Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or simply a major DIY enthusiast, one thing you’re definitely going to need in your arsenal is a good tape measure. And you’re going to need the right one for the job/s.
Lucky for you, I’ve been looking into what’s out there in terms of different tape measures, and I’ll be sharing my reviews with you now.
I’ve handpicked and tested 7 different tape measures, and I’ve even got a brief buying guide for you as well to help you find the best tape measure.
Please feel free to scroll ahead if you already know what you’re looking for. Here goes.
Best Overall Tape Measure: Stanley 8M Pocket Tape Measure
Stanley is a big name brand, and this is their classic traditional measuring tape offering. It extends up to 8M and features centimeters on one edge, and inches on the other.
It’s retractable, and the tape is coated with Tylon for better durability. You can lock it in place if you wish, and there’s a handy hook at the end.
And it even has a belt clip, and when testing this out I found it came in super handy. But don’t worry, if you’re not wearing a belt, this tape measure will fit in your pocket.
Available to buy at:
Best Heavy-Duty Tape Measure: Stanley Fatmax Xtreme
If you’re looking for a tape measure that is very rigid when you use it, then this is the one for you. It has a Mylar coating, which gives it incredible durability, and a long lifespan.
It’s oversized, which I find makes it more stable to use, and it features a very beefy hook at the end. What’s more, this heavy-duty tape measure also comes from top brand Stanley, and is a full 8 M in length.
The only real drawback is that it’s not as lightweight as a standard, traditional tape measure, such as the Stanley Pocket tape measure I reviewed for you earlier.
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Best Laser Tape Measure: Hanmer Rechargeable Digital Distance Meter
As we mention in our buying guide a little later, laser tape measures are perfect for measuring large interior spaces. And this one has a range of up to a whopping 40 M.
This digital tape measure is very easy to use, and the distances are provided on an LED display, and provide precise measurements to within 1.5 millimeters. And there’s a retractable 5 M tape measure built in to boot.
Of course, because this best laser tape measure entails more technology than a standard traditional tape measure, as you may imagine it does cost more.
However, if you need to measure distances over 8 M indoors, then there’s no doubt about it, a laser tape measure is a must-have.
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Best Micro Tape Measure: Stanley 6′ Fatmax Keychain Tape Measure
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, and your focus is solely on taking small measurements of 2 M or less, then all you need is a small keychain tape measure, like this one.
Again, this tape measure comes from the top brand in the industry, Stanley. I have tried it out, and it gets my seal of approval.
You can fix it to your keys, so you always have it at hand when you need it. What’s more, it features spring-loaded retraction and a thumb lock to hold it in place when you need to.
Available to buy at:
Best Flexible Tape Measure: iBayam Retractable Sewing Tape Measure
If you need a tape measure that can bend, then this is the one for you. It’s flexible enough to wrap around curved items such as your waist or chest etc.
And whereas a sewing tape measure can easily get tangled up, this one features a spring-loaded retractable case, so you never have to worry about any unwanted tangling.
It’s a prominent bestseller with the leading online retailers, where it has been met with excellent customer ratings and reviews.
It’s 1.5 M in length, so it’s perfect for smaller measurements, and it features scales in both centimeters and inches.
Available to buy at:
Best Surveyor Tape Measure: Komelon Open Reel Tape Measure
Now, surveyor tape measures, as we discuss in our buying guide shortly, are best for measuring long distances outdoors. And this particular one reaches a whopping 330 feet.
The tape measure features both metric and inch scales, and is double nylon coated with a durable fiberglass blade. And it’s in hi-vis yellow, so you’re not going to easily misplace it.
It has a heavy-duty ABS frame and a comfortable rubber hand grip.
Available to buy at:
Best Budget Tape Measure: Rolson 5M Tape Measure
If you’re on the lookout for a traditional tape measure, but you want to save money by going for a more affordable brand, then this is the one for you.
Like the Stanley Pocket tape measure, it’s a retractable tape measure (also known as reel tape measures), with a hook on the end, and measurements in both centimeters and inches. There’s also a thumb lock to keep the tape measure in place when needed.
It reaches up to 5 M, and what’s more, the outer part is rubberized, so it’s easy to grip even if your hands are dusty or cold, or when wearing gloves.
Available to buy at:
Buying Guide
As promised, here’s your buying guide.
Here follows a run down of 4 different types of tape measure. Please have a read through to work out which type/s you need.
Pocket Tape Measure
The pocket tape measure is the traditional one. It is retractable, and is available in a range of different lengths from 2M up to 8M.
It’s a reliable gadget used by both professionals and DIY-ers alike. It’s a good overall tape measure, and can be used for most jobs around the house.
Laser Tape Measure
A laser tape measure works by emitting a pulse of light and calculates distances based on how long it takes for the light to return when reflected back.
For this reason, it’s a great choice for measuring large interior spaces, and calculating the square footage of rooms, perhaps with painting or installing flooring in mind.
Flexible Tape Measure
Flexible measuring tapes, also known as sewing measuring tapes, are considerably more flexible than a standard tape measure, which is why they’re so well suited for working with fabrics, or measuring body shape. Or anything that curves, really.
We would recommend that you go for a retractable one, because this ensures tangle-free storage.
Surveyor Tape Measure
If you intend to measure long distances, such as 30 M or more, then you will need a dedicated surveyor tape measure. They are flexible and can be used outdoors, since they don’t rely on a laser.
Wrap Up
Now that you know all about the different types of tape measures available, and you have a selection of the top ones to choose from, you can easily deduce which might be best for your particular project or needs.