Open reel measuring tapes hold a special place in many industries because they’re versatile, precise, and easy to use. Having a reliable tape measures a must for any skilled tradesman or craftsman. The quality of an open reel measuring tape can make a big difference in how accurate your measurements are. But, remember, not all tapes work the same way or are equally good.
The best open reel measuring tapes need to be highly durable, resistant to wear and tear, offer accurate measurements, and have easy reeling capabilities. Using the wrong measuring tape can lead to misleading measurements, frustration, and even safety hazards in some cases.
When selecting your open reel measuring tape, it’s essential to consider the materials used, the tape’s width, the clarity of the measurements displayed, and the tape’s maximum length. Opting for a measuring tape constructed from non-corrosive, robust materials like reinforced fiberglass would provide the longevity and durability required.
In this article, we will guide through the process of choosing the best open reel measuring tape for your needs, having utilized, and tested several options to pinpoint the stand-out performers. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you require to select a measuring tape, ensuring its accuracy, durability, and ease of use effectively aids your work.
Best Open Reel Measuring Tape
Selecting the right open reel measuring tape is pivotal for each of your measuring needs given its potential impact on your work’s accuracy and efficiency. A quality measuring tape must be robust, deliver precise measurements, be easy to use, and last through the demands of rough usage. With an array of options available, it can be challenging to know which one best fulfills these parameters. To help you navigate this, we’ve compiled a list of the best open reel measuring tapes. This list is a result of rigorous testing to offer you the most accurate, informative, and comprehensive guide possible.
Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure, 100-feet (30-Meters) by 1/2-Inch, Inch/Metric Scale, Impact Resistant Shell, Orange
If you’re looking for a durable and accurate tape measure, the Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure is a great option.
Pros
- The fiberglass blade with aluminum spool provides strength and durability for long-lasting performance.
- The open reel design with hook and loop closure makes it easy to wind the tape measure back up without any hassle.
- The tape measure is designed to meet or exceed commercial specifications and is built to last.
Cons
- The hook on the end of the tape measure is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as a metal hook.
- The tape measure is quite long, which may make it difficult to store in smaller spaces.
- The tape measure is only available in orange, which may not be the most visible color for some users.
This tape measure is perfect for those who need a durable and accurate measuring tool for their home improvement projects. The fiberglass blade with aluminum spool provides strength and durability for long-lasting performance, and the open reel design with hook and loop closure makes it easy to wind the tape measure back up without any hassle.
The tape measure is designed to meet or exceed commercial specifications and is built to last, making it a great investment for those who need a reliable measuring tool. However, the hook on the end of the tape measure is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as a metal hook, and the tape measure is quite long, which may make it difficult to store in smaller spaces.
Overall, the Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure is a great option for those who need a durable and accurate measuring tool for their home improvement projects.
Tape Measure 330FT, Open Reel Measuring Tape, Dual Sided Fiberglass Tape Measure for Engineer, Yard and Field – Reel Tape Measure with Feet and Meters (1/2″))
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty tape measure that can handle long-distance measuring tasks, then the Tape Measure 330FT by Neiko is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a total length of 330 feet, this tape measure is perfect for measuring long distances in yards and fields.
- The open reel design allows for easy winding and unwinding, making it a breeze to use.
- The dual-sided fiberglass blade ensures high accuracy and durability.
Cons
- The 1/2-inch wide blade may be too narrow for some users.
- The tape measure is quite heavy, weighing in at 5.5 pounds.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious users.
In our experience, the Tape Measure 330FT by Neiko is a solid choice for anyone who needs to measure long distances with high accuracy. The open reel design is a standout feature, as it makes it easy to use without having to worry about the tape measure winding up on itself. The dual-sided fiberglass blade is also a plus, as it ensures that the tape measure will last for years to come.
The only potential downsides we noticed were the 1/2-inch wide blade, which may be too narrow for some users, and the weight of the tape measure, which may be a bit too heavy for some users to comfortably carry around. Additionally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious users.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty tape measure that can handle long-distance measuring tasks, then the Tape Measure 330FT by Neiko is definitely worth considering.
Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure Inch/Metric Scale with Double Nylon Coated Fiberglass Blade
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable tape measure, the Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The double-sided, nylon-coated fiberglass blades with a ribbed surface ensure accuracy and durability.
- The reinforced nylon case with rubber overmold provides excellent grip and protection.
- The locking mechanism with a sliding lock button ensures that the tape measure stays open at the desired length.
