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These picks go the distanceliterally.
Photo:Real Simple
Theyre especially essential for new homes or apartments with a blank canvas in need of decorating.
To come up with this list, we tested 34 tape measures (yes, 34!)
Take a look at our full review below.
PHOTO: Lowe’s
It’s a bit bulky.
Overall, this tape measure performed well on all tests.
Those seeking a compact option would be better off with another pick from our list.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Blade Length:16, 25, 30, 35 ft. |Blade Width:1 in.
|Blade Material:Steel |Weight:2 lbs.
Best Basic
Milwaukee Compact Tape Measure
It’s unfussy and gets the job done.
It doesn’t have a very long standout.
The 1/8-inch markings are clear and not too cluttered, which helps ensure accuracy while reading the measurements.
We recommend it for anyone looking for a durable yet affordable tape measure.
Blade Length:12, 16, 25, 30 ft. |Blade Width:1 in.
|Blade Material:Steel |Weight:1 lb.
Easiest-to-Read
DeWalt Tough Series Tape Measure
It has extra-large numbers and is very durable.
The recoil is particularly powerful.
For thoseworking on a home renovation, the DeWalt ToughSeries Tape Measure is a good one to have around.
The DeWalt tape measure proved to be quite durable and only sustained minor scuffs in the process.
Still, we think this difference is so small that it wouldnt be a problem in most cases.
Just be cautious when reeling it in, as we found the recoil to be pretty powerful.
Blade Length:16 ft. |Blade Width:1 in.
|Blade Material:Steel |Weight: 2 lbs.
Best Auto-Locking
Milwaukee Compact Auto-Lock Tape Measure
The thumb lock is easy to use.
We noticed smudging on the blade.
Thats why we think the Milwaukee Compact Auto-Lock Tape Measure is worth considering.
It has an easy-to-reach, spring-loaded thumb button for a lock, rather than a switch.
We also like that the button lock made retracting the blade easier to control.
In terms of accuracy, all measurements were precise.
Blade Length:16, 25 ft. |Blade Width:1 in.
|Blade Material:Steel |Weight:1 lb.
PHOTO: The Home Depot
Best Professional
Stanley FatMax Tape Measure
It’s ideal for metal stud framing work.
The standout isn’t quite what’s listed.
For a professional-quality option, we recommend the Stanley FatMax Tape Measure.
PHOTO: Real Simple
The blade comes with a special coating that protects it from damage.
But we did encounter some difficulties when we tried to pause recoiling and then start again.
Blade Length:16, 25 ft. |Blade Width:1 in.
|Blade Material:Steel |Weight:2 lbs.
If you prefer something more economical, we recommend theMilwaukee Compact Tape Measure.
Whenever possible, we tested the 16- and 25-foot versions of each tape measure.
We noted where it bent each time and compared this to any manufacturer’s claims.
Here, we considered whether the recoil felt smooth and clean or hard to control.
Finally, we put the tape measures through a series of drop tests.
The blade is the part of the tape measure that has the measurements on it, says Jantz.
It is the tape in a tape measure.
Different brands offer blades of various lengths, with 25 feet being the most common.
However, there are other sizes available such as 16 feet, 35 feet, and even 100 feet.
Blade Width
Blade width is also important when it comes to getting accurate measurements.
That being said, Greenwell believes that a fiberglass tape measure is actually the most versatile.
Most other countries, however, use the metric system, which measures distance in meters and centimeters.
However, Jantz says auto-locking and a large standout are usually the most valuable features for most people.
If you’re looking for auto-locking, we particularly like theMilwaukee Compact Auto-Lock Tape Measure.
PHOTO: Home Depot
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: The Home Depot
PHOTO: Courtesy by Acme Tools
PHOTO: Real Simple
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