You must log in or register to reply here. Read on to learn more about what makes the best tape measure options stand outand dont miss the pros and cons we discovered in our hands-on testing. Starrett High-Accuracy Combination Squares. In late 2018, we tested two new tapes from Milwaukee: the 25 ft. Stud Tape Measure and the25 ft Compact Tape Measure. If Im doing a room thats long, I like to be able to just have the one tape measure to do the measurements, Guerrero says. Testers found it had an impressive standout of 13 feet and 5 inches. The fully coated blade adds to the durability and extends the life of the tape measure. By far, the BEST tape measure, My favorite is the one I can find. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. When compared against a steel measurement tool, the Ryobi was dead-on accurate, as it should be. The blade on these squares meets Fed. In the PTR round-up, DeBoer writes, believe it or not, we found the Stanley PowerLock to be the epitome of how a tang should moveforward and backwards with almost no lateral movement. We personally tested the best tape measures on the market to see if they lived up to their manufacturer claims. Milwaukees Stud, DeWalts XP followed by its Tough Series, Crescent Lufkins Shockforce, and others have been pushing the durability expectations to new levels. What tape measure has the longest standout? Precision Tape Measures | McMaster-Carr For larger projects outdoors (marking plots, areas, gardens, etc. The PowerLock features a stainless steel case and comes with a strong blade lock that holds the extended blade firmly without slipping. The tang comes with a fold-out spike that is useful for fitting over a nail or screw head, and the molded plastic case is strong and durable and comes with a partial rubberized grip. GATORTAPE Precision Top Reading Tape Measure 16ft x 1inch (Scale in Inches) | Easy & Accurate Internal Measurements 613 $548 - $1995 FREE delivery Sign up for Wirecutters daily newsletter, The Recommendation, for a chance to win the $800 Miele Complete C3 Calimaa nimble canister vacuum our experts have long loved after years of rigorous testing. We tested the DTAPEs accuracy against the other tape measures in this lineup, and it came in within to of an inch. When we positioned the tang against metal, we were able to pull the tape measure backward to extend the blade, and the magnetic tang held firm. The tape recoil was smooth and steady, retracting in a controlled straight line rather than wildly flopping around like many other tapes. Why? The largest portion of our tape measure testing consisted of using the tools as we completed a number of carpentry projects. Taking all this into consideration to name the tool that gives you the best value, the other tapeswhich often cost moreall fell short compared to this one. Best Tape Measure? It wasnt all that long ago that paying more than $20 for a tape measure was a lot. The bottom of the tape measure features an opening behind the blade hook that allowed our testers to control the recoil speed with their finger. Lufkin has easiest to read, best hook push/pull accuracy - worst locking and most prone to get the twist in the first few feet. These can be used to hook something from underneath. When we finished checking measurement accuracy, we pushed a bright green button, and the blade retracted smoothly. ), ribbon and laser types are most convenient. Secondly, they attract all manner of metal shavings, filings, and debris, making them difficult to keep clean. $799. The most basic and easiest to use is a simple right-angled foot. However, standouts can be impacted by the angle at which you hold the tape measure. The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool. To get the best durability, look for a tape measure with at least four connection points on the housing and plenty of overmold to protect it. Testers found both inside and outside measurements to be precisely accurate with this tape measure. Any tape will usually get the job done, but good tape makes an annoying task a little easier and vastly more enjoyable. Drops from greater heights are where we begin to see the difference. Tape measures can use imperial or metric measuring units, or both. We consult with them extensively on testing methods, categories, and practical applications. Best Tape Measure Reviews for 2022 - Pro Tool Reviews Not so with the Zabiki 25-foot easy to read tape measure that comes with both inches and centimeters clearly marked. After our drop test, the tape measure worked perfectly, suffering only minor dings and scratches to the case. By pressing the button, we could stop the blade from moving; if we let up a bit on the button, the blade would retract slowly. A few of the other tools had something similar with varying degrees of success. As this map shows, the US is one of the only countries that doesnt use the metric system. The Johnson JobSite, Johnson Big J, and Keson tapes also had bumpers, but when they were pressed, they actually forced open the seam along the underside of the case. Take the best features of a combination square (easy adjustability and measurement markings), mix in the best features of a machinist square (precision and pocket portability), and you'll see why we like a 4" double square. But as cool as they sound, they can only measure areas that have a positive edge (like a room). Thanks for helping us do what we love. BEST OVERALL: Stanley 25 ft. PowerLock Tape Measure. We used the other tallies to determine the best-intended usage for the tape measures that excelled in our tests. The stand-out of a tape is the distance that the blade can extend unsupported from the case and not collapse. Emily Estep We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Everything about the Craftsman 25-foot tape measure points toward quality, and this tool is made to stand up to high use. Theyre typically accurate to around of an inch, which is suitable for figuring wall space. It comes with a standard blade lock, but then it has something else that we found to be innovative and a little ingenius: a pressure-sensitive button on the bottom of the case. And if you dont like the belt clip, it removes easily