Hultafors Talmeter - Is it the Best Tape Measure?

The Hultafors Talmeter tape measure may very well be the best tape measure you may have never heard about. I have been using the Talmeter for over 10 years and is the best tape measure I have ever used. If there is a better one, I don't know about it. My favorite is the 3M version and the only current source in North America is in the link below:

[itsalldoable]

I had never heard of this measure before last night. It was talked about on RetroPower, a favourite British YouTube channel for car restoration and modification. I'm definitely going to get one as it solves all of my current tape measure gripes.

[susannebkvig]

I am 71 and have used a Hultafors Talmeter since I was in my twenties, and when it accidentally fell onto the floor and the house got broken the year before last, so that the tape couldn't be used again, I got a new Talmeter within a few days. My old one was in a red house, and I was sad to have to switch to a black one, but I wouldn't do without it. I was glad to see your video, because the maker is so sure, it is too easy to use to need any explanation. That is not quite true, though I find the possibility of measuring something and using the locking function to transfer the measurement to some other place using the sharp taps.

[johnnyshinnichi]

I suppose that diameter measurement would come in very useful for measuring a pipe or something which is in situ, where you couldn't get at the end to measure across.

[jothain]

Scribe feature is very handy here in europe for builders as you can cut easily through plasterboard and just snap them with Talmeter. No other marker needed.

[Yannis]

The "talmeter" is a perfect tool also when getting tired or stressed since there for the measurements inside and outside for cutting and fitting aren't necessary to read out the actual measurement value; I just transfer the measurement from the fitting place to the workpiece. Perfect for making circles, and also available in the VP model, which I personally find more sturdy and robust.

[CutitwithaHammer]

Hi Steve, I decided to swtich my shop to metric after I attended the September Alpine Workshop. I had purchased a Starrett metric tape earlier this year. I'm going to pick up one of these tapes to give it a try. Always enjoy your videos.

[richm]

Hi Steve - Great video. I've used US-made Stanleys and Kleins, they were good, still have one of the Klein. Currently have some FastCap, ok, no real complaints. For woodworking, I have some LongLife folding rules, I use one for inside measuring. Inside measuring w the LongLife is ok, I wouldn't call it easy. I will check out this Hultafor, it looks real interesting. The pi-scale may be used for measuring around trees, to get a rough diameter estimate. Cheers . . .

[leiflindqvist]

So where is this tool from, well, Sweden. Here is the history. Engineer Ture Anders Ljungberg was dissatisfied with the existing measuring devices, such as rulers, which were available during the construction of his own house in 1947, and therefore developed the first Talmeter that was presented in 1954 in two meters version. Initially, the production took place entirely in the own garage, with a single engine that had to be moved around between the machines. The machine park was gradually expanded and the Talmeter was manufactured for 50 years by T A Ljungberg AB before Hultafors AB bought the company in 2005. By 2003, approximately 6.7 million had been manufactured The name TALmeter start with his three initials (Ture Anders Ljungberg).

[PaulJacksonOttawa]

100% Trusted Resource Here! Outstanding video. Thank you Sir. I'm ordering one for a very good friend now for his birthday present next week. So glad I found your video. Thanks again for sharing.

[hanzo]

Undisputed best measuring tape. I don't even read the numbers anymore, just measure and mark with the notch, incredible accuracy!

[rastas_]

We use them for drawing ac parts on metal. My teacher even said that you shouldn't really use it for measuring. It's like magic when you see a pro use it for that.

[duster]

I have both tapes shown in the video and like Steve rarely use the 6 metre version. I also have BMI Quicky tapes and they are at least as good as the Hultafor 3 metre tapes if not better due to being way more suitable to putting in a pocket and can be used as a straight edge for marking out.

[bw]

Great video, all the details, no waffle.
Thanks

[antonovverdijk]

You are dead right 👍🏻 about this tape measure, my father workt with it. and i have the same one almost 28 years.

[goncalovazpinto]

I really like the Advent Z02VV05 "Visa-Versa"

[michael.knight]

Nice tape measure, hadn't heard of this brand before. It's quite a bit cheaper here ($25) in Europe it seems. Still seems like a good deal though, I always get annoyed with cheap plastic ones where the locking mechanism breaks after some time. Might buy this one as a backup to my old metal Lufkin.

[markuslappalainen]

I have used 6 meter talmeter for several years in various renovation jobs. I came to know it when my father-in- law used original version in sheetmetal work. Talmeter is super accurate and belt clip is great. I only wish they would make mirror image of it which could be held at left side and used with left hand.

[brambaert]

In europe you can indeed them easily. Thanks for showing it, I 'll definitly pick one up

[tundrawhisperer]

Steve, do the machines you use, get you to switch to metric? Just curious on why you chose this preferred method. Thx

[eegaugh]

I just bought one of these on the recommendation of YouTuber Peter Millard. The tape comes without instructions and I found your video very helpful, particularly as there doesn't seem to be any help on their website.
As you say, this is metric only but for diehard fans of English measure the scale is said to be made by FISCO England!