Best Tape Measure Head-to-Head Review 2026

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Tape measures are a tool we use every day, and everyone from the most seasoned Pro to the greenest DIYer should own at least one. But what’s the best tape measure in 2026?

We brought in eight of the top brands to test them head-to-head. We’ll show you what we discovered about their accuracy, function, and durability. We’ve also rated them and have a ton of charts so you can easily compare them and decide which one deserves a spot in your tool box.

Top Scoring Tape Measures

Best Overall: 99 Points

Crescent Lufkin
Shockforce

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Nite Eye Tape Measure

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Runner Up: 98 Points

Milwaukee
Stud

Milwaukee Stud

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Third Place: 93 Points

Irwin
Strait-Line

Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure

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Scoring

Note that the scoring is different from our normal rating system. The scores are based on how each tape measure performed and compared in this specific group and this set of tests only. Our typical rating system offers a comparison of the tool to the entire range of what is available. Hereโ€™s how to interpret the scores from this test:

  • 90 โ€“ 100: Outstanding. Youโ€™ll love using this tape measure.
  • 80 โ€“ 89: Excellent. There may be minor tradeoffs.
  • 70 โ€“ 79: Very good, but there are more significant tradeoffs.
  • 60 โ€“ 69: Good. Notable tradeoffs, but still earns our recommendation.
  • < 60: Not recommended for Professional use, but good for DIYers.

Read
How to Read a Tape Measure

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tape Measure

Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Nite Eye L1325B-02

Score: 99 Points

  • Available Sizes: 16, 25, 35 ft; 5, 8, 10 M
  • Magnetic Option: Yes
  • Rated Standout: 17 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.25 in
  • Weight: 1.38 lb
  • Price: $22.99

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyAccurate
Hook MovementNormal
Horizontal Reach11 ft, 10 in (5th place)
8-Foot Standout Drop13.25 in (1st place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutFail
Hook Roundover Grip5/8 in
Hook Side GripPass
Drop TestPass
Blade AbuseNo Damage

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Excellent blade stiffness
  • Outstanding blade abuse resistance
  • High-contrast measurement markings
  • Flatter blade makes marking easier
  • Diamond coated hook has noticeably better grip
  • Reinforced hook mount improves durability

Cons

  • Flatter, stiffer blade can work against you for vertical measurements
  • No finger brake

Features

  • Blade Coating Tech: 3x clear coated blade
  • Nite Eye Printing: Reverse-contrast color with XL markings greatly improve readability
  • Double-Sided Printing: Read your measurements from the top or bottom of the tape
  • StableWing Blade: Flatter design resists rollover
  • 360ยฐ Diamond Coated Hook: Improves hook grip at any angle

Our team was impressed when Crescent Lufkin launched Shockforce series tape measures, and we noted some improvement with the second generation. Years after its launch, it’s still one of the very best tape measures you can get, and tends to run at a lower price than other premium brands.

The design doesn’t take any false steps, though its greatest strength comes with a notable trade-off. The outstanding blade stiffness is due to a slightly flattened blade. While it’s great for horizontal standout with low drop, it’s more challenging to take vertical measurements if you don’t have a wall to lean the blade against.

That’s just one application, though, and if it doesn’t affect you, the durability, outstanding hook grip, and standout are a pleasure to use in the field. Plus, the reverse-contrast Nite Eye printing is legitimately easier to read.

Considering what you get for the price, there’s no doubt this is the best value tape measure in our test group.

Milwaukee Stud Tape Measure

Milwaukee Stud 48-22-1425

Score: 98 Points

  • Available Sizes: 25, 35 ft; 8, 10 M
  • Magnetic Option: No
  • Rated Standout: 17 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.31 in
  • Weight: 1.28 lbs
  • Price: $31.99

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyAccurate
Hook MovementNormal
Horizontal Reach12 ft, 1in (4th place)
8-Foot Standout Drop15.75 in (4th place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutPass
Hook Roundover Grip5/8 in
Hook Side GripPass
Drop TestPass
Blade AbuseNo Damage

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Excellent blade stiffness
  • Outstanding blade abuse resistance
  • Noticeably better blade coating
  • Excellent wire belt clip
  • Architectural scale on reverse side of the blade
  • Reinforced hook mount improves durability

Cons

  • Larger than most tapes in its class

Features

  • Blade Coating Tech: EXO360 coating resists rips and tears plus additional anti-tear coating on the first six inches
  • Double-Sided Printing: Read your measurements from the top or bottom of the tape
  • Bonus Printing: Optional engineer’s scale printing (48-22-1425E)
  • Finger Brake: Cutout in the housing that allows you to control blade retraction more easily

We’ve been fans of Milwaukee’s Stud tape measures since their initial launch, and are even happier with the second-generation models.

