Tape Measures

About Tape Measures

Tape measures are among the most essential tools for any tradesperson, DIY enthusiast, or homeowner. Whether you're a chippy marking out timber, a builder setting out foundations, or simply measuring up for new furniture, having a reliable tape measure to hand is indispensable. Modern tape measures come in a remarkable variety of styles and specifications, from compact pocket models that clip to your belt to heavy-duty long tapes spanning 50 metres or more for surveying and site work.

Most tape measures sold in the UK feature both metric and imperial scales, though metric-only versions are increasingly common as the construction industry continues to standardise on millimetres and metres. The quality and features vary considerably across price points, with professional-grade models offering reinforced housings, blade coatings for durability, magnetic tips for solo measuring, and impressive standout distances that allow you to measure longer spans without the blade collapsing. Lighter duty models provide excellent value for occasional use around the home or workshop.

Our range encompasses everything from pocket-sized 3-metre tapes perfect for quick measurements to specialist fibreglass and digital models designed for specific applications. Leading manufacturers including Stanley, Milwaukee, Fisco, Lufkin, and Tajima all feature prominently, with the Stanley FatMax range particularly renowned for its extra-wide blade technology that delivers exceptional standout performance and durability on demanding job sites.

Jargon Buster

• Standout: The maximum distance a tape blade can extend horizontally before it buckles and collapses under its own weight. Wider, thicker blades typically offer better standout, which is crucial for measuring alone without assistance. Professional tapes may achieve standout of 3 metres or more.
• Blade Width: Measured in millimetres, this determines the tape's rigidity and standout capability. Narrow blades (typically 12-16mm) are compact but have limited standout, whilst wider blades (25-32mm) can extend much further before collapsing, making them ideal for long solo measurements.
• Class Accuracy: European standard EN 60 classifies tape measure accuracy. Class I offers accuracy to ±0.3mm per metre, whilst Class II is ±0.7mm per metre. Professional tradespeople typically require Class I for precision work, whereas Class II is perfectly adequate for general DIY and home use.
• True Zero Hook: The metal end hook on a tape measure is deliberately loose, moving in and out by the thickness of the hook itself. This compensates automatically whether you're measuring from an edge (hooking) or against a surface (pushing), ensuring accurate readings in both scenarios.
• Nylon Coating: A protective coating applied to tape blades that increases durability, reduces friction during extension and retraction, and helps prevent rust and wear. Essential for professional tapes subjected to daily use on dusty, wet, or abrasive building sites.
• Magnetic Tip: A feature where the end hook incorporates a magnet, allowing the tape to attach to metal surfaces, nails, or screws. Invaluable when working alone as it holds the tape in position whilst you read the measurement at the other end.

Who Uses Tape Measures?

Tape measures are genuinely universal tools used across virtually every trade and profession:

• Carpenters and joiners for measuring timber, setting out joinery, and checking dimensions during installation work
• Builders and bricklayers for setting out foundations, checking courses, and general site measurements
• Electricians and plumbers for measuring cable runs, pipe lengths, and positioning outlets and fixtures
• Decorators and painters for calculating wallpaper requirements, measuring walls, and positioning features
• Surveyors and engineers who require long tapes and digital models for site surveys and dimensional control
• Shopfitters and installers for precise measurements when fitting kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces
• Landscapers and groundworkers using long fibreglass tapes for setting out gardens, patios, and drainage
• Upholsterers and soft furnishers for measuring fabric and furniture dimensions
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners for countless household projects, from hanging pictures to planning renovations

How to Choose the Right Tape Measures

Consider the blade length: For general carpentry and building work, a 5-8 metre tape is ideal. Pocket tapes of 3-5 metres suit electricians and light trade use. Site workers and surveyors may need 20-50 metre long tapes for setting out and measuring larger distances.

Evaluate blade width: Wider blades offer better standout, crucial if you frequently measure alone. A 25-32mm blade is standard for professional use, providing good rigidity and durability. Narrower 12-19mm blades create more compact tools suited to occasional use or working in tight spaces.

Quality and durability: Professional tradespeople using tapes daily should invest in models with robust ABS housings, nylon-coated blades, and reinforced rivets. Features like rubber overmoulding protect against drops, whilst blade coatings resist abrasion and moisture. For home use, basic models without these premium features offer excellent value.

Useful features to consider: Magnetic tips are invaluable for solo measuring against metal studs or surfaces. Some tapes include top-read windows for reading measurements when the tape is vertical. Dual locking mechanisms hold the blade both extended and retracted. Belt clips and wrist straps prevent drops and losses on site.

Metric, imperial, or both? Most UK tradespeople work primarily in metric, though imperial measurements remain useful for certain applications. Dual-scale tapes offer maximum flexibility, whilst metric-only versions can be easier to read with larger, clearer markings.

Specialist requirements: Consider digital tape measures for instant metric/imperial conversion and memory functions. Fibreglass tapes are essential for long-distance measuring where blade standout isn't required. High-visibility tapes with yellow blades improve readability in poor light conditions on building sites.

Popular Accessories

• Tool Belts and Pouches: Keep your tape measure accessible and protected with dedicated holsters and tool belts designed to accommodate standard tape sizes whilst keeping your hands free for other tasks.
• Marking Tools: Carpenter's pencils, permanent markers, and chalk lines complement your tape measure for transferring measurements accurately onto materials and surfaces.
• Spirit Levels: Work alongside tape measures to ensure both accurate dimensions and true horizontal and vertical alignment during installation and building work.
• Measuring Wheels: For very long distances where tape measures become impractical, measuring wheels provide quick, accurate measurements for site work and surveying applications.
• Laser Distance Measurers: Digital tools that complement traditional tapes, offering instant measurements up to 100 metres or more, particularly useful for room dimensions and height measurements.
• Replacement Blades: Some professional tape measures allow blade replacement, extending the tool's lifespan when the blade becomes damaged or worn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the metal hook on my tape measure loose?

This is intentional design, not a defect. The hook moves by precisely its own thickness, automatically compensating whether you're hooking it over an edge or pushing it against a surface. This "true zero" feature ensures accurate measurements in both push and pull configurations.

What's the difference between Class I and Class II accuracy?

Class I tape measures offer accuracy to ±0.3mm per metre of length, making them suitable for precision carpentry and engineering work. Class II tapes are accurate to ±0.7mm per metre, which is perfectly adequate for general building work, DIY projects, and most trade applications where millimetre-perfect accuracy isn't critical.

How do I know what standout I need?

If you frequently measure alone or work on longer spans, look for tapes with standout of 2.5-3 metres or more. Carpenters, builders, and site workers particularly benefit from good standout. For occasional use or when you typically have assistance, standout is less critical. Blade width is the key factor – wider blades (25-32mm) provide better standout than narrow ones.

Are magnetic tips worth having?

Absolutely, especially if you work alone or frequently measure metal surfaces, studs, or fixings. The magnet holds the tape securely in position whilst you extend it and read the measurement, effectively giving you a third hand. It's particularly valuable for electricians, carpenters working with metal studs, and anyone doing solo measuring tasks.

How should I maintain my tape measure?

Keep the blade clean and dry – wipe it down after use in wet or dusty conditions. Avoid forcing the retraction or allowing the blade to snap back violently, which can damage the spring mechanism. Store in a dry environment to prevent rust. For professional tapes, occasional lubrication of the blade with light oil maintains smooth operation and prevents corrosion.