Tape Measures What To Look For

Tape Measures What To Look For. A good tape measure will provide accurate measurements, be durable, and have a wide range of features. If you’re looking for a new measuring tape, we’ve put together a list of the top ten models.

The best tape measures are easy to extend and retract, have a wide range of features, and are simple to use. We tested these features in each of our top picks to find the perfect choice for you.

Tape Measures What To Look For 1. Durability

A good measuring tape can make a huge difference in a project. That’s why it’s important to pick a sturdy model that can withstand repeated drops onto concrete and resist the wear of everyday use.

The best measuring tapes have durable casings, long-lasting blades, and powerful self-retraction mechanisms that can stand up to a lot of abrasion. In addition, many offer a lifetime warranty against manufacturer’s defects and flaws in craftsmanship.

Some of the top tape measures also feature a magnetic hook and a nylon-coated blade, which help to reduce the amount of wear that rusts or peels away. This can help reduce the cost of replacing a tape measure over time.

Tape Measures What To Look For 2. Accuracy

If you’re looking to get a tape measure for your project, you’ll want to find one that’s accurate. That’s especially important for woodworkers and carpenters who depend on their measuring tools to help them achieve precision.

A good way to check the accuracy of your tape measure is to use a ruler and compare the measurements you get with the outside measurements on your tape. If the 1 inch marks on the ruler and the ones on the tape match up perfectly, your tape measure is accurate for outside measurements.

Tape measures can lose their accuracy over time. The numbers on the tape can fade, the tape itself can bend or rust, and other errors can build up as you use it. To avoid this, make sure you’re calibrating your tools to a standard through calibration before using them.

3. Easy to read

Whether you’re building shelves or hanging pictures, a good tape measure is a must-have tool. It should be durable, accurate, and easy to read.

Generally speaking, the best tape measures have whole-inch numbers printed on them, as well as smaller fractional markings that are clearly indicated. This helps you avoid squinting at tiny lines when determining the measurement.

Most cased tape measures have a belt clip, which attaches them to your tool belt or pocket. Some pros and do-it-yourselfers find this annoying because it adds bulkiness and can make them harder to handle.

4. Ergonomics

A tape measure should feel natural in your hand. That means a small casing and grippy rubber in the right places, and it also needs to hook naturally on the top and bottom without flipping.

A good ergonomic tape measure will make your job easier. This is especially true in woodworking applications.

The best tape measures have a blade that has a curve to keep it from bending when you extend it a few feet. That makes it less likely to bend and sag, which can make it harder to use.

Other useful features include a belt clip, a rubber over-mold for in-hand comfort, and a positive click lock. Some of these features come with extras, such as a fraction marking or Waist-To-Hip-Ratio calculator.

5. Flexibility

When you are working on a project that requires measurements, you will need to use a tape measure. This handy tool can help you with surveying distances, assessing fabric length and width, and measuring body dimensions.

There are many tape measures on the market, each designed for a specific application. When selecting one, you need to consider the size and flexibility needed for your projects.

For instance, a flexible tape measure may be easier to use when you are trying to measure on a curve surface. You will also need to consider the standout of the blade, which is the distance that the unsupported part can extend before it sags or bends.

6. Convenience

A tape measure is a tool used for measuring objects and distances. It is widely used for construction, building, and home improvement projects.

A measuring tape comes in several lengths, from 6 feet to 25 feet and even longer. Shorter tapes are ideal for smaller-scale projects like hanging artwork or measuring the inside width of a windowsill.

Longer tapes are more durable, especially if they are made of steel. They are also lighter and more affordable than fiberglass ones.

Some cased tape measures feature a small toggle that locks the blade in place as you extend it, protecting it from damage and speeding up your work. Alternatively, some have a button that retracts the blade automatically.

7. Two-sided printing

Tape measures are a staple of any toolbox. They’re durable, easy to read and take accurate measurements.

A good tape measure also has two-sided printing, which saves paper when printing multiple pages. You can select the option to print on both sides of a page in your printer’s settings.

To print on both sides, open the Print dialog box in your software (Word, Acrobat). Look for a menu that says Double-Sided or Long-Edge Binding. Depending on your application, the menu may vary slightly.

8. Magnetic hook

A magnetic hook can be a handy feature on a tape measure. This can be used to attach it to metal items like steel studs and conduit.

However, it also makes it more likely to catch on things you don’t want it to, which can be a nuisance. That’s why it’s important to find a good magnetic hook.

Hart, Milwaukee, and Stanley all have double-hook designs with tiny “rare earth” magnets that turn your hook into a handy grabber for measuring.

Klein’s 25-foot double-hook magnetic measure is one of the most versatile and high-quality options we tested. It features a measurement scale printed on both sides of the blade for versatility, and rare-earth dual angle magnetic hooks that easily attach to conduit and steel studs.

9. Nylon-coated blade

Metal blades coated with nylon provide a more durable and versatile option than those without it. Nylon is also abrasion resistant, meaning it won’t rip easily or wear down over time.

The standout capability of a tape measure’s blade is essential for accurate measurements. The best ones are designed to stand out for 6 feet or longer before bending.

A high-quality steel blade isn’t just a good idea for general measuring tasks; it’s also a necessity for professional woodworkers, cabinet builders, and carpenters. Those working with materials like wood or aluminum can’t afford to be without one.

10. Price

Whether you’re an electrician or a carpenter, or just need to hang art or wallpaper, a tape measure is a handy tool that can save you time and money. However, the price of a tape measure can vary widely depending on the quality and features that you need.

Accuracy is also a big factor when buying a tape measure. Many are Class I, II or III accurate and most are rated to EU standards.

Besides accuracy, durability is also an important feature to consider when purchasing a tape measure. The best models have metal blades that won’t bend easily when extended unsupported.