Measuring tape, types, characteristics and choice

Expert: Konstantin Borisovich Polyakov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

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

Which brand of measuring tape is best to choose?

Many companies around the world are engaged in the manufacture of measuring instruments - these are representatives of large companies or small industries. Among the entire range of manufacturers, the following performed well:

• Stanley is an American company, opened in 1843, that produced door hardware. Today the company produces work tools, organizers and storage systems.
• Armero is one of the most recognizable brands in the world for the production of small tools for repair and construction. The company produces painting and plaster products, saws and hammers, and plumbing tools.
• Gross - the company produces premium carpentry and construction tools from durable, reliable materials that last for decades. In recent years, the company has been introducing a line of workwear and accessories for installation work.
• Vira - presents hand tools for home and industrial work, a wide selection of consumables for machines. Vira tools are highly ergonomic and compact.
• Archimedes is a company that produces reliable construction devices that solve most tasks. The brand's products include professional gardening equipment, and the measuring products of this company are highly accurate.
• Black+Decker is a company specializing in the production of small household appliances, electronic and mechanical hand tools for the home. In recent years, the company has been developing mechanisms to improve the performance of large construction equipment.
• Zubr is one of the most famous Russian manufacturers of a wide range of high-quality tools for household and industrial use. Over the past 20 years, the company has reached the global level of trade, its clients include construction companies from Italy, France and Portugal.
• RGK is a company specializing in the production and production of measuring instruments, both electronic and mechanical. The company's product range includes thermal imagers, electronic thermometers with increased functionality, and laser levels.
• Total is an extensive network of production of building materials and construction equipment, including companies in Europe, the USA, Canada and Asia. This makes it possible to frequently update the range, carry out a lot of product testing and use a large number of new materials for development.
• Cobalt - produces high-precision devices from high-quality materials. The production was registered in 1955, initially specializing in parts for cars. The company has representatives throughout the country, as well as in the CIS countries.

Rating of measuring tapes

When assessing the quality of the tool, user reviews, technical test results and expert opinions were studied to compile a review of the best devices. When choosing the best measuring tape, we paid attention to the following criteria:

• Length;
• Width;
• Marking accuracy;
• Method of attaching the hook;
• Material of tape and body;
• Availability of additional functions (laser level, etc.).

In addition to important technical indicators, the convenience of measurement, as well as the price-quality ratio were taken into account.

The best calipers

The best keychain tape measure

This keychain has a carabiner that is attached to the body of the device, so that it can be hooked to a convenient place. The keychain measuring tape has other advantages: compactness, ease of use, which is especially important for working at heights and in other difficult conditions.

Stanley FATMAX FMHT1-33856

The Stanley tape measure is small in size and has a small metal ring on the body. Thanks to this part, it can be attached to keys, a tool case or other device that is often used. The length of the tape is usually 2 meters, which is not much, but enough for measuring small furniture or oversized building material. The body is rubberized, which makes it resistant to damage. The measuring device has a lever-shaped tape clamp, which, according to tests, operates quickly and without misfires.

Advantages

• Steel tape;
• Rubberized plastic body;
• Comfortable, ergonomic shape;
• Light weight (80 g).

Flaws

• Error 1 mm;
• The tape is single sided, measurement only in cm.

The device uses a steel measuring tape, but after 1-2 years of active use, creases appear on it, and in some models the button quickly becomes loose.

The best roulette manufacturers

Simple designs have existed for a long time, their production is established in Russia, but there are many foreign manufacturers on the market.

The best brands in Europe and the USA:

• Matrix;
• Gross;
• Infroce;
• Stanley;
• Stayer.

The best tape measures 3-5 meters long

This is the average segment of the functionality of roulettes; they are used in production, engineering and architecture, and construction. Devices in this section have different sizes and costs, materials and accuracy, and prices. Among the many nominees, two models were selected that showed their best side.

Armero A101/252

An inexpensive device with a bright yellow plastic body. This color allows you to quickly find the tool among building materials or if it is lost. Measuring tape for 5 m, the blade is made of steel, the width of which is at least 16 mm, it is resistant to kinks and creases. The tape is double-sided, allowing you to take measurements in centimeters and inches. The hook is massive, holds well on the edge and does not jump off. It is made of aluminum (not magnetic), attached with 2 rivets, which guarantees reliability.

Advantages

• Wide tape;
• Double-sided scale for measurement;
• It can be attached to a belt;
• There is a tape lock.

Flaws

• Flimsy plastic body;
• Bulky.

