Whether you\u2019re a builder, contractor, designer or just about anyone else, you will need a tape measure at some point.<\/p>\n
From dealing with cutting timber, measuring the size of an alcove or figuring out how wide that new fridge is, making use of a tape measure is nearly almost a daily occurrence for some people, and because of this, we\u2019re bringing together a guide for finding the best tape measures in Australia.<\/p>\n
As you may already know, not all tape measures are created equally and some come with added features and design perks that make them a whole lot easier to use than others.<\/p>\n
That in mind, we\u2019ll take a look at all of the essentials you need to consider in your next tape measure and what else to look for to get the best experience! You don\u2019t want to be stuck using a construction tape measure for something like measuring the kitchen fridge for example \u2014 and vice versa.<\/p>\n
All that out of the way, let\u2019s get into the best tape measures and what to consider!<\/p>\n
The Most Important Tape Measure Considerations<\/p>\n
Off the top, there are a few important things you\u2019ll always want to consider when it comes to getting your hands on a tape measure that will make your life easier, and not more difficult.<\/p>\n
A lot of tape measures out there have been carefully curated to what you\u2019ll be using them for and that means there\u2019s been changes to the rigidity of your tape measure\u2019s tape, the retraction mechanism and more \u2014 based on the task they\u2019ve been developed for.<\/p>\n
However, there are tonnes of different features and essentials to look for, and so we\u2019ve done just about all the research and explanation-writing for you to make sure that this process is as simple and straightforward as possible.<\/p>\n
Here are the most important things to look for in the best tape measure.<\/p>\n
Measurement and Tape Accuracy<\/strong><\/p>\n At the absolute forefront of your tape measure considerations needs to be the accuracy of the tape itself.<\/p>\n If your tape measure is out of whack, then it\u2019s better used as a paperweight than anything else.<\/p>\n That in mind, some cheaper tape measures like the ones you\u2019ll find at dollar stores, for example, are often out of whack when it comes to measurement accuracy and so we ask you to write these cheaper models off right away.<\/p>\n On top of this, you might find that some other versions are just as unreliable, though these do often come as a surprise. Keeping that noted, it\u2019s always best to take a look at reviews online, or double check the tape measure\u2019s accuracy in-store with something like the length of your smartphone or a ruler, for example.<\/p>\n With this done, you\u2019ll be able to tell whether a tape measure is accurate, or if it is worth overlooking.<\/p>\n The Product Durability<\/strong><\/p>\n When you\u2019re sure you are on the right track to an accurate tape measure, it\u2019s time to move on to the durability of the product.<\/p>\n Of course, this requirement will depend on your own use case and how you intend to use your tape measure from day to day. For our contractor and builder readers, there\u2019s a good chance your tape measure might experience hundreds of drops from tabletops and even your hands each week, and so it\u2019s good to know the outer casing is strong enough to handle this.<\/p>\n Our readers who are primarily using their tape measures at home for things like decor projects, measuring furniture and other similar tasks \u2014 durability might not mean as much to you.<\/p>\n That in mind however, it does remain a good idea to always invest in a tape measure that\u2019s going to be strong enough to withstand a good beating.<\/p>\n Testing<\/strong><\/p>\n With our mention of strength out of the way, a few tests online have given us the information we need to determine which tape measures are strong enough for our readers and which might be worth overlooking.<\/p>\n A standard drop test for a tape measure is generally conducted at around 10 feet, which means you\u2019re good to go if you work on roofs and see your tape measure slide off and down to the ground.<\/p>\n From the data provided from the testing, we were able to find that the tape measures were subjected to six different drop tests which allowed for each tape measure to experience impact from all sides. This had meant that we were able to see which tape measures survived and which parts of each tape measure were subject to damage.<\/p>\n Following all drop tests and durability trials, the tape measures were then used as per usual to make sure that the drops didn\u2019t cause any internal damage that may have impacted the internal tape retraction chambers.<\/p>\n In all, the tape measures that survived the drops, showed as little casing damage and still worked optimally were added to our list of the best models to choose from.