12 best measuring tape

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The most popular measuring tool among a wide range of craftsmen is a tape measure. This convenient and compact product is used in the construction of new buildings, during reconstruction and repair, in the process of carrying out geodetic works, etc. A tape measure is a compact device consisting of a body and a flexible tape with a measuring scale. Thanks to the special hook, even one worker can take measurements. A wide range of products of domestic and foreign production is presented on the domestic market. When choosing a suitable model, experts recommend starting from the following parameters.

How to choose a measuring tape

1. Length. First of all, the user should decide on the maximum length of the tape. For example, window measurers or locksmiths have enough compact 2-3-meter products. But on large construction sites, you have to use 30-meter models.
2. A convenient option is the magnetic hook. It fixes the starting point of the tape securely to steel surfaces, making it easy to measure alone.
3. Material. Most often, the tape is made of steel, on which a scale and a protective coating are applied. When the markings are bright and large, you can work even in low light conditions.
4. The reliability and durability of the tape measure largely depends on the quality of the case. The tool is not afraid of falls, which has rubber pads. They absorb impact energy while maintaining the integrity of the plastic housing.
5. Functional. For effective control of the tape in roulettes there are fixing buttons and levers. When buying, you should check how reliably the tape is held by the stopper and whether the winding starts immediately after turning off the braking system.
6. Weight and dimensions. With frequent use of the measuring tool, compactness and lightness become important parameters. For ease of wearing, manufacturers equip their products with wrist straps and straps for fixing on a belt.

Our review includes 12 of the best measuring tape. When compiling the rating, the opinion of the expert community and feedback from domestic consumers were taken into account.

Rating of the best measuring tape

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Roulette Keychain	1	FIT 17825	129 RUB
	2	MILWAUKEE Magnetic Tape Premium 10 m	RUB 2,063
	3	STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 8M	RUB 2,012
	4	MATRIX Magnetic 31012	240 RUB
	5	BACHO MTS-8-25	2 379 rub.
	6	Gross doppelhaken , double-sided, 25 mm x 8 m	841 RUB
	7	Empire EM05MMT	RUB 1,300
	8	Stanley MAX 5m	RUB 1,722
The best measuring tape over 10 meters	1	STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 30 M	RUB 2,145
	2	TOPEX 28C412	409 r
Best Geodesic Roulettes	1	Empire EM30MFG	RUB 2 256
	2	MATRIX 31226 , 50 mx 12.5 mm	RUB 1,910

Best Roulette Keychain

A small measuring instrument can always be with the owner if it is made in the form of a keychain tape measure. Its main advantages are lightness, compactness and portability. The experts liked one interesting model.

FIT 17825

Rating: 4.7

A very convenient measuring tool, which can always be at hand, is the FIT 17825 keychain tape measure. You can attach a bunch of keys to it due to the presence of a metal ring. A 2-meter steel tape 8 mm wide is hidden inside the case. The tape measure will be an irreplaceable assistant for people whose activities are related to construction or repair. Despite its small size, the instrument is not a toy. The body has a rubberized insert, the product is equipped with a locking lever. The model deservedly takes first place in our rating.

Many users call the keychain tape an indispensable measuring tool that always follows the owner. Of the shortcomings, only the millimeter error in the readings is noted.

Advantages

• compactness and lightness (80 g);
• steel tape;
• low price;
• rubberized body.

disadvantages

• measurement error in 1 mm.

The best measuring tape up to 10 meters

For renovating an apartment or house, tape measures up to 10 m long are usually used. There are many high-quality models in this segment, equipped with useful options. Experts have selected the following measuring instruments in the rating.

MILWAUKEE Magnetic Tape Premium 10 m

Rating: 4.9

The professional measuring instrument is the MILWAUKEE Magnetic Tape Premium. It is equipped with a 10-meter tape, 27 mm wide. For ease of use, the scale is applied on both sides of the tape, and to increase wear resistance, the steel is covered with a layer of matte nylon. The model has a number of improvements that are aimed at accurate and fast measurements. To comfortably hold the instrument in the hand, a sub-finger stop is made, and a compact hook makes it easy to visually identify the mark on the scale. The manufacturer also considered the design of the clip for fixing it on the waist belt thoughtfully.

Users praise the tape measure for its powerful double magnet, thanks to which the hook is securely attached to steel surfaces. The only drawback of roulette is the high price.