Head-to-head, the Stud proved itself as a premium Pro option, with its only downside being that it’s a little larger than the competition. Even with its larger footprint, it’s not the heaviest in the group, though.

While it lagged slightly behind in standout and drop, the extreme durability of both the housing and the blade makes it the toughest overall tape we tested. The EXO360 coating is legit. When you compare the entire length of the blade to other brands, you can see and feel how much better Milwaukee’s blade protection really is.

Milwaukee also gets the little things right. We prefer the Stud’s wire belt clip to the flimsier stamped steel ones many tapes use, we love the finger brake, and the architectural scale on the back of the blade is helpful if you read blueprints.

While there are some minor gains you could find with other brands, the Stud offers a complete package for Pros who demand the best durability.

Irwin Strait-Line Tape Measure

Irwin Strait-Line IWHT39393S

Score: 93 Points

  • Available Sizes: 16, 25, 35 ft
  • Magnetic Option: No
  • Rated Standout: 17 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.25 in
  • Weight: 1.30 lbs
  • Price: $29

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyGood
Hook MovementNormal
Horizontal Reach12 ft, 10 in (2nd place, tie)
8-Foot Standout Drop16.25 in (6th place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutPass
Hook Roundover Grip5/8 in
Hook Side GripPass
Drop TestPass
Blade AbuseSome Flattening

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Excellent overmolded housing protection
  • Outstanding blade stiffness
  • Oversized hook improves grip

Cons

  • Squared edge profile isn’t as comfortable to hold

Features

  • Blade Coating Tech: Durable coating with extra protection on the first six inches
  • Double-Sided Printing: Read your measurements from the top or bottom of the tape
  • Extra Large Number Printing: Makes measurements easier to read
  • Finger Brake: Cutout in the housing that allows you to control blade retraction more easily

Irwin’s entry into the Pro tape measure market was a bit of a surprise, but one that makes sense when you consider how many people trust their hand tools. As part of the Stanley Black and Decker group, there was already plenty of experience to draw from, but there are some things that set Irwin apart.

Unlike DeWalt Tough Series models, Irwin’s Strait-Line design includes a finger brake, which is something we value on our tapes. The design team also gave it a generous amount of protective overmold, offering even greater confidence in the overall durability.

However, the case has a more squared-off edge than the other tape measures in our test group. While it doesn’t cause uncomfortable pressure points, it wasn’t as comfortable to hold as models with more rounded edges.

More Tape Measures We Tested

Stanley FatMax Premium Tape Measure

Stanley FatMax Premium FMHT38325S

Score: 92 Points

  • Available Sizes: 16, 25, 35 ft; 8 M
  • Magnetic Option: No
  • Rated Standout: 17 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.25 in
  • Weight: 1.23 lbs
  • Price: $30.99

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyAccurate
Hook MovementLoose
Horizontal Reach12 ft, 10 in (2nd place, tie)
8-Foot Standout Drop15.13 in (3rd place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutPass
Hook Roundover Grip5/8 in
Hook Side GripPass
Drop TestPass
Blade AbuseCrackeed

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Textured case offers excellent grip
  • Outstanding blade stiffness

Cons

  • Loose hook connection
  • Belt clip could be improved

Features

  • Blade Coating Tech: BladeArmor on the first six inches of the blade
  • Double-Sided Printing: Read your measurements from the top or bottom of the tape
  • Finger Brake: Cutout in the housing that allows you to control blade retraction more easily

Ask Pros which tape measure they prefer, and there’s a good chance more will say Stanley FatMax than any other line. After testing the FatMax Premium, we proved that its reputation is well-earned.

Known for its standout, Stanley didn’t disappoint us, coming in just one inch behind DeWalt’s winning length and notching the third lowest drop in the group.

The one area it fell behind was in our blade abuse test. After all we put it through, the blade finally cracked. While it was still technically usable with that crack in it, it would likely break off soon, and we would have to replace it. Still, it survived up until the last phase of the test, so it’s more durable than the basic blades you find on cheaper models.