<\/p>\n For further information, here are some of the aspects of the tape measure that were assessed after the drop \u2014 the faceplate, the lock button, the casing, the internal retraction chambers and the tongue.<\/p>\n All of these pieces were assessed and given a look over to make sure they all still remained intact or were still operable, and with that covered, we could then move forward to adding these to our list and assessing their features.<\/p>\n Interestingly, the tape measures were also subjected to a few different drops to see how many it would take to render these tape measures inoperable. What was found was that brands like Ryobi fared quite well in that their model was able to sustain 20 drops before any operational failure.<\/p>\n Other brands such as Klein were ruined after just 5 drops \u2014 making them unideal for workplace use. Some of the more durable options out there came from Stanley in that 24 drops caused the tape measure to break down entirely.<\/p>\n The winning brands however were DeWalt and Milwaukee given that they simply survived completely.<\/p>\n Belt Clip Design<\/strong><\/p>\n Making our way on from damaging the tape measures, another key consideration is how the tape measure is going to attach itself to those using it.<\/p>\n Of course, most tape measures do come with some sort of clip or belt clip which gives you the chance to effortlessly hook the tape measure on your person and keep it with you at all times. And given that you\u2019re likely to use your tape measure routinely throughout the day, this is going to be a feature that is a major timesaver.<\/p>\n On top of the inclusion of a clip, it\u2019s also good to keep in mind what this clip looks like and how it works. You\u2019ll find that some of these clips work better than others when it comes to looping them over a belt, and so you should try to select a tape measure that does this best for your specific belt.<\/p>\n One other thing to note is what the clip is made of and whether it\u2019s designed to sustain drops or a tug that\u2019s a little too hard. You don\u2019t want to see the tape measure simply snap off mid-way through the day \u2014 and so this was a consideration for us when selecting the best tape measures out there today.<\/p>\n To spotlight a specific brand, the DeWalt tape measures did have an excellent clip design and it was also a model that clipped on to a belt quite well, which made the process of getting the tape measure on and off, and actually using it <\/em>a whole lot simpler.<\/p>\n The Milwaukee design of clip is actually made of wire, and it\u2019s exceedingly strong too, so this tape measure is a great contender for those who need a clip that\u2019s going to work religiously with you, and not show any signs of wearing down or becoming loose over time.<\/p>\n A final thing to be wary of are the clips that come from the Ridgid and Empire brands, given that they\u2019re a little weak. They operate quite well and look good, though these are a little small and you\u2019re going to find that they\u2019ve been designed in a way that leaves room for failure, so breaking them off, or having them snap is a real risk here.<\/p>\n The Tape and Marking Visibility<\/strong><\/p>\n What good is a tape measure with markings you can\u2019t see?<\/p>\n Another major consideration for us in finding some winning tape measures were the markings on the tape itself. These are what you\u2019ll be relying on to find an accurate measurement and so the font size should be large and easy to ready but also contrast well with the tape.<\/p>\n Of course, standard tape measures come with black-on-yellow print which is ideal and easy to read, though, some tape measures do offer a different colour scheme.<\/p>\n A second point to add is the level of detail in the tape itself and the measurement markings. As we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll agree, the typical M, CM and MM options are fine, though some inch-based markings or some other measurements are always welcomed too.<\/p>\n On the Klein model, for example, you\u2019ll find that there are notch weights used here that make it easier to see some popular or common measurements like one inch markings for example.<\/p>\n Going back to the colour schemes used, some tape measures have double sided measurements which come with a different colour. Again, on the Klein, there\u2019s the standard yellow and black, though on the underside there\u2019s a black and white option to make visibility easier.<\/p>\n On the Empire tape measure, you\u2019ll find a white and blue colour tone here with deep blue marking or fractions coming into play, making it a little easier to see. For more detail, there are the thinner lines which represent the smaller millimetre measures.<\/p>\n To end, the visibility of the Lufkin tape measures is something quite unique and a variation that we love \u2014 these tape measures come in green on black which stands out in all conditions from harsh daylight to dark interior spaces.