Rating of the best measuring tape in 2024

Measuring tape is an integral part of a set of tools. In everyday life, it is used to measure various parameters in all industries, in production, in the household.

The variety of types allows everyone to choose a convenient and accurate measuring tool. The device of most models makes it possible to take measurements on their own without assistance, the main thing is to have the best measuring tape with you.

What are roulettes

A metric tape measure is a reel with a measuring band placed in a housing. Equipped with a return mechanism, which is activated by means of a mechanical handle or return button, a latch. The measuring tape can be equipped with a digital block that counts the number of revolutions of the reel and transmits the measuring data to an electronic display.

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

• in the laser - a laser beam;
• in ultrasonic - a sound wave.

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 summary information is shown on the display of the device.

Laser rangefinder is an accurate measuring device that measures long 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, tripod. Rangefinder models differ in beam length and power. Professional devices can measure distances up to 260 meters, while a household tape measure only measures up to 60 meters.

The device can be equipped with the following functions:

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

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

The received data can distort:

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

Applications

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

• household - mainly used for home repairs. Differs in a simpler device. There are three-meter, five-meter, ten-meter;
• for construction work - an ordinary metric tape measure, digital with an odometer or electronic with buttons, which measures the 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. The manual one differs in the length and material of the measuring band. Tape with ring for fixing. The length of the tape can be up to one hundred meters. The canvas is made of durable materials that are resistant to damage and corrosion. The body material is either metal or high-strength plastic. A plastic handle is designed to carry the tool and use it in work. There are models with a folding handle. Complete with carrying strap. Belt fastening possible;
• for wood - a strong steel tape with a thick nylon-coated measuring tape. A hook is used for the hook;
• keychain tape measure - attached to the keys.

Material

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

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

Measuring scale

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

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

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

• millimeter;
• centimeter;
• meter.

A scale applied to both sides of the web can:

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

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

How to choose and what to look for

According to buyers, you should not make a choice based on price alone. Since inexpensive and budgetary measuring instruments can be of low quality with a large measurement error, with an insufficient number of functions.

Consumer reviews will help you avoid mistakes when choosing and find out:

• which company is better to buy;
• popular models;
• which measuring tape is the best and the average price of those.

Criterias of choice

Before making a purchase, you need to determine the scope and study:

1. Rating of quality products and manufacturers of measuring instruments;
2. The popularity of the models, and how much each roulette is worth;
3. Description and characteristics of the model;
4. What material are the parts of the instrument made of - the tape must be reliable and durable from a strong material that is resistant to impact, so that damage from a fall is minimal and does not affect the performance of the instrument;
5. What is the length and width of the tape, accuracy class, unit of measurement and type of scale;
6. Hook type;
7. Which retainer is installed;
8. Return mechanism - manual or automatic;
9. Additional functionality - the type of attachment, the presence of a lanyard or belt for carrying, a flashlight and more;
10. Weight and dimensions of the tool.

Review of popular measuring tape

The best manufacturers in 2024 offer a large selection of measuring tool models. Measuring tapes and tape measures of different lengths for different fields of activity. They differ in price, size and functionality.

10th place. Roulette "Double Fixation" by Matrix

Brand name: Matrix
Code goods: 31061

Steel 10-meter tape, 25 mm wide, covered with a sewn polymer anti-corrosion layer. The plastic body is partially covered with a rubber layer. Two separate buttons for securing the web. Equipped with a metal hook and a comfortable strap.

• tape length;
• two clips.

• there is no additional mount;
• low resistance to damage.

9th place. FIBERGLASS measuring tape from Stanley

Brand name: Stanley
Code goods: 0—34—296

PVC coated fiberglass flexible tape 20 m long and 12.7 mm wide. The body material is shock-resistant ABS plastic. The winding handle folds into the body. A hole is provided for cleaning the tape. The hook is a plastic hook.

• tape length;
• hole for cleaning;
• wear resistance.

• price;
• there is no retainer and fasteners.

8th place. Roulette "PROFI" "AREX" from STAYER

Brand name: Stayer
Code goods: 3410—03_z01

3-meter thick, 16mm wide tape made of hardened carbon steel. The case is shock-resistant and consists of two components - plastic coated with rubber and an anti-slip coating. The tool is equipped with a sliding lock, a quick stop button, and a metal hook.

• price;
• shockproof housing;
• increased service life;
• fast stop;
• price.

• web length.

7th place. Roulette "STANDARD" from ZUBR

Brand name: Bison
Code goods: 34016—5

Five-meter tape, 19mm wide, with a metal hook. The body is covered with rubber coating. In addition to the latch, there is a quick stop button. A small handy strap complements the tool.

• rubber spraying;
• quick stop.

• tape length.

6th place. BMI Radius Tape Measure

Brand name: BMI
Code goods: 520214010B

10m fiberglass tape. Closed plastic case. Small plastic handle for mechanical winding, folds into the body. The hook is a plastic ring.

• flexible wear-resistant blade;
• tape length.

• price;
• there is no retainer and fasteners.

5th place. Roulette PLA from Stanley

Brand name: Stanley
Code goods: 0—32—100

A very thin tape measure that fits in your pocket. 3 m long and 6.35 mm wide. Case material - ABS plastic. There is a small hold. There is no retainer and fasteners.

• compact;
• automatic rewinding.

• price;
• there is no retainer and fasteners.

4th place. Roulette Comfort from COBALT

Brand name: Cobalt
Code goods: 646—775

The three-meter measuring device is made of 16mm wide steel and covered with a matte protective layer. Most of the plastic housing is covered with a protective rubber layer. There is a magnetic hook, a button for fixing the tape, a lace and a belt clip.

• magnetic hook;
• anti-reflective coating;
• fastening to the belt.

• web length.

3rd place. Strong roulette by MATRIX

Brand name: Matrix
Code goods: 31078

Steel 3-meter tape, 16 mm wide, coated with a polymer layer to protect against abrasion. The body material is shock-resistant plastic, which is partially covered with a rubber layer. The hook is made of metal. Two mechanisms for fixing the canvas. The tool is equipped with a convenient strap and a steel clip for attaching to a belt.

• price;
• additional fastening to the belt;
• rubberized body.

• tape length.

2nd place. Roulette EXPERT from KRAFTOOL

Brand name: Kraftool
Code goods: 34122—03—19

Steel measuring tape, 19 mm wide and 3 m long, nylon coated. Coiled in a rubberized case. For the hook, a steel tongue is used, in which there is a hole for measuring the wire. The body also serves as a stencil for drawing a circle. The retainer is a plastic button.

• price;
• hole in the clamp for measuring the length of the wire;
• a groove for drawing a circle.

• web length.

1 place. Measuring tape "MASTER" S-20 from STAYER

Brand name: Stayer
Code goods: 3416—20_z01

Measuring tape, 10 mm wide and 20 m long, made of steel. The canvas is covered with a protective fiberglass layer. Case material - ABS plastic. The fixing element is a hook. Manual rewinding is carried out using a handle that folds into the body. The tool is equipped with a small comfortable strap.

• price;
• tape length;
• reinforced body;
• shockproof material.

• manual winding mechanism;
• lack of additional functions.

The presented assortment of measuring tapes and tape measures allows everyone to choose the necessary tool, in accordance with the purpose of use and the requirements.

For convenience, you can have several types of tape measures, from multifunctional large ones to miniature pocket ones. Keychain tape measure - always at hand for small measurements that do not require high accuracy. A professional precision tape measure is also required in the tool kit. Needed for repairs, redevelopment, in construction.