Markings on both sides of the tape will be easier to read than markings on only one side. Look for high contrast between the color of the tape blade and the markings on the tape.

Blade width is also important when it comes to getting accurate measurements. Jantz points out that a broader tape measure is easier to read and will provide more standout to users, which means it won’t snap or bend so easily if extended (more on that below). The strongest double-sided tape is usually considered UHB, or Ultra High Bonding, tape. UHB tape offers superior adhesion on both sides of the tape to secure rugs, hang pictures, and more. VHB, or Very High Bonding, is another high-quality tape product worth considering. Can I apply double-sided tape to a wet surface? Acrylic: Most commonly used for industrial purposes, acrylic double-sided tape uses strong chemicals for a permanent bond. Acrylic tape is also useful outdoors, as it’s waterproof.

Tissue: Tissue tape is akin to standard, light-duty cellophane tape but is double-sided. It’s the most common type of double-sided tape that’s suitable for everyday household use. This tape measure is precise, though it did slightly miss the mark when taking inside measurements (by 1/64 of an inch, to be exact). Still, we think this difference is so small that it wouldn’t be a problem in most cases. The blade comes with the standard small diamond markings for 19.2-inch truss or joist layouts, so you can smoothly work out where all the studs are located. Just be cautious when reeling it in, as we found the recoil to be pretty powerful. The metal tip of a cased tape measure is called the hook or the tang. The hook lets you “catch” the end of the tape measure in place to keep it steady while you extend it. A good hook is large enough to hold in place when required, but not so large that it catches where you don’t want it to. Additionally, hooks with upright points are more likely to catch on items other than what you are measuring. Testers said the belt clip was somewhat stiff but still workable. The recoil was smooth and easy to control using the retraction button.

The dual-sided hook helps keep the blade in place when measuring without an assistant. The belt clip easily attaches to a belt or strap, but this measuring tape is a bit bulky for the designated tape measure holder on some tool pouches. Overall, we found this to be a very accurate, durable, and useful tape measure for professionals, DIYers, and around-the-house users alike. While it claims to have a standout of 16 feet (the full length of the blade), testing showed a much lower standout measurement of 12 feet and 2 inches. Despite a slightly higher price tag, this DeWalt tape measure is durable and well-made, making it the best heavy-duty measuring tape. The tape measure held up impressively after our drop test—it had no scratches or damage after being dropped three times from a 12-foot ladder. However, testers said the body of the tape measure was somewhat long, making it more difficult to fit into a tool belt.A tape measure’s standout should be at least 7 to 8 feet, but further is even better. However, standouts can be impacted by the angle at which you hold the tape measure. “Even the best tape measure, if you’re at an awkward angle, it will still kind of bend,” Guerrero says. Sewing tape measures are flexible tapes that don’t have a case. These are very useful tools for sewing and similar projects but are also handy for taking body measurements, measuring items with curved surfaces, or general measuring tasks around the home. The most common length for a sewing tape measure is 5 feet, but there are some as long as 12 feet.

The over-molding is minimal on this model, but it still protected the tape measure from damage after we dropped it on concrete. After three drops, it suffered minor scuffs to the body and over-molding, but its performance was unaffected. During testing, it had an impressive standout of more than 13 feet, meaning it extended 13 feet from the case before drooping or bending. After dropping it on concrete in our testing lab, our testers found it didn’t have any visible damage. The brand also claims the tape measure can survive up to an 80-foot drop. The durable rubber case and tape blade coating protect the tape measure from wear and tear. It held up well to our drop test, showing no visible signs of damage from the concrete. Overall, this tape measure is a good value for its accuracy and ease of use. We know that a tape measure is just that…a tape measure. There is not much to them or not much innovation that can come of them. However, Lufkin proved that minor changes in a design can create major benefits to tradesmen of any industry. Adding heat with a heat gun or blow dryer can loosen the tape’s adhesive. However, be careful not to position the heating tool too close to the tape, as this could melt it and make it even more difficult to remove. Why should I use double-sided tape instead of normal tape?

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The nylon-coated blade extends the durability of the tape measure and reduces glare. During testing, the blade had a smooth recoil that was effortless to control. However, when it was fully extended, it stopped in the middle and needed to be restarted to finish retracting. The most common length for a tape measure is 25 feet, which is enough for most household projects. Guerrero prefers working with a 25-foot tape measure for DIY projects. “If I’m doing a room that’s long, I like to be able to just have the one tape measure to do the measurements,” Guerrero says.

Aside from a hammer and screwdriver, a tape measure is probably the most reached-for item in your toolkit. Michael DiMartino, Senior Vice President of Installations at Power Home Remodeling, says “I use tape measures all the time and store them in multiple locations throughout my home. You’d be amazed at how much you have to measure—especially now that we’re all relying more heavily on online shopping. Think about it; when you’re physically at a store and you’re looking at a piece of furniture, you can easily gauge with your eye whether or not it’s going to fit in your space or if it’ll even fit through your doorframe. But you can’t determine that as easily online." All things considered, this double-sided tape measure is a reliable option for homeowners who need something compact and easy to read for smaller projects.

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Some tape measures have a magnetic hook, which is useful when measuring steel or other magnetic metal items but can potentially be a nuisance, as the magnet can attach itself to various nearby metal items other than what you want to measure. The DEWALT Tough Series has a removable magnetic tip, so you can take it off when not needed. You can buy a Gosforth Handyman branded double sided metric only tape measure from here or you can find more products I use here. When shopping for a tape measure, one of the most important things to consider is its blade. “The ‘blade’ is the part of the tape measure that has the measurements on it,” says Jantz. “It is the ‘tape’ in a tape measure.” Different brands offer blades of various lengths, with 25 feet being the most common. However, there are other sizes available such as 16 feet, 35 feet, and even 100 feet. Consider the types of projects you’ll need the tape measure for, and choose a blade length based on that. Most commonly, tape measures have numerals for inches and feet, and small lines to indicate fractions of inches. There are some, however, including the Milwaukee Compact Tape Measure, that actually indicate the fractions with numerals rather than lines, which can be much easier to read. For the best budget tape measure, this tool from Komelon is an affordable buy if you only need a tape measure occasionally. During testing, this tape measure earned perfect scores for its durability and accuracy.