Best Tape Measures for 2019: Toolsday

Based on my opinion, these are the best tape measures for 2019, and truthfully each one of them have positives and negatives. I feel like the fat max is my most favorite and enjoyable tape to use... when its new, the Milwaukee stud has held up the longest in the field, and the Dewalt XP, is most definitely the most rugged, but comes at a price for weight and size. I know the tape measure is nothing new and nothing cool or fancy, but it is arguably the most important tool a carpenter can have.

Milwaukee Stud:

Dewalt XP

Stanley Fat Max

shirts

hats

[alant]

I think we’ve all been when we’re doing some sort of construction and you are looking for a tape measure you can’t find one. I remember watching a TV show called “First Time Flip” (?) and the guy told his wife to go down to the hardware store and buy 10 tape measures because he was so tired of NOT being able to find a tape measure when he needed one.
I think we ALL can relate. Haha.
Keep up the good work!

[MustardMade]

One day I was driving and saw a tape measure in the middle of the road. Better believe that I identified it as a Fatmax while cruising 60mph down the highway. Turned around and snagged it been using it for about a year now lol it’s beat up but no cracks in the blade yet

[johnirwin]

21 years as an industrial electrician and mine was a 16' Stanley lever lock on the bottom. 16' with 10' conduit worked great and it fit my hand real good.

[savior]

A tape I have not seen her used by anyone other than me is the Tajima tapes. I got a 25 footer, and I use it for masonry, and it’s extremely durable, has lasted me a very long time. A tape no one talks about that is fantastic!

[johnbaeza]

Milwaukee 25’ with the magnetic tip. If I’m on the ladder and drop a screw putting up registers or something I can reach it with the tip on the tape measure.

[DKWalser]

Others have already mentioned the Fastcap tapes. They have several different types, targeted for different uses. They even have one for timberframe carpenters. One of the nice things most of them have in common is an 'erasable notepad' on the side case. It's a great place for jotting down your measurements (assuming you can find your pencil).

[mikeconnor]

I have 2 tape measures I cannot be without, Fastcap 16ft lefty/righty; 1 standard and 1 flatback. They are perfect for the shop, and are packed with features. I cut a lot of plywood for my projects and the flatback tape measure is so nice. Since both are lefty/righty it doesn't matter which direction I measure from since they are printed for reading in either direction. Fastcap has a lot of quality products, but the tape measures are my favorite by far.

[jgwells]

I’ve been using a Milwaukee Magnetic tape for a few years. Great big hook, magnetic end. What I like though is the tape is 2 sided and on the back side it has a 1/4 inch and 1/8 scale. I find myself using that more and more

[Klocaine]

fat max is my go to for trim. for rough framing definitely the dewalt with the fat head. good review.

[rolandsaghy]

The Milwaukee magnetic tape measure comes with a large head.

[nathanbrown]

Always been a fat max guy but was given a Milwaukee and the finger hold is just great. I'm on my first one but I might be falling in love. Standout length is a give and take, a blade that flexes lasts longer.

[chipped]

Maintenance determines the life of your tape..
I keep 4# 25 ft, and 35, and 40...all fatmax.
Fencing, next to concrete is the worst for longevity.
To clean, extend ..and wipe on retraction..extend again wipe down with whatever lube you have.

I've tried several brands, and always go back to fat max.
Buy multiples on BF, and anytime you see them on sale.

Nice work Kyle!

[Quietvibes]

Old school original Stanley all the way

[hunterwolfe]

My milwaukee magnetic has literally been thrown and dropped off roofs, left outside in the rain for weeks, and heavily used for 2 years and it's basically like new

[EvanHarland]

I’ve used a 30’ Stanley fat max for years and have never had the problems he mentioned. I’ve loved mine and wouldn’t swap it for any other brand.

[STREETFIGHTER]

Thanks for this video. I recently lost my old Fat Max and just bought a 2-pack of Milwaukee’s for $15 at Home Depot. Now I’m thinking of returning them for the DeWalts! 😂 Can’t beat a lifetime warranty!

[aaronwidder]

I have both the DeWalt and the Milwaukee tapes, and I gotta say I reach for the DeWalt more times than not. It just feels super durable! I used the older Milwaukee tape to death because it has a architect scale ruler on the back and it came REALLY handy when do some quick scaling. However, I am a commercial electrician, and EVERYTHING would stick to that magnet on the tip! And bunch up a ton of metal shavings! But if I had to choose just one tape, id prob take that DeWalt tape!

[tomim]

Fantastic review. You hit the nail on the head. Been framing and doing construction for 40 years and tape measures have always had drawbacks and the original Stanley 25' tapes had very little standout. I remember lumber yards selling blade replacement packs! If you do framing and trim you do need at least three measuring devices; a FatMax or like with a wide double hook, a regular 25' tape with a traditional hook, and a folding rule with slide out extension (Lufkin Hx46 Wooden 6` X 5/8″ Red End Folding Rule) for doing inside measures. Well, at least that is my opinion and works for me.

[jeffcoker]

I've always liked the Komelon brand. They also make Kobalt and the new Craftsman sold at Lowes. It has that magnetic tip which is good for picking up dropped metal objects so you don't have to climb down a ladder to retrieve it just touch it with the tip of your tape measure and draw it up . It also has markings on both sides of the tape. The magnet was designed for one person measurement it will hold the end of itself to something metal and assist with getting your measurement

[CheezyDee]

I cut, bend, and flare a lot of hydraulic tubing so I prefer the small 12' Stanley Powerlock with the metal case since 8' is probably the longest tube I have to deal with, typically 2' - 3'. Accurate, durable (unless they get soaked in fluid) and they'd last me a couple years if my friggin co-workers didn't "borrow" them and not bring them back.