Choosing the best measuring tape: what to look for when buying, in the ranking of the best models with pros and cons

Expert: Konstantin Borisovich Polyakov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

The most popular measuring tool among a wide range of craftsmen is the tape measure. This convenient and compact product is used in the construction of new buildings, during reconstruction and repair, in the process of geodetic work, etc. The tape measure is a compact device consisting of a body and a flexible tape with a measuring scale. Thanks to a special hook, even one worker can take measurements. The domestic market offers a wide range of domestic and foreign products. When choosing a suitable model, experts recommend starting from the following parameters.

How to choose a measuring tape

1. Length
   . First of all, the user should decide on the maximum length of the tape measure. For example, compact 2-3-meter products are enough for window measurers or locksmiths. But on large construction sites it is necessary to use 30-meter models.
2. A convenient option would be a magnetic hook
   . With its help, the starting point of the tape is securely fixed to steel surfaces, making it easier to take measurements alone.
3. Material
   . Most often, the tape is made of steel, onto which a scale and a protective coating are applied. When the markings are bright and large, you can work even in poor lighting conditions.
4. The reliability and durability
   of the tape measure largely depends on the quality of the case. The tool, which has rubber lining, is not afraid of falls. They absorb impact energy while maintaining the integrity of the plastic case.
5. Functionality
   . To effectively control the tape, the tape measures have locking buttons and levers. When purchasing, you should check how securely the stopper holds the tape and whether rewinding begins immediately after turning off the braking system.
6. Weight and dimensions.
   When using a measuring tool frequently, compactness and lightness become important parameters. For ease of wearing, manufacturers equip their products with wrist straps and clips for fixing them on a belt.

Our review includes the 12 best measuring tapes. When compiling the rating, the opinion of the expert community and reviews of domestic consumers were taken into account.

Emerging problems

There is a huge selection of measuring tapes in the catalogs, so it is important to know what problems may arise when working with measuring instruments.

Common problems:

• Low quality.
• Avoid working in the rain; corrosion will cause the tape tension spring to break.
• When working with sand and dirt, they can get inside the housing. Auto-twisting will not work; you will have to disassemble and clean the case.

Cheap models are often of low quality; they have the following main problems:

• the hook may boil away;
• inflexibility of the spring mechanism;
• erasing markings.

Rating of the best measuring tapes

The best keychain tape measure

A small measuring instrument can always be with the owner if it is made in the form of a keychain tape measure. Its main advantages are lightness, compactness and mobility. Experts liked one interesting model.

FIT 17825

Rating: 4.7

A very convenient measuring tool that can always be at hand is the FIT 17825 keychain tape measure. You can attach a bunch of keys to it thanks to the presence of a metal ring. A 2-meter steel strip with a width of 8 mm is hidden inside the case. The tape measure will be an indispensable assistant for people whose activities are related to construction or repair. Despite its small size, the instrument is not a toy. The case has a rubberized insert, the product is equipped with a locking lever. The model deservedly takes first place in our rating.

Many users call the keychain tape measure an indispensable measuring tool that always follows its owner. Among the shortcomings, only a millimeter error in the readings is noted.

Advantages

• compact and light (80 g);
• steel tape;
• low price;
• rubberized body.

Flaws

• measurement error is 1 mm.

The best measuring tapes over 10 meters long

When a large building is being built, tape measures 20-30 m long help to take measurements quickly and accurately. They must be equipped with an effective winding system. Experts advise paying attention to two models.

STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 30 M

Rating: 4.9

The STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 30-meter tape measure is used on large construction sites. This American development is equipped with a narrow (10 mm) tape, due to which the weight was reduced to 1.3 kg. A wire loop is attached to the end of the flexible steel tape, which makes it easier to fix to the starting point. For quick winding, an effective mechanism is installed in the plastic case. The rubber pad softens the impact on the tape measure in case of accidental falls or impacts. Experts highly appreciated the build quality, giving the product first place in our rating.

Builders praise the tape measure for its accuracy, reliability and durability. Users consider the high price to be a disadvantage of the tool.

Advantages

• fast tape rewinding;
• two-piece body;
• wear-resistant scale coating;
• high-quality assembly.

Flaws

• high price.

Device and characteristics

The design of the simplest measuring tape is extremely simple:

• Measuring sheet – a plastic or metal narrow strip (web), on the front of which a scale is applied.

• The case is a small plastic or metal box in which the canvas is stored in a roll-shaped form (hence the name).

• Hook – the metal tip of the measuring tape.

Serves to fix the zero mark of the scale at the corner of the measured object, or any of its protruding elements.

This allows you to use the tool with one hand.

There are options equipped with a double hook - two teeth protruding from the front and back sides of the blade.