Upon purchase, the device feels like a well-assembled device, but due to the lack of reinforcement of the case, the tape measure breaks when dropped for the first time, even from a small height.

Gross Schlagfest 31111

A three-meter measuring tape for the home, the body is made of thick blue plastic, coated with nylon for durability. This material does not yet allow the tool to slide in your hands. It is small in size, but has a fairly noticeable weight (250 g). This is an advantage because The tool fits well in the hand and is convenient to use. The width of the steel measuring tape is 19 mm, which is average for a device of this size. A special feature of the tool is the presence of a magnet on the hook for better fastening on metal surfaces.

Advantages

• Automatic tape fixation;
• There is a magnet on the hook;
• The measuring scale on the tape is double-sided;
• For reliability, the body is covered with nylon.

Flaws

• There is an error of 2 mm.

After a few months, the automatic lever stops working on some devices.

Users note that the Gross Schlagfest 31111 model is very durable and can withstand falls from great heights onto a hard surface.

The best measuring tapes from 10 to 50 m long

Professional builders cannot do without the help of tape measures with a long blade. Most often, such products are produced in the form of geodetic reels, but there are also ordinary models that completely replicate the design of construction tapes. They have a closed body, auto-stop, steel belt and heavy weight.

Sndway SW-40 – 2 in 1 model with laser rangefinder

4.9

★★★★★

editorial assessment

94%

buyers recommend this product

See review▶

A seemingly ordinary tape measure, when additional functions are turned on, turns into a laser rangefinder that determines the distance to objects at 40 meters. Mechanical steel tape is much shorter (5 m), but has clearly visible markings on both sides. On the edge of the canvas there is a magnet for adhesion to metal objects and an auto-stop for fixing the removed ruler.

The case is protected with a matte anti-slip coating, which prevents the tape measure from slipping out of your hands and prevents cracks and scratches. According to research results, the discrepancies in accuracy with a laser rangefinder are only 1 mm.

Pros:

• 2 types of measurements are available - steel tape and laser with its own digital display;
• Magnetic grip and auto-stop;
• Anti-slip coating on the body;
• Reliable plastic frame;
• Hand strap and belt clip;
• Sound signal.

Minuses:

• High price;
• Batteries need to be changed frequently.

In bright light, the numbers on the screen are almost invisible, and the batteries run out quickly with frequent use. The mechanical part can measure distances up to 5 meters, and the laser pointer up to 40 m with minimal deviations.

LOM 10 m – classic model

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

90%

buyers recommend this product

A new product from LOM is considered worthy of attention. Despite its Chinese origin, the roulette is of high quality and reliable. Its body is durable, and the tape is dense and flexible. The frame is made of rubberized material and is practically resistant to minor mechanical damage. The tool steel ruler promises a long service life, the scale does not wear out and is clearly visible.

Pros:

• Practical and reliable design;
• Durable steel;
• Shockproof housing;
• Abrasion-resistant scale;
• Hand strap;
• There is hitchhiking.

Minuses:

• Heavy weight - almost half a kilo.

The numbers and scale are clearly visible on the measuring tape. The density of the steel allows the ruler to hold straight at a length of 2 m (at a longer distance it bends). The model is equipped with a clothespin for belt fastening and a wrist strap.

BMI Basic 50 m – tape measure with the longest handle

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

83%

buyers recommend this product

The new product is designed taking into account the needs of right-handers and left-handers. Its body is made of plastic. It is open, and this has its drawbacks - the tape gets dirty and can be damaged. The design has a long curved handle, with which it is convenient to distribute the canvas when measuring.

The ruler itself is steel with a tip in the form of a ring and a hook. Its length is 50 m, and there is protection against kinks. On the measuring scale, the numbers are highlighted in red; they are noticeable and instantly catch the eye. They are protected from abrasion by a special varnish coating.

Pros:

• Equally convenient for right-handers and left-handers;
• High carbon steel blade;
• Abrasion-resistant scale with varnish coating;
• The tape does not stretch and does not lose its properties;
• Impact-resistant plastic case;
• Long and comfortable handle.

Minuses:

• High price;
• In an open case, the tape quickly gets dirty and gathers dust.

A tape measure will be useful for builders. The metal sheet stretches to a length of 50 m and is not prone to breaks. The design has a convenient shape with a long handle, but in production the tape quickly gets dirty due to the fact that it is in an open casing.

The best tape measures 8 meters long

Such tools do not differ from the representatives of the previous section, but are more bulky in size and have a wider range of applications. According to reviews and observations of experts, measuring tapes are thicker and wider, which makes them less likely to break during use.