<\/p>\n The Throw Distance<\/strong><\/p>\n One other key consideration is the throw distance of your tape measure.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re feeling lazy or simply can\u2019t get to another side of a material, say a roof, for example, you\u2019re going to want a tape measure that you can stand and throw to the area you\u2019re looking to measure.<\/p>\n The more expensive and higher-end models of tape measures typically have an ultra-sturdy tape that allows for a long throw distance and no folding-over or other similar issues, and so investing in these models is always a good idea.<\/p>\n That in mind though, for those in the interior design and DIY area, a super far throw distance may not be something that is as integral to your workflow as someone in the roofing or construction fields.<\/p>\n Testing<\/strong><\/p>\n To gauge a little better the standout and the throw distance, multiple tests online were undertaken and we were able to compile all of these to give our readers a better look at the experience using each tape measure.<\/p>\n For us, a standout around 9\u2019 was important as this is ideal in that a lot of materials and workflows will only need to have a tape measure stretching and reaching this far. However, some of our readers in the building fields may be more pleased with a 10\u2019 to 16\u2019 standout.<\/p>\n All that in mind though, most of the tape measures coming into consideration on our list do offer these standout sizes.<\/p>\n To end, the standout is going to depend on the shape of the tape itself and so making your way in-store or online and looking for that tight, well-designed U-shape is going to be something worth taking an in-depth look at.<\/p>\n The Throw<\/strong><\/p>\n In a similar vein to the standout of the tape measure is the throw.<\/p>\n As you\u2019ll agree, walking around and adhering your hook to the end of materials and walking back does take time and impacts your workplace efficiency, something that no one wants to deal with.<\/p>\n That noted, you\u2019ll want to be on the look out for a tape measure that comes with a throw that\u2019s as far as possible. The further you can throw that tape, the less you\u2019ll need to walk and waste time.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also good to note that if you can\u2019t throw the tape far enough, you can still always slide out the tape until the hook grabs the end of your material \u2014 though this will rely on a looser retraction mechanism and a hook that\u2019s been well-designed. More on that in a moment.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to consider the throw distance based on your own use case, though we will say that looking for a throw of around 8\u2019 is a good place to start, however the more the better.<\/p>\n It\u2019s good to keep in mind that some higher-end brands like Empire and Ryobi didn\u2019t hit the mark then it came to throw as they failed to reach the ideal 8\u2019 or the 96 inch distance, which is a little surprising.<\/p>\n The brands to stand by when it comes to throw are DeWalt, Stanley and the Klein models which all offered more than 100 inches, and up to 130 inches for the Klein model. Which in our opinion, is rather outstanding.<\/p>\n An Intelligent <\/strong>Hook Design<\/strong><\/p>\n As we mentioned above, when it comes to working on site you\u2019re going to want to be as efficient and timely as possible. That means not fiddling with a hook on your tape measure that doesn\u2019t seem to latch on to anything.<\/p>\n We would only suggest working with tape measure hooks that easily adhere to materials, or are designed in a way that \u2018grabs\u2019 on to things. You\u2019re going to want to be able to throw or ease your tape measure out without having to worry about whether you\u2019re going to have to manually stick it to whatever you\u2019re measuring.<\/p>\n As a general rule of thumb, you\u2019re always going to want to be on the look out for a hook that is as large as possible. These are going to make sure the end of your tape measure is heavy and stable enough to dip down and grab your materials, but also encompass the end of whatever you\u2019re measuring.<\/p>\n Those points in mind, we did take a look at all of the hooks on our top measuring tapes and deciding upon a few winners.<\/p>\n The Tape Measure Hooks<\/strong><\/p>\n To make your process of deciding a little simpler, we did delve into the tape measures and their hooks and worked on deciding which is going to work best for some rather specific workflows.<\/p>\n Coming from Lufkin<\/strong>, this tape measure is one of the better designed out there in that it comes with a grab on both the bottom and <\/em>the top of the tape. This will mean that pulling back your tape measure and getting it to hook on a material is rather effortless when compared to just about anything else.