How to Choose the Right Measuring Tape

Measuring tape is measuring tape, right? Well, not exactly. Seemingly one of the easiest tools to purchase, what many weekend warriors don’t realize are all the factors that can go into choosing the right measuring tape.

Depending on the type of work you are planning on doing you may want to consider different tape and case compositions, tape hooks, measurements, and even take into consideration if you are left or right handed – yes, it is an option.

Size

Does size matter when choosing your measuring tape? Of course, it does! The type of work you are doing, and your work area all play a role in determining what size measuring tape may work best for you. For examples, a wider and larger measuring tape will work well if you are in a construction zone, building a home, and have a lot of space available. A larger tape can also be an advantage if your work area is more susceptible to bump, scrapes and the pounding your tape measure could take.

A smaller tape measure with a thinner tape often works well if you have a small workshop or workspace where a larger tape will be more cumbersome.

For a lot of people, the size of measuring tape is a personal preference, often reflecting their workspace.

Tape hook

The measuring tape hook can vary greatly, and like most tools are best used for the right type of job. You’ve likely experienced both the overly large tape hooks as well as the dinky hook found on many keychain styles.

However, additional considerations can be made for those who work alone and have the ability to choose measuring tape with teethed-ends as well as looped hooks.

Accuracy

The accuracy of measuring tape is broken into 4 categories. The first category is considered unclassified. Meaning that, while not necessarily inaccurate, the tape has not been tested and approved as a recognized standard of accuracy. These are often inexpensive and perfectly fine if you do not require perfect accuracy.

Class III: is the lowest recognized accuracy and often reserved for surveyors. This extremely rare classification is slowly being phased out as manufacturers are improving their product to achive class II.

Class II: This classification will cover most varieties of measuring tape you will find on the market.

Class III: This classification is often reserved for engineering professions requiring extremely sensitive measurements – think nuclear and aerospace engineers.

Unit of measure

Unit of measure is broken into three types available. Measurements available are metric, imperial, and a mix of the two. Many people prefer both metric and imperial to handle the variety of plans with varying measurements.

Most tapes will have the standard millimeter, centimeter, meter, as well as inches and foot measurements.

Material

Steel and fiberglass are the most popular choices for tape measures, however, stainless steel is available, although not used nearly as much as the other two choices. The material is more a factor of how you will use the tape, as opposed to preference.

Surveyors who work in a variety of environments often prefer the flexibility of fiberglass, as well as the ability to handle several environments such as mud, rain, and different types of debris.

While fiberglass is strong, durable and can hold up to environmental elements, most people prefer the stiff strength of steel tape for home shops (such as woodworking) and construction.

Other features

Other available features such as a locking mechanism and left/right measuring tape are often a matter of preference and an added bonus to the work you’re doing.

The locking feature on measuring tape is helpful to prevent the tape from snapping back if the hook doesn’t hold as well as measuring multiple areas that are about the same length.

Left/right tape measurements allow you to see your measurement right-side up regardless of how you look at the tape and can be helpful if you work from a variety of angles.

Rok Hardware Measuring Tape

Rok Hardware carries 3 types of tape measures, all supplied by Fastcap. Each offers different features and should handle any of your measuring needs.

Fastcap 12’ metric/standard Pro-Carpenter: Multi-use measuring tape with 7 features and both metric and imperial measurements.

• Lever-action belt clip
• Pencil sharpener
• Dual locking system
• Erasable notepad
• 1” blade
• High-contrast tape
• Rugged and compact design

Fastcap 16’ Fastpad Standard Lefty/Righty: Multi-use measuring tape that has several great features and provides the ability to clearly see measurements from both sides of the tape.

• Standard measurements are readable on both sides of the tape.
• Erasable notepad
• 16' standard and standard-reverse rule
• Dual thumb and finger lock
• Attached belt clip
• Easy-read fractions to 1/16"
• Built-in pencil sharpener
• Protective rubber boot

Fastcap 16’ Flatback Standard: The Flatback is great for measuring curves and flat panels. The Flatback also comes with standard and unique measuring tape features of Fastcap.

• Lever-action belt clip
• Pencil sharpener
• Dual locking system
• Erasable notepad
• Heavy-duty 1-inch blade
• High-contrast tape
• Rugged compact design