Measure for measure
By: Jennifer Hart - November 23rd, 2006
The tape measure used to be a lowly little tool. But over the years, a staggering array of models and styles has become available. How different can they be, you ask? Plenty, I answer. So how do you decide what to buy? Here’s all you need to know about making a measured decision.
Plastic or metal?
Basic tape measures come in plastic or metal cases. Each has its pro’s and con’s. Plastic models often come in bright colours, such as canary yellow or neon orange, making them easy to find in the depths of the tool box. But if you’re prone to dropping things or you’re tough on your tools, a metal body may be more your style.All but the smallest tape measures come with a clip that attaches to your belt, pants or tool pouch. Even if you think you won’t use it, it’s always nice to have the option.The locking mechanism is usually a plastic lever you push down with your thumb. It allows you to lock the tape at a certain distance. Some, like the Leverlock by Stanley, are more user-friendly than others.
Remember that the tape doesn’t have to reel back in at breakneck speed. In fact, it’ll be better for you and the tape if you practice a little restraint.
Fear of fractions?
You should purchase the tape measure with the specific blade markings you feel comfortable with. For example, if metric doesn’t scare you, get one that’s all metric. You can also get a combination of metric and imperial.The majority of tape measures sold in North America will have imperial markings (inches and feet) and will be divided into sixteenths of an inch tick marks. Woodworking means math, and if the thought of having to add fractions brings back horrible memories from grade seven math, never fear. There are now tape measures already marked in fractions for your convenience.
Finally there’s the tape itself—the metal part that comes out of the case. It’s the real business part of the tool. The quality of this is what separates the cheapie tape measure from the $30 job.
Regardless of how wide the actual tape is, it’s the thickness that counts. All tape measures blades are concave or shaped like a shallow bowl to give them rigidity. As you extend the tape out of the case, a good quality tape should come out 7-13′ before it “breaks”, or succumbs to its own weight. While this may mean absolutely nothing to you, you need to know a thin tape will very quickly develop a tear or crack. If it does, you’ll be looking for the nearest garbage can.
My best advice, then, is to buy a name brand and spend $15.-$30. If you do, I’ll bet you’ll own your tape measure for years and years. Here are some of mt favourites.
Never measure in the dark
If you are looking for a functional, funny gift someone turning, 40, 50 or 60, consider the Blindman’s tape measure from Lee Valley Tools. As the name suggests, the large print numbers are a lifesaver when failing eyesight or dimly lit areas make ordinary tape measures difficult to read.
Tape measure or cat toy?
Black & Decker, better known for their power tools than tape measures, has come out with a battery-operated tape
measure/ laser combo called the Accu Mark Laser Line. You can use it to measure down from the ceiling and shoot a laser line for hanging pictures, shelves, etc. An added bonus of this tape measure is that it can also serve as a cat toy. (It scared my Bouvier and he hightailed it out of the room. But I imagine a cat could play with it for hours.)
A really rugged rule
A tough, well-made tape measure is the Stanley Fat Max or the new Fat Max Xtreme. These are built to be used, and are a favourite among contractors who demand the best out of a tape measure. They aren’t cheap, and they aren’t small, but if you plan to do a lot of measuring in all kinds of situations, this tape is a great choice.
In a pinch
So you’re in a funky little shop and you see the kitchen handles of your dreams. You know you need a 4” handle, but there’s not a tape measure in sight. What do you do? Well, just dip your hand into your pocket or purse and you’ll find something to measure with.For example, a quarter is 1” wide, a dime is 3/4″ wide, and any bill or cheque will be 6″ long. A standard tube of lipstick is 3″ in length, while a Tic Tac container is 2 1/2″.
FAST FACT: Boy, do we love tape measures!
The North America tape measure market is worth $480 million annually. For tape measure trivia buffs—the most popular length is 25 feet, on which about $216 million is spent annually and the average contractor goes through six tapes a year. Source – Irwin Tools