DeWalt ToughSeries DWHT36925S

DeWalt ToughSeries DWHT36925S

Score: 91 Points

  • Available Sizes: 16, 25, 35 ft; 8 M
  • Magnetic Option: Yes
  • Rated Standout: 17 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.25 in
  • Weight: 1.24 lbs
  • Price: $31.99

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyGood
Hook MovementLoose
Horizontal Reach12 ft, 11 in (1st place)
8-Foot Standout Drop14.25 in (2nd place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutPass
Hook Roundover Grip3/8 in
Hook Side GripPass
Drop TestPass
Blade AbuseNo Damage

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Outstanding blade stiffness
  • Outstanding blade abuse resistance
  • Oversized hook improves grip

Cons

  • No finger brake
  • Loose hook connection

Features

  • Blade Coating Tech: Rip-Shield on the first six inches plus standard coating on the rest of the blade
  • Double-Sided Printing: Read your measurements from the top or bottom of the tape
  • Removable Magnet: Install it for measurements on ferrous materials and remove it when you don’t need it

When DeWalt launched its Tough Series tape measures, it was obvious from our first use that they were not just another tape measure. To this day, they remain well-built with thoughtful design elements.

One of the most notable is the removable hook magnet. There are times when we want a magnetic hook and others when it gets in the way, so having both options on one tape saves us some money. You have to keep track of the magnet when you’re not using it, though.

Coming in first place in our standout test and second in drop proved how serious DeWalt is about functions Pros care about. Plus, this was one of just three blades that came away from our abuse test unscathed.

If you’ve been on the fence about DeWalt compared to other popular tape measure brands, rest assured that it’s not just a repainted FatMax and is legitimately jobsite-tough.


Komelon Contractor TS 93425 Tape Measure

Komelon Contractor TS 93425

Score: 90 Points

  • Available Sizes: 16, 25, 35, 40 ft
  • Magnetic Option: Yes
  • Rated Standout: 12 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.25 in
  • Weight: 1.24 lbs
  • Price: $17.99

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyAccurate
Hook MovementNormal
Horizontal Reach11 ft, 5 in (6th place, tie)
8-Foot Standout Drop16.13 in (5th place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutPass
Hook Roundover Grip5/8 in
Hook Side GripPass
Drop TestPass
Blade AbuseSome Flattening

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Best finger brake design in the test group
  • Compact body
  • Reinforced hook mount improves durability
  • Overmolded lock button

Cons

  • Sharp burr on the inside on the belt clip

Features

  • Blade Coating Tech: Nylon coating
  • Double-Sided Printing: Read your measurements from the top or bottom of the tape
  • Finger Brake: Cutout in the housing that allows you to control blade retraction more easily

At just $18 at the time of writing, Komelon’s Contractor TS tape measure is the least expensive in our test group. In spite of that, it performed admirably in our evaluations, only succumbing to our blade abuse test. Even then, the blade only flattened some, so it was still usable.

The only real downside we found was a sharp burr on the inside of the belt clip. It’s possible that was just a fluke on our test model, but check to see if it’s on yours and file it down if it’s there.

With its durable housing design and compact body, Komelon is a compelling choice if you’re looking for something a little smaller or you want to stay in the sub-$20 price range.


Craftsman Pro Reach CMHT37665S Tape Measure

Craftsman Pro Reach CMHT37665S

Score: 68 Points

  • Available Sizes: 16, 25, 30, 35 ft
  • Magnetic Option: Yes
  • Rated Standout: 14 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.25 in
  • Weight: 1.16 lbs
  • Price: $26.98

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyAccurate
Hook MovementStiff
Horizontal Reach11 ft, 5 in (6th place, tie)
8-Foot Standout Drop18.75 in (7th place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutPass
Hook Roundover Grip3/8 in
Hook Side GripFail
Drop TestFail
Blade AbuseSome Flattening

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Removable magnetic hook attachment
  • Made in the USA with global materials

Cons

  • Blade feels a little flimsy
  • No reverse-side measurement printing
  • Stiff hook connection
  • Not as durable as others in the test group
  • No finger brake

Features

  • Blade Coating Tech: Extra durable with reinforcement near the front
  • Removable Magnet: Install it for measurements on ferrous materials and remove it when you don’t need it

Craftsman did a lot of things right with the design of their Pro-focused tape measures. The wide blade offers solid standout, and the removable magnet gives you the best of both worlds.

