The best metric tape
Tape Measure – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
The tape measure is one of the basic tools of any handyman. It doesn’t matter if you have to measure planks for a piece of furniture, take measurements on a piece of land or calculate the dimensions of the walls when painting. With this tool, you will have the right measurements, as long as you opt for quality products such as the ETape16 ETAPUK01 tape. A device with a digital screen that facilitates reading and includes both memory and measurement conversion functions, among other options. If you have a lot of distance to measure, you can take a look at the Silverline MT46 tape, 50 meters long and with a high quality of manufacture, to measure in a big way with comfort.
The 9 Best Tape Measures – Opinions 2022
Taking measurements is essential when doing all kinds of DIY work. That is why it is essential to have the best tape measure of the moment, according to our specific needs. An erroneous measurement can lead to lost working hours and a poor result when cutting wood, opening grooves in the wall and performing many other tasks. So our selection of the best tape measures of 2022 will not hurt you, where you will find products of all kinds and quality to easily choose and hit.
digital tape measure
1. eTape16 Digital Tape Measure ETAPUK01
The eTape16 ETAPUK01 digital tape measure is an interesting solution for making all kinds of measurements with precision and without having to look for numbers on the tape itself. In return, this device presents the measurement result on its LCD screen, making it easier to see it clearly.
This screen is located at the top of the tape, above the control area, which includes the buttons to activate the measurements, memorize them and perform other control tasks. Regarding its materials, the product is at the level of the best tape measure you can find, thanks to details such as a high-quality polycarbonate strip or a very resistant plastic on the outside of the main body, which withstands the most intensive use.
To top it off, the device has a total length of 4.8 meters, so it is very suitable for measurements of a certain range.
Make the leap to new times with this high-tech tape measure and measurement capacity.
Pros
Screen : The digital screen makes it easy to see the measurements clearly, with hardly any waiting.
Button panel : The side button panel allows you to control the measurements and store them in memory, if you need it.
Materials : The high quality of the product’s materials ensures good durability and resistance.
Measurements : With this model it is easy to make measurements of up to 4.8 meters long.
Power off : The treadmill turns off after 5 minutes, to save battery power while not in use.
Cons
Rounding : The measurements have a certain rounding when they appear on the screen, although it does not imply a high error in the measurement.
2. RGS Living DijiTape Digital Metric
For those looking for an efficient and quality digital tape measure, the RGS Living DijiTape model is an interesting option. We are talking about a product with a 5 meter long tape and a body with good resistance, just as we would find in any conventional tape measure. However, in this case a screen is incorporated in the upper area, which makes it easier to see the measurements made and includes backlighting, to see everything clearly even when the light is poor.
Among its functions, we can convert from meters and centimeters to inches and vice versa, memorize measurements and even perform calculations such as the center point of any given surface using these measurements.
The strap is finished off with details such as the clip to carry the meter on the belt or a battery with autonomy for 60 hours of use, which is also easy to find when you have to change it.
Carrying out all kinds of measurements with comfort and precision is easy thanks to models like this one.
Pros
Extension: The tape measure has an extension of up to 5 meters, being suitable for all types of uses.
Illumination: The illuminated display shows measurements with pleasant clarity.
Conversions: The keypad includes an option to pass measurements from the international to the imperial system and vice versa.
Cons
Protection: It is missing that the product is accompanied by a case or similar, for storage.
Accuracy: The accuracy of the measurements can be improved compared to other models that we have on the market.
50 meter tape measure
3. Silverline MT46 Surveyor’s Tape
When the size of the measurements increases, it is necessary to resort to large products, such as the Silverline MT46 50 meter tape measure. This surveyor’s tape is made of high-strength fiberglass, which maintains good durability in use and does not move during the measurement process.
The tape has elements that make its use more comfortable, such as the handle for deployment, the folding handle or a musket at the end of the tape, to fix it to the ground and extend it comfortably. A tool that, due to its characteristics, could be the best tape measure of the moment within larger products.
As a bonus, the tape is also offered in 30 or 100 meter sizes, depending on whether you need more or less extension.
So that you know which tape measure to buy, nothing better than knowing each product in depth, as we do below.
Pros
Measurements : The tape is 50 meters long, also having other models of 30 and 100 meters respectively.
Tape : Fiberglass adds extra strength and durability to it.
