Best Tape Measure?

I tend to use the old wooden folding ruler quite a bit. Folks laugh. My tape measures seem to break easily. Which tape measures do you folks use? What length do you recommend? I don't want one that is metric on half the tape.

I've been very impressed with my Masterforce. Inexpensive and full of handy features like dual hook, the blade coating, and the visibility. It's easily my favorite tape measure out of the dozen or more so I've owned.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/measuring-layout-tools/tape-measures-rulers/masterforce-reg-force-blade-trade-35-tape-measure-with-high-visibility-blade/m52435/p-1460081133617.htm

I like Stanley and DeWalt tape measures.  I find they stand up to framing and you can get one with a wider tab if you're framing.  I think they both have a 3 year warranty for workmanship, though I've heard that they can be pretty generous with it if you haven't obviously abused the tape measure.  I've got a couple of old, metal Lufkins I've had forever, but I wouldn't use them on a job site unless it was my own as stuff tends to disappear from pouches.

If you're doing finer work, like finish carpentry, I'd say it's even more important to get a good one.  I do have a bunch of cheap tapes that I bought for $.50 each on clearance, but I only use those for rough service, like when I'm acting my age and forgetting where I put stuff.

If your folding ruler has a good pivot, it can last a long time.  I'd like to pick up a metal folding ruler like this:

Folding ruler

Are you OK with metric on the other half?  

The best tape measure I ever had was the one that did not get misplaced!  I used to buy high quality tape measures, but they get “borrowed” and not put back when I need them.  I now have about 4 with 2 wandering about the house.  They are not gone for good, just missing when I need them.

Eric

If you use a folding wooden rule, maybe you aren't set on a tape measure?  I use straight edge metal rules any time they will work.  I find that they are much more accurate.  I have several different lengths.

These are the type I mean:  Metal rule

That isn't an affiliate link, and I don't make money from it.  I'm not even sure if that is the brand I own.

I think the wooden folding rulers are awesome, so much so that I just started a thread on the vintage one I got cheap at a garage sale this morning:

https://permies.com/t/115616/Vintage-folding-brass-wood-measure

I have found Stanley tape measures to last years (even when framing full time) if treated properly. Some key care items: 1) Let the tape slide through your fingers when retracting to clean the tape, keeping dirt out of the case prolongs the paint on the tape preventing premature rust. 2) Slow down the last few inches of retraction with your fingers and manually retract that last inch or two gently: one of the biggest reasons tapes break early is slamming the hook against the case which eventually forms cracks at the beginning of the tape. Once you get the habit set, it's very quick to do this. 3) Try to avoid "cracking" the tape, letting it bend the wrong way. If you are frequently extending the tape long distances, the wider tapes extend further making that easier.

One other suggestion: If you do rougher tasks like welding/metalworking/excavation, try to separate tapes used for wood from those used for tougher tasks. The ones used for wood will keep for much longer!

John Livingstone wrote:

I tend to use the old wooden folding ruler quite a bit. Folks laugh.

I say, let them laugh! We've broken and lost so many of the spring tape measures, and it's often so hard under "real life conditions" to get them to hold on at the far end, that having read this post, I will ask my neighbor who often goes to swap meets to keep an eye out for one of those folding ones. Then we can get laughed at together, and laughter is good for health, even if I'd rather be laughing with someone than having someone laugh at me.

Barring that, I've got 12", 18" and 36" flat metal rulers and I use them a lot. (Actually, I've got a few 6" ones too that are handy in small spaces, but they're just plastic). I'll often use the 36" one for sewing projects, not just wood-working.

Tape measures are good for carrying in a pocket, but since I'm small, I like a collection of sizes. I hate carrying a 30 ft one if 10 feet will do the job, as the big one barely fits in a pocket. Having the metal clip is an asset in controlled situations, but I'm often doing three different jobs of which measuring something is one of them on the path to the others, so I'm less willing to trust the clip.

I like the 1” wide tapes. They have a nice long reach when working alone. I use the Stanley brand. Like Timothy states maintenance is key for their longevity.

The FatMax has a great standout, which is how long you can reel it out before it collapses under it's own weight.  I've never had a FatMax, I've always been able to make due with a smaller tool, but I'd like to experience one, even though the ladies have never complained.

Sorry, what are we talking about again?

As a professional tape (ab)user for more than 4 decades I'd recommend the Stanley Fax Max tapes. They frequently come on sale and can be had for around $10 for a 25'. Hooks top and bottom, long reach, durable blade, positive lock, clear markings, consistent calibration which means 94-3/4" on my tape reads the same on yours. I've never used anything better.