<\/p>\n This also means there\u2019s a reduced chance of you needing to fully retract the tape and throw the tape measure out again \u2014 saving time.<\/p>\n The experts at DeWalt<\/strong> also have an excellent hook on offer in that there is a top and bottom grab here too, however the upper is a little taller, making it easy to grab materials too. One thing to note is the side grab here is a very welcomed addition in that you can measure walls and other vertically-facing materials without tilting your tape measure to the side and easing it out this way.<\/p>\n Ox<\/strong> has also worked to develop a rather unique, though very helpful tape measure hook too \u2014 and it does look quite strange. There\u2019s a wide hook here with top, bottom and side grabs like the DeWalt model, though it is a little wider and more nimble at the same time, making it easier to throw and grab to materials.<\/p>\n The final tape measure we took a look at regarding the hook was the Stanley<\/strong>. Keeping in mind that this tape measure did end up one of our favourites, it doesn\u2019t really come with a hook that provides much use at all.<\/p>\n It is rather small and doesn\u2019t come with a top or a side grab other than the add-on you can close over the hook. This does add a top grab and a side grab, though having to add it on and the possibility of it coming off and becoming lost might be a big downside for a lot of contractors. You lose this one essential piece of equipment and your tape measure is effectively half as useful.<\/p>\n The <\/strong>Ergonomics and Design<\/strong><\/p>\n To one of the more often overlooked points in tape measures, the design and ergonomics are a big factor to consider.<\/p>\n Keeping in mind that the tape measure is going to be in your hand and you\u2019re going to be guiding the tape slowly into place, you\u2019ll want to choose and model that\u2019s comfortable enough and designed well enough for you to do this with ease.<\/p>\n All of the models coming from DeWalt and Milwaukee and possibly Lufkin (depending on your preference) are designed perfectly to fit into the hand without any issues, however, the Stanley model and the option from Empire are a bit too clunky for us.<\/p>\n The Ox, although it\u2019s a great option when it comes to use case, is far too large for it to be comfortable for prolonged use.<\/p>\n Cost and Affordability<\/strong><\/p>\n As we mentioned earlier in the article, cost can have a big impact on how well your measuring tape works and whether it\u2019s even accurate.<\/p>\n That in mind though, affordability isn\u2019t always a bad thing and you\u2019re going to find that the tape measures on our list only range from $9 through to $29 so you\u2019re not going to be breaking the bank here \u2014 even for the best of the best.<\/p>\n One thing to keep in mind is that there is a good middle ground here in price, and with the Ryobi being the most affordable, you\u2019re certainly getting a good deal when it comes to features.<\/p>\n The costly DeWalt on the other hand, may be a little too expensive for what it brings, and because of this we might ask our readers to look the other way unless a DeWalt is firmly on the cards.<\/p>\n In all, spending between $10 and $15 on a tape measure should be enough to get you something that\u2019s ideal for all use cases and <\/em>is going to last a long time too.<\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve gone over all of the essentials you should look for in a tape measure, we have a few minor things to consider.<\/p>\n Missing these things from your tape measure isn\u2019t going to majorly impact the experience, however, having them on hand could majorly impact how easy your tape measure is to use and you might be able to get more work done in less time.<\/p>\n Magnetic Hooks<\/strong><\/p>\n For our readers who find themselves always working around steel, then the magnetic measuring tape hooks are going to be a game changer.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll always have the assurance that your tape measure is going to safely latch on to the end of a sheet or piece of steel pipe or a truss without you have to do anything. Again, this saves time and essentially makes your workflow a whole lot faster.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that Ox, Milwaukee and Klein all offer this great magnetic feature.<\/p>\n A <\/strong>Nylon Blade Coating<\/strong><\/p>\n When it comes to getting the longest life out of your tape measure, you\u2019ll want to be on the lookout for a nylon blade coating.<\/p>\n These coatings are going to be your first line of defence when it comes to rust and preventing the peeling away of your blade. That in mind, almost all of our models chosen for the best tape measure come with these coatings, though the more affordable options out there typically look over this.<\/p>\n That in mind, if you\u2019re looking for a tape measure you can use on a routine basis, be sure to look for some type of coating.