The results? The following models all made the cut-but keep reading-each one comes with some upsides and a few downsides. We also looked at quality, blade standout, blade lock, and the overall design of the tape. In addition to scrutinizing each one and comparing their measurements against a steel measuring tool for accuracy, we noted how easy it was to pull the blade out and how smoothly it retracted back into the housing. ![]() The following products all had to meet our high testing standards to qualify for a spot in this lineup of the best tape measures. We used the other tallies to determine the best-intended usage for the tape measures that excelled in our tests. DIYers and pros use only imperial measurements.Īt the end of the tests, we tallied the points, and if a tool came in with an unusually low number of points, we excluded it from the list. Still, we didn’t dock a tape for not having metrics since many U.S. We awarded points for durability and the quality of materials and workmanship and noted when a tape included both imperial and metric measurements. That wasn’t an aspect for the standard cased tapes, however. For example, we expected the long reel tapes to measure long distances without the tapes twisting or blowing unduly in a breeze. We looked at how well a tape performed for its intended usage. The ones with greater standout lengths received more points.Įach tape was also closely inspected and awarded points for how well its tang was attached and whether its markings were clear and easy to read. For each of the tests we performed, we awarded points between 0 and 4, depending on how well the tape measured up.Īll of the metal tapes were tested for standout length, or the length to which it could be extended in the air before it bent. We extended each one out to its maximum length-something that may not happen in general use-but it was necessary to test how the ends of the blades were connected and whether pulling on them would pull them out of the case. We then moved on to various other tests that pushed each tape measure to its limit. Fortunately, all the ones we tested were, so that wasn’t an issue. To earn a spot in our lineup, each of the tape measures had to be accurate and precise. Photo: Glenda Taylor How We Tested the Best Tape Measures BEST METRIC: Zabiki Tape Measure, 25 Ft Dual Side Easy to Read.BEST FOR DISTANCES: Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure.BEST LASER MEASURE: DTAPE Laser Measure 165ft, DT50Laser Portable Digital.BEST FOR LAYOUTS: DEWALT Tape Measure, Closed Case, 100-Foot.BEST HEAVY-DUTY: CRAFTSMAN Tape Measure, Self-Lock, 25-Foot.BEST POCKET-SIZE: LEXIVON 16Ft/5m DuaLock Tape Measure. ![]()
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