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Though you’d assume most tape measures are the same, that isn’t the case.
The Spruce
“But if your space is small, a 16-foot tape measure is sufficient.
The measurements are in black on both sides of the blade, which we thought was very helpful.
The blade lock is positioned a bit awkwardly, and we had to reposition our hands to use it.
PHOTO: The Home Depot
Still, for the price point, this is a fine, sturdily constructed tape measure.
However, we found it a bit tricky to hook the tape measure onto our belt.
This is a very sturdy tape measure with a 1-3/16-inch matte nylon-coated blade that reduces glare.
The Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure is not just accurate, it’s easy to read and operate.PHOTO: The Spruce
It also has standard measurements for studs and joists.
Measurements are indicated down to 1/16ths of an inch, with additional markings showing stud and joist spacings.
The magnetic tip can be removed if desired, a useful feature not found on many tape measures.
However, you’ll still need to count line markings for 1/16s of an inch.
The 1-inch-wide blade is coated with nylon for durability, and the tape measure’s case is very sturdy.
It has a rubbery coating for an easy grip and added protection against damage from drops.
This makes the tape measure well-suited for home, workshop, or garage projects.
It’s also very reasonably priced.
We also noted that the recoil was a bit slow but reliable.
The sturdy, nonslip, rubber-coated case protects the toolfrom damage even if dropped from a height.
The measurements are marked in large, easy-to-read black numbers down to 1/16ths of an inch.
Standard stud and joist spacings are marked as well.
We tested both the 16-foot and 25-foot models and found them both very accurate.
We liked the compact size of this tape measure, which fits comfortably in your hand.
The belt clip was somewhat stiff, but the tool still clipped in place fairly easily.
Still, this tape measure has a lot to recommend it.
Its a professional-quality tool that is very sturdy and accurate.
We especially like its finger brake, which allows you to control the speed of the blades recoil.
Performance:We tested the tape measures, scoring them on several performance aspects.
Tape measures with magnetic hooks were also tested while clinging to a metallic object.
Durability:Recoil, or blade retraction, was the next test.
We then released the lock and allowed the blade to retract freely and with control from our fingers.
This was repeated several times while the recoil was evaluated for smoothness, aggressiveness, and ease of control.
If plastic, it should be heavy enough to withstand regular use and occasional drops.
PHOTO: Amazon
Metal cases are heavier but sturdier.
Other than 25 feet, the most common sizes are 12, 16, 30, and 35 feet.
As for the blade width, around 1 inch is best.
The Komelon Contractor tape measure impressed us with it’s great value for the price.PHOTO: The Spruce
Thinner than that, and the blade can be flimsy.
Wider, and you may find the tape measure too bulky or difficult to retract.
Markings
All tape measures have markings to indicate increments of length.
Most tape measures sold in the US have only imperial measurements, meaning inches and feet.
Some also have metric measurements, so if that is important, be sure to check before you buy.
Most commonly, tape measures have numerals for inches and feet and small lines to indicate fractions of inches.
Hook
The metal tip of a cased tape measure is called the hook or the tang.
Additionally, hooks with upright points are more likely to catch on items other than what you are measuring.
Neither option is necessarily superior; its mostly a matter of preference.
Some tape measures have a stop button to let you lock the tape at the desired measurement.
The belt clip on a tape measure is to attach it to your belt within easy reach.
The black diamonds are stud or joist markings for builders to help them spacefloor joistsin new construction.
The markings are located at 19.2-inch intervals.
A metric measuring tape has markings for meters, centimeters, and millimeters.
Add the cm and mm to get the total measurement.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article is edited and updated byMichelle Ullman, the home improvement/tool editor for The Spruce.
PHOTO: Walmart
The Crescent Lufkin Tape Measure impressed us with the easy-to-read markings.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Home Depot
The DeWalt Tough Series Tape Measure even has markings down to 1/16ths of an inch.The Spruce
PHOTO: The Home Depot
The Milwaukee Compact has fractional scale to make readings as simple as ever.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Courtesy by Amazon
The Stanley FatMax Tape Measure is loved by pros, DIYers, and us alike.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Home Depot
We found the Milwaukee Compact Autolock sturdy and accurate during our testing.PHOTO: The Spruce
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We even double checked the measurement notches to ensure they were accurate.The Spruce
We found that the 25-foot measuring tape was a great length for all of our tests.The Spruce