I'd have to chime in with the Fat Max (I use 25 '). I put a hurt on any tool I use and often work alone, so having a 10+ foot standout is paramount. Nothing more frustrating than having to walk back and forth trying to get a measurement... Mine tend to wear out (the first 8 feet or so become hard to read) after a year or two, but i get A LOT of use out of these tapes. Easy to read, sturdy. As with most tools the cheapest isn't always the best, although having a few tapes around for odd jobs is always handy.

I've used Stanley for years.  My dad was a full time carpenter for 50 years and that is what he always used so, thats what I started using.  Have always had good luck with them.

My favorite tape is the 16' Stanley Powerlock II, with the 3/4" blade and the plastic case. (I think the Powerlock II is maybe the change from metal to plastic case? the Powerlock used to be metal back in the 80's...too heavy!)
It is enough tape for most workshop projects, household repairs, shopping for the right size stuff, checking furniture against doorways and trucks.
I can carry it all day, it wont pull my pants down, it will fit in a pocket, and it fits my hand well.
I have 3 or 4 of these.

There are tasks that warrant going for a different tape, and I'll use one if it is better suited:

I agree that a 1" blade is better for longer stick-out. The ones with a more curved blade do better. (like the FATMax)

A hook with a magnet is handy when working with steel (downright magical when working with steel tubes, say for greenhouse layout)

A 100' fiberglass tape reel for garden layout. The hook has spurs for gripping wood and a loop large enough to fit over most nail heads or a round stake.

A folding ruler with a slide-out extension is fantastic for measuring inside of closets and cabinets. You get a direct reading, rather than the guesswork of reading a curled tape in the corner.

A good laser range-finder can be amazing for measuring up interior spaces (like making a floor plan), especially by yourself. (I have used, but don't own, one by Hilti)

METRIC. When you are measuring a "metric-designed" object, it's like lifting a fog... not having to do conversions, and working in whole numbers...

I've got a couple of gimmicky tapes:

One is a "centerfinding" tape, which has a normal scale on one edge and a one-half scale on the other edge. No need to divide by 2. Just take the whole measurement, then read that same measurement one the one-half scale.

Another has sixteenths numbered on it, but I find it difficult to read after so many years being accustomed to the plain marks.

I like using my Stanely fat max.

Stanley Powerlock 25' for most woodwork and definitely framing/construction. They are not cheap but are easy to read, last a long time, can reach at least 8' unsupported and last if they dont get borrowed/lost. Also they are better than the fatmax because they are lighter and slimmer which make them easier to get in and out of a framers pouch.

Before I thinking about the 'best' tape measure, I needed to know how to use a tape measure.  Sounds like most of you here don't need this info, but just in case, I found this helpful.  I never knew about the intentional wobble on the tape hook, or the measurement on the case to help make inside measurements.  There are others that also explain the red numbers for studs and the black diamonds.  https://tiphero.com/4-measuring-tape-tips

The first cabinet shop I worked in asked us to supply our own 25’ Stanley tape. He supplied every other tool. He had gotten tired of people abusing his tape measures. The reason he insisted upon Stanley was only so everyone would get the same measurements. Different manufacturers would regularly vary by 1/16th. I’ve used a Stanley ever since. Primarily because they are cheap, I buy them by the half dozen. One on my belt, one in the truck, one in the house, one by each saw, one in each tool box, and three or four on the work bench. By the end of the day they will have all disappeared! Just like my pencils.

I prefer the 25-foot of Milwaukee . I've used the fat Maxx and it is suitable but the size is not necessary for most things I do.  Plenty of standout without having to carry a big lump around on my hip. When I reach out to hook onto something, it is less likely to slip. Retracts every time without arguing. The lock works properly so that if i set it on the floor to mark something out , it doesn't go sliding across the floor toward the anchor point.

I've been so displeased with other Stanley and Dewalt tools that I exercise bias against all of their products, even things like tape measures that are pretty much the same across brands.

A bit over 11 years ago I was a green Field Engineer on a wind turbine project. On of the first tasks I was given by my supervisor was to order STS(Safety, Tools, and Supplies) for an upcoming operation. That was when I bought a Komelon 25' IE self locking tape measure. I still have it even after it fell 65+ meters (213+ ft) from the top of a tower on to hard packed native crushed rock. I was sold. I really like the IE version that uses inches and tenths. I have a 12 footer I keep in my jacket pocket and another 25' IE that was supposed to be my backup from the original order. 11 years and it's still in the packaging.