They also cover the most common sizes, which is nice if you carry multiple lengths or prefer something other than the standard 25-foot.

You can see the difference between this and premium models from the Stanley Black and Decker group, though. As the lowest-priced of the SBD brands represented in our testing, it’s not as durable or feature-rich as the DeWalt, Irwin, and Stanley models. However, if you’re looking to save a few dollars by going with something more basic, Craftsman is a good choice.

Don’t miss that Craftsman makes these in the USA. If that’s a priority for you, this is the only model we tested to carry that designation.


Tajima GS Lock GS-25BW Tape Measure

Tajima GS Lock GS-25BW

Score: 67 Points

  • Available Sizes: 16, 25 ft; 5, 7.5 M
  • Magnetic Option: Yes
  • Rated Standout: 8.25 ft
  • Blade Width: 1.10 in
  • Weight: 1.06 lbs
  • Price: $46.99

Testing Results

TestResult
AccuracyAccurate
Hook MovementLoose
Horizontal Reach8 ft, 1 in (8th place)
8-Foot Standout Drop46.88 in (8th place)
14-Foot Vertical StandoutPass
Hook Roundover Grip5/8 in
Hook Side GripFail
Drop TestPass
Blade AbuseBroke off

Pros

  • Accurate blade measurements
  • Outstanding housing protection
  • Reinforced hook mount improves durability
  • Available belt clip options improve function

Cons

  • Smaller blade width isn’t as stiff
  • Narrow hook can’t grip from the sides (horned hook models available)
  • Loose hook connection
  • No finger brake

Features

  • Double-Sided Printing: Read your measurements from the top or bottom of the tape
  • Magnetic Option: Easily measure the distance to ferrous surfaces, such as steel beams

Tajima tape measures have a loyal following thanks to their high-quality construction and unmatched housing protection. If a smooth, refined tape measure is what you’re after, it’s hard to find a better match than Tajima.

However, they haven’t jumped into the wide blade class yet. With a 1.1-inch blade width compared to the 1.25-inch widths of our other tapes, it made a huge difference in blade stiffness and standout. That said, we were still able to easily reach past the 8-foot mark, so you’re well-covered on sheet material.

Tajima had the only blade that fully broke off in our blade abuse test. Even though the housing has better protection than any other tape, the blade doesn’t seem to hold up as well as those with more advanced protective coatings.

Realistically, the GS Lock could have scored a bit higher. Our test model has the smaller hook, but the horned hook versions should grip from the sides much better. However, those models have a slightly smaller 1.0-inch blade, so you’ll have to give up a little standout.

Looking for Something Else? Here are More Recommendations

Reekon T1 Tomahawk Digital Tape Measure

Reekon T1 Tomahawk

  • Available Sizes: 25ft, 7.6m
  • Magnetic: Yes
  • Standout: 8 ft
  • Weight: 1.8 lbs
  • Price: $259.99

In all the years we’ve been recommending tape measures, I’ve been very hesitant to say there’s a best digital tape measure. Most of what’s on the market has been gimmicky with iffy accuracy that I wouldn’t even recommend for DIYers.

That changed once I was able to use Reekon’s T1 Tomahawk, though. With a self-calibrating, replaceable blade design housed in the jobsite-ready casing, it’s legit. For those of you who like tech-heavy tools, the ability to store up to 1000 measurements, Bluetooth connectivity to the Rock Jobsite app, and automatic calculations make it appealing.

The downside is that it’s bulkier and heavier than traditional tape measures, and comes with a much steeper price tag.

Skil Laser Distance Measure

Skil 65-Foot Laser Measurer with Wheel

  • Range: 65 ft
  • Weight: 0.17 lbs
  • Price: $49.99

There are plenty of great laser distance measures, but not all have a tape measure function. If you want to measure traditionally without having an object to bounce the laser off, you need a wheel to roll across the surface instead. For that feature, look to Skil’s laser distance measure.

When you need more than just the tape measure function, you can measure in real-time out to 65 feet or calculate area for quick estimates. You get it all with an accuracy of ยฑ1/8-inch.

