Which is your favorite tape measure? C’mon, I know you have a favorite, even if it’s “whichever one is on sale.”
Tape measures are one of those types of tools that many users tend to be very particular about.
Advertisement
Some hook are too small. Others are too big.
Wire-formed belt clip vs. bent metal?
Magnetic hook? Non-magnetic?
Compact?
Strong return spring?
Chrome-finish?
Advertisement
Rubber overmold grip?
Finger blade stop?
Vertical markings on the underside of the blade?
What size do you use most?
How big is the offset? An even 3″ or some fractional amount?
Manual lock vs. auto lock? Squeeze lock?
Thicker vs. thinner blade coatings?
There are so many different variables, all of which contribute to our tape measure preferences. Maybe you aren’t quite sure what you like about your favorite tape measures. What bothers you about tape measures you’ve tried and don’t like. For me, that’s a little easier than going through all my likes.
For one, I don’t like super-strong return springs. They have their advantages, but they don’t work well for how I like to hold my tapes. I have grown to prefer 16′ tapes over 25′, although I use 25′ more often due to their more economical pricing. I like “standard” sized hooks, if there is such a thing, rather than super wide ones. I like wire form belt clips. I don’t like gimmicks, such as auto-marking pencil points and the such.
For example, the Dewalt tape measure shown above is a very innovative model, but I don’t quite like its strong return spring. The way I hold larger tapes, with my pinky finger at the bottom, the return spring recoil can be unpleasant. I went through that in my review of the Dewalt XP tape measure.
I don’t quite have a favorite tape measure right now, at least not off the top of my head. I use Stanley, Lufkin, Dewalt, and Milwaukee tapes regularly, plus a couple of other brands mixed in when within reach.
Here’s another question for you – if your perfect tape measure doesn’t yet exist, how would it be different than what’s available today?
On a random note, I’ve been working with Lufkin Shockforce tape measure test samples. So far I think they’re very comfortable, but early online reviews don’t seem very favorable. On another random note, one of our first tool reviews was for Stanley’s PowerLock tape measure. Who’s still rocking one of those? I have one on my desk and another in the kitchen, and a couple of smaller ones from promo packs scattered around.
Related posts:
Why are Dewalt and Craftsman Advertising Tape Measure “Reach” Instead of Standout?
Thoughts on Lufkin Shockforce Tape Measure Packaging?
Here’s Why Dewalt, Craftsman, Stanley Now Describe Tape Measure Extension with “Reach”
What I Learned About the Stanley PowerLock Tape Measure Deal I Couldn’t Find on Black Friday 2019
Steve
I like the Fat Max. Stand out (blade stiffness) is the most important thing to me since I usually work alone. Stiff blade let’s me measure a span more accurately.
Second would be hook size…can’t be too big or to little. Gotta be just right.
Steve
Oh…and it has to be made in USA
Jerry
Rascal has the best belt clip for me. That’s what I use it in gonna clip a d unclip it a lot. To just have on work bench i like a self locking one. Brand not important as long as it works.
Jerry
Fastcap
Dang auto correct
Hilton
This may come as a surprise but my current favourite tape measure is from Fastcap.
The ProCarpenter Tape Measure SKU: PMS-25 Metric/Standard.
https://www.fastcap.com/product/procarpenter-tape-measure
Has a decent clip, not that awful Stanley type that you have to force onto your belt, a built-in rubber coated stop to save your forefinger, a mini whiteboard to jot down measurements and a pencil sharpener. Best part is the actual tape measure part, nice and strong with all the normal pro markings.
I have about ten other makes and initially bought this for the office but when it arrived it promptly replaced one from home.
David
I have not seen this tape measure. Just ordered it thanks.
Anton
I like the FastCap the best too. Just feels a little smoother. I have a couple of 16s but will prbably buy some 12s next time.
Tom
I have the FastCap and love it for finish work. It’s not durable enough for rough carpentry work.
Daniel Mitchell
I love my magnetic 25′ Milwaukee. I like the wire clip and I have the hook that isn’t super huge. It works very well and I love that I use my index finger to hold the tape out.
Daniel Mitchell
I want to get one of the new Wide Blade 16′ tapes and I see how I like it.