Rewinder : A rewinder with a folding lever is included, to take up the tape when necessary.
Handle : The strap handle facilitates deployment and general handling of the strap.
Cons
Dilation : If you take measurements on sunny days, the tape may dilate slightly, varying the precision.
Millimeters : It is not the most suitable solution for millimeter measurements, due to the numbering format.
4. S&R Flexometer Tape Measure 50M 165
The S&R 422.950.013 50 meter tape measure is another interesting option for measuring large distances and spaces. This product has a tape made of high-strength fiberglass and a print that makes it easy to see the measurements clearly.
The tape is dual, so one of the sides includes measurements in meters, while the other does so in feet, so you can choose the one that suits you. In its design there is no lack of elements that help to work better, such as the handle on the upper part or the folding lever of the dustpan, which saves time when we finish the measurement.
The hook on the tip also helps the precision of the work, which allows the tape to be nailed to the ground and prevents it from moving. So making all kinds of measurements will be a simple task with this model, no matter how big the distance is.
Having the necessary information to know which is the best tape measure is easy, if you continue reading our analysis.
Pros
Comfort : The product has a handle and a folding handle that add extra comfort to the treadmill.
Hook : The large hook makes it easy to stick the tape into the ground when measuring what you need.
Measurements : The tape has one side marked in feet and the other in meters, so you can bet on the one that suits you best.
Cons
Finishes : Some finishes have an improvable aspect, although it is a rather cosmetic detail.
Warranty : The product warranty is only 3 months, much less than it should be by law.
laser tape measure
5. Meterk 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure
The laser tape measure is another interesting option when it comes to taking measurements efficiently and more comfortably. A market where we find products such as the Meterk 2-in-1 tape. This model has two modes of operation, with a conventional 5-meter tape measure and a laser system capable of measuring up to 40 meters away.
In this last section, the tape has a precision of just 2 millimeters, to always have real data. Both options are very comfortable to use, thanks to details such as its LCD screen or the large side button panel, with which to manage both the laser itself and the device’s memories.
As if that were not enough, the tape is also capable of performing calculations of areas and volumes from the measured data. It is finished off with a USB charging system, with which you can forget about batteries and have the device always active comfortably.
So that you have the best of traditional tapes and laser models, bet on a combined product, like this one from Meterk.
Pros
2 in 1: This product has a traditional 5 meter tape measure and a laser with a range of 40 meters.
Calculations: In addition to measurements, you can perform area and volume calculations comfortably.
Charging: USB charging allows you to forget about batteries, so that the device is always ready to work.
Cons
Ambient Light: In extreme sunlight conditions, it may be difficult to see the laser when taking measurements.
Key Location: You will need to learn the location of the keys to use them while looking at the screen, by their location.
6. Tacklife 2 In 1 Laser Tape Measure
The Tacklife TM-L01 model is another dual character laser tape measure, with which we will have two options to take measurements. On the one hand, we have a traditional 5 meter long tape measure, easy to read and unfold. On the other hand, although in the same orientation, a high-precision laser system with a range of up to 40 meters is included.
This laser calibrates itself and has a precision of 2 or 3 millimeters depending on whether it is measured less than or more than 10 meters long. As for the data display, this is done through an LCD screen, where you can clearly see the value of the measurement that we have made in different units.
To complete the product, it includes a clip to carry it on the belt as well as a compact size, similar to that of a conventional ruler. Perfect to also be easy to carry and use.
So that you can measure everything you need, nothing better than a versatile device like this one that Tacklife presents to us.
Pros
Range : The laser function has a range of 40 meters. For its part, the traditional tape is 5 meters.
Precision : The precision of the laser is 2 millimeters in measurements of less than 10 meters and 3 millimeters from 10 to 40 meters.
Calibration : Automatic calibration generates better laser measurement results.
Cons
Orientation : Both the laser and the tape measure point in the same direction, reducing the versatility of the product.
Power : Power is provided by batteries, so you should always have a spare when you use the treadmill.
100 meter tape measure
7. Deuba 100 m fiber tape measure
Where conventional tape measures fall short, large solutions must be resorted to, such as the Deuba 103473 100-meter tape measure. We are talking about a flexometer-type product made with a measuring tape made of high-quality carbon fiber., capable of withstanding drag on the ground and the proper use of these tools.