Read
Best Laser Distance Measure

Stanley 30-455

  • Size: 25 ft
  • Magnetic: No
  • Standout: 7 ft
  • Weight: 0.75 lbs
  • Price: $5.99

If you just need a tape measure to use around your home, it’s hard to beat Stanley’s basic 25-foot tape measure. There are trade-offs, of course. You only get a 7-foot standout, and it doesn’t have the durability that premium tapes do.

On the other hand, it’s accurate. Perhaps more importantly, it’s inexpensiveโ€”still under $6 despite inflation. For a tape measure to keep in your garage or kitchen drawer, it’ll do just fine.

How We Tested

Accuracy

Measure twice, cut once only works if your tape measure is accurate, so we check it. Using a Lixer calibrator, we are able to see how accurate the blade printing is, and in most cases, recalibrate a tape that’s a little off.

The most common cause of an inaccurate measurement is a bent hook. Sometimes, it’s a little out from the store, while other times, it gets bent in the field. Regardless, Lixer includes a hook bender to square it back up.

Once we know the tape measure is properly calibrated, we check the accuracy against two measurement points on the Lixer.

ModelResult
Craftsman CMHT37665SAccurate
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-02Accurate
DeWalt DWHT36925SAccurate
Irwin IWHT39393SAccurate
Komelon 92425Accurate
Milwaukee 48-22-1425Accurate
Stanley FMHT38325SAccurate
Tajima GS-25BWAccurate

Hook Movement

Tape measure hooks are designed to move. It ensures that you get an accurate measurement whether you’re hooking onto the end of a board or pushing into a wall. That little bit of movement accounts for the width of the hook.

We look for how easily the hook moves. If it’s too stiff, it might not move when you need to, leading to an inaccurate measurement. Too loose, and it can wear at the connection more quickly, becoming inaccurate or breaking off.

ModelResult
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-02Normal
Irwin IWHT39393SNormal
Komelon 92425Normal
Milwaukee 48-22-1425Normal
DeWalt DWHT36925SLoose
Stanley FMHT38325SLoose
Tajima GS-25BWLoose
Craftsman CMHT37665SStiff

Horizontal Reach (Standout)

Manufacturers measure and report standout on their tape measures, but reach is actually more important. By supporting the blade as you extend it, you get the benefit of the standout, plus another two feet or so, depending on your arm length.

When we test, we see how far we can send the blade out before it collapses while supporting it, giving you the total reach distance.

Our measurements are typically lower than manufacturers report in their specifications, though. That’s because we test with the blade nearly horizontalโ€”the same way we’d reach it out when we’re measuring material.

Typical standout tests tilt the tape measure up as much as 45ยฐ to achieve the longest standout possible. While that can show off the strength, it’s not how we use them in the field.

ModelResult
DeWalt DWHT36925S155 in (12 ft, 11 in)
Irwin IWHT39393S154 in (12 ft, 10 in)
Stanley FMHT38325S154 in (12 ft, 10 in)
Milwaukee 48-22-1425145 in (12 ft, 1 in)
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-02142 in (11 ft,10 in)
Craftsman CMHT37665S137 in (11 ft, 5 in)
Komelon 92425137 in (11 ft, 5 in)
Tajima GS-25BW97 in (8 ft, 1 in)

Horizontal Standout Drop

Testing Horizontal Drop

When you take a measurement in an unsupported position (like measuring from the edge of a window to the wall), how far the end of the blade drops can significantly affect your accuracy. In general, the stiffer the blade, the better.

To test the drop, we set the tape measure on our workbench, extend the blade out to eight feet from the edge, and measure how far the hook drops from its initial height. The lower the number, the stiffer the blade, and the easier it is to take unsupported measurements.

ModelResult
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-0213.25 in
DeWalt DWHT36925S14.25 in
Stanley FMHT38325S15.13 in
Milwaukee 48-22-142515.75 in
Komelon 9242516.13 in
Irwin IWHT39393S16.25 in
Craftsman CMHT37665S18.75 in
Tajima GS-25BW46.86 in

Vertical Standout

Using a tape measure’s vertical standout is one way to measure the height of a ceiling. In the best-case scenario, you can measure against a wall and use it for support. However, sometimes you’re not that lucky and have to measure something in the middle of the room.

To check each tape’s vertical standout, we use a pass/fail test inside our shop to avoid any influence from the wind. Setting the tape on the floor, we see if the blade is stiff enough to reach up 14 feet to the ceiling without collapsing.

