The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon. If the tape folds over, the hook can't engage the edge of what you plan to measure. Despite its low price, the Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure doesn't feel cheap. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products. This makes it possible to easily use it as part of any measurement you're takingan incredibly useful feature in tight spaces. 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. 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. My name is Rebecca Boniface. What is the price range of a tape measure. The impact-resistant case makes this tool durable, and the tape itself uses an acrylic coating to help stand up to regular wear and tear. If you buy the MulWark, consider cutting off the strap. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. 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. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. In addition, the Komelon tape measure has push buttons that allow you to retract the blade when youre done measuring. When shopping for a tape measure, consider the following: A good tape measure should keep working despite enduring a fair amount of abuse. After drop testing, the Kutir started making purring/whirring noise inside its case when moving the blade. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure. 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. A tape measure is made up of five visible parts: Tape: also called a blade, is the curved metal part that retracts and extends. The side crank rolls up the tape measure quickly and easily and is ergonomic for comfort when youre finished measuring. I tested how reliably each tape measure's auto-retract and locking mechanisms worked. I understand the importance of owning affordable, dependable tools in making a DIY project or a repair go smoothly. It protects the blade when it is retracted. A spring inside the case will retract the tape as soon as you stop pulling it, and the thumb lock (a flat, textured slider on the front of the case) will allow you to lock the tape in place. A lock is a similar feature, except the blade remains extended without you having to keep your finger on a button. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Here are the best tape measures we tested, ranked in order: The Crescent Lufkin Black Widow is the most versatile, durable tape measure that we've ever tested. The white tape also features a non-glare finish, making it easier to read, especially from far away. With some more research, you may find some measuring tapes with an auto lock feature but these will be fairly basic. Reading and taking measurements is easy due to the large size of the number. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider I also love the neon green color of this tape, which makes it easier to spot in your toolbox or a cluttered desk drawer. 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. We welcome your feedback. With a digital screen, the eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure can read measurements for you. Measuring objects is difficult. Best budget tape measure: Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure, $10.97 at Home DepotIf you're on a tight budget, the Stanley PowerLock is a quality product at a low price. Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. The hook extends out on all four sides, allowing it to catch in any orientation, unlike most hooks that only extend downwards. Unlike other tape measures, this measure has fractions of an inch indicated with numerals and not small lines. I'm also a big fan of the 16-foot version of this tape, which could be a good choice if this one looks too bulky. I liked the fact that the body of the Powerlock measures exactly three inches, in length. Double check to ensure the tape you select has features you want, whether its a double casing, nylon blade, or a lock lever. You should know that, during durability testing, the Craftsman's case presented a new scuff or dent each time it was dropped, presenting an argument against its long-term durability. However, I was annoyed by the MulWark's rubber wrist strap: It was stiff and kept poking me as I used the tape measure. If something is worth measuring, it's worth measuring correctly. 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. With a strong magnet on the end of the hook, the Stanley FATMAX attaches securely to studs and other metal surfaces. I've used this model when on a ladder measuring between ceiling rafters to cut drywall pieces. 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. If you only use your tape measure to hang the occasional picture frame, you likely only need a 16-foot blade. However, unlike our main pick, the Gripper's tape is only printed on one side. Email us at reviews@insider.com. The tape provides stud center markings, so it's suited for framing jobs as well. The tape's hook is identical to the one found on the Stanley FATMAX and Dewalt DWHT36107. Or ordering the right size child car seat for your car? The Craftsman tape measure is also offered in multiple lengths that have fractions printed on the blade for better accuracy. Its also much faster than using a standard measuring tape. There's practically no end to the list of household jobs that would benefit from a tape measure. 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. 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.

The case should also be rubberized to prevent the plastic body from cracking if its dropped. While you may need a regular tape measure, laser tape measures offer better accuracy and can measure further distances but can also be recalibrated. 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 professional extends up to 12 feet and is imprinted with both imperial and metric measurements down to 1/16 inches. 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. I've found that this light weight also contributes to its durability. It's attached to the blade by rivets that shift if the hook is pushed or pulled. This tape measure is versatile and convenient for needlework, clothes making, tailoring, taking your body measurements, and small measuring tasks around the house. 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.

It's up to you whether or not you prefer this fractional layout to be helpful or not. 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). A magnet allows you to keep it connected to metal studs or other items while measuring. A hook that's large (at least one-inch wide) and shaped to allow it to hold onto the edge of whatever you're measuring. This is no obligation form and doesnt require you to purchase any service. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fianc and their dog Louie. 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. This tape measure passed my drop test with flying colors, coming out the other end of it without a single mark on it. Want to make sure that the mirror you're hanging is centered before you drill an anchor hole? Read More, This tape measure comes with a chrome case and easy-to-read numbers on its tape. Additionally, after drop testing this tape measure, I found that extending or retracting the tape caused it to make a wheezing noise. The curve also helps you read the measurements accurately. The Milwaukee 48-22-6625 comes with some helpful markings on its measure. Rebecca Boniface is a certified PADI dive instructor, full-time nomad, and DIY enthusiast. Wading in the water in a backyard meant having a massive swimming pool or settling for a scant hot tub. Plus, you don't have to worry about you or anyone else misreading any handwritten measurements. Other reviews highlighted its locking mechanism. The main issue with the Kutir is the movement of its blade when it's supposed to be locked in position. You will need something for the laser to bounce off of, so they aren't practical for measuring boards or other flat objects. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. The backlit screen also allows you to see your measurements at night or in poorly lit spaces. This tape measure has only imperial measurements and not metric measurements. Cons: Lacks the extra protection of higher-end tapes, short standout. However, much of the maintenance I do inside of our RV is similar to the repairs you might encounter in your house or apartment. Doing so will quickly illustrate how far off each tape measure is in accuracy, from one another. Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the home improvement, DIY, and appliance space. The Stanley PowerLock tape measure is a bright-colored model coated in a rubbery material. This made it more difficult to hook on to edges while measuring and when its tape is extended, more prone to bending. Where a high level of precision is necessary, it's possible to check the accuracy of your tape measure using a tape measure calibration tool, like this one from Lixer Tools. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. 2022 Reviewed, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network LLC. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. This tape measure is very lightweight, making it easy to hold for long periods. They're great for those times that you wouldn't have thought to bring your primary tape measure, like walking past a garage sale with a potential piece of furniture. The blade is rust-resistant, making it a great choice for use in damp conditions. The main drawback with this model is that it lacks the rubber casing that more expensive tapes have. However, this tape measure's many faults make it hard to recommend. You can now buy a standard tape measure that has a blade you read manually or a digital one that takes measurements for you. The carabiner clip is my favorite feature of the Komelon 4110CS. The Bosch Blaze Pro GLM165-40 Laser Distance Measurer will provide accurate measurements to within 0.0625 of an inch and has a much longer range than a traditional tape measure. The non-deforming, soft plastic material allows superior material consistency and prevents it from stretching unnecessarily. Before Insider, Alex was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. I divided testing up into three phases: practical use, subjective, and destructive. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards.



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