The Best Tape Measure in 2023 – Success in many sorts of craft and building tasks is based on the proverb “measure twice, cut once.” Utilizing a tape measure, which is a flexible ribbon made of flexible fabric, metal, or fiberglass with measurement marks, is frequently necessary when following this advice.
Almost everyone is aware of how a tape measure works, but we were interested in how different top models fared against their rivals. To determine whether they lived up to their manufacturer’s claims, we personally evaluated the top tape measures available. We checked them for accuracy, quality, and durability during repeated usage. Don’t miss the benefits and drawbacks we identified during our in-person testing as you read on to find out more about what makes the finest tape measure alternatives stand out.
On the Linquip website, among the many options available to you, you will find all the information you need to know about the Tape Measure, as well as information regarding this marketplace. You can count on Linquip to provide you with as much general and reliable information about this topic, whether you’re a professional or a customer looking for a proper company. We recommend you review a list of all Tape Measures available in Linquip.
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The Best Tape Measure in 2023
1. Stanley 25 ft. PowerLock Tape Measure
Specifications
Color | Original |
Brand | STANLEY |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7 x 4.5 x 1.8 inches |
Item Weight | 0.06 Pounds |
Blade Length | 25 Feet |
Product Description
The 25-foot PowerLock tape measure from Stanley, a well-known brand in the construction sector, is a trustworthy and precise option for anybody who has to make precise cuts. We are accustomed to the Stanley brand, so we weren’t shocked by how nicely this 25-foot tape worked.
The stainless steel casing of the PowerLock has a powerful blade lock that secures the extended blade in place without sliding. In contrast to thinner blades that bend at 5 feet or less, the sturdy metal of the blade allowed us to stretch it to over 10 feet before the blade bent. The PowerLock has an imperial-only blade with measures in 16-inch intervals and a tang that is 3-rivet strengthened for precise measuring.
It also has black diamonds every 19.2 inches and pre-marked (in red) 16-inch notations for simple stud location (another typical framing spacing). The Stanley tape displays both feet and inch measures as well as cumulative inch measurements after 1 foot (12 inches). As an illustration, it displays both 30 inches and 2 feet, 6 inches. We discovered the tape to be really precise and robust. Additionally, it has a clip for simple belt or pocket carrying.
2. Komelon Self Lock 25-Foot Power Tape
Specifications
Item Dimensions | 2.4 x 4.8 x 6.8 inches |
Item Weight | 0.96 ounces |
Lock Type | Self, Push Button |
Length | 25 feet |
Product Description
It costs very little money for DIYers to purchase an accurate tape measure. With accurate imperial measurements on both of the tape’s blade edges, the Komelon Self Lock 25-Foot Power Tape makes it simple to measure properly from either side without guesswork.
When we removed the tape, the Komelon’s convenient “self-lock” feature instantly activated. The Komelon held the blade in position by itself; the operator didn’t need to push a blade lock manually. After confirming measurement accuracy, we pushed a bright green button to cause the blade to retract smoothly. For those who don’t want to manually activate the blade lock, this is a great function (some are quite stiff).
Unfortunately, we discovered that the auto-lock feature wasn’t as effective at longer durations. For instance, at 4 feet, it engaged, but at 20 feet, the blade started to slip a little. Even yet, the measures are quite precise despite the slippage, and we could lock the blade manually by pressing the green button.
The Komelon is ideal for conventional framing measurement since it also has visual notations every 16.2 inches and 19.2 inches. All things considered, it performed rigid blade standouts to just over 7 feet, making it a pretty good tape measure at the pricing range.
3. Ryobi 25 ft. Tape Measure with Overmold
Specifications
Color | Yellow |
Brand | RYOBI |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4 x 1.5 x 4 inches |
Blade Length | 25 Feet |
Lock Type | Over Ear |
Product Description
The Ryobi 25-foot tape measure tang’s hook-under prongs are handy for hooking the tape beneath an object’s bottom edge, such as the surface of a table. The rubberized overmold that offers the Ryobi tape measure a smooth, non-slip surface impressed us. The Ryobi blade is smooth and strong; we were able to stretch it to over 8 feet (standout) before the blade bent. The tang is strengthened with three rivets for endurance.
This robust tape measure offers centimeter and imperial measures in 1/16-inch increments. It is ideal for placing or locating standard-spaced framing members since it has graphic indications every 16.2 and 19.2 inches.
The Ryobi’s blade lock was tight and strong, with almost no slippage. The Ryobi was dead-on accurate when measured against a steel measuring instrument, as it should be. We felt the belt clip to be slightly insufficient to keep the tool firmly on a belt or pocket because it is made of wire rather than solid stainless steel.