Advantages

• high-quality manufacturing;
• double-sided scale;
• wear-resistant tape coating;
• double magnet at the beginning of the tape.

disadvantages

• high price.

STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 8M

Rating: 4.8

Experts note the high quality of workmanship in STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 8M roulette. The measuring tool fits comfortably in the mid-sized palm. The 32mm steel tape has a bright scale that is easy to read even in low light conditions. For the manufacture of the case, the manufacturer used ABS plastic and elastomer. The specialists liked the straight outreach to a length of 3 m. Although there is a small arc, the measurement speed increases significantly. Untwisting and twisting is quiet and smooth, the stopper fixes the tape securely.

Professional builders are satisfied with the build quality, clear measuring scale. Users consider it a clear disadvantage to hit the body with a “tongue” during uncontrolled twisting.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• convenient body shape;
• long straight overhang;
• reliable stopper.

disadvantages

• a strong impact of the toe on the body when twisting.

MATRIX Magnetic 31012

Rating: 4.7

Simple design and affordable price allowed MATRIX Magnetic 31012 roulette to take the third place in our rating. Experts point out several advantages of the instrument. First of all, strength stands out, even when falling on concrete, the body is not damaged. The black scale on a white background is easy to read, the length of the steel tape is 7.5 m and the width is 25 mm. The hook of the tape measure is equipped with a magnetic stop, which ensures a reliable fixation to steel surfaces. The steel is coated with a special coating that increases the service life of the measuring tool.

Users discovered several minor drawbacks that did not allow roulette to outperform the leaders. The case is not equipped with rubber pads, and the weight of the model is quite large (0.342 kg).

Advantages

• strength;
• magnetic limiter;
• affordable price;
• black and white scale.

disadvantages

• body without rubber pad;
• great weight.

BACHO MTS-8-25

Rating: 4.7

A high-precision measuring instrument is the BACHO MTS-8-25 tape measure. The high cost of the product hints that the product is addressed to professionals. The measuring range is limited to 8 m, the steel tape is 25 mm wide. The model has a compact ergonomic body (100x40x85 mm), the weight of the tape in the package is 0.47 kg. Experts note the convenience in work, which provides a special nut. With its help, it is possible to securely attach the edge of the tape to the measured object. The roulette stops one step away from the winning three.

Professional builders are satisfied with the quality of the BACHO MTS-8-25 tape measure and the ease of use. Only a high price can stop a potential buyer from purchasing.

Advantages

• ergonomic body;
• rubber body protection;
• wear-resistant scale;
• hooked “tongue”.

disadvantages

• high price;
• great weight.

Gross doppelhaken , double-sided, 25 mm x 8 m

Rating: 4.6

Stylish design of Gross Doppelhaken roulette is offered by a Chinese manufacturer. The model features a double-sided scale, allowing you to measure distances up to 8 m. The 25 mm wide steel tape has a protective nylon coating, which makes the tool durable. The body can also boast of strength. It is based on ABS plastic, and thermoplastic rubber is used as a protective buffer. Therefore, even a fall from a height of 1.5 meters will not disable the tape measure. The model does not fall into the top three due to its high weight (0.5 kg), and to wear it on a clip, a wide belt is required.

Roulette owners note a two-sided scale, a two-meter straight overhang, soft twisting. Brake problems appear after six months.

Advantages

• double-sided scale;
• rubber insert on the body;
• stylish appearance; soft curling.

disadvantages

• heavy weight;
• short-lived brake.

Empire EM05MMT

Rating: 4.5

The Empire EM05MMT roulette was made without any special frills. The model has a square shape, in terms of convenience it loses to the leaders of the rating. The maximum measurement length is limited to 5 m, which is not always enough even when renovating an apartment. The plastic case looks solid, but the rubber protection is clearly lacking. Of the useful options, experts note magnetic hook and hitchhiking. The strap is made of springy steel, the wear-resistant coating protects the measuring scale during unrolling and twisting. Despite its short length, the tool is heavy (0.45 kg) and expensive.

Users are satisfied with the build quality of the American roulette wheel and its durability. But these properties are not enough to become the winner of the rating.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• magnetic hook;
• wear-resistant coating of steel tape;
• hitch-hiking.

disadvantages

• heavy weight;
• high price.