• Latch – a mechanism located on the body that allows you to fix the blade in a selected area.

In most cases, it is a key - a slider that presses the blade to the body when pressed.

Alternatively, the roulette can have an auto-stop or a so-called pause button.

• The spring is perhaps the most important element that ensures ease of use of the tool.

Responsible for independently winding the fabric into the body.

In addition to the elements that form the basis of the tape measure design, additional mechanisms can be installed on the body, for example, a small flashlight for illuminating the scale, a strap for conveniently removing the instrument from a pocket or wearing it on the wrist, a clip for fixing it on a belt.

Main parameters characterizing the tool:

• dimensions and material of the canvas;
• measuring scale parameters;
• body parameters;
• fastener type;
• accuracy class;
• parameters of the hook (hook).

Material

The body of the household and construction tape measure is made of durable plastic.

This material is quite sufficient to ensure structural strength, since the housing box itself is small in size and assembled monolithically.

Typically, the body is painted black, however, there are also multi-colored bright options.

In general, a bright color is preferable, as it allows you to quickly find the tape measure among construction tools and materials where it was carelessly left.

Another option is a tool with a transparent polycarbonate body, which has toughness and durability.

Due to the white canvas, it also immediately catches the eye.

For additional protection from mechanical damage, as well as for ease of holding in the hand, a rubberized plastic casing of the tape measure is made, which is inferior in compactness to options without a rubber coating.

Special geodetic tape measures with a web length of more than 30 meters almost all have a metal body.

Dimensions and weight

Depending on the type of tool, its dimensions are within the following limits:

• Length: 30 – 300 mm
• Width: 6 – 30 mm
• Height: 30 – 300 mm

Dimensions of a classic household tape measure, which can be found in almost every home:

• Case length – 56 mm
• Case width – 13 mm
• Case height – 58 mm

The weight of the tool depends on its size, the length of the blade and the materials from which its components are made.

The weight of the household version is 150 – 250 g.

An interesting fact is that most tape measures indicate the length of their body.

This allows the tool to be used to measure inside openings without any bending of the blade.

In other words, the length of the extracted blade is added to the length of the body.

The best geodetic roulettes

In the professional activities of surveyors, a measuring tape is a reliable assistant. It differs from traditional models not only in its greater length (30-50 m), but also in the special shape of the handle. Here are some quality samples.

Empire EM30MFG

Rating: 4.9

The Empire EM30MFG geodetic tape measure has a fairly simple and convenient design. The manufacturer used an open-type case; it is made of durable ABS plastic. The D-shaped handle allows you to hold the tool securely while unwinding the tape. Rubber pads provide comfort during operation and also protect the tool from damage when dropped. For the manufacture of the tape, fiberglass with a width of 19 mm was used, which made it possible to reduce the weight of the 30-meter product to 0.96 kg. There is a special folding handle for winding the tape. The model takes first place in our rating.

Users have no complaints about the quality of manufacture and reliability of the roulette. The model is 100% worth the money spent on it.

Advantages

• two-piece body;
• comfortable handle;
• light weight;
• high-quality assembly.

Flaws

• high price.

What to look for when choosing

Many people do not see anything difficult in choosing a measuring instrument, believing that the main thing in it is the length. But this is a mistaken opinion. When choosing a roulette, you need to take into account a number of other parameters:

1. Accuracy. An instrument of poor quality may have a scale drawn with thick lines, and it will be difficult to determine which edge of such lines to focus on when taking measurements. The professional tool is equipped with markings made of neat and so thin lines that it will be difficult for a person with not very good eyesight to see it. The contrast of the markings and the depiction of numbers on it in large font will solve this problem.
2. The degree of rigidity of its fabric. The blade of the measuring instrument can be straight or semicircular, curved along its entire length. A tool with a curved blade is more rigid, and if you need to release it a lot, it will not break. A high-quality tool will only break if it is released to a length of two meters. This is very convenient when taking measurements without assistance over a large area.
3. Length. It is recommended to choose the size of the product based on the volume of upcoming measurements. So, for work in private houses or apartments, a tool with a length of 10 m will be sufficient, and for a larger volume – 50 m.
4. Security of the tool belt. During the production of these measuring instruments, their tape is covered with a special protective layer that protects it from corrosion and damage. On cheap instruments, a very thin layer of paint is applied over the tape, which can be called protective with a big stretch. Products that cost above average already have a more serious coating - copper or zinc.

It happens that manufacturers apply too thick a protective layer, and thereby make the instrument heavier and more susceptible to fractures when pulled out only 1.5 meters.

• Frame. Instruments less than 20 m in length are produced in plastic cases, which are considered not particularly reliable. It is necessary to evaluate the exit hole of the instrument. It should have a rubber insert.