4. LEXIVON 16Ft/5m DuaLock Tape Measure
Specifications
Color | Black |
Brand | LEXIVON |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2 x 2.7 x 2.8 inches |
Item Weight | 290 Grams |
Blade Material | Nylon |
Product Description
The LEXIVON 16-foot tape measure, which features both imperial and metric measures as well as graphic marks to indicate 16-inch and 19.2-inch standard frame dimensions, is the only high-quality compact tape measure you need. Most of the time, we like a tape measure to be at least 25 feet long, but the LEXIVON is a pleasant exception.
Even though the LEXIVON tape is only 16 feet long, it’s perfect for little applications that don’t call for a greater length. It has hook-under tang prongs that allow the user to grasp the top or bottom of the object being measured, a smooth rubberized overmold, and a steel belt/pocket clip. Before it bent, we were able to stretch it approximately 6 feet (standout).
The tool has a dual blade-locking mechanism that we found to be impressive, and the numbers are simple to see. It has a regular blade lock as well, but it also includes a pressure-sensitive button on the bottom of the case, which we thought was clever and inventive. We could stop the blade from moving by pushing the button; if we relaxed our pressure a little, the blade would retract gradually. The pressure lock on the LEXIVON will be appreciated by anybody who has ever suffered a cut caused by a metal tape blade that retracted too rapidly.
5. Craftsman Tape Measure, Self-Lock, 25-Foot
Specifications
Color | Red/Back |
Brand | Craftsman |
Item Weight | 0.01 Ounces |
Blade Length | 25 Feet |
Lock Type | Self |
Product Description
The Craftsman 25-foot tape measure is intended to withstand heavy usage, and everything about it suggests quality. During the initial inspection, we took notice of the tape measure’s high caliber. The case has a somewhat rubberized grip along the top and bottom edges and is constructed from heavy-duty molded polyethylene. The metal blade of the belt clip is coated with nylon for durability and rust resistance, and the belt clip is constructed of polished solid steel.
The Craftsman tape’s measures matched up perfectly with our steel measure, just as we had anticipated. Every 16 and 19.2 inches on the tape are marked with the customary graphic notations. The tool has a three-riveted tang and a lock button that feels sturdy and is labeled to let the user know which way is locked and which is unlocked. The tape also has a self-locking feature, making it ideal for people who don’t want to spend extra time setting the lock manually.
Despite only having imperial dimensions, this tape measure is superior to some in that incremental fractions are printed along the bottom edge of the blade. The blade moves smoothly, and the retraction is uniform and well-controlled.
6. Milwaukee 25 ft. Compact Auto Lock Tape Measure
Specifications
Color | Red/Black |
Brand | Milwaukee |
Item Weight | 15.77 Ounces |
Blade Material | Alloy Steel |
Blade Length | 25 Feet |
Product Description
The Milwaukee 25-foot self-lock tape measure is one of several high-quality construction equipments and accessories for which the Milwaukee name is well-known nationwide. The Milwaukee’s dimensions were exact, just like they were for every tape we examined. Against the subdued yellow backdrop, the tape’s bold black whole-inch numerals are huge and simple to read.
Additionally, the smaller fractions are clearly labeled along the tape’s bottom border, with the fractions for 14 inches appearing in bold text and the fractions for 1/8 inches showing in ordinary type, making it simple to tell which is which at a glance.
A 3-rivet tang and hook-under prongs on the Milwaukee tape measure allow the operator to grab either the topside or the underneath of the object being measured. The tool had a self-lock that prevented the blade from retracting until we hit the retraction button, and the tape had the longest standout of all, with a length of slightly about 9 feet before it bent.
7. DEWALT Tape Measure, Closed Case, 100-Foot
Specifications
Color | Yellow |
Brand | DEWALT |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.31 x 8.63 x 8.5 inches |
Item Weight | 1.1 Pounds |
Blade Material | Stainless Steel |
Product Description
The DeWalt 100-foot tape measure excels at measuring lots or marking off a space for excavation. Although it wasn’t intended for that use, this kind of tape measure is not suitable for making precise carpenter cuts. The 100-foot reel tape measure, on the other hand, is designed to take longer measures and is generally used outside to lay out foundations or measure a potential fence line’s length.
We had high expectations for this particular instrument because we are familiar with reel tape measures and DeWalt goods. We weren’t let down. The molded plastic casing is sturdy and long-lasting and has a partially rubberized grip. The tang has a fold-out spike that may be used to fit over a nail or screw head. We extended the tape to its farthest possible length after hooking the tang over a nail. The flexible fiberglass blade’s rust-resistant covering offers it some stability; unlike some reel tapes, it didn’t bounce back and forth in the wind.
The 5-to-1 gear ratio and tight fit of the stainless steel crank arm allowed us to wound the entire tape with only a dozen or so rotations. We found that the stainless steel carabiner clip that is linked to the tape is ideal for hanging on a hook in the garage. Only 1/8-inch increments are used for the measurements, which is standard for this kind of tape. We were pleasantly surprised.
