Thanks for taking your time to read our reviews on the best tape measure that is currently available on the United Kingdom marketplace. These are the most popular tape measures to have in your tool box as they usually clip on to your pocket or tool belt.
Most of them measure up to around 5 metres (16 feet) and they open quickly and retract even easier. The better ones will have a lock feature when the tape is open. They will also have metric on one side and imperial measurements on the other side of the tape.
These are used every day by people in the trades. They are one tool that every home owner should have as they will get regular use.
Do yourself a huge favour and don't ever buy a cheap one of these as they will drive you mad. They bend when extended, the tape isn't that accurate and the recoil on them will just break after a short period of time.
A tape measure is something that will get plenty of use, and the good quality ones are not that expensive, so well worth your investment.
Just below you will see our top 5 list of tape measures. However, we also know you are busy, so if you don't have time to read our full review, we would highly recommend the Stanley Tylon Tape, 5m/16ft.
Best Tape Measure by Buyer Rating
The top 5 are as follows:
Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
1 | Stanley Tylon Tape, 5m/16ft | 95% |
2 | Stanley STA130656N Pocket Tylon Tape, 8 m/26 feet | 94% |
3 | Stanley Powerlock Tape, 5m/16ft | 89% |
4 | OX Measuring Tape Trade Series Heavy Duty 5 m | 88% |
5 | Rolson 50535 5m x 19mm Measure Tape | 86% |
Just below, we have also completed some summary reviews on each of these, so as you can see which is the best option for you.
No 1 - Stanley Tylon Tape 5m/16ft Summary Review
- 96% customer satisfaction with 84% of all buyers giving this tape a full 5 star review
- This is a 5 metre (16 feet) tape
- The blade is 25 mm wide
- The blade is Tylon coated to prevent abrasion
- It has a blade lock for accurate measurements
- The blade also has a matt finish that reduces glare and reflection
- Uses Tru zero end hook to compensate for accurate inside and outside measurements
No 2 - Stanley STA130656N Pocket Tylon Tape, 8 m/26 feet Summary Review
- 96% Customer Satisfaction with 84% of all buyers giving this tape a full 5 star review
- This can measure up to 8 metres
- The blade is 25 mm wide
- The blade is Tylon coated to prevent abrasion
- It has a blade lock for accurate measurements
- The blade also has a matt finish that reduces glare and reflection
- Uses Tru zero end hook to compensate for accurate inside and outside measurements
No 3 - Stanley Powerlock Tape, 5m/16ft Summary Review
- 92% buyer satisfaction rating with 77% of all buyers giving this tape a full 5 star review
- This can measure up to 5 metres
- The blade is 19 mm wide
- Has a Mylar coated blade which is better than a normal blade that has been lacquered
- Designed as Class II accuracy
- Available in 3, 5, 8 and 10 metre sizes
No 4 - OX Measuring Tape Trade Series Heavy Duty 5 m Summary Review
- 92% buyer satisfaction rating with 75% of all buyers giving this tape a full 5 star review
- Used in the trade as it is designed for heavy duty use in tougher environments
- This can measure up to 5 metres
- The blade is 25 mm wide
- Has a moulded rubber case and a nylon coated steel blade
- Quick release button on the side
- Button on the bottom is used for locking
No 5 - Rolson 50535 5m x 19mm Measure Tape Summary Review
- 88% buyer satisfaction rating with 72% of all buyers giving this tape a full 5 star review
- This one can measure up to 5 metres in length
- The width of the tape is 19 mm
- The main housing is made from plastic with a rubber outer cover
- There is a thumb operated lock
- Also has a carry strap and a belt clip
No 6 - Bosch 3m Tape Measure Summary Review
- 94% buyer satisfaction rating with 83% of all buyers giving this tape a full 5 star review
- This one can measure up to 3 metres in length
- The width of the tape is 19 mm
- The main housing is made from plastic with a rubber outer cover
- There is a thumb operated lock
- This has markings on both sides
- Also has a carry strap, a belt clip and is magnetic
Tape Measure Buying Tips
- The 5 metre length is the most popular and big enough for most jobs around the home
- Get an 8 metre one if you have to measure a lot of floors or walls
- Stanley do make the best tapes of this kind in our opinion
- A thumb operated lock is essential and the lock needs to be solid
- It should have a smooth retracting mechanism for quick release
- The belt clip is a handy feature to have
- Many of these have a carrying strap but we think this has limited use other than for storage
- The better tapes with have a red mark at 16" for anyone spacing joists
- Metric is the most commonly used measurement, but some of us prefer feet and inches - most tapes have both but be careful, there are metric only tapes
- Never over stretch these as you will pull the tape out too far and it will never go back in again
A very useful item to have in your tool kit.
Tape Measure Professional Tips
Tape Measure FAQ
Stanley is in our opinion the best brand overall for tape measures. The Rolson and Milwaukee brands are also popular choices. When we did our research, those that got the most consistent and highest ratings were from the Stanley brand.
All tape measures are accurate enough for most general use. Again we would pick the Stanley brand as they also make their markings very distinct. There will always be small margins of inaccuracy based on issues such as the temperature, and the wear and tear over time.
A typical 12 feet tape measure is accurate to about about ±1⁄32 inch. For most types of use that is a completely acceptable tolerance level.
Most tape measures have an average price of around £10-£15. When you pay that amount for a tape measure, it will have all the features that you need.
The features we would highly recommend are:
- A measure with metric and imperial measurements that are clear and very easy to read
- It should have a lock button which in our opinion is invaluable
- Have a thick enough blade that it doesn't bend too easily
- Is well enough made so a fall won't shatter it
Many users get into some serious debates about the accuracy of a tape measure. There are honestly more important considerations for a tape measure than worrying too much about miniscule inaccuracies.
As we mentioned earlier tape measures follow the same tolerance guideline as rulers with a slightly increased increment of tolerance.
- Any tape measure up to 12 feet in length is accurate to ±1⁄32 in
- Any tape measure over 12 feet in length is accurate to ±1⁄16 in
The only other important consideration is the hook at the end of most measuring tapes. That needs to be attached properly and not move, so precise assembly is required.
If this type of pocket measuring tape isn't the right type for you, then click here to read more about measuring tools.
Hopefully you have found this information on tape measures useful. They are a great tool and I always have one clipped to my Tool Belt when I am doing any job.
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