Mike (the other one)
I will say I prefer to carry a 12 ft or 16 ft instead of a 25ft. Most measuring I do is within the 16ft range, so a 25ft or 30ft tape measure is too bulky for the belt, and stay in the tool bag.
Stanley and Komelon are my favorites.
Jared
I bought a couple Komelon tapes recently. I quite like the idea of the self-lock, but my gripe is that it isn’t quite strong enough. I want it to pull it out and have it stay put, even if I’m holding the tape up vertically. Sometimes mine “drift a bit”, which is annoying.
Eric
http://www.pfiusa.com/33-885-stanley-tape-measure-fatmax-xtreme-16-tape
This is hard to find now days. The full 6″ of blade armor, 13′ stand out, 1-1/4 wide high vis green tape, large hook.
I bought as many of these as i could find when the discontinued them. I have had many of them of them for more than 5 years. Two full home remodels and the windback spring is still strong as it was the day i bought it.
Andrew
Stanley High Viz feels the best and I’m cheap. Craftsman made in USA is my carry but the recoil is to strong and not as comfortable as fatmax. Like it only for white tape the yellow always messes with my eyes and has a good hook. Hate all magnetic tips they dont work on wood and get caught at the wrong times and the lufkins I have used have sucked. All the SBD fatmax knockoffs are to thick in my opinion though. Dont fit well in a belt. Use a Komelon only when doing tile becuase mine has a rubber anti slip mold which is nice for tile and I couldnt care less if it gets ruined by thinset.
JoeM
Now I KNOW I’m going to be hated for this… But I prefer 26’/8m tapes… because I work mostly in Metric. *Dodges The Knives Thrown*
I have a fondness for my DeWALT DWHT33991 “Pro Tape” which has all the rubber grip and ergonomics, came out just before the current “XP” generation of DeWALT tapes. The tape ITSELF is nearly identical to its XP sibling, but the CASE is just black and yellow. I agree with comments above about the unnecessary force required to slip it on and off a belt or pocket-edge. A GREAT product out there would be replacement tape measure clips, so one could customize what they want, perhaps even a MOLLE adapter that lets you clip on, and off your belt!
I also have a fondness for my Lee Valley 8m Tape. I’m going to be blunt here… I have no freakin’ reason to like this tape, other than it’s Metric, and it’s Lee Valley, a Canadian company. It’s all metal, the blade is pretty standard, the markings are relatively standard (but REALLY nicely printed, and clear.) but it’s a little on the narrow side, but not by much. I got a gimmicky magnetic belt attachment for it, in an attempt to bridge the gap between the comfort/convenience of the DeWALT, and the clarity and ease of the Lee Valley’s Metric only printing. That failed pretty bad, to the point that I rarely pull out my Lee Valley anymore, and stick to the DeWALT.
I’ve had cheaper ones in the past that suited me perfect, before I outgrew them. But some company out there should really offer Tape Measure mods. It’s one of those tools we never truly personalize, and it would be great to be able to take one you’ve bought from ANY manufacturer, and add a replacement item to it that does something the stock one can’t. I think I WOULD like to try a wire clip on my DeWALT… Even the Lee Valley. A MOLLE adapter is probably a little too utilitarian, but that’s just a ME thing… I like the military standard stuff, because it thinks the way I do. Perhaps a standard undercoating of whiteboard style “Story Tape” as Lee Valley makes. (Once an April Fool’s Joke, they actually ended up making it. SO awesome. GREAT idea!) So you can work on a project, mark out all the measurements on the under side of the tape measure, then just turn the tape over, lock it in place, and do all your work on each piece laid out along the tape. Erase it when you’re done, or label that tape for later reproduction of a piece.
I don’t know. I’ve had too much attachment to my two main tapes to complain. What can I say? The ones I’ve had have always lasted until I needed a new one. About all we can change are belt attachments, blades, and marking features. And… yeah… that should be someone’s actual business model, changing those features on someone’s tape to customize it for their exact specifications. I’d LOVE for my DeWALT to be PURE Metric… but they just don’t do that. If someone were to come along, and create a business that would replace the entire tape with all metric, I’d pay for that.
Totally custom tapes? That would be truly awesome.
Hilton
Here’s the weird thing, I live in a Metric country but I prefer to use a dual marking tape when I’m carrying it around the house. Simple reason the inch markings are easier to see without my glasses so if I’m trying to decide if something can fit into a certain gap or how high my curtain rod should be I use inches.
