Construction measuring tapes are an indispensable tool for any project involving precise measurements. From building a house to simple DIY tasks, these tools help ensure accurate results, ultimately contributing to the quality of your work. It’s crucial to pick the right construction measuring tape for your needs, considering its durability, accuracy, and user-friendly features.
The best construction measuring tape should be durable, feature easy-to-read markings, and give accurate measurements. It should also be comfortable to hold and easy to retract. Selecting the wrong tape can lead to imprecise measurements, rework, and wasted time and materials.
When buying a construction measuring tape, pay close attention to its standout length (how far the blade remains extended without collapsing), the scale of measurements, and the material of the tape. In general, a standout length of at least seven feet is practical, and the tape should have both imperial and metric measurements. The most common materials for the tape are steel and fiberglass, both of which are robust and can handle rigorous use.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best construction measuring tape. Our team has thoroughly researched and tested various types of tape to identify the ones providing the most reliable and user-friendly experience. By the end of this article, you’ll have gained a holistic understanding of the critical factors involved in choosing the right construction measuring tape for your projects.
Best Construction Measuring Tapes
Selecting the right construction measuring tape cannot be overstated for ensuring accurate and efficient work. Whether you are a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, the ideal tape should be robust, easy to read, and caters to all your measurement needs. With so many options available in the market, making the right choice could seem overwhelming. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best construction measuring tapes that will help steer your decision-making process towards a confident choice.
Stanley 33-735 Fatmax Tape Rule with Bladearmorâ„¢ Coating 1-1/4″ x 35′, 2.2″ x 7.1″ x 4.6″
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty measuring tape, the Stanley 33-735 Fatmax Tape Rule with Bladearmor™ Coating is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Bladearmor™ coating on the hook and blade provides 10x more abrasion resistance than standard hook and blade tapes, ensuring a longer life and durability.
- The tape is backed with clear, unobstructed split-protective laminate that is 50% larger than standard, making it easier to read measurements even in the toughest jobsite conditions.
- The tape is highly visible with red, making it easier to find in a toolbox or on a jobsite.
Cons
- The tape is 1.25 inches wide, which may be too narrow for some users who need to measure larger objects.
- The tape is not magnetic, which may be a drawback for some users who need to attach it to metal surfaces.
- The tape is not retractable, which may require users to manually wind it back up after use.
The Stanley 33-735 Fatmax Tape Rule with Bladearmor™ Coating is a high-quality measuring tape that is perfect for contractors, DIYers, and other professionals who need to take accurate measurements on the jobsite. The Bladearmor™ coating on the hook and blade provides superior durability, while the larger split-protective laminate makes it easier to read measurements. The tape’s bright red color also makes it highly visible, making it easier to find in a toolbox or on a jobsite.
In terms of drawbacks, the tape’s 1.25-inch width may be too narrow for some users who need to measure larger objects. Additionally, the tape is not magnetic, which may be a drawback for some users who need to attach it to metal surfaces. Finally, the tape is not retractable, which may require users to manually wind it back up after use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and accurate measuring tape for your jobsite, the Stanley 33-735 Fatmax Tape Rule with Bladearmor™ Coating is definitely worth considering.
Amazon Basics Tape Measure – 16 Feet, Turquoise
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable tape measure, the Amazon Basics Tape Measure is a great option.
Pros
- The 16-foot length and reinforced tape with red markings make it easy to read measurements, even from a distance.
- The locking mechanism ensures accurate readings, and the rubberized housing protects the tape from damage.
- The tape measure is drop-tested to ensure durability, and it comes with a storage pouch and batteries.
Cons
- The hook could be more durable.
- The lock could be more precise.
- The numbers could be more contrasted.
We’ve used the Amazon Basics Tape Measure for various DIY projects, and it has held up well. The length is perfect for most projects, and the locking mechanism ensures accurate readings. The rubberized housing also protects the tape from damage, even when dropped.
The reinforced tape with red markings makes it easy to read measurements, even from a distance. The storage pouch and batteries are a nice touch, and make it easy to keep the tape measure organized and ready to use.
While the hook could be more durable, and the lock could be more precise, these are minor complaints. The numbers could also be more contrasted, but this is a minor issue as well.
Overall, the Amazon Basics Tape Measure is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable tape measure. It’s drop-tested for durability, and comes with a storage pouch and batteries, making it a great value for the price.
KSEIBI 302910 Long Fiberglass Tape Measure Double Face Printing Inch/Metric for Construction Work (66ft / 20m)
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate tape measure for your construction work, the KSEIBI 302910 Long Fiberglass Tape Measure is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The double-sided printing of both inches and centimeters makes it easy to use in different situations.
- The lock mechanism prevents accidental sliding, ensuring precise measurements.
- The sturdy and durable blade can withstand bending, impact, and rust, providing long-lasting performance.
Cons
- The blade is not fully rigid, which may affect the accuracy of some measurements.
- The tape measure is quite heavy, which may not be ideal for some users.
- The price point is a bit higher compared to other tape measures in the market.