<\/p>\n An Auto-lock<\/strong><\/p>\n To add, another time saving and efficiency-focused perk is the auto-lock mechanism.<\/p>\n This is where you\u2019ll be able to rely on your tape measure to essentially stop your tape as you\u2019re extending it which means you\u2019re not having to use the thumb lock, making your workflow just that little bit smoother.<\/p>\n A Finger Brake<\/strong><\/p>\n Another key feature, though a non-essential one, is an included finger brake.<\/p>\n These brakes are going to be what stops you getting that painful pinch or even a cut when your tape retracts back into the internal chamber \u2014 and we\u2019re certainly going to want you to consider this depending on how often you\u2019re finding yourself pinched.<\/p>\n A Double-sided Print<\/strong><\/p>\n As we outlined above, some models of tape measure have printing and measurements on both sides of the tape which lets you get a better view of what your measurement is without having to look and squint trying to see one side over the other.<\/p>\n You can also use these features when measuring things above the ground and you have an off-sider below you. They can see the underside of the tape and tell you easily what the measurement is.<\/p>\n More Details Markings<\/strong><\/p>\n To conclude our list of added or \u2018bonus\u2019 features, added details and architectural measurements is always a plus. This will take out the guesswork from a lot of your measuring activities and often provide a result that you\u2019re looking for, rather than requiring you to convert a measurement on your phone.<\/p>\n Our List of the Best Tape Measures For 2021<\/p>\n With all of the above points out of the way we can now get into our list of all the best tape measures that boast just about all of the features we loved so much above.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that these tape measures are all of a high quality and come with a relatively low price point \u2014 which is great news considering just how durable and reliable these tape measures are.<\/p>\n Taking out the top spot for us, despite breaking a little quickly in the drop test we mentioned earlier, is the Klein 25-foot tape measure.<\/p>\n This model comes with just about all the perks we liked along with a great magnetic hook and a throw distance that\u2019s also ideal. You\u2019re getting plenty of features here, as well as the assurance that you\u2019re able to see the measurements quite easily given that there\u2019s huge printed text here.<\/p>\n On top of this, the design of the tape measure is perfectly suited to the hand and it is quite lightweight too.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n Coming in at second place for us is the Ridgid tape measure with its 25 foot length and the great accuracy of printed lines.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be able to find more durability here than just about any other tape measure and that means you\u2019re able to use this tape measure for years to come without a problem. It also has a great design that fits the hand well and a good double-sided printing too.<\/p>\n One thing to note is that it has a rather poor standout distance of below that ideal 96 inches we talked through, though for some users and the occasional DIYer this is still going to be a great option for you.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n From the experts at Ryobi, their 25 foot model is another ideal tape measure for those who need something simple, affordable and also durable.<\/p>\n This model comes with some added detail in the tape markings with fractions coming into play here and the small and lightweight design means it is one of our top choices for those who need to hang on to their tape measure all day.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find that this is one of the most affordable out there at under $9 in most retail stores and you\u2019re going to find that the durability does remain quite high up here. The only major downside here is the sub-96 inch standout distance which may make this model a no-go for some of our readers.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n Another incredibly versatile tape measure landing on our list is the 500AL by Empire.<\/p>\n It did break quite early in drop testing, which means it isn\u2019t the most durable, though it has so many great features and time-saving perks that it had to land fairly high on our list.<\/p>\n For our readers who work primarily in controlled settings or in the home decor and interior design fields, or DIY segment this might be the tape measure for you. If you\u2019re likely to keep the tape measure well looked after, you\u2019re going to have a great experience here.<\/p>\n The tape comes in at 25 feet and you\u2019re going to see the auto lock and fraction markings coming in quite helpful here.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the bigger and heavy tape measures on our list comes with a tonne of great features to support that added weight.