This quality is also present in its support, with an exposed design and a handle that helps to correctly extend the strip. The crank is also missing to wind the tape later.
All this in a light approach, weighing just 1.2 kilos despite its long extension, so it is not bothersome to carry the tape during measurements. By the way, if you like the design but the treadmill is too long for you, there is also another 50-meter model from the same manufacturer.
Go big with this cheap, high-quality proposition that we discuss below.
Pros
Resistance: Both the tape and the frame have been manufactured to give you a high resistance to use.
Hooking eyelet: This piece facilitates the fixing of the tape to the ground when measuring.
Open Design: An approach that helps to see how much tape is left, as well as possible snags on the tape.
Cons
Heat: As with these tapes, it is possible that it will stretch a little on very hot days.
Snags: It is advisable to avoid snags on the tape, to prevent premature deterioration.
Metallic measurement tape
8. Presch professional 5 m tape measure
Diving among the cheapest tape measures on the market, there is room for quality products such as the Presch 10032. We are talking about a metal tape measure with a traditional character, with high quality construction and a clear print in the reading area.
On the outside, we have a plastic cover with rubber inserts, which offers good wearing comfort, and the classic locking button, to keep the tape in place. This specific model has an extension of 5 meters, also having designs of 3 or 10 meters, suitable for any need.
An option that, because it is among our cheap models and because of its good quality, is worthy of being the best value for money tape measure that we have presented in this article.
If you want nothing more than a traditional but quality tape measure, take a look at this classic cut model.
Pros
Construction: The product has a high strength construction and durability during use.
Rubber inserts: These elements help to have a better grip on the tape when working.
Measurement: Its five meters of extension are very versatile when it comes to working.
Cons
Blocking: It is key to activate the blocking correctly and with force, to prevent it from jumping.
Head: The head of the tape is not flat but wavy, with several elements that reduce stability at the beginning of the tape.
Stanley tape measure
9. Stanley 0-34-297 Rolling Tape Measure
For those looking for a product from a well-known brand in the tool market, nothing better than the Stanley 0-34-297 tape measure. This model has an extension of 30 meters in total, and is also sold in another version of 20 meters long, so that it is easy for you to measure long distances without worries.
Among the elements that help this process, we find a high-resistance fiberglass tape, which withstands shocks and drag. It also includes the classic closing lever, with the quality of the brand, which helps to comfortably collect the tape when you finish using it.
As a novelty, the casing includes four visible spaces, where we can evaluate how much tape we have left and even see if it is wound or stuck. Although given the quality of the product, surely this will not happen.
If you prefer to bet on the best brand of tape measures on the market, it is possible that this Stanley model fits your approach.
Pros
Extension : Its dimensions of 20 or 30 meters make it easy to measure considerable distances.
Material : Thanks to its manufacture in fiberglass, you have a highly resistant and durable product.
Rollable : The rollable system saves time when folding and unfolding the tape.
Cons
Case : A case or bag is missing to store the tape when it is not being used.
Millimeters : The tape does not include measurements in millimeters, although given its size it is not essential either.
Shopping guide
When it comes to doing all kinds of work on tasks like carpentry, masonry and many others, it is key to take action. No one likes an off center door or crooked shelving. All these problems can be avoided with the use of a suitable tool, such as the one you will find in our guide to buying the best tape measure, which will allow you to take all the measurements you need in complete comfort.
tape measure type
The first thing you need to know is the type of tape we need for our work. In general, most of the measurements that we carry out do not require more than a traditional cutting tape measure, presented in the form of a roll and covered by a plastic casing where the brake is also included. It is the best known approach and comes in different versions regarding size.
We have the proof in any comparison of tape measures that falls into our hands, where we find products with a length ranging from approximately 2 to 10 meters. In all these models this classic design is maintained, which facilitates the realization of small measurements of materials or distances.
If you need something longer, then you’ll have to upgrade to so-called surveyor’s tape. In truth, despite the name of this product, it is nothing more than a large tape used in agricultural and construction work. They are models with sizes from 10 meters reaching 100 meters in length of the largest versions. So size is not a problem when it comes to having a large and quality tape.