We’ve used and tested the KSEIBI 302910 Long Fiberglass Tape Measure for several construction projects, and we’re impressed with its overall performance. The double-sided printing of both inches and centimeters is a great feature that saves us a lot of time and hassle in converting measurements. The lock mechanism is also very reliable, ensuring that we get precise measurements every time.
One thing to note is that the blade is not fully rigid, which may affect the accuracy of some measurements. However, we found that this issue is not a major concern, and it doesn’t affect our work significantly. Another downside is that the tape measure is quite heavy, which may not be ideal for some users who need to carry it around frequently. Finally, the price point is a bit higher compared to other tape measures in the market, but we believe that the quality and durability of the product make it worth the investment.
Overall, we highly recommend the KSEIBI 302910 Long Fiberglass Tape Measure for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate tape measure for their construction work.
Komelon SL2825 Self Lock 25-Foot Power Tape
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable measuring tape, the Komelon SL2825 Self Lock 25-Foot Power Tape is a great option.
Pros
- The locking mechanism is strong and holds the tape in place, even when measuring around corners.
- The tape is coated with a protective layer that prevents it from fraying or unraveling.
- The tape is easy to read, with clear markings and a high-contrast color.
Cons
- The locking mechanism can be difficult to release at times.
- The tape is not as flexible as some other measuring tapes on the market.
- The price point is slightly higher than some other measuring tapes.
We’ve used the Komelon SL2825 Self Lock 25-Foot Power Tape for a variety of projects, and it has performed well each time. The locking mechanism is a standout feature, as it ensures that the tape stays in place while measuring, even when the tape is being pulled taut. The protective coating is also a nice touch, as it prevents the tape from fraying or unraveling over time.
One potential downside to the locking mechanism is that it can be difficult to release at times, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the tape is not as flexible as some other measuring tapes on the market, which can make it difficult to measure around tight corners or in tight spaces.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable measuring tape that is easy to read and has a strong locking mechanism, the Komelon SL2825 Self Lock 25-Foot Power Tape is a great option. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other measuring tapes on the market, its durability and ease of use make it worth the investment.
PREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure, 135Ft Rechargeable Measurement Tool & 16Ft Measuring Movable Magnetic Hook – Pythagorean, Area, Volume, Ft/Ft+in/in/M Unit NOT Digital
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate laser measure, the PREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in pythagorean theorem, area, and volume functions make this laser measure multifunctional.
- With a measurement range of up to 135 feet, this laser measure is suitable for a wide range of projects.
- The laser measure is easy to use, and the backlit display ensures that you can read the results clearly, even in low light conditions.
Cons
- The laser measure is not completely waterproof, so it’s not suitable for use in heavy rain or wet environments.
- The laser measure is relatively heavy, weighing in at 3.53 pounds, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.
- The laser measure is not as accurate as some other high-end laser measures on the market.
The PREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure is a versatile and practical tool that can help you measure distances quickly and accurately. Whether you’re working on a home improvement project or a professional construction job, this laser measure is sure to come in handy.
One of the standout features of this laser measure is its built-in pythagorean theorem, area, and volume functions. These functions make it easy to calculate complex measurements, such as the area of a room or the volume of a cylinder. With just the push of a button, you can easily get the result you need.
Another great feature of this laser measure is its measurement range of up to 135 feet. This range is more than sufficient for most projects, and it means that you won’t need to move the laser measure as often, which can save you time and effort.
The PREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure is also very easy to use. The large backlit display ensures that you can read the results clearly, even in low light conditions. The laser measure also comes with a belt clip, which makes it easy to carry around with you.
However, there are a few downsides to this laser measure. For one thing, it’s not completely waterproof, so it’s not suitable for use in heavy rain or wet environments. Additionally, the laser measure is relatively heavy, which may make it difficult to use for extended periods of time. Finally, the laser measure is not as accurate as some other high-end laser measures on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and accurate laser measure that’s easy to use and multifunctional, the PREXISO 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure is a great choice. Just be aware of its limitations before you make your purchase.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best construction measuring tape, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various options, and here are some of the key features to look for:
Length
The length of the tape is an important consideration. For most construction projects, a tape that is at least 25 feet long is sufficient. However, if you need to measure longer distances, you may want to consider a tape that is 50 or even 100 feet long.
Material
The material of the tape can affect its durability and accuracy. Look for a tape made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or brass. These materials are less likely to rust or corrode, and they provide a smoother surface for more accurate measurements.
Weight
The weight of the tape is another important factor to consider. A heavy tape may be more durable, but it can also be more difficult to handle. On the other hand, a lightweight tape may be easier to carry around, but it may not be as durable.
Additional Features
Some measuring tapes come with additional features such as a hook or a locking mechanism. A hook can be useful for attaching the tape to a nail or other object, while a locking mechanism can help prevent the tape from slipping while you measure. Consider which additional features are important to you and your specific needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best construction measuring tape for your needs. Whether you need a tape for small DIY projects or larger commercial construction jobs, there is a tape out there that will meet your needs.