8. DTAPE Laser Measure 165ft, DT50Laser Portable Digital
Specifications
Brand | DTAPE |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Color | Blue |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.53 x 1.97 x 1.18 inches |
Battery Description | Alkaline |
Product Description
There is no need to hire a helper to hold the tape’s end or hook a tang over a nail head when using the DTAPE Laser Measure. No blade has to be locked in place or worried about unexpectedly retracting too rapidly and snapping a hand. The distance may be easily determined with this digital tape measure by pressing a button and looking at a number on the LED display.
When we compared the accuracy of the DTAPE to the other tape measures in this lineup, it was within 14 to 12 of an inch. For woodworking or building applications, that isn’t precise enough. The width, length, volume, and area of a room may be calculated for valuation reasons as well as to determine how much paint, carpeting, or wallpaper will cost.
It’s also quick and simple. The digital tape has calculator capabilities in addition to measuring distance and is powered by two AAA batteries (included). We evaluated its calculations, and while they are correct, calculating estimates using a common construction calculator is far faster.
We set up the device and pointed the red laser dot at the area we wanted to measure; it immediately provided us with the distance. The red laser dot is bright and simple to see.
9. Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure
Specifications
Color | Yellow |
Brand | Komelon |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12.75 x 2 x 15.25 inches |
Item Weight | 2.21 Pounds |
Blade Material | Fiberglass |
Product Description
The Komelon 300-foot open reel tape measure is made for length measures, including those over a whole lot or from a curb to the rear of the house, which calls for the use of a long reel tape. The 300 feet of lime-green fiberglass tape are uniformly and snugly wound around a central spool by sturdy arm supports made of molded polypropylene.
The Komelon comes with a separate bright orange spike that can be pushed into the ground to pinpoint the origination point, while the tang has a fold-down spike that can be placed over a nail or screw head. The fiberglass tape on the Komelon has exactly the right amount of stiffness to assist in keeping it straight. We’ve used reel tapes in the past, but they would twist when we wound them back up.
Imperial measures are shown on both sides of the tape in 1/8-inch increments, as is typical for reel tapes. To prevent the tape from coming out, the winding handle, which is sturdy and folds up at the top, acts as a lock. It moves along at a leisurely pace—not too rapidly, but not slowly either. We considered the reel tape to be one of the greatest versions we’d ever examined because it is strong and long-lasting.
10. Zabiki Tape Measure, 25 Ft Dual Side Easy to Read
Specifications
Brand | Zabiki |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.1 x 3.1 x 1.8 inches |
Blade Material | Metal |
Blade Length | 25 Feet |
Lock Type | Automatic |
Product Description
Most tape measures that are offered in the United States have imperial measurements, and many of them exclusively have imperial measurements. For the few that do, the numerals are frequently tiny and hard to read. Not so with the 25-foot Zabiki tape measure, which is easy to see and clearly labeled with both inches and centimeters.
This tape measure has a strong magnetic tang, which is a nice extra feature that wasn’t present in any of the others we examined. We were able to stretch the blade by pulling the tape measure backward, while the magnetic tang remained secure when we placed the tang against the metal. It now becomes possible to measure a variety of metal items without the use of a second person to keep the tang in position. This function pleased us.
The Zabiki has a robust casing with a partially rubberized grip and a 3-riveted tang for durability. The blade lock on this tool had the propensity to stick, and we had to exert quite a deal of effort to get it to engage. This was its one drawback. The Zabiki could be stretched to approximately 6 feet before it bowed, according to our key test. Anyone who needs a tape measure that can be used for both imperial and metric measures should get this one.
Tape Measures: What You Should Know
Five distinguishable components make up a tape measure:
- Tape: The curved metal portion of a tape that retracts and expands is also known as a blade. It is printed with lines and numbers to make it easier to measure an object precisely.
- Hook: The blade’s blade end contains the hook. When the hook is dragged or pressed, rivets holding it to the blade move. To account for measures that include the hook (such as within a box or closet) and measurements that do not include the hook, the shifting movement of the hook should be equal to its width (like when measuring lumber or the outside of a window frame).
- Thumb Lock: The button on a tape measure that you press down to secure the tape in place is called the “Thumb Lock.” It offers a convenient approach to temporarily hold a measurement on the blade.
- Case: The tape measure’s exterior. When the blade is retracted, it is protected.
- Belt Clip: A belt clip, which is fastened to the back of the case, makes it possible to have a tape measure handy without putting it in a pocket. Remove the belt clip if you do want to keep the tape measure in your pocket. Typically, one screw is used to secure it to the casing.
How to Choose a Tape Measure
Think about the following factors when purchasing a tape measure:
- A good tape measure should continue to function even after being subjected to some abuse. To protect it from drops and bumps, go for one that has a rubberized casing, and blade deterioration
- To prevent the measurements from being scratched off, the print on the blade should be protected with a mylar covering.
- A hook that is substantial (at least an inch broad) and fashioned such that it can grip the edge of whatever it is you’re measuring.
- Wider blades make it simpler to read measurements. A blade that is 1 and 1/4-inches broad is preferred over one that is smaller.
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