Stanley MAX 5m

Rating: 4.4

Another 5 m long tape measure was included in our rating. It is compact and lightweight, conveniently attached with a carabiner. The Stanley MAX model is suitable for builders, fitters and installers. The manufacturer has made an ergonomic shape of the case, so the tool fits comfortably in the palm of any size. On both sides of the steel strip, there is a scale with large numbers for easy reading of the data. Removable magnet allows single-handed measurements of metal structures. The plastic case is wrapped in a rubberized case, it protects the tape measure when dropped on a hard surface.

The model closes our rating, because many users are disappointed in the durability of the product. Most often, complaints come to the reliability of the connection of the tape with the hook.

Advantages

• acceptable price;
• light weight (0.28 kg);
• compact size;
• two-piece housing.

disadvantages

• short service life.

The best measuring tape over 10 meters

When a large building is being built, tape measures 20-30 m long help to quickly and accurately take measurements. They must be equipped with an effective winding system. Experts advise paying attention to two models.

STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 30 M

Rating: 4.9

On large construction projects, the STANLEY HAND TOOLS STANLEY FATMAX 30-meter tape is used. This American development is equipped with a narrow (10 mm) tape, due to which the weight was reduced to 1.3 kg. A wire loop is attached to the end of the flexible steel strap to facilitate fixing to the starting point. For quick rewinding, an efficient mechanism is installed in the plastic case. The rubber pad cushions the impact on the tape in case of accidental drops or bumps. The experts praised the build quality, giving the product the first place in our rating.

Builders praise the tape measure for its accuracy, reliability and durability. Users attribute the high price to the disadvantages of the tool.

Advantages

• quick winding of the tape;
• two-piece housing;
• wear-resistant coating of the scale;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• high price.

TOPEX 28C412

Rating: 4.8

An excellent balance of affordable price, light weight (0.34 kg) and length (20 m) is observed in the TOPEX 28C412 tape measure. The Polish measuring tool is equipped with a steel tape 12.5 mm wide, thanks to its compact dimensions, the product can easily fit in a spacious pocket or a small bag. The model can also be worn on the wrist, for this there is a special loop. The plastic case has no protection in the form of a rubber pad, which should be attributed to disadvantages. If accidentally dropped, the tape is easily damaged. Therefore, experts gave it second place in the ranking.

Users liked the long strap, light weight, hand strap. But the owners attribute the lack of a magnetic hook and rubber protection to the disadvantages of the tool.

Advantages

• light weight;
• compact size;
• affordable price;
• wrist strap.

disadvantages

• the plastic case has no protection

Best Geodesic Roulettes

In the professional activity of surveyors, a measuring tape is a reliable assistant. It differs from traditional models not only in its longer length (30-50 m), but also in the special shape of the handle. Here are some quality samples.

Empire EM30MFG

Rating: 4.9

The Empire EM30MFG geodetic tape measure has a fairly simple and convenient design. The manufacturer used an open case, it is made of durable ABS plastic. The D-shaped handle allows you to hold the tool securely while unwinding the tape. Rubber pads provide comfort during work, and also protect the tool from damage if dropped. For the manufacture of the tape, fiberglass with a width of 19 mm was used, which made it possible to reduce the weight of a 30-meter product to 0.96 kg. There is a special folding handle for winding the tape. The model takes the first place in our rating.

Users have no complaints about the manufacturing quality and reliability of the roulette. The model is 100% worth the money spent on it.

Advantages

• two-piece housing;
• comfortable handle;
• light weight;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• high price.

MATRIX 31226, 50 mx 12.5 mm

Rating: 4.8

A useful tool for surveyors will be the Chinese tape measure MATRIX 31226. The model allows measurements up to 50 m in length. The manufacturer managed to make a tape from thin steel 12.5 mm wide. Therefore, the weight of the product slightly exceeded the 1 kg mark. The tape is protected against corrosion by a layer of polymer coating. The closed body is made of durable plastic, with a rubber grip on the D-handle only. The pointed tip allows you to set the tape in the ground, which is convenient for long measurements.

While working with a tape measure, surveyors have identified not only positive, but also negative points. Complaints come mainly on the short life of the folding mechanism. Therefore, the model ranks second in the ranking.

Advantages

• closed housing;
• tip for installation in the ground;
• steel tape;
• corrosion protection.

disadvantages

• there is no rubber pad;
• short-lived twisting mechanism.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.