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As mentioned by Molynoox, Vice Versa are excellent, I swapped a while ago to them.
Your Favourite Tape Measure(s)
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frankendoodle65
Established Member
I like the hultafors talmeter 3m for fine work, being able to accurately measure internal measurements is a game changer for cabinet work and metric only keeps it tidy. Just be careful to read the correct number when using the internal measurement flip out tail, I'm not going to lie I've cut pieces 10cm short a few times now and that's something Peter Millard doesn't talk about when he recommends it in his videos 
For rough work and outside I have a Stanley fatmax which has taken some serious abuse over the years but still going strong.
For rough work and outside I have a Stanley fatmax which has taken some serious abuse over the years but still going strong.
Woody2Shoes
Impressive Member
I like the Fisco/Hultafors Big T tape measure, because it has a soft rubbery insert on the end hook, which helps to stop it falling off when you least want it to. I've not found this really useful feature on other tapes.
e.g. Big T | Short Tapes | Measuring Tapes | Fisco Tools
e.g. Big T | Short Tapes | Measuring Tapes | Fisco Tools
My preference is 8m Fatmax - when I was working, they took some very serious abuse and gave good value.
Now, I'm probably being a total numpty but, when I was surveying for a living, my brain struggled (just occasionally) to process a metric measurement using the lower scale style in the picture : 358 mm is (30*10)+(5*10) + 8. To me, it's much more intuitive to work with the Fatmax style scale on the top where 358mm is (35*10)+8 .
Now, I'm probably being a total numpty but, when I was surveying for a living, my brain struggled (just occasionally) to process a metric measurement using the lower scale style in the picture : 358 mm is (30*10)+(5*10) + 8. To me, it's much more intuitive to work with the Fatmax style scale on the top where 358mm is (35*10)+8 .
A Komelon (Korean) fan here. I have several in different lengths and widths. Good hooks including magnetic ends, good visibility, some types printed both sides, some metric, some combined imperial & metric, white, hi vis yellow or green. I kept on needing a tape when I didn't expect to so bought a few over the years.
One of the Axminster own brand tapes is a badged up Komelon.
Also good are the 2 and 3 meter tapes by BMI that curve the wrong way. This puts the edges against the surface for more accurate measuring instead of the middle of the tape touching and the edges raised up. This lives in the house for all those little measuring jobs.
Negative points to the Lufkin - the black one with dayglow green lettering (which is the only reason I bought one).
Expensive bling. These are not well made. They look great in the adverts but beware the American marketing hype. The blades are deeply curved for standout but are actually very thin and easy to crease. Anything that looks metal on the case isn't it's just flashy chrome finish on plastic.
One of the Axminster own brand tapes is a badged up Komelon.
Also good are the 2 and 3 meter tapes by BMI that curve the wrong way. This puts the edges against the surface for more accurate measuring instead of the middle of the tape touching and the edges raised up. This lives in the house for all those little measuring jobs.
Negative points to the Lufkin - the black one with dayglow green lettering (which is the only reason I bought one).
Expensive bling. These are not well made. They look great in the adverts but beware the American marketing hype. The blades are deeply curved for standout but are actually very thin and easy to crease. Anything that looks metal on the case isn't it's just flashy chrome finish on plastic.
My vote goes to the Bahco MTS-5-25-E
5mtr long. The blade lock is opposite to many, so the blade stays out unless you push the big orange button.
Strong magnetic hook end and generally I just find them a perfect size for me to hold and use.
Black on silver markings are also easy to read and If you have never used a tape that automatically stays when extended then I really suggest its worth a try.
5mtr long. The blade lock is opposite to many, so the blade stays out unless you push the big orange button.
Strong magnetic hook end and generally I just find them a perfect size for me to hold and use.
Black on silver markings are also easy to read and If you have never used a tape that automatically stays when extended then I really suggest its worth a try.
