often give up standout length because of the action. These are very useful tools for sewing and similar projects, but are also handy for taking body measurements, measuring items with curved surfaces, or general measuring tasks around the home. I liked the double sided markings, the finger brake and the compact size. They have just one non-magnetic model (25-foot) while covering 16, 25, and 30-foot lengths along with a 7.5-meter model on the metric side for magnetic options. Thinner than that, and the blade can be flimsy. Wont stand up(very annoying). There's a lock to keep the nylon-coated, metal blade extended to where you want it. There are three common types of tape measures: cased, reel, and sewing. Also, the backlit screen allows you to see your measurements at night or in poorly lit spaces. Typically, a cased tape measure has a blade made of steel or fiberglass, often coated with nylon or a similar material for durability and water-resistance. They have a nylon-coated blade thats 20% thicker and a stainless steel spring to help them last longer than Komelons less expensive tapes. Plus, this is small and compact in design so it can be easily carried in a pocket or a toolbelt. Protective full tape blade coating and added BladeArmor at the hook extends the life of the tape against repeated use and abrasion. Since everyones hand is different, there are a lot of different opinions about which size feels the best. Most are very affordable. Is simpler better? The blade retracts automatically when you release it. Type: Cased | Length: 25 feet | Standout: 10 feet | Metric Measurements: No | Autolock: No. Stabila is known for the quality of its levels and that might make its tape measures fly under the radar a bit. We considered ten brands and 10 products when picking the best tape measures. Were here to tell you, no, they are not. Once you know your tape is accurate, durability is the next major concern. Yes, there are four different types of tape measures: case, long or open-reel tapes, diameter tape and sewing tapes. This portable tool fits in your pocket or tool belt, and the wrist strap frees up your hands between measurements. Most tape measures just have small lines to indicate fractions of an inch, but that can be tough to read. And of course, there are also much longer tape measures that come in handy when measuring floors or walls in large rooms or outdoor areas. Tape measures are a staple in everyones toolbox from the most seasoned Pro to the greenest DIYer. Wish I stocked up on them. Milwaukees Stud, DeWalts XP followed by its Tough Series, Crescent Lufkins Shockforce, and others have been pushing the durability expectations to new levels. On the tape measure, the inch mark is indicated by largest number in bold and black and by the longest line, the half-inch mark by the second longest line and the fraction , the quarter-inch mark by the third longest line and the fraction , and so on. Our top pick, theStanley PowerLock, has a heat-treated spring for smooth retraction, clear stud markings, and a durable metal casing. Bookmark this page to stay up to date on the latest newest products and releases! That includes objective evaluations of individual tools and products. These tools typically have a very long bladesome are several hundred feet longbut instead of an enclosed case, the blade is retracted onto a reel by turning a hand crank. When looking for the best tape measure to add to your toolbox, first decide whether you need your measurements to be in the standard or metric system. Love it or hate it, auto lock mechanisms stop the tape as you extend it rather than forcing you to use the thumb lock. Between the BM 100 and the BM 300 lines, we prefer the more durable 300 series. Its what you get for your money and that takes into consideration the whole package: function, durability, readability, standout, and more. Thanks for helping us do what we love. The Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure features nylon blade coating protection for up to 10 times longer blade life. Additional features such as built-in pencil sharpeners and two-sided printing are the cherries on top. This affordable pick comes with fractional gradations and is easy to read. With both standard and metric measurements on the tape measure, you wont have to switch up depending on what you need measurements for. If youre looking for something more compact, go with a 16-foot. If you want a laser or digital tape measure, they can get quite expensive. Were breaking things down into the categories our Pro team says are most important when theyre looking for the best tape measure. WASTE OF MONEY! https://www.insider.com/guides/home/best-tape-measure, The Best Tape Measure. While this measuring tape is slightly heavy at 0.7 pounds, it is super durable and impact-resistant with its thick rubber housing and comes at a great price. It's a great gift for DIYers too. What does the diamond on a measuring tape mean? Having a good clip can make or break your tape measure experience. Solid housing construction combined with a generous layer of overmold to protect it stands up to just about anything weve been able to throw at it, including chucking as high as we could and letting it fall to the asphalt. Tape Measure with Overmold and Wireform Belt Clip, These Are the Best Tool Belts for Comfort and Convenience, Best for Sewing: You get it all with an accuracy of 1/8-inch. There are some, however, that actually indicate the fractions with numerals rather than lines, which can be much easier to read. To measure from point A to point B, find the closest whole centimeter to point B, then use the shorter indicator lines to see the mm. The Professional extends up to 12 feet and is printed with both imperial (inches) and metric (centimeters) measurements down to 1/16 inches. Ever check out a review site and you cant tell if they actually tested anything or if theyre just recommending the Amazon top sellers? It also comes with a belt clip for easy access. Add the cm and mm to get the total measurement. Still, for less than $8, you can afford to buy several so theres one everywhere you might need it. The device runs on two AAA batteries, which are included. Komelon Sm5425 Speedmark Gripper Measuring Tape, Fastcap ProCarpenter Standard/Metric Tape Measure, Komelon SM5425 Speedmark Gripper Measuring Tape, Dimensions: 6.75 inches x 4.5 inches x 2 inches, Dimensions: 4.75 inches x 2.75 inches x 7 inches, Measuring Distance: 16 feet, 25 feet, 30 feet.
