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One of the most basic but necessary tools for construction , DIY renovations , and hobby - related chore is the humble magnetic tape measure . Whether you are build your new home , retrace a volaille chicken coop , building a geartrain set , or just sizing up a space to fit your new press , a tape recording measure engender your measurements correct .
A tape measure is a simple machine that has been part of our tool case since the 1860s . However , there are some very important specifications to conceive before you pose out to grease one’s palms yourself a new one .
The 6 Best Tape Measures
Our Top Pick for the Best Tape Measure
Ourtop plectrum for the best taping measureis theKutir Tape Measure .
With a shock - absorbent material safety case , a sturdy steel blade that will not collapse in the centre of a job , and well-to-do - to - read measurements , the Kutir taping measure is good value for money . The magnetized crotchet , automobile - whorl function , and fast retraction also mean that this is the consummate tape cadence for DIY or pursuit - relate task .
How to Choose the Best Tape Measure
Tape Measure Length
Tape measure get in a image of sizes : 10 , 12 , 16 , or 25 - feet in length . Some manufacturers even plan their tape measuring rod with an extra ft , at 26 - pes .
A tape bar that has a length of 25 - foot is the best duration to choose as you never know when this type of length will make out in ready to hand , especially if you are work on a construction site or doing some DIY around your home .
Tape measures that have a short length would be idealistic for hobbies or value a smaller construction such as a chicken coop . Some fibreglass tape measures give you a very generous 50 - feet in length , which is very useful for construction project .
Blade Durability
The sword is the magnetic tape that stretch out from the opening of the tape ’s shell or lodging . As the sword is the part of the tape bill that gets used for all types of measuring jobs and on all form of surfaces , the blade can get soiled over time , specially if you are working in a dusty domain or outdoors in all form of weather conditions .
As well as grease and dust , a brand gets extend and retracted countless times , so the best type of blade should be one that has a protective coating , which will not hail off after a few uses . Most proficient quality tape measures have a vane that is made out of nylon - bonded blade or coat with Mylar to help oneself it stand up to abrasion and iterate use .
Fiberglass tape measures are stretch - repellent and can manage toughened workings condition . Whether you choose steel or fiberglass , blade enduringness will ensure that your tape measure will go forward to give you retentive life , regardless of the environment you are working in .
Blade Material
A tape measure ’s blade can either be cook up out ofsteelorfiberglass .
Steel is the most usually used material for brand construction , and the vast majority of tape measures will have a steel leaf blade . Not only is steel long-lasting and practical , but it is a very dependable value for money .
Fiberglass quantify tapes generally pass into the ‘ Long Tapes ’ family and are very democratic with patronage and construction industries , but fibreglass can also be used for hobbyhorse - concern tasks and DIY tasks . The blade of a fibreglass tapeline measure is not as wide as a blade sword , but its slimline excogitation and its lightweight lawsuit or housing make it a great option for working in confined spaces and with sore material such as curtains or clothing .
Fiberglass is also known for its mellow tensile strength , tractableness , and superior resistance to oestrus and abrasions .
Blade Strength and Extension
Another cardinal thing to attend out for is the strong point of the blade and how far it can be extended unsupported from the typesetter’s case without burst or twisting in the eye . In the construction industriousness , a good quality leaf blade has the long “ stand - out ” and should be able to be stretch out for at least 9 - fundament or even more without bending in the midsection .
It can be implausibly frustrating when you have just measured up a wall or shelving , just to have the blade collapse in the middle , which have in mind you have to set forth all over again . A blade that crack up at 5 or 6 - animal foot is just not going to last the distance ( no pun designate ) . When it comes to construction or DIY projects , you take a strong , dependable leaf blade that maintains its extension for all kinds of measurements .
Blade Width
The width of a tape measure steel generally ranges from ¾ up to 1¼-inches . The wider the brand , at least 1 - column inch , the easier it will be to record the measurements . Some people prefer more slimline blades as wide blades can be too bulky and may not be ideal for spare-time activity - related tasks .
Overall , a mag tape measure leaf blade that has a 1 - inch blade will be strong and durable , and it will be easier to see the individual measurement markings on both sides of the leaf blade .
Size of the Tang or Hook
The tang or the hook is the metal tip of the sword that allows you to lift the closing of the taping over an object or the edge of a rampart or fence . A prominent ( but not too great ) tang will be able to be firmly hook over an object or surface when you are taking your measurements .
A tape measure that has a black rockweed that is too bulky might end up getting caught on other object or textile , but the declamatory size is very helpful for when you are work alone and do not have anyone else to hold up the ending of the tape .
Blade Locking Mechanism
The vane ’s lockup mechanism or button is also important . The brand locking mechanism come into turn when the tang is stretched out at a considerable distance and attach at the other end of a wall or art object of piece of furniture .