<\/p>\n Although we did tout that this model is a little hard to hold, it\u2019s still one of our favourite tape measures this year and that\u2019s thanks to the double sided printing as well as the fact it served more than 30 drops from over 10 feet.<\/p>\n On top of this, the 25 foot measuring tape comes with a hook that grabs on to just about everything and when paired with the standout and throw features, you\u2019re certainly on to a winner here.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n Our top choice tape measure by Stanley is the FatMax given that it\u2019s one of the higher end and feature-packed options here.<\/p>\n It does come with a removable hook that you can make use of in rather specific circumstances and that means you\u2019re getting a little added versatility here when you need it \u2014 and freedom to strip it when you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n There\u2019s auto-lock here for added safety as well as a lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n You might find that the single sided line work is a little bit of an issue, however, with great throw and standout and plenty of durability-focused features, you\u2019re still getting a great tape measure from Stanley.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the more well-rounded options on our list is coming from Lufkin, and with a great feature set all round, it may or may not be the best tape measure in Australia this year.<\/p>\n In fact, the only thing we could note as a downside for this tape measure was the rather poor throw distance. Other than that, the affordable price, green printed tape and the awesome ergonomic design make it a big winner for us.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n And our winner for the best tape measure in Australia comes from the tried and true DeWalt brand, and for a good reason.<\/p>\n There\u2019s little to say about this tape measure that\u2019s negative and with the 25 foot distance and a great shape, intelligently designed clip and an accuracy that leaves little to nothing to be desired, we\u2019re certainly placing this as our winner this year.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a little expensive when compared to just about everything else out there, however, when you consider the fantastic hook design, the throw distance as well as the design of the tape measure overall, we\u2019re sure that this is going to be a tape measure that adds efficiency to your workplace.<\/p>\n Favourite Perks<\/strong><\/p>\n Conclusion<\/p>\n As we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll agree, there is a lot that goes into choosing a tape measure that\u2019s routinely overlooked.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to be sure to keep an eye on all of the value-adding and efficiency focused features that comes with a tape measure as you\u2019re going to want to make sure you\u2019re getting more work done in less time.<\/p>\n Add to this that the extra safety features in a tape measure can save you from being pinched or even having your skin torn by a tape that\u2019s retracting too fast and we\u2019re sure that you want the best of the best this year.<\/p>\n All that said, when it comes to choosing a tape measure be sure to consider your own use cases, how you intend to use the tape measure and whether you\u2019re in a professional work space or intending to use the model at home as a DIY helper.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whether you\u2019re a builder, contractor, designer or just about anyone else, you will need a tape measure at some point. From dealing with cutting timber, measuring the size of an alcove or figuring out how wide that new fridge is, making use of a tape measure is nearly almost a daily occurrence for some people, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1047,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[91],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tools"],"yoast_head":"\nAdditional Perks and Considerations<\/h3>\n
The 25-ft Double Hook Magnetic Tape Measure by Klein<\/h3>\n
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The 25-ft Locking Steel Tape Measure by Ridgid<\/h3>\n
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The 25-foot Tape Measure by Ryobi<\/h3>\n
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The Level 500AL Series Auto-Locking Measuring Tape by Empire<\/h3>\n
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The Pro Stainless Steel Tape Measure by Ox Tools<\/h3>\n
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The 25-ft FATMAX Auto-Lock Tape Measure by Stanley<\/h3>\n
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The 25-ft Black Widow Tape Measure by Lufkin<\/h3>\n
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The 25-ft XP Tape Measure by DeWalt<\/h3>\n
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