Nadia Hassani is a gardening expert with nearly 20 years of experience in landscaping, garden design, and vegetable and fruit gardening. We Found the Best Mechanic Tool Sets for Any Maintenance Need, The Best Socket Sets to Make Any Job Easier, The Best Trowels for All-Purpose Gardening, The Best Circular Saws for Woodworking Projects, The 10 Best Multi-Tools that Place a Tool Kit in Your Pocket, Here Are the Best Table Saws for Every Project, The Best Band Saws for Any Home Improvement Project, The Best Window Fans for Making Your Favorite Spaces More Comfortable, Here Are the Best Scroll Saws for Precise Woodworking Projects, The 9 Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers to Get the Job Done, We Found the Best Chainsaws to Use for Any Project. Seriously, weve used a Klein tape measure as a magnetic grabber for dropped fasteners and small hand tools in the past. Additionally, you want the blade to have a coating or BladeArmor to extend its life. Additionally, hooks with upright points are more likely to catch on items other than what you are measuring. All rights reserved. If plastic, it should be heavy enough to withstand regular use and occasional drops. Track changes over time on an app with this laser tape measure. Metal cases are heavier, but sturdier. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. We wont recommend anything unless wed actually use it ourselves, and we dont really care who the primary retailer is. Why it made the cut: The Fastcap ProCarpenter Standard/Metric Tape Measure features metric and standard measurements with markings down to one-sixteenth of an inch and millimeter. After all, when theyre not in our toolboxes or on a workbench, we usually clip tape measures to our belts. Once you do, those pictures will never hang crooked again. Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. Standout is excellent at 13 feet, the magnetic models feature a double hook that offers better top grabbing, and the nylon-coated blade has printing on both sides. Why? The best tape measure will give you solid hooking on the sides and even naturally turn so the edge of the blade is flush on your material. Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. The markings are located at 19.2-inch intervals. There are some, however, that also have metric measurements, so if that is important, be sure to check before you buy. For our selection of the best tape measures, read on. Stanleys 33-599 Max Steel was the highest quality 25 tape Ive ever had excellent ergonomics, the blade steel was more durable, possibly thicker stock, 10 standout while only 1 wide, they lasted a long, long time, which is probably why they were discontinued. A good hook is large enough to hold in place when required, but not so large that it catches where you dont want it to. Copyright 2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. If you tend to be hard on your tools, you'll appreciate this sturdy 25-foot tape measure from Ryobi. Ranging in length and price, most cost less than $30. That piqued our interest. Lock doesnt work. A rounded design wont snag or wear on your clothing. Ridgid 18V Handheld Vacuum R8609021B The Ridgid R8609021B handheld vacuum uses [], Since graduating from discounted box store brands(disposable ones) I have used FatMax 16 tapes(Im a commercial insulator primarily) and have found it works extremely well for me. Plus, the high-contrast tape makes taking measurements quick and easy. The blade is nylon-coated with printing on both sides and capable of a 10-foot standout. GDMINLO Soft Tape Measure, The Best Home Tool Kits to Help Tackle Any Repair Job. A magnetic hook helps when youre doing layout or measurement around steel. I tried the Milwaukee Stud 16 measure(fits with their power tools I have). Bob Vila. In searching for the best tape measure, there are some interesting ways to improve visibility. And Glenn Wiseman, RASDT, RHDT, Sales Manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services and Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling offered further advice. When you measure the inside of a surface, let the hook shift back so there is no gap in your measurement. Wirecutter. Some tape measures have a magnetic hook, which is useful when measuring steel or other magnetic metal items, but can potentially be a nuisance, as the magnet can attach itself to various nearby metal items other than what you want to measure. The AutoLock feature and the 14 feet of reach allow you to easily measure lengths and widths if youre on your own as it automatically holds the blade in place when extended. The Stanley PowerLock is our top pick. She gives gardening talks about growing specialty produce for ethnic cuisines, authors two gardening and growing blogs, and created the taxonomy for the plant encyclopedia for Better Homes & Gardens. For that feature, look to Skils laser distance measure. Neither option is superior; its mostly a matter of preference. There's no need to spend big bucks on a tape measure if you only need one once in awhile. Whether youre an electrician or not, Klein makes some durable tape measures and its magnetic models hold stronger than most. Manufacturers love to tout the standout of their tape measures and there are plenty of jobsite jokes that go along with it. When it comes to choosing a tape measure, dont automatically assume that the longer, the better. A steel clip is the most durable. Unlike most other options, this one has a fractional scalethat means it actually has the fractions printed right onto the nylon bladeso you can see clearly indicated 1/8s, 1/4s, and 1/2-inch numerals, plus small lines to indicate 1/16ths of an inch. For the most part, the larger the hook the better, but you can overdo it. Since you don't have to hold it in place on one end, you can complete various jobs solo. Pro Tool Reviews consults with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work. The belt clip on a tape measure is to attach it to your belt within easy reach. For most homeowners, a 25-foot option is great because its easy to store and long enough to handle most of the projects youd need it for.Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling. Plus, the ergonomic design offers a comfortable and secure hold. The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The dual-locking system allows for the tape to stay in place but some have found the retract mechanism could use some work and that its easier to manually push it back in. The best tape measure length is completely dependent on your needs, but we find a 25-foot tape is the best all-around. Aside from maybe a hammer and screwdriver, a tape measure is probably the most reached-for item in your toolkit. This tape measure has imperial measurements onlyno metric. The magnetic hook grips steel surfaces solidly and our team loves the finger stop brake feature both extending and controlling the recoil on the way back in. If youre looking for the best laser tape measure, the BOSCH Blaze GLM 50 C is a solid choice. It wasnt all that long ago that paying more than $20 for a tape measure was a lot. Secure the tape in place with the metal hook to prevent it from moving and pull as much of the tape out of the case as needed. Type: Cased | Length: 25 feet | Standout: 14 feet | Metric Measurements: No | Autolock: No.