If the tang becomes detach with a slight pull or a bump , your measurements can be wrong , which can be frustrating . When the blade is stretched out and locked steadfastly into position by the locking mechanism , the tang should stay securely attached until you are quick to disengage it .
Magnetic Tangs
Some magnetic tape measures amount with a magnetised tang . These type of tape recording measures are a good alternative if you work with blade , are install a refrigerator , or when you need to clean up isolated screws . Although it can be very utile , a magnetized tang check a powerful attractor that can be a problem if you are working in a kitchen or an area that has other objects or appliances that the magnet can be attracted to .
Depending where you stash away the tapeline quantity , it can baffle to other alloy items or cock .
Measurement Types: Metric or Standard Imperial Scale
The measured system is the most internationally accepted scheme of measurement , with millimeters , centimeters , and metre , while the US uses the standard imperial scale ( with inches and feet ) . So depending on where you live in the domain or what kind of measurement system of rules you are comfortable with , most tape measures use both the metrical and standard imperial scale of measurement .
There are only a few tape - measure producer that only sport measured or theimperial system .
Case Durability
The durability of a tape measurement ’s example or trapping is also significant . Tape measures can have a charge plate or metallic element case . These day most magnetic tape mensuration caseful are pretty rugged , but your choice of fabric will depend on where you will be using the magnetic tape measuring rod or it can just calculate on your personal preference .
My dad always used a tape standard that had a brand cause , which could withstand rough treatment and he had it for many year . However , if you solve in expression and need to stick out on a scaffold , a steel fount may get more than just a few dinero if you drop it from a great height .
Steel cases can be heavy and bulky and not very portable , and they may not be the best option for wet term . Some manufacturers break the mold of profound and clumsy steel cases and design them to be placid and thickset and to fit snugly in your hired hand .
In comparison , plastic tape measures are construct from gamy - timber , shock - repellent ABS credit card . However , depending on their design , they may be bulky and may not fit very well in your hand . Most pliant shell are weatherproof and are more lightweight than metal , so they have a greater level of portability .
If you are looking for comfortability and portability , some manufacturers such asMulWarkuse rubber coating over the plastic , which makes the taping amount fit comfortably in your script and it can go easy in your pocket .
Easy to Read Measurements
Easy - to - register measurements are a very crucial part of prefer a tape measure . It can be incredibly frustrating when you are shape in a tight office or standing on a run , and just when you get into the right spot , you obtain that the measurement markings on the blade are hard to take .
You need a tape measure measure that is easy to show the first meter . Easy - to - read mensuration are specially important if you are sight - challenged or if you demand to work in low - light areas .
There are 3 things to remember in copulation to the visibility of the tapeline ’s measure :
Most tape step blades are either 1 - column inch , ½ , or ¾-inches in width , but if the blade is too narrow-minded it can make the markings too humble to read . broadly speaking speaking , blades that measure 1 - inch in breadth can make the markings easier to see and read .
The color of the vane can be bright yellow or white , reckon on the material the sword is made from . Most blade blades are vivid xanthous in color , while blades that are made from fiberglass are normally white with black and reddish markings .
Whether you choose steel or fiberglass or a bright lily-livered or livid background , the sizing of the individual measurements , or numbers pool , that are marked on the surface of the sword can make all the difference to their level of profile . The honest case of blade is one that has expectant measurements that are printed in a sheer , contraband font .
6 Best Tape Measures – Reviews
1. MulWark Tape Measure
This in high spirits - qualityMulWark Tape Measuredelivers a solid and honest operation . The case is made out of durable , wallop - resistant ABS plastic that is covered in rubber , so it will sit snugly in your helping hand and allow you to maintain a proficient grip on the casing , even in tight conditions .
MulWark has also design this compact tape measure with a smooth running tape that stretch up to 26 - feet and it is quick and easy to shrink back . The blade is made from thick steel with an ultra - repellent covering , which stand for it will not break or crack even if you turn away it or run it around nook , and when you fully prolong the taping , the sword will not crock up in the middle .
A locking lever locks the vane firmly in place , and the metal hook has a powerful attraction hint that greatly enhances the stableness of the blade . These characteristic are specially helpful when you have to measure an special long distance by yourself .
Both imperial and metric organisation of mensuration are available . pack your measurements is made even easygoing with the big and bold face , so you could be confident of extremely precise and accurate measurement .
The tape bill has a never - twist - up wrist strap and a replaceable smash cartridge clip to keep this quantify tool nigh at hand . MulWark offers a lifetime 100 % money - back or replacement warrant .
2. Kutir Tape Measure
you could be assure of a high - quality measurement performance as theKutir Tape Measureis built to last and will deliver precise metric and imperial measurements on requirement .
The substantial stainless brand blade can easily plunk for itself without any bending up to 7 - foot , while its secure magnetic grip hook make it easy to take measurements when you are working alone .
