2022 best tape measure

Also known as a flexible ruler, a tape measure is a long thin object made of flexible material.

Rebecca Boniface is a certified PADI dive instructor, full-time nomad, and DIY enthusiast. A tape measure is curved and has a concave design to help keep the blade straight when extended. Its unique end hook helps hold the tape measure in place while measuring, while its high-contrast black and green printed tape is easy to read under most lighting conditions. The tape itself is rolled up inside the case (the large piece you hold in your hand), and you unfurl it by pulling on the hook (the small metal piece that's protruding from the case). While I appreciated that the Big Button's tape also includes markings for measuring in centimeters, the additional numbers only added to the confusion. I also love the neon green color of this tape, which makes it easier to spot in your toolbox or a cluttered desk drawer. While the button held up well in testing, the sound that the spring that holds the button in place made, each time I locked it, made me wonder about this tool's build quality. After hours of research and testing, we discovered the Crescent Lufkin Black Widow (available at Amazon) is the best tape measure you can buy. I'm a big fan of this grip and have found it comfortable to carry, and it reduces the chances of accidental drops. This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. Through testing each of the 12 models in a controlled environment, I was able to quickly uncover the issues with each measuring tape. Despite its low price, the Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure doesn't feel cheap. Although its 10-foot length is suitable for a wide range of measuring tasks, it wouldn't be practical for large-scale projects. And since you dont have to hold it in place on one end, thanks to its auto-lock feature, you can complete various jobs single-handedly. It has United States and metric conversions and can save previous measurements to refer back to later.

A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. Wider blades allow for easier reading of measurements. Instead of traditional tapes that only label their inch markings, this one includes the - and 1/4-inch increments as well. If you want a laser or digital tape measure, they can be quite expensive. This rugged tape is also designed to be easy to use by yourself, thanks to its 17-foot reach. The Craftsman tape measure is also offered in multiple lengths that have fractions printed on the blade for better accuracy. This might seem like overkill for rough measurements, but it comes in handy for precise work, like when hanging a picture in the exact middle of your wall. Best easy-to-read tape measure: Komelon SM5425 Gripper Measuring Tape, $9.80 on AmazonThe fractional increments on the Komelon SM5425 make it easy to read, whether you're a first-time user or professional. Extend it further, and it will bend without someone or something supporting it. Yes, lasers are a great way to take measurements, especially when measuring long distances that would be a challenge for a single person to do alone with a traditional tape. There are seven feet of standout meaning, you wont need somebody else to hold the blade in place up to that point. Read More, A disappointing tape measure from a usually reliable brand. It protects the blade when it is retracted.

This thing almost feels like a baseball in your hand, which I love, but others might find too bulky. I've used this model when on a ladder measuring between ceiling rafters to cut drywall pieces. Your email will be used only to confirm your request and to provide free kitchen information. The side crank rolls up the tape measure quickly and easily and is ergonomic for comfort when youre finished measuring. Whether youre looking for a heavy-duty weed eater or just something to get basic jobs done, weve reviewed some of the best weed eaters on the market.

The blade is rust-resistant, making it a great choice for use in damp conditions. We welcome your feedback. With a large 1 and a quarter-inch wide and 1-inch deep hook at the end of the Crescent Lufkin Black Widow's tape, I found that the tape measure was able to hold on to any edge that I used it on during testing. When shopping for a tape measure, consider the following: A good tape measure should keep working despite enduring a fair amount of abuse. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.

This product is the most affordable option in this review. If you do need to use multiple tape measures, calibrate them before starting on your project. Theres also a professional-grade stake hoop for convenient outdoor measuring and carabiner so you can clip the tool to your belt or toolbag. The cutout on the bottom of the tape lets you use your finger to stop the tape whenever you like. The PowerLock feature ensures that the blade lock grips the tape, so you don't have to worry about it creeping back into the case and affecting your measurements. Luckily, tape measures make it extremely easy to make quick and accurate measurements. It makes this tool a lot more pleasant to use. Also, consider the additional features that will make your work easier as well as learnhow to organize toolsin your house. Most of them are very affordable. This measuring tape has a high-impact ABS case with a top-grade rubber covering, which increases durability. Belt Clip: attached to the back of the case, a belt clip offers the means to keep a tape measure within reach, without the need to tuck it into a pocket. Get the best deals and the best advice dropped right in your inbox. However, negative reviews said that the digital display failed after a short period of time and that the blade couldnt be pulled out quickly without causing glitches on the display. If you buy the MulWark, consider cutting off the strap. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. With both standard and metric measurements on the tape measure, you wont have to switch up depending on what you need measurements for. There's no reason why it can't be used as a primary tape measure, even for a professional. But plunge pools fill the middle ground, give a splash of fun, and offer relaxation in smaller yards.

The blade is also 40% thicker than most models on the market, increasing its durability. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best weed killers on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you. A 1 and 1/4-inch wide blade is preferable to narrower blades. During my time at reviewed.com, I've evaluated tool kits, electric screwdrivers, closet organizers, and other tools to help you make the best purchases. Given how simple using a measuring tape appears on the surface, measuring is a complicated business. I was surprised at how much of a difference there was between tape measures while measuring the same lengths.