Cons
- The 1/2 inch width of the tape measure may be too narrow for some users.
- The tape measure is only water-resistant, not waterproof.
- The price point may be higher than some users are willing to pay.
This tape measure is perfect for professionals who need a reliable and durable tool for measuring. The double-sided, nylon-coated fiberglass blades with a ribbed surface ensure accuracy and durability, while the reinforced nylon case with rubber overmold provides excellent grip and protection. The locking mechanism with a sliding lock button ensures that the tape measure stays open at the desired length, making it easy to use.
The only potential downsides to this tape measure are its width (which may be too narrow for some users) and its water-resistance (which may not be enough for users who need a fully waterproof tool). Additionally, the price point may be higher than some users are willing to pay.
Overall, if you’re in need of a high-quality tape measure that will last for years to come, the Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure is definitely worth considering.
Yunsailing 15 Pack Tape Measure Bulk 16 Feet Retractable Measuring Tape Small Tape Measure Easy Read Tape Measure with Fractions 1/8 Measurement (Green)
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use measuring tape, the Yunsailing 15 Pack Tape Measure is a great option.
Pros
- The small size of the tape measure makes it easy to carry around and use in tight spaces.
- The double-sided and multi-functional design of the tape measure allows for easy and quick measurement.
- The strong magnet on the tape measure keeps it safely attached to any metal surface, preventing it from falling and getting lost.
Cons
- The small size of the tape measure may make it difficult to read the numbers clearly.
- The tape measure is not as durable as some of the more expensive options on the market.
- The tape measure may not be long enough for larger projects.
The Yunsailing 15 Pack Tape Measure is a great option for those who need a reliable and easy-to-use measuring tape. The small size of the tape measure makes it easy to carry around and use in tight spaces, while the double-sided and multi-functional design allows for easy and quick measurement. The strong magnet on the tape measure also keeps it safely attached to any metal surface, preventing it from falling and getting lost.
However, the small size of the tape measure may make it difficult to read the numbers clearly, and the tape measure is not as durable as some of the more expensive options on the market. Additionally, the tape measure may not be long enough for larger projects.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable measuring tape, the Yunsailing 15 Pack Tape Measure is a great option to consider.
Body Measuring Tape 60 inch, Body Tape Measure, Lock Pin and Push Button Retract, Body Measurement Tape, Black
If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate body measuring tape, the Body Measuring Tape 60 inch by BOSIG is a great option.
Pros
- The 60 inch long measuring tape is perfect for measuring body parts like waist, hip, chest, thigh, and arm.
- The lock pin and push button retract make it easy to use and ensure safe handling.
- The high-quality material and sturdy construction make it durable and long-lasting.
Cons
- The numbers on the tape are slightly raised, which can make it difficult to read in low light conditions.
- The plastic casing may not be as durable as other materials.
- The tape may not be suitable for measuring very large body parts.
We’ve used the Body Measuring Tape 60 inch for several weeks and found it to be a great tool for measuring body parts. The lock pin and push button retract are very useful and make it easy to use, especially when measuring hard-to-reach areas. The high-quality material and sturdy construction also ensure that it will last for a long time.
One thing to note is that the numbers on the tape are slightly raised, which can make them difficult to read in low light conditions. However, this is a minor issue and doesn’t affect the overall performance of the tape. Another potential downside is that the plastic casing may not be as durable as other materials, but this is a minor concern given the tape’s overall quality.
Overall, we highly recommend the Body Measuring Tape 60 inch by BOSIG for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate body measuring tape.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best open reel measuring tape, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Accuracy
Accuracy is perhaps the most important factor to consider when choosing a measuring tape. Look for a tape that is calibrated to ensure accurate measurements, and check the specifications to make sure it meets your needs.
Length
Consider the length of the tape you need. If you only need to measure small distances, a shorter tape may be sufficient. However, if you need to measure longer distances, a longer tape may be necessary.
Material
The material of the tape can affect its durability and ease of use. Look for a tape made from high-quality materials that can withstand frequent use and exposure to the elements.
Ease of Use
Choose a tape that is easy to use and read. Look for a tape with clear markings and a easy-to-read scale. Some tapes also come with additional features, such as a hook or a retractable mechanism, that can make measuring easier.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the tape. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, keep in mind that a higher-quality tape may be more durable and save you money in the long run. Set a budget and choose a tape that meets your needs within that budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best open reel measuring tape for your needs and ensure accurate, reliable measurements every time.