ModelResult
Stanley FMHT38325SPass+
Craftsman CMHT37665SPass
DeWalt DWHT36925SPass
Irwin IWHT39393SPass
Komelon 92425Pass
Milwaukee 48-22-1425Pass
Tajima GS-25BWPass
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-02Fail

Hook Grip

All tape measures to have a good grip when you’re making a basic measurement. But what about when you need to grip on the sides or corners to measure in other orientations?

We check all of those to see which ones excel and which ones might leave you frustrated.

In our first test, we use a standard board and progressively add sections of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 5/8-inch roundover to the edge. Starting with the factory edge, we check for the largest roundover edge the hook can effectively grip. Any tape can grip a sharp edge, but when you add some rounding, some slip off easier than others.

ModelResult
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-025/8 in
Irwin IWHT39393S5/8 in
Komelon 924255/8 in
Milwaukee 48-22-14255/8 in
Stanley FMHT38325S5/8 in
Tajima GS-25BW5/8 in
Craftsman CMHT37665S3/8 in
DeWalt DWHT36925S3/8 in

Hook Side Grip

Sometimes you have to turn your tape measure to the side in order to take a good measurement or make an accurate mark. So we look for models that have a good side grip.

For this second hook grip test, we use the same board from the previous hook test. However, the sides of the hook are never as beefy as the downward section, so we only test against the factory board edge to see if the hook can hold securely on the side. Unlike our previous test, the result is a simple pass/fail determination.

ModelResult
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-02Pass
DeWalt DWHT36925SPass
Irwin IWHT39393SPass
Komelon 92425Pass
Milwaukee 48-22-1425Pass
Stanley FMHT38325SPass
Craftsman CMHT37665SFail
Tajima GS-25BWFail

Drop Test

Durability is a big deal for tape measures. One drop off your workbench with a cheap tape that has a brittle casing and no overmold protection can send you to the store for a replacement.

To test the durability of our tapes, we set each one on the end of a 2×4 that’s exactly 8 feet high, gently nudge it over the edge, and let it hit the concrete floor of our shop. We repeat the test four more times and then check for damage.

Manufacturers often tout drop ratings of more than 100 feet. However, these are performed by dropping onto bare ground or grass. In our experience, dropping your tape onto concrete while standing on the ground or on a ladder is a more common scenario.

ModelResult
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-02Pass
DeWalt DWHT36925SPass
Irwin IWHT39393SPass
Komelon 92425Pass
Milwaukee 48-22-1425Pass
Stanley FMHT38325SPass
Tajima GS-25BWPass
Craftsman CMHT37665SFail

Blade Abuse Test

One of the most annoying characteristics of tape measures is how easily their blades can crack or break. Someone stepping on it or rolling their tool box stack over it can send your tape to the dumpster.

So, we ran a test to see which blades can stand up to that kind of abuse. With 9 feet of the blade exposed, we walked back and forth over each wearing work boots and then checked for damage.

From there, we moved on to the next phase, where we rolled a tool box filled with 100 pounds of gear over them eight times and checked for damage.

Finally, we rolled our pallet jack over them twice and gave them one final check to see which ones survived.

ModelResult
Crescent Lufkin L1325B-02No Damage
DeWalt DWHT36925SNo Damage
Milwaukee 48-22-1425No Damage
Craftsman CMHT37665SSome Flattening
Irwin IWHT39393SSome Flattening
Komelon 92425Some Flattening
Stanley FMHT38325SCracked
Tajima GS-25BWBroke Off

What to Look for When You’re Buying a Tape Measure

Accuracy

Best Tape Measure Shootout

Before you worry about anything else, a tape measure has to be accurate. If it isn’t, nothing else matters. Nearly every name-brand model is solid in this department. The ones that aren’t accurate usually have a bent hook that you can fix on a Lixer tape measure calibrating tool.

Durability

Best Tape Measure Shootout

Once you know your tape is accurate, durability is the next major concern. Most tape measures are capable of surviving dozens, if not hundreds, of drops onto concrete from workbench height. Drops from greater heights are where we begin to see the difference.

To get the best durability, look for a tape measure with at least four connection points on the housing and plenty of overmold to protect it. Also keep an eye open for at least three rivets holding the hook on, nylon coating over the entire blade, and additional coating over the first foot or so.

