The Best Tape Measures (2024) accurate, durable, and easy to use

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Best Tape Measures are an invaluable tool, speaking from direct experience using them. They cater to both skilled experts and novices venturing into DIY projects. With various lengths and price ranges, these tools offer a diverse selection, some even priced under $30. However, it’s crucial to note that not all tape measures share the same construction quality.

When looking for the best tape measure, our Pro team places a premium on a few certain characteristics, which I’ve found, based on my personal experience as well as conversations I’ve had with industry experts, are the most significant considerations. With the help of these categories, we were able to narrow down our options and locate the tape measure that was a perfect fit for our requirements.

Best Tape Measures Comparison Table

While you are measuring, you should look for a solid locking mechanism that will keep the tape securely in place. Slide locks and auto-lock features, both of which allow use with only one hand, are common varieties.

Feature	Irwin Strait-Line	Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Nite Eye G2	Komelon Contractor LR	Stanley FatMax	DeWalt Tough Series
Blade Material	Steel	Steel	Nylon-coated steel	BladeArmor-coated steel	Steel
Standout Capacity	Up to 9 feet	Up to 14 feet	Up to 9 feet	Up to 11 feet	Up to 13 feet
Locking Mechanism	Slide lock	Auto-lock	Slide lock	Auto-lock	Auto-lock
Warranty	Limited lifetime	Limited lifetime	Limited lifetime	Limited lifetime	Limited lifetime
Comfortable Grip	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Latest Deal	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

List of the Best Tape Measures

When it comes to measuring tools, accuracy is really essential. Check the accuracy rating of the tape measure, and make sure it has markings that are both clear and precise so that you can get accurate readings. Think about adding elements that make it easier to use the product, such as a pleasant grip, an easy mechanism for extending and retracting the tape, and an ergonomic design that allows for extended usage without causing strain.

Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure

Specification	Value
Length	Various options (e.g., 16ft, 25ft, 30ft)
Blade Material	Steel
Standout Capacity	Up to 9 feet
Locking Mechanism	Slide lock
Warranty	Limited lifetime
	Check Price

The huge numerals that are printed on the bright yellow blade are one among the distinguishing characteristics that I value. Measurements are exceptionally simple to see as a result of this design, especially in environments with less than perfect lighting conditions. Because of the strong contrast between the yellow background and the black numerals, it will be easy for you to take measurements fast and correctly without putting strain on your eyes.

This tape measure has a remarkable capacity, which is another one of its striking features. It is able to reach up to 13 feet without bending, which makes taking measures by oneself much simpler. When you’re working by yourself and don’t have anybody to hold the other end, you’ll find that this comes in really helpful.

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Nite Eye G2

Specification	Value
Length	Various options (e.g., 16ft, 25ft, 30ft)
Blade Material	Steel
Standout Capacity	Up to 14 feet
Locking Mechanism	Auto-lock
Warranty	Limited lifetime
	Check Price

In the few years I’ve been using heavy-duty tape measures, I’ve had the chance to try out some of the best ones, like the Stud from Milwaukee, the XP and Tough Series from DeWalt, the Shockforce from Crescent Lufkin, and more. When it comes to longevity, these choices have raised the bar. But if I had to choose the best one based on how I use it, it would be the DeWalt Tough Series tape measure without a question.

I think that the DeWalt Tough Series stands out because of how well it is made. The solid construction of the housing, along with a thick layer of overmold, makes it very resistant to rough handling and tough circumstances. I’ve put it through a lot of tough tests, like throwing it as high as I could and letting it land on hard ground. To my surprise, it came out of these tests with nothing more than a scratch, which shows how tough and long-lasting it is.

Komelon Contractor LR Tape Measure

Specification	Value
Length	Various options (e.g., 25ft, 30ft, 35ft)
Blade Material	Nylon-coated steel
Standout Capacity	Up to 9 feet
Locking Mechanism	Slide lock
Warranty	Limited lifetime
	Check Price

I’ve found the 25-foot Komelon Contractor LR to be a good cheap tape measure for residential use. It was accurate enough for most home jobs. I had to modify my grip because the blade lock was awkwardly placed. It also has a springy recoil, so be careful as the blade retracts to avoid getting nicked. Despite its low price, it’s a good tape measure.

