The Best Tape Measure for Makers (or anyone!)

In this short tool-tip, J ROBERT CLARK shares his favorite measuring tape and explains why it's the best for him. Chances are, this tape measure will be a good choice for you too.

[chagildoi]

I actually like the mandatory use locking mechanism. When you get used to it, it feels very natural. I feel like it’s inherently more stable and you never inadvertently snap the tape back at you. But it’s all a matter of personal preference.

Love your laid back style!

[calpoppy]

I appreciate your measured explanations.

[ayyydood]

Well, yeah I like the small ones too but I think you missed a couple things.

1. There's no way that thing can stand on its own. That makes all the difference in the world to me. I have to be able to lay the tape down on a board and let it sit there. Any tape that even wobbles is a no go. The half inchers can stand with the best of them.

2. No pocket clip? Come on now, you know we don't all wear aprons haha.

3. No stand out. A half incher can stand out a good 3 feet. Using two hands you can really whip it out there if you need to. That's a big deal.

So I strongly suggest you go to home Depot and buy the DeWalt 9 footer. It has a magnet so you can slap it on the tool box. It has a pocket clip but there's no retention. It's more of a straight hook that sits about 1/8" off the tape measure. This makes it extremely easy to slip onto a pocket or belt. And it's so small it really doesn't need any retention it just sits there. Even with an apron it would be more convenient. One of those things you don't realize until you use it. It also has a nice flat bottom so you can hook it, lock it, set it down, and work with the tape without it moving. Huge deal.

Another thing you didn't mention is the ruler markings. That's a big deal to me. Are the numbers easy to read? Are the lines fat and blurry? Does it have 32nds for the first foot? The DeWalt shows the feet with big black chunky arrows, you could see them from across the house. And then on the bottom it has total inches and the top 12 inches repeating in red so you can see how many inches after the foot without having to count them like a rookie. Very easy to read.

The DeWalt has hard rubber on top and bottom for grip. It's a tad larger than your 6 foot fat max. It's always warm and comfortable.

Anyways, well done video. You're good on camera. I was surprised to see only 9 comments. I haven't checked out any other videos but thanks for the close up look of the Stanley. This is the only video on YouTube of the Stanley 10 footer lol. Keep up the good work!

[hockingham]

My personal faves are OX for the big long stuff, it's a beast and the most solid tape measure I've had to date.
And hultaphors for the more precise or smaller measurements, i love it's versatility.

[dareldandkatieosborne]

Sounds like a great stocking-stuffer idea!! Thanks John! #stanleypowerlock

[cobra]

TRASH! while your right a real picket 10ft like that syanley is a must. My cousin has been carrying one in his pocket fir decades and buys them in multi packs. But the quality and wear of the stanlybis junk. The plastic metal wears, the gust are so crap if you keep it in your pocket it rattles every step.

Do me a favor! Buy the Komelon key chain tape measure 10ft, 4110. Try and review it, instead of recomending trash to good people!

Thats what I use. No noise litte to no wear sighs the tape lock isnt a joke and actually feels like a tool not a toy.