JoeM
That’s a North America thing as well, actually. In Canada, we’re metric, but people and building standards are still in Imperial. We say people are “Five Foot Six” or Studs are “17 Inches Apart” (or whatever the current standard is, I’m behind on that. Building BUILDINGS is not what I do.) but on all our government IDs, it has both readings. Metric and Imperial height and weight, when it IS shown. Like a Hunting/Fishing license (Called and Outdoors Card here in Ontario.) it will list our description as well as expiry dates and such.
You’re not alone in all that mixed standards situation. Canada TECHNICALLY went to Metric over 30 years ago, but so many people are still alive now that won’t let go of Imperial, that Imperial is used all the time. Plus, we get looked at sideways when we’re talking to Americans. No matter how friendly, affectionate, and genuinely great the conversation is, the second we say something in Celsius, Meters/Centimeters/Millimeters, or Kilograms/Grams, or even the dreaded LITRE! Americans seem to freak out. They don’t get mad, they just kinda… go pale… There’s a lot of stuttering, and then a very blunt “What’s that in American?”
It’s funny as hell to me… So… Just keep rocking that Imperial! It’s fun to joke with.
PETE
Also work in metric- I end up with whatever metric tape the industrial supply store has at the moment lol.
Tom
I have a Milwaukee that has fractions actually written on the tape. Silly, but I think that it helps me reduce errors.
Evadman
My favorite tape measure that I have ever had is the home depot store use tape measure. It is long enough, has good enough standout, is surprisingly durable, etc. What makes it is the physical size of the case and the leverlock. I wish I could buy more, but I have never been able to find it for purchase.
It looks similar to this one, but this one looks newer: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_d0qfNX4AE96L6.jpg
Josh
The secret is to borrow them from HD employees and forget to hand them back when you’re done measuring things.
Steve
I like the Stanley Lever Lock tape measures for fast measuring, they’re my favorite to use and I use the FatMax for layout and marking tasks that need the most accuracy.
Josh
I’m not sure what I like about them, but I’m partial to the high-vis Komeleon tape measures. They’re small, they’re cheap, they’re easy to see and to read, and there’s nothing particularly wrong with them. The tape tends to lie flatter than a wider tape would, which helps in the workshop.
My buddy loves the fastcap tape measure he has, and when I’ve used it it seemed like a nice tool.
I also really like the back markings on my Milwaukee 16ft magnetic tape, but I’ve had problems with the hook bending on the 16 and the hook tore off the 25 completely.
DC
I have several 25 feet Stanley Fat Max’s that’s 10+ years old plus several Made in USA 6 ft Lufkins from Harry Epsteins I got during HJE day. Now my favorite is becoming the Fast Cap 16 ft reversing (numbers read in both directions).
Nathan
years ago I got a stanley autostop based on a review of this site. It’s been my go to since and nothing I look at seems attractive.
mostly due to cost of a new one. One thing I think I might like is the occasional fraction marker. put a 1/2 and a 1/4 on there between the other markings. and I do sort of like the idea of the reversed color band. black background – yellow or green writing.
Standout doesn’t so much matter to me.
Jon Brown
I am a big fan of the Fastcap story pole and, when I am in the garage woodworking, I really like the flat back, also by Fastcap. Lately though, for my day job, I have found myself needing to take pictures of windows and structures with a tape laid out for dimensional reference. To that end, I picked up a Menards special hi-vis/Dayglow unit that has been very pleasant to use
EJ
I love my Milwaukee auto lock tape measure. I don’t reach for my other tape measures anymore.
PETE
same- LOVE the 16′ as isn’t a great size.
Russ
For around the house: “Komelon 4912IM The Professional 12-Foot Inch/Metric Scale Power Tape” (Amazon $5)
I have a 30′ Stanley but I prefer the smaller Komelon for its size. I also like it for the metric side of the blade which I try to use to make me more comfortable with the metric system.
The low price also makes them inexpensive gifts.
