Author：Ameenah | TIME：January 02,2019 641
The tape measure is widely used in various fields such as engineering, construction, clothing, handicraft and almost every aspect of our daily life.
It seems to be an easy job to buy a measuring tape. You could certainly pick up a random one in the store. However, if you want a more durable and accurate tape, there are some important factors that you should never ignore.
Size
Size is often given the first priority when people choose a tape measure. Generally, the size of a measuring tape varies from 10 feet to hundreds. It depends on what you use it for. If you use it for simple DIY jobs or household measurement, 33-feet tape or shorter is enough. If you are going to use it in large-scale projects, a “long measuring tape” is necessary.
Accuracy
It is undoubtedly one of the most essential factors to decide the best tape measure. The tape measure is generally classified into four standards of accuracy. However, a cheap or simple measuring tape on sale in the supermarket or grocery is usually not classified. That is to say, they haven’t received any authentic accuracy test. Certainly, we cannot affirm that they are inaccurate, but it is definitely unsuitable for tasks that require highly accurate numbers, such as nuclear industry, chemical industry, aerospace industry, etc. Instead, a digital tape measure would provide more reliable results. However, millimeters of errors would not make much difference in rough measurement.
Measuring type
It refers to the units of measurement or increments marked on the blade. Increments used to be marked as inches or feet. However, we could see various unites, such as millimeter, centimeter, meter and so on. In order to make it more convenience for you to read, we recommend you to choose a tape measure with increments that you are familiar with.
Blade material
There are three common types of blade material, including steel, stainless steel and fiberglass.
Steel is the most common material of the tape blade because it is not only durable and practical but also it makes the marks highly visible on the bright coating.
Stainless steel is more widely applied in the damp or muddy environment because it acts well in corrosion resistance. Therefore, it reduces the cost of replacing a new tape constantly.
Fibreglass is usually used to make “long” measuring tape because it boasts high tensile strength, high flexibility, high resistance to heat and abrasion. It works well even if it is extended to a long distance.
Case material
Case material is an important factor but it is also easily ignored. High-quality case material would protect the measuring tape from eroding or damaging, thus preventing the tape from getting inaccurate. Some tape case uses steel, stainless steel or plastic which is firm and durable while some apply rubber which is both protective and comfortable to hold.
Hooks
Hooks are small accessories attached to the end of measuring tape. It seems minor but essential in the measuring task because it could grab what you are going to measure. Some even produce magnetic hooks which are really useful when measuring metal objects.
For the sake of accuracy, sometimes you also have to consider the thickness of the hook itself.
Stanley tape measure is featured with a 25-feet blade in length and 1 inch in width, which is able to fulfill most domestic or industrial measuring work.
The Tylon coating on the blade ensures durability while making the fractional blade graphics highly visible. No matter what kinds of units of measurement you prefer, you could read the numbers easily and quickly.
There is a multi-function lock that keeps the blade in place when you extend in case that the blade suddenly retracts and hurts you, but you still have to keep your child away from the tape measure. It is absolutely not a toy.
We have to remind you that it is only a simple measuring tool. There is no magnetic hook or digital measurement.
In order to ensure your confidence in their product, the manufacturer offers a limited lifetime warranty.
The SINGER tape measures 5 feet long and 60 inches wide with the inch or centimeter graduations.
Made of fiberglass, this measuring tape is flexible and durable to perfectly fit flat or curved surface. Therefore, it is extremely suitable for a seamstress or tailor. You could use it for clothing design or any other measurement job.
The tape is pink while the marks are black. The sharp contrast between the two colors makes it easy to read. Inch and centimeter graduations are printed on both sides.
The tabbed edges prevent the measuring tape from wearing out, thus ensuring its long lifespan.
If you are new to measuring tape or would like to have more accurate readings, a digital tape measure would make things easier. the eTape16 digital tape measure is popular on Amazon.
The tape case, made of polycarbonate plastic, guarantees its durability and weather resistance, thus providing all-around protection for the measuring tape. You could feel free to bring it to outdoor measurement even in extreme weather.
It would automatically shut off when it is not in use. The coin battery allows it to run up to 64 hours of continuous usage.
The large screen tells you the readings clearly and accurately in an advanced way, reducing the influence of artificial reading. When you pull out the blade, the screen would display the results. By simply pressing the button, you could store the numbers. It could switch between fractions to decimals or inches to centimeters.
The memory function allows this digital tape measure to store either short-term or long-term results so