Vira 100045

A popular construction tape measure, the body is oval, rubberized, black, has red inserts. The device has an automatic tape lock and an additional manual one. The fastening hook is wide and equipped with a magnet for convenient work with metal surfaces. The 19 mm thick tape is covered with a thin layer of transparent nylon, it bends gently without creasing. The Vira 100045 tape measure can be measured in centimeters or inches.

Advantages

• The tape has a nylon coating;
• Magnetic limiter;
• Automatic fixation;
• Rubberized body;
• Unusual design.

Flaws

• Error 1 mm.

If you use the tape measure for a long time in damp conditions, it will gradually begin to rust. The oval body of the device looks beautiful, but it is not always comfortable to hold in your hand.

Archimedes 90124

The device has a plastic body covered with a thin layer of red polypropylene. The measuring tape is made of plastic, has a layer of enamel with an anti-corrosion layer, which allows you to work in wet conditions and preserve the tape. The centimeter scale is symmetrically duplicated on the second side of the tape. The device is equipped with an automatic tape lock, but there is an additional button on the body for manual fastening. At the end of the tape there is a metal hook with a slot-like hole for fixing with screws, nails, etc. The tape measure is equipped with a convenient strap for attaching to your belt or wrist.

Advantages

• The body has a protective rubber coating;
• Blade width 25 mm;
• Additional fastener;
• Double sided scale.

Flaws

• The hole on the hook is not round and does not allow for fixation.

The top layer of polypropylene protects the tape measure from falls, but the plastic inside is of low quality, so the devices inside are often seriously damaged. The button for manual fixation is too tight and is not always convenient to use during operation.

Black+Decker BDHT0-30099

Inexpensive tape measure with a plastic case in black and orange with rubber inserts for better grip and protection from impacts when dropped. The tool is 8 m, the tape is made of steel coated with wear-resistant enamel, the width of the blade is at least 25 mm. Thanks to this width, the device is resistant to creases. The measuring tape is double-sided: one scale is in centimeters, the other is in inches. The hook at the end is wide, holds well on the edge of the material, and has a round hole. The lock is automatic; there is a button on the body for additional manual locking.

Advantages

• Automatic lock;
• The body is covered with a thin layer of rubber;
• Belt mount;
• The measuring tape is covered with enamel;
• Impact-resistant plastic housing.

Flaws

• Unreliable fastening of the hook.

Users generally have only good impressions of this model. The length of the tape is quite sufficient for measuring medium-sized structures.

The best hammers according to customer reviews

The best budget roulette

What distinguishes budget roulette from more expensive analogues? The main factors include: the length of the measuring tape (most often it is 2-3 meters), resistance to falls (most models are not equipped with rubber protection) and the thickness of the tape (metal is easily deformed, breaks, and is short-lived). But if you look, you can choose something worthwhile even on a tiny budget.

1 Anchor Nautilus 5m 10166

There is an auto-locking mechanism so you don’t need to hold the tape with your finger and risk getting cut.
This makes it easier to place marks using both hands while the tape measure is stationary. The important thing is that the manufacturer provides the opportunity to safely measure things up to five meters long! In most cases, unless we are talking about large rooms, this will be enough. A good option for home renovation, making furniture, containers, doors and window structures. The case has good protection, which saves the internal mechanism from most falls. pros

price;

good tape length;

There is a damping pad in case of falls.

Flaws

The tape is thin, you need to be careful with it.

The best tape measures 10 or more meters long

A tool with a blade extended to 10 meters or more is more often used on construction sites and specialized industries. In everyday life, as a rule, there is no need for such a device. Often, a tape measure has a metal tape of increased strength, which makes the tool heavier, sometimes the weight reaches 0.5 kg, and this complicates working with it.

Bison_z02

Inexpensive modern roulette from the Russian company Zubr. Made of thin steel, which is covered with a nylon layer for protection. The markings are duplicated on both sides, applied with highly resistant paint and do not wear off even with active use. The average width of the measuring tape is 20 mm. The hook is narrow, without a hole, but secured securely - with 3 metal rivets.

Advantages

• Wide measuring tape;
• The body is covered with a thin layer of rubber;
• Belt mount;
• Double-sided measuring scale.

Flaws

• Manual lock;
• Narrow hook without magnet.

White tape, thanks to the protective enamel layer, is not subject to rust and corrosion, but absorbs various dyes and quickly becomes worn out and dirty.

The body is only partially rubberized; the body is only made of plastic and quickly separates along the seams.