Corey Moore
This post seems like you’re reading my mind lol My roughly 2 year old 25+35 Dewalt XPs (pictured) have served me well, but I’m planning on a set of those shockforce you mentioned. Disappointed the 16′ XP that was planned never happened. Hopefully the reviews are just some standard idiots complaining, if not, well the search continues. I like Dewalts for generally having wider tapes than others just standard, and the 4 way hook beats non 4 way hooks, every time. I also favor the strong return of the XP, because if you get lucky/take care not to destroy a tape, the return inevitably craps out and will be a reason to get rid of it anyways. Magnets get annoying for me, don’t really have a need, they make the hook bulky, and either collect crud or fall off. I’ve never had a tape clip I could say I thought about preferring or hating, and while I think double sided readings would be welcome, it’s ultimately inconsequential to me.
Troy
I had really bad luck with the first generation of Milwaukee tapes. The blade hooks bent very easily, throwing off the measurement. The Milwaukee rep at Home Depot admitted it was an issue. I’ve been turned off since.
My go to are the DEWALT DWHT79307GC 25 ft with fractional read. They are $15 a two back, comfortable to hold, and perfectly acceptable for doing trim and finish carpentry work. I have been disappointed with this tape when I needed a longer standout.
I keep a 16′ foot LeverLok in the kitchen drawer for quick use. The wife likes it.
PW
I’m just a home gamer with a tight budget, so I haven’t tried all the major options out there. Someone recently gifted me a couple of the current Craftsman “Pro” autolock tape measures. I’ve rather taken to the 16′. I think it’s this one: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-PRO-11-16-ft-Auto-Lock-Tape-Measure/1000594225
I very rarely use more than 12′ or so of tape, so a smaller size is appreciated. I like the auto-lock feature, the hand-feel of the overmolding, and the USA content. The standout is OK, and a major feature I need. I’m usually working on a project by myself and find that critical.
Subjectively, it doesn’t feel like what I’d expect from something with a “pro” designation – mainly the lock, which is a little finicky. But I find myself preferring it to my other tape measures which means it’s doing something right.
Lamar Bailey
I prefer the FastCap tape measures. The erasable surface and pencil sharpener work great. I have multiple, models and the reverse read and story board are my favorite.
https://www.fastcap.com/product/procarpenter-tape-measure
I have been using them for a long time and have only had one failure. FastCap customer service was great. They replaced the tape measure and send me an extra product as a thank you.
Altan
Stanley Fatmax 2-33-681 made in France is my favourite, It is a 3m tape measure and only metric, both edges are Metric and both edges on the back part also (see the second link) wherever you look you see Metric, Inch is completely ignored on it 🙂
It is very small also, I don’t like to carry a big tape measure if I really do not need to. It is good for marking on tiles and wooden sheets, so I would say for tilers and carpenters only, or any work which has to deal with small things.
DeWALT one is good I have a 8m one very well made, Just I wish it was fully Metric. I just don’t want to see Imperial sizes around me, it gives me headache…
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-2-33-681-FatMax-Mini-Measure/dp/B005HVXA4U
https://hurtowniastanley.pl/miara-fatmax/miara-stalowa-fatmax-3-m-x-16-mm-obudowa-bi-materi.html
Bobby
I really like my older Stanley 25 ft tape. My Milwaukee 25ft (non-auto locking) is pretty nice too. The Milwaukee has more readable numbers. I’ve had the Stanley for 15 years, so durability speaks for itself. We’ll see how the Milwaukee holds up. I also have a komelean auto-lock which I like, but the auto-lock doesn’t hold so much anymore.
Eric
I like the orange harbor freight tape measures with the fractions marked.
glenn
My preference is Milwaukee’s 5m tapes. Only on my second one in about 5 years. The first one unfortunately got wet on a rainy job due to my carelessness and ended up with rust internally.
I don’t really care fore the magnetic tip but I really like the finger brake. Haven’t smacked my fingers or the end of my thumb retracting since using them.
I also keep a few 2m Milwaukee tapes around for convenience. ie; 1 in my cooler bag, 1 in the kitchen drawer, 1 on my one of my garage workbench etc
I also have a Fatmax Extreme 8m, Milwaukee 8m, Makita 3m an older Stanley 8m but I just don’t use them anymore as I simply prefer the Milwaukee 5m tapes.
Actually out of the 8 of us the regularly work together, I think all of us use Milwaukee tapes. Its installing aircons so not heavy duty use unlike some other trades. Perhaps that’s why longevity isn’t an issue with us.