Manufacturing materials
Another element to value when it comes to getting a good and economical tape measure is the material used to make it. In general, most small tape measures, less than 10 meters, are usually made of aluminum or some other light metal. An economic solution that, however, is being replaced by Teflon polymer, more resistant and durable over time than metal.
These products include an outer plastic or rubber casing, inside which the tape is stored and wound. In this case, models with rubber exteriors will be better, since this material does not slip or slip, while offering more resistance than those made of plastic. The latter withstand shocks less well and can break or deteriorate more quickly.
As for the surveyor models, the longest ones are tape measures normally made of fiberglass. A high-strength material that does not have the rigidity of metal models, making it easier for the product to stick to the ground and not move during measurement. Regarding the support, these large tapes consist of a plastic frame with a metal spindle, to easily wind and unroll the tape.
comfort of use
Whenever we talk about tools, it is necessary that, in addition to seeing how much it costs or how efficient they are, we bet on comfortable products. And the case of tape measures is no exception. An uncomfortable design or one that does not maintain the proper position during measurements will be a source of discomfort and will also generate erroneous results in measurements, with disastrous consequences for our tasks.
For a tape measure to be comfortable, it is recommended that the material is of quality and the printing of the numbers is adequate. Efficient numbering makes it easier to read measurements with greater precision. It is also essential to have the brake system included in the smaller models. This tab fixes the position of the tape where we indicate it, so that it is easier to read correctly.
As additional details, small models can include elements such as a fastening strap or a belt clip. Elements that make it easier to carry the tape with us. Regarding the larger ones, it is convenient to check both the deployment system and the folding handle of the tape, which you will use quite frequently. It is also interesting to check if the product includes a handle, very practical when you have to take measurements on very large land. All these elements add extra comfort when making your measurements, especially in the larger ones.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: What is the tape measure made of?
Currently, there are several materials with which tape measures are manufactured, depending on their dimensions and their quality. The most common material in the tape part is light metal such as aluminium. The design is spread over this material with the corresponding measurements for each centimeter of the ribbon.
On the other hand, the most modern products are usually made of fiberglass, the most expensive, or in a Teflon polymer, the cheapest. As for the larger models, the surveyor’s tapes are made of this fiberglass, which has an adequate mix of lightness and torsion to work comfortably.
Q2: How to measure a plot of land with a tape measure?
To measure the land, we must see if it is regular (a square, a rectangle) or if it has a more irregular shape. In this second case, it will be necessary to decompose the shape into as few regular polygons as possible. In both situations, we must draw the shape of the terrain on a piece of paper. Next, we will proceed to mark the corners and edges of the terrain, which we will use to make the measurement.
It is key to measure and write down the measurements on paper, so that when we finish we can make the corresponding calculations of the surface. To do this, it is enough to apply the basic formulas that we learned in school to calculate these surfaces or perimeters, according to the shapes drawn. If the terrain is complex, surely we also have to add the surfaces of the different areas in which we have segmented the terrain to achieve the total extension.
Q3: How many centimeters is a tape measure?
Well, it all depends on the length of the tape. In general, it is rare that we have a tape measure less than 1.5 or 2 meters, equivalent to 150 or 200 centimeters long. From here, we can expand the size to 50 or even 100 meters long, 5,000 or 10,000 centimeters. It all depends on what you need to measure.
Q4: How to read a tape measure?
Reading a tape measure is very simple, as long as we have opted for a quality model. The tape has a print indicating the measurement, with a scale that is normally made in millimeters, marking centimeters, decimeters and meters with a different tone. This applies to smaller size tapes, up to 5 or 10 meters.
In the largest ones, the division in millimeters is dispensed with and it is done only in centimeters. When making the measurement, it is enough to see which number coincides with the measured object, seeking maximum precision in this regard. By the way, some models have measurements in centimeters on one side and inches on the other, so if this is the case, don’t get confused.
Q5: How to make a paper tape measure?
To make a paper tape measure, we will need a strip of paper (obviously), a ruler or a conventional tape measure and a pencil, pen or similar. To trace the tape, we will place the paper one on the ruler, writing down the separations and the corresponding numbering on it.
If you do it with a normal ruler (about 30 cm) and you want to make it longer, do not get confused with the numbers and do not start with 1 again after writing down the 30. Extend the tape as much as you need and draw the corresponding extension. And don’t forget to treat it carefully, so it doesn’t break.