Rgk R-20

The tool is made of a plastic body, which is covered with a thick layer of technical rubber. The measuring tape is made of steel and has a nylon coating to protect it from harsh conditions. The device has two scales: centimeter and inch. The measuring tape is equipped with an automatic and manual lock, a comfortable, wide hook. One of the drawbacks is that there is no magnet at the end. The tape measure has a convenient fabric strap for attaching to your hand.

Advantages

• Nylon coating of measuring cloth;
• The body is reinforced with a layer of rubber;
• Reliable mechanism;
• Ergonomic body shape.

Flaws

• There is no magnet on the hook.

How to choose a roulette

Don't rush into choosing: some people mistakenly buy the first model they come across. And then they are upset that the instrument has deteriorated or did not fit. To ensure that the top roulette products do not disappoint you, when purchasing, pay attention to the following details:

• presence of a latch;
• length and security of the tape;
• marking quality;
• internal organization.

An additional selection criterion is the complexity of the design. For comparison: geodetic laser tape measure is considered complex.

Tape length

Manufacturers have different length parameters. Short, medium and long models available:

• short – 5 meters;
• medium - 10 meters;
• long - over 10 meters.

Interior designers prefer short tape measures for their compactness. Medium ones are used in the construction of small objects - houses, garages or sheds.

Long gauges are heavy artillery for the construction of large objects, measuring land plots, etc.

Tape security

The tape measure is subject to corrosion and abrasion during use. This problem is solved by applying a thin protective layer. This could be: copper, paint and zinc. The presence of protection is a guarantee that the buyer will receive the best tape measure for measuring, regardless of the price.

The advantages of layers of copper and zinc: eliminate corrosion and resist abrasion. The disadvantages are that the entire canvas is heavier. The length before the bend of the tape is reduced and breaks occur more often. In the cheap segment, the canvas is coated with paint. Lightweight tape lasts longer, but the markings are more likely to be erased.

Frame

The strength of the case depends on the material of manufacture and the integrity of the manufacturer. A tape measure with a good plastic case will last as long as the metal version. The fragile plastic won't hold up if you just drop the tool on the floor.

The advantage of plastic cases is the soft rubber insert. Rubber inserts absorb shock and prevent internal damage.

Markup state

The marking must be clear and uniform. There is another criterion that many do not pay attention to - individual perception.

The method of choosing a roulette for a clear perception is universal for each person. Remember: the markings on the canvas should not be erased even with strong pressure.

Retainer

An important part of the design of a measuring instrument is the presence of a locking mechanism: a slider or a button. The clamp itself is located above or below the outlet of the tool. There are three varieties:

• intermittent;
• machine;
• mechanical.

The intermittent stopper stops the measurement in several places without retracting. The machine fixes the tape when it stops. Mechanical keeps it from winding.

Hook

The hook is the part of the device at the end. The correct hook is movable, it moves away from the free end exactly to its thickness. Allows you to accurately measure distance. Measuring from the object does not take into account the thickness of the part; the hook is moved close.

Spring

Rewinding is ensured by a return spring. This is a steel belt interlocked with the main fabric. The spring is wound with tension inside and is invisible to the eye. In terms of quality, the best tape measure for measuring is made from MN65 steel; the rest use CS45-55.

The best geodetic roulettes

The device is used to measure the length and width of land plots, the distance from one object to another. It differs significantly in design from household or construction. The measuring tape is made from a synthetic building material – fiberglass. After marking is applied, it is wound into a spool and placed in a body made of technical plastic.

Total TMT 710506

A 50m geodetic tape measure is designed for measuring distances on the ground. The marking sheet is made of thin flexible plastic with a protective layer. Placed in a frame-type case with a comfortable handle. There is a pedal handle on the side for winding up the measuring tape. At the end of the canvas there is a fastener in the form of a wide ring, into which a peg is usually driven for fixation.

Advantages

• Housing with rubber elements for shock resistance;
• Comfortable handle;
• Reliable mechanism;
• The hook is in the form of a wide loop.

Flaws

• Open casing, the tape is susceptible to destruction during storage.

Cobalt 646-881

Reliable measuring metal tape in a round case made of blue plastic of good quality. There is a handle on the side for winding up the fabric. Several models are available with different lengths: 50, 100 and 150 m. The measuring tape is flexible, made of steel with bright markings, which are noticeable from afar. One of the noticeable drawbacks of the tape measure is the absence of a handle on the body, which is why the device is not very comfortable to hold.

Advantages

• Wide tape;
• Closed protective case, the tape measure is convenient to store;
• Good quality plastic;
• Reliable mechanism.

Flaws

• The toe is narrow and triangular.

What types of roulettes are there?