Yadda
My favorite is a Stanley 25 foot metal case tape measure. It came out of my father-in-laws lumber store when it closed. I think of him every time I use it. He was terrible with his hands, but he managed to raise and send 6 kids to college with his lumber store.
SteveW
Regarding belt clips: they’re almost useless most of the time. I’ve taken all mine off, if I’m in the garage working on a project I have pockets in my shop apron. If I’m at a construction site with my bags, pockets. At the store measuring stuff, small Stanley 10 foot in my pocket. Never a reason to clip one on my belt.
Clifford Alloway
Dewalt and fat max for framing, for finish work, there is a millwaukee that I like alot, but it had one thing that I do not like and that is it writes all the 1/8 increments down in numbers, I prefer just hash marks for every 1/16th in between inches (without writing the actual number dn) and just the even inches written dn, 1,2,3,4 etc.
Hope that makes sense.
Kipp Riddle
Tried many always come back to 16′ Stanley Powerlock, works for me. Regarding the tight belt clips, I have used a magnetic holder from Mcmaster-Carr item #19685A2. Clip it on your belt or pocket and you only take it off 1 time a day, fewer skid marks on your belt and your jean pockets don’t get frayed.
andy
Plain ol’ stanley power lock 25′.
Bleo
One thing I’m extremely curious about is measuring tape classes. Apparently the EU has some certification process for the accuracy of measuring tapes with the best being class 1 accurate to +- 1.1mm over 10M.
Here is a link explaining more: http://www.hultafors.com/arkiv/tape-measures-with-precision-old/
I’ve never seen any mention of measuring tape accuracy in the American market and it’s always bothered me, and is often an issue when I’m trying to do anything precise. I’m probably going to end up ordering a couple tapes online from Europe just to compare with my current set of tapes. It would be great if toolguyd could talk a little about this if you haven’t already and I missed it.
Tom
North America uses NIST accuracy standards instead of EU classifications. Most of the tapes we see sold in North America would be roughly the equivalent of Class II accuracy in Europe.
Bleo
Ahh interesting thanks for the info. Are you aware of any tapes sold in the US that would be closer to an EU Class 1? Is there an NIST equivalent?
N
Klein with bottom button is GOAT Tape
The What?
My favorite tape measure is one that doesn’t kink or bend when a something falls on it or if I have to twist it out of a tight spot and the numbers don’t fade & the spring doesn’t lose tension & the coating isn’t some cheap ass cellophane wrap that actually protects the tape & is perfectly ergonomic for any size hands & built to last. And for as long as tape measures have been around, they still can’t get it right. I’ve tried just about every brand of tapes that’s out there. The only ones that I’ve found worth while are the plain wide blade Dewalt 16′ & 25′ tapes with the magnetic tang. I’ve tried the Dewalt xp, Milwaukee, Lufkin, Stanley (with the exception of the fatmax), Klein, komelon, Johnson, and a few others and they all suck. And it seems that the most expensive ones suck the worst Especially the tapes that have the numerical fractional eighths printed on them. Worst thing they could have done to a tape measure was print the fractions on it. Tape measures were just fine without it. Hate those with a passion. It hasn’t done a damn bit of good because people still can’t read a tape measure when doing layout and build out. Personally, I’d like someone to start making a wide blade tape with 32nds on it. And I mean the entire length of the tape, not the first foot. A lot of the work I do is fixing what someone who didn’t know how to read a tape measure did.
Flotsam
I have a slew of different tape measures because they keep getting lost around the house. If i rounded them up I probably would have at least a dozen or so. This includes Milwaukee & DeWalt & Lufkin. I guess my favorites right now are a Fatmax 16. Its sized right for almost all my jobs and has been holding up real good. Just has a perfect feel to it.
That being said I just picked up a Stanley Leverlock a few days ago at Ace since it was only $3.99. It has the most intuitive action of any tape measure so far. Pull out the tape and it stays! Until you squeeze the lever and then it retracts. I wish more tape measures worked like that. We will see how it holds up since I just got it before it supplants the Fatmax and this one is a little larger at 25 ft.
Flotsam
Forgot to mention the Starrett, it is pretty nice but it is very large 35 ft which I generally don’t need. Reminds me I gotta find that one.