I liked that both sides of the blade have black measurements for readability. A dual-color blade with one side white and the other yellow makes it easier to see measurements in low light. The robust double-coated nylon blade is 9 feet long in my tests, which is shorter than some brands. It may not be ideal for experts or frequent users, but it works well for occasional house measurements and is a useful toolbox addition.

Stanley FatMax Tape Measure

Specification	Value
Length	Various options (e.g., 16ft, 25ft, 35ft)
Blade Material	BladeArmor-coated steel
Standout Capacity	Up to 11 feet
Locking Mechanism	Auto-lock
Warranty	Limited lifetime
	Check Price

Because I’ve used this tape measure on a number of occasions, I can tell with absolute certainty that both the inside and the outside measurements are exceptionally accurate. One thing that particularly struck out to me was how simple it was to read out the measurements. It was quite easy to see the dimensions without having to squint or make any educated guesses because to the bright yellow blade with its bold black markings and large writing.

One distinguishing characteristic was the tape’s controlled and smooth rebound. Unlike the majority of other tape measures, which have a tendency to flail wildly when being retracted, this one displayed a constant and straight-line recoil, which was a relief for me while I was working on my numerous projects. When I halted it during a long or full-length recoil, however, I noticed a tiny difficulty with it: it had a slight inclination to fight with the process of retracting itself. This was the only problem I had.

DeWalt Tough Series Tape

Specification	Value
Length	Various options (e.g., 16ft, 25ft, 35ft)
Blade Material	Steel
Standout Capacity	Up to 13 feet
Locking Mechanism	Auto-lock
Warranty	Limited lifetime
	Check Price

This tape measure has a rubberized body that is incredibly comfortable to use, and it provides excellent cushioning to protect the tape from any potential damage that could occur. Despite the fact that I dropped it by accident while I was using it, it held up remarkably well, which left me rather surprised with the sturdy construction it possessed.

One aspect that particularly stood out to me was how the high-visibility yellow tape featured increment markings that were both huge and bold. Even under less-than-ideal lighting situations, they are remarkably simple to read in their entirety. The double-sided print on the blade, which had similar marks on both the top and bottom, was one of the features that I found to be very helpful. It was much simpler to take measurements from above thanks to this function, which also contributed to the general ease of using this tape measure.

Key Features to Consider

It’s important to think about a few key features when choosing a tape measure to make sure it fits your wants and preferences. Here are the most important things to think about:

• How long: There are different lengths of tape measures, from a few feet to more than 100 feet. Choose a length that works for your projects and tasks. Longer tapes are better for measuring bigger spaces, while shorter ones are easier to carry.
• What’s in the blade: The blade, or measure tape, can be made of steel, fiberglass, or steel covered with nylon. Steel blades are strong and don’t wear down easily, while fiberglass blades are bendable and don’t kink as easily.
• Capacity to Stand Out: Standout means how far the tape can go and still stay straight without falling. If you want to measure long distances without having a second person to hold the tape, you need a higher standout capacity.

Maintenance and Care Tips

When it comes to tape measures, proper care and maintenance can make sure they last longer and stay accurate and useful. Here are some tips on how to take care of and fix a tape measure:

• Don’t Mess Up: Wipe the blade and case down often with a clean, damp cloth to get rid of dirt, dust, and any glue residue.
• Don’t let it get too wet: Rust can form on the blade if it gets wet. If your tape measure gets wet, wipe it off right away and let it dry completely in the air before you roll up the tape.
• How to Store: Always keep your tape measure in a dry, cool place to keep it from getting too hot or too wet.
• Keep the Blade Safe: To keep the blade from getting worn down, don’t drag it along rough surfaces or sharp edges.
• Check for Broken Things: Check the tape measure regularly for signs of damage, like a bent or kinked blade, and replace it if it needs to be.

Questions and Answers