A metric tape is a reel with a measuring tape placed in a housing. Equipped with a return mechanism, which is activated using a mechanical handle or return button, and a lock. The measuring tape can be equipped with a digital unit that counts the number of rotations of the reel and transmits the measurement data to an electronic display.

In addition, there are ultrasonic and laser measuring instruments. To determine the distance, use:

Distance measurement occurs due to the reflection of a laser beam or sound wave from an object to which it is necessary to determine the distance. The resulting information is displayed on the device display.

A laser rangefinder is a precise measuring device that measures large distances with minimal errors. It is used on horizontal and vertical planes. The device is equipped with a microprocessor, software, emitter, reflector, optical sight, built-in level, and tripod. Rangefinder models differ in beam length and power. Professional instruments can measure distances up to 260 meters, but a household tape measure can only measure up to 60 meters.

The device can be equipped with the following functions:

• calculator with mathematical functions;
• measurement of ambient air temperature;
• determining the distance while the tape measure is moving;
• backlight;
• power indicator;
• automatic shutdown of the device.

An ultrasonic rangefinder is a less accurate device, since environmental indicators, especially air density, are constantly changing and have a strong influence on the final values. The device detects a distance of up to twenty meters. Consists of a generator, transmitter, receiver.

The data obtained may be distorted by:

• small object sizes;
• small objects encountered in the path of the wave;
• insulating materials;
• weather.

Areas of application

The functionality of the measuring device depends on the application. The following types of roulettes are distinguished:

• household - mainly used for home repairs. It features a simpler device. It can be three meters, five meters, ten meters;
• for construction work - an ordinary metric tape measure, digital with an odometer or electronic with buttons, which measures distance using ultrasound or laser. Ultrasonic – compact, with low measuring accuracy. Laser – a tool with high measurement accuracy with a calculator function;
• geodetic - used to measure the landscape, it can be manual or laser. Manual differs in the length and material of the measuring blade. Tape with ring for fixation. The length of the tape can reach up to one hundred meters. The canvas is made from durable materials that are resistant to damage and corrosion. The case material can be made of metal or high-strength plastic. A plastic handle is designed for carrying the tool and using it at work. There are models with a folding handle. Equipped with a portable belt. Possible belt fastening;
• for forest - a durable steel tape measure that has a thick measuring tape coated with nylon. A hook is used for hooking;
• tape measure-keychain – attached to the keys.

Material

Each element of the device can be made of different materials:

1. The case is made of durable plastic, stainless or hardened steel. Fiberglass and rubber are used for production. The tape measure can be made of a homogeneous material or combined, with overlays made of another material. The measuring device with a rubberized body can be used in the rain.
2. Measuring tape - made of carbon or stainless steel, plastic or fiberglass. The wide steel blade is characterized by increased rigidity and is covered with a protective layer. Fiberglass – wear-resistant, flexible, resistant to moisture and damage.
3. The hook is made of metal. Available in single, double or magnetic hook.
4. The retainer is made of plastic. The tape is fixed by pressing a button on the body. With an auto-lock, the blade is automatically locked when pulled out.

Measuring scale

The tape comes with a one-sided and double-sided length scale, which can be:

1. Up to a meter;
2. From two to ten meters;
3. More than thirty meters.

According to the standard, scale divisions are applied at intervals:

The applied scale on both sides of the canvas can:

• duplicate the metric scale unit of the other side on the second side;
• have different units of measurement on each side - one is designed to measure in centimeters, and the other in inches.

Often the accuracy class is indicated on the canvas itself. Russian standards differ from European ones. In the first case, three accuracy classes are used, in the second - two. The larger the number indicated in the designation of the accuracy class, the greater the measurement error. When taking measurements, it is worth taking into account changes in the material of the tape. The thermal coefficient is determined from the table in accordance with the accuracy class of the measuring instrument. The most accurate device - with the first class of accuracy.

Which measuring tape is best to buy?

It is recommended to select a measuring device taking into account its scope of application. If you need a tape measure for one-time home use, then any inexpensive option will do. But when you need a device for constant work at any facility, spend more time searching. Recommended criteria for choosing a roulette:

• The most compact device is Stanley FATMAX FMHT1-33856;
• Standard inexpensive device for household work - Gross Schlagfest 31111;
• High precision measuring tape – Vira 100045;
• A popular device for large-scale construction work is Archimedes 90124.

Although a tape measure is a simple device, it can differ in many ways. The choice of a professional tool should be approached with the utmost seriousness, as small inaccuracies can lead to big troubles. The rating of the best rutettes of 2021 will help you make the right choice.