Cody
The Stanley powerlock is my go to tape measure.
Frank D
Metric & AES with some fraction marks + building / carpentry ticks
Anything that is dual standard, which I can’t actually seem to find at the big box stores. Every time there’s new product announcements, store display updates, … Nope. Sad.
It doesn’t matter what the specs say, how the instructions are written, how complex something gets … you have them both at hand, pick the easiest / fastest route to accomplish the goal … which in case of US building standards is the whole 16″ OC, 2×4, 48×96 thing etc … but outside of that …
JayT
My go to is an older black cased 16′ Stanley Leverlock. Unfortunately, I’ve used it so much the tape has cut deeply into the plastic case and I don’t know how much longer it will last. I like autolock tapes and 16′ is a nice size to carry. If I need a longer tape, I’ll grab one, but hate carrying the bulk all the time and the Stanley covers 95% of my usage.
In the shop, I got tired of always looking for a tape, so bought several of the little Dewalt 9ft ones with the magnet and have them scattered around, stuck on different tools. Took a while to get in the habit of using and putting back instead of clipping on the pocket, but once the habit was set, it has cut down on the amount of time I spend looking for a tape to set a fence or similar function.
Chris Shelton
I am a backyard shop inventor/maker/builder. I don’t do any commercial framing. I have dewalt 26ft tape measures and Milwaukee 26ft tape measures. But I cannot stop using the Comelon auto lock 12ft and 16ft from Walmart at 4 bucks and 6 bucks. The auto lock feature is my (by far) used feature. I use it every time I pull out the tape measure. I wish there were a better quality tape measure with this feature but I haven’t found one.
David Funk
Fast cap for the win, You have a writing pad, you have a pencil sharpener. You have a fairly durable tape measure and they are under 10 bucks.
gregg
I like Milwaukee tapes but they seem to keep upgrading their tapes every 6 months (Milwaukee is mt crack and its getting expensive) .. I am not hard of tape measures but I have already had 2 of the Stud brand bend at the front where the clip attaches. I like the added feature of measurements printed on the back side as well plus the big members and 8n and 16th marks in between. As I’m getting older my vision is getting worse.
D
I’ve always used anything auto-locking or self-locking. A 3m self-lock Komelon is my current go to. For everything longer I now use a Laser distance measurer. They can’t be beat for speed and convenience.
Ken
I switched to metric as well for trim work. I find I just do more accurate joints in mm versus inches. I know I should be able to do better with inches but I just find the 1/10 units easier.
Oleg Kuperman
Used to be Milwaukee, before it began to crack and shed paint… I liked it because it had a hole for your thumb to hold the tape in place but the metal itself, used to make the measuring reel, is not of a great quality, as it turns out, it’s not meant to last so now I’m looking to upgrade!
SteveP
I like the small classic metal Stanleys. That said, I never buy them in the USA because… no metric. I know, there’s nothing metric in the USA- except every single car since the late 1980s.
I buy my tapes on trips to Canada, where they will all sport a dual scale with inch on the top and metric on the bottom.
Let’s not miss Mars again, ok?
Austyn
I really like the 25ft Milwaukee tape measure. I like the fact it has fractions on it already maked down. I think I have a problem with numbers getting mixed up in my head and its easier to see it actually written down. I also like the fact its not to big and bulky. I work for Stanley and get Stanley ones for cheaper if I want as well as Dewalt tapes. But I find I do a better job using the Milwaukee. Plus It doesn’t hurt that it is the only red one in the factory and noone can walk away with it with out knowing it isn’t theirs. I do how ever like the the smaller pocket tapes alot as well. Those ones it doesnt really matter to me as I use them as a on the go task measuring and they dont weight ya down when your with your family going places.
Jon
Stanely Fatmax was my personal favorite for years. Now I use Komelon.
The WSL72425 has all the features I could ever ask for. I also have W52416 which is my go to because it’s smaller, but has less features. I think both are a Walmart exclusive. The blade isn’t as strong as the Fatmax however.
Recently I tested everything at HD and Lowes. There are many duds out there. I could barely grab the hook to pull out the tape on a few. Some had weak magnets.
Ron in Houston
I second stand out. I want a tape measure that doesn’t flop around.