The stainless matte blade is very durable and will help you to work indoors or outdoor comfortably , and you may easily keep in line the retraction and locking of the leaf blade with just a tap of a button .
The measurement markings on both sides of the blade are print in large black font against a bright yellow background , which makes them well-to-do to take , and there are stud mark every 16 - inch , which is ideal for carpenters .
Kutir has design a stupor - repellent case that is made from rugged ABS material and it has a chrome rust - resistant attractor . The non - slip rubber finishing feel solid and well-heeled in your mitt , so you may work in rough condition and this tape measure will continue to execute well .
The Kutir tape measure comes with a handy strap that you could wrap up around your articulatio radiocarpea while you climb a ladder and take measurements on a roof .
3. Stanley Tape Measure
The originalStanley taping Measuregives you an all - around reliable performance . Whether you are measuring curtains for a windowpane or doing some outdoor DIY around your prop , the chrome gamey - impact , corrosion - resistant ABS slip with Mylar polyester film can withstand tough treatment and outdoor elements .
The metal blade can extend up to 25 - feet and features 16 - 19.2 - inch scantling - heart mark that help to make any mental synthesis - related DIY tasks easy . If you have to take measurement on your own , the blade has good rigidity and the blade ringlet keeps the leaf blade steadfastly in stead for exact measurements , while the heat - regale outpouring allows the leaf blade to resile smoothly into the shell .
One of the highlights of this classic tape measuring stick is the patented Tru - Zero ™ tang , which doubles as a pivot man for drawing circles and arcs , and it automatically adjusts to handle inside or outside measuring . If you necessitate to take the mensuration in dispirited light , the markings on the 1 - in wide tapeline are unmortgaged and easy to read .
4. Komelon Tape Measure
If you are take care for a tape measure that is both substantial and compact , theKomelon Tape Measurewill have you powering through your DIY appraise tasks in a newsflash . It may be little , but this magnetic tape quantity is very tough , with a long-lived sheeny fluent chrome case that protects the 25 - foot 1 - column inch wide nylon - cake brand .
Komelon has also designed the Mighty Mite tape measuring for both professional shopkeeper and home plate - based DIYers , and its intermediate weight will not librate you down while you work , and its compact size of it countenance it to fit well in your hand .
The blade extends swimmingly and has a degraded retraction and will not pervert or crouch in the middle and the positive locking mechanism keep the blade securely in military position . The Mighty Mite is also available in two and four - pack .
5. MILWAUKEE Tape Measure
For quality , durability , reliability , and innovative design , the very stylish Marxist and blackMILWAUKEE Tape Measureis a great selection for odd-job man and women . The 16 - feet tape measure has a fortune of smart features that can serve you get all your DIY tasks done quickly .
The MILWAUKEE has a compact design that is idealistic for when you have to work in a tight space , and the substantial plastic cause with a stalwart cornerstone plus a 5 - point reward frame protect the tape measure if you set down it .
The nylon blade is strong , and there is an innovative fingerbreadth stop , which protect your finger when the sword retracts , and there is a well - sized tang that can be firmly attached to most surface .
MILWAUKEE has also added some supererogatory feature such as double magnets , which prevent any roll - off when you are evaluate steel , and you may use the magnet to beak up stray screws . There is also a design scurf that calculates ¼-inch and 1/8 - inch drawings . The 2 - sided steel has good recantation and can remain unsupported for 9 - foot , while the measurements are very easy to read .
If you demand the tape measure cheeseparing at hired hand , MILWAUKEE offers a stalwart telegram kind belt snip and a 360 ° hook fond regard . The tape measure is covered by a modified lifetime warranty .
6. Keson Measuring Tape
If you are looking for a in high spirits - caliber alternative to steel magnetic tape measures , theKeson Measuring Tapeis an splendid choice .
Keson has plan an extra - long measuring tape that can mensurate up to 50 - foot and its stretch - resistant and extremely resilient brand is made from 40,000 strands of fiberglass and two coat of PVC , so it is baffling enough for the most demanding piece of work environment .
The shut metal housing protects the steel , and the strong alloy - reinforced efflorescence - folding crank handle makes it well-situated to rewind the tape , while the double - throat roller guide the tape smoothly into the housing without any twisting .
This lightweight tape measure is compendious and will jibe comfortably in your hand . At the same clock time , the slimline design makes it the perfect alternative for assess curtains or vesture , or for working in smashed space .
The ½-inch blade is printed on one side , in feet and inch , and even though the blade is slender than other measuring tape , the measurements are printed in bluff on a white setting , which makes them very well-to-do to see , and the metal tang holds securely to most control surface .
If you have to work alone , the metal catch is set to zero , so you may be see of spot - on accuracy , thereby derogate any need for a re - chastening .
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