It includes standard tape measure features, including a rubberized case, nylon-coated blade, and self-locking mechanism. Pros: Extremely durable, magnetic tip, four-sided hook. Read More, This tape measure comes with a chrome case and easy-to-read numbers on its tape. Bosch is well-known for its accurate and easy-to-use lasers measures. His expertise also extends to the landscaping and gardening space, supported by experience as a landscaping professional. The Black Widow's unique, high-contrast fluorescent-green-on-black printed measures, printed on both the top and bottom of the tape, was easy to read in dim lighting or under daylight conditions. If you dont want to use the auto-lock, you can use the manual mode for speed marking.

Despite Dewalt's reputation, their DWHT36107 tape measure didn't test well.

Want to make sure that the mirror you're hanging is centered before you drill an anchor hole? After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once you understand how the components of a tape measure work, there's not much to it.

The Wireworm Tape Measure is an excellent choice for contractors who need to take measurements in the field. And thanks to their compact size, they are convenient to keep in your pocket, on your belt, or in a drawer. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best tape measures on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. It's made it through some impressive drops that heavier tapes wouldn't have survived. Best laser tape measure: Bosch Blaze Pro GLM165-40 Laser Distance Measurer, $69.99 at Ace HardwareThe Bosch Blaze Pro will provide accurate measurements to within 0.0625 of an inch and has a much longer range than a traditional tape measure. Design-event.co.uk Is Now Part of KitchenInfinity.com, What Kitchen Faucets Have Lifetime Warranty, What is the Flow Rate for Kitchen Faucets, What Does Delta Use for a Tool for Their Long Handled Kitchen Faucets Hidden Aerators. Negative reviews said that this tape measures metric scale was unusable. The hook can be stored inside the tape measure when not used, so it doesnt snag on anything. A tape measure is made up of five visible parts: Tape: also called a blade, is the curved metal part that retracts and extends. Theres a lock to keep the nylon coated, metal blade extended to where you want it. A reliable tape measure will ensure that these tasks are completed quickly and won't result in frustrating issues down the road.

As advertised, The AmazonBasics Big Button has, well, a large button to lock its tape in place after making a measurement. I've known people who are too used to a traditional tape to use this one, but I find it helpful, especially when doing lots of measurements for a specific project. If you're anything like me, you'll probably find yourself using it a lot more than you think. The dual locking system allows the tape to stay in place, but some have found the retract mechanism could use some work, making it easier to manually push it back in. It has a cushioned, slip-resistant design that fits comfortably in your hand and an easy-to-use blade lock. Wading in the water in a backyard meant having a massive swimming pool or settling for a scant hot tub. This first-hand knowledge allowed me to gather a collection of about a dozen options, all of which I knew to be both high-quality and made by reputable brands. In the end, out of a seemingly infinite sea of tape measures, I ended up calling in 12 for testing. To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Here are the six best tape measures for any project in 2022: Best tape measure overall: Stanley 25-Foot Fatmax Tape Measure, $22.97 at Home DepotThis Stanley tape measure combines durability with ease of use and, thanks to an impressive 14-foot reach, is convenient to use alone.

Positive reviews said that this tape measure was easy to read, accurate, and durable. KitchenInfinity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon .com.

If youre on a budget, finding the best tape measure shouldnt be a problem. The auto-lock also provides precision and control during the tape blade extension, measurement, and retraction.

Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. It measures in imperial units only and not metric. Once released, the blade automatically retracts back into the sturdy plastic housing. 5 Best Cordless Leaf Blowers (2022 Review), The 5 Best Double-Sided Tapes (2022 Review), The 5 Best Magnetic Screwdriver Sets (2022 Review), How to Choose a Finish Nailer | This Old House: Live, How to Maintain Small Engine Gas-Powered Yard Tools. Positive customer reviews noted that this tape measure was accurate and easy to read. However, this tape measure's many faults make it hard to recommend. It can keep up to 10 measurements stored in its memory, which can come in handy when you don't have a pencil and paper. It features a magnetic hook and, like the Lufkin Black Widow, The Mulwark's measures are also printed on the bottom. This is no obligation form and doesnt require you to purchase any service.

The tape's hook is identical to the one found on the Stanley FATMAX and Dewalt DWHT36107. In addition to choosing between a standard and digital tape measure, take the following features into account. We operate independently from our advertising team. Many also noted that it had a durable build. Kristina is an expert DIY home remodeler and mom to three. Its sturdy, chrome-plated case and Mylar coated blade stand up to even fairly rigorous use. Best heavy-duty tape measure: Milwaukee 25-Foot Blade Magnetic Tape Measure, $29.97 at Home DepotThe Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure is tough enough for heavy-duty use, and a convenient magnetic hook makes it easy to use without a helper. The metal tabs on each end of the tape make it easy to place the tape against the item to be measured. This distinctive print on both sides of the tape measure allowed for a reading to be taken no matter which way I held the Black Widow, making it the most versatile and useful of any of the tape measures I tested. It provides a useful way to hold a measurement, for a moment, on the blade. And tape measures aren't just for heavy-duty tasks like cutting lumber for a woodworking project or marking out where you're putting a new bedroom window.

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The lines printed on this tape measure's blade are large, easy to read, and include extra markings for studs for construction users. It also features a pencil sharpener and a convenient notepad for jotting down measurements as you go.

After drop testing, its chromed body showed a number of scratches. Other reviews highlighted its locking mechanism. Case: the outside of the tape measure.

The Stanley PowerLock tape measure is a bright-colored model coated in a rubbery material.



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2022 best tape measure