without the need to unscrew it. You certainly get better durability and features at those higher price points, but its up to you to decide whats worth it. One was a 1/32" divided normal tape, the other was a "self-centering" 1/16" tape. There are very basic models similar to the now-discontinuedBosch DLR130Kthat can do distance and calculate area and volume, but others, like the Stanley TLM330, can even figure out a distance through triangulation. This tape measure also has a removable hook magnet that is useful for working with metal. One handling issue that we had with these tapes is that the over-mold extends down from the case and covers the sides of the tang. The FatMax tips the scales at 1 pound, 2 ounces, the heaviest of the tapes we looked at. I tried the Milwaukee Stud 16 measure(fits with their power tools I have). You can easily clip it to your tool belt or stow it in the pocket. Because the laser needs to hit a surface in order to take a measurement, you cant really use one to figure the length of a tabletop or a board. However, this is only a concern if the tape is being used on a very regular basis. Additionally, the tape measure had a mediocre standout measurement of only 5 feet and 9 inches. A really nice additional feature of the PowerLock is that the tape case is marked for inside measurements. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Some homeowners may find a FatMax to be overkill for occasional measurements, but for demanding workwhether youre a tradesperson or a homeowner doing a renovationweve found that its actually more manageable than similar tough tape measure designs from competing manufacturers. (1.5k) $4.00. In the industry it has become a bragging right to have the tape with the longest stand-out, with some tapes claiming to go as far as 13 feet. A button, located where the normal toggle would be, retracts the tape. The Zabiki comes with a 3-rivet tang for durability and features a sturdy case with a partial rubberized grip. Fraction & Decimal Chart - Fassen The most common length for a tape measure is 25 feet, which is enough for most household projects. The Irwin Strait-Line tape measure is our top pick for the best tape measure. $799. FastCap PSSR16 16 FastPad Standard Reverse Measuring Tape Many of the best tape measures feature an auto-lock that makes one-handed measuring much easier. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Almost completely surrounded by overmold, its a compact model with a smaller blade and a somewhat tame 7-foot standout. WASTE OF MONEY! Despite a slightly higher price tag, this DeWalt tape measure is durable and well-made, making it the best heavy-duty measuring tape. With more than 10.6 million unique visitors over the last year, Practical Machinist is the most visited site for metalworking professionals. Tape measures are generally inexpensive, even for higher-end models. The belt clip is very difficult to operate. Im neither here nor there on this one. JavaScript is disabled. Our standout test showed the Zabiki could be extended to almost 6 feet before it bent. DeBoer had a similar experience with the DeWalt 16-foot version, but he didnt test the Big J. Tape Measures With up to 10' of stand out and abrasion resistant nylon reinforced blades, you can go the distance with a rugged yet convenient design Tape Measures Starrett measuring tapes are offered in a wide range of styles and sizes. We also tested the strength of the locking mechanism by locking each tape at 24 inches, dangling it from the tang, and bouncing it. Frequently bought together. A tape measures standout should be at least 7 to 8 feet, but further is even better. From a name well known in the building industry comes the Stanley 25-foot PowerLock tape measurea dependable and accurate choice for anyone needing to make precision cuts. Weve used reel tapes before that became twisted on the spool when rewinding them up, but the fiberglass tape on the Komelon has just enough stiffness to help keep it straight. Tape width generally ranges from inch up to 1 inch. We then moved on to various other tests that pushed each tape measure to its limit. In addition, the smaller fractions are clearly labeled along the bottom edge of the tape, with the -inch fractions appearing in bold and the -inch fractions in regular type, making it easy to see at a glance which is which. Tape Measures Starrett long and short measuring tapes and Measure Stix are offered in a wide range of styles and sizes. Lock doesnt work. Also, one of the FastCaps was off 1/32 inch in the accuracy test, and the blades of both tapes barely made it across the 7-foot mark when I tested stand-out. The tang was very large and had a vertical piece that could hook from underneath. We independently review everything we recommend. We were able to extend it nearly 6 feet (standout) before it bent. Our testers felt it was uncomplicated to distinguish between each increment so measurements are more accurate. Still, we didnt dock a tape for not having metrics since many U.S. DIYers and pros use only imperial measurements. While the Master Force Force Blade MF82425 was readable and fairly accurate, it showed signs of wear and tear after only one day of testing in our lab. She came back with the standard big box crap. Two other tapes tested, the DeWalt and the Johnson Big J, have locking switches that are so stiff they literally take two hands to operate. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The PowerLock comes with a 3-rivet-reinforced tang for accurate measuring, and the blade features imperial-only measurements in -inch increments. On many of the other tapes, like the Johnsons and the FastCaps, the printing came off like we were erasing a pencil mark. Thats not accurate enough for construction or woodworking projects. Practical Machinist is the easiest way to learn new techniques, get answers quickly and discuss common challenges with your peers. All of the metal tapes were tested for standout length, or the length to which it could be extended in the air before it bent. 2023 Copyright Practicalmachinist.com. Compared to most of the 1 tapes, the tang on the FatMax is small.
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