Jameshow
Established Member
For a budget / site tape this takes alot of beating ...
https://ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Silve...+(CSS)&tduid=716bf5184f46f43167994d9451e866da
https://ffx.co.uk/product/Get/Silve...+(CSS)&tduid=716bf5184f46f43167994d9451e866da
johnnyb
Established Member
I really liked this one when I got it. but it's not as durable as a stanley. but the imperial and metric scales are dead easy to read. and the hook is big and double sided with earth magnets on it. £2.95 from toolstation bargain bin!
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Molynoox
Established Member
Regarding your last point I have tried the Stanley autolock tapes and at first I thought they were brilliant and I was an instant convert.
But then they started wearing out really quickly and I realised that the autolock mech. drags the brake along the tape and this inevitably wears all the numbers off in just a few weeks.
Call me old fashioned but I like the numbers to stay on the tape
Martin
tajima hi lock 5m for me, have tried most and definitely my favourite as yet, not the most robust but honestly have lasted just as long as any others i've had (if i get 2 months from a tape its doing well 
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tajima hi lock 5m for me, have tried most and definitely my favourite as yet, not the most robust but honestly have lasted just as long as any others i've had (if i get 2 months from a tape its doing well
The Tajima is one of the most accurate tape measures on the market, its Class 1 status means its tolerance is within 0.6mm over the 5m blade length. A very solid feel and the unique tempered steel end hook is twice as hard as traditional end hooks and ensures the user consistent inside and outside measurements.
https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/tajima-hi-lock-class-1-tape-measure/
Herr Nilsson
Established Member
Another vote for the Hultafors Talameter
Being able to use it as demonstrated in the top right picture is a game changer, for example, when cutting noggins, as it can effectively be used as a story stick
Also, easily accurate to 0.5mm, because it has a fine thin gauge that sits just over the top of the tape, where you need to read off the measurement. A bit hard to explain but the equivalent of crosshairs.
Being able to use it as demonstrated in the top right picture is a game changer, for example, when cutting noggins, as it can effectively be used as a story stick
Also, easily accurate to 0.5mm, because it has a fine thin gauge that sits just over the top of the tape, where you need to read off the measurement. A bit hard to explain but the equivalent of crosshairs.
sometimewoodworker
Established Member
These are 3 of mine the lay flat tape is much easier for marking our & both fastcap tapes have pencil sharpeners built in which is great along with the area for noting measurements and the fact that they have true 32mm measurements marked on them mean they are my preferred tapes.
cowtown_eric
Established Member
I'm partial to Starrett tape measures, as they pride themselves on accuracy. When I had shops I used to buy them 6 at a time-on sale, because as a tape measure can only sustain so many drops (bent hook) and wear (loose rivets on end). I wasn't shy about tossing them when I even thought they were toast!
I'm unfamiliar with this class 1/class2 stuff...never heard of it before, but If I had to rate ANY tape measure I'd put them in the base category, preferring to believe in digital calipers, digital measurement, and story sticks.
I'm unfamiliar with this class 1/class2 stuff...never heard of it before, but If I had to rate ANY tape measure I'd put them in the base category, preferring to believe in digital calipers, digital measurement, and story sticks.
niall Y
Established Member
I would have to agree with you here. I too find that the upper style of tape leads to a lot less 'misreadings', than the lower one. This I have remarked on in a previous thread The wrong sort of metric tape
That was my excuse anyway, though I can have my 'numpty' moments with any tape
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Ditto here with the added reason of being left handed friendly!
Honourable mentions for the Hultafors (rebadged Fisco) BT5M and Tajima G3
sometimewoodworker
Established Member
Similar set here - just foreign stanley tapes.
To be honest, the ones that harbor freight sold for five bucks but gave away free with any other purchase for quite some time are decent, too (I checked the accuracy, of course).
Death to tapes in my shop comes via damage and not so much initial quality issues.
Tape Measures don't need Sharpening