Length

The best tape measure length is completely dependent on your needs, but we find a 25-foot tape is the best all-around. If you’re looking for something more compact, go with a 16-foot. Go with a 35-foot if you’re consistently measuring more than 25 feet at a time.

For greater distances in estimating applications, consider grabbing a laser distance measure instead of a tape.

Clip Design

Best Tape Measure Shootout

Having a good clip can make or break your tape measure experience. When they’re not in our toolboxes or on a workbench, we usually clip tape measures to our belts. The strength of the clip is part of the equation; a design that slides on and off your belt without too much difficulty is the other.

You can test the clip strength in the store by simply pulling on it while it’s in the package. The ease of sliding on and off is a little trickier, but we find that clips with a flare out at the bottom tend to work the best.

Read
Best Tool Belt

Visibility

Best Tape Measure Shootout

If it’s accurate and it’s tough, you just need to be able to read the markings. In searching for the best tape measure, there are some interesting ways to improve visibility. You can go with bolder markings, reverse contrast, or even buck the trend of traditional black and yellow colors. Everyone’s eyes are different, and fortunately, you can easily see the difference for yourself in the store.

Standout and Reach

Best Tape Measure Shootout

Standout is how much of the blade can stick out before it collapses. There are two types we check for. The most common is horizontal standout. With at least 8 feet, you can reach across sheet material easily. 12 feet or more handles longer lumber.

However, there’s also reach to consider. If you have a standout of 10 feet, you can support the tape with one hand as you extend it another two feet or so. That gives you a horizontal reach of 12 feet.

The other type of standout is vertical. Even though it’s not something you’ll see on a spec sheet, a high vertical standout can help you measure ceiling heights from the floor.

Hook Design

Best Tape Measure Shootout

A tape measure absolutely has to hook easily on the top and bottom. The best tape measure will give you solid hooking on the sides and even naturally turn so the edge of the blade is flush on your material. For the most part, the larger the hook the better, but you can overdo it. Too much mass will make the hook flip when you’re trying to grab on the side.

Ergonomics

Best Tape Measure Shootout

Ergonomics on tape measures are less about the weight and more about how naturally they fit in your hand. Since everyone’s hand is different, there are a lot of different opinions about which size feels the best.

Price and Value

Best Tape Measure Shootout

It wasn’t all that long ago that paying more than $20 for a tape measure was a lot. Now, premium tapes can cost $30 or more. You certainly get better durability and features at those higher price points, but it’s up to you to decide what’s worth it.

Bonus Features

Magnetic Hook

A magnetic hook helps when you’re doing layout or measurement around steel. But there are also times when you might not want it.

Nylon Blade Coating

Nylon coating on the blade helps reduce the amount of wear that eventually starts rusting and peeling away.

Finger Brake

Some of the springs in these tape measures will give your finger a pretty good pinch if you’re not careful.

Dual Side Blade Printing

Best Tape Measure Shootout

Printing on both sides of the tape is helpful as you’re working around different scenarios.

Auto Lock

Love it or hate it, auto lock mechanisms stop the tape as you extend it rather than forcing you to use the thumb lock.

Bonus Markings and Scales

Some of these tapes give you a little more bang for your buck with additional scales for certain applications.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

The are a whole lot of publications and authors out there trying to convince you that they know what the best tape measure is.

But do they have more than a decade of experience using tape measures with an eye on comparative evaluation, understand the key features to look for, and have they experienced the differences in the quality of components in the field? Have they been around to see advances in standout, the development of innovative blade coatings, and how brands are dealing with durability issues?

We have. Weโ€™ve been testing and reviewing tools for more than 15 years, and we know what to look for.

When I recommend a tape measure for you, itโ€™s because itโ€™s the one I would buy. My primary motivation is to recommend what I genuinely believe is the best based on more than a decade of experience and being involved in the power tool industry every day. And if you choose to buy something I recommend, I hope that it works exactly the way you expected when the time comes.

Thatโ€™s how I hope to earn your trust. Not because I work for a high-profile media company with massive name recognition. But because Iโ€™m like you, and when I choose to make a purchase, I see the dollars come out of my bank account. I expect those products to work when I need them. I want authentic recommendations when Iโ€™m shopping, and Iโ€™m committed to offering you the best of my experience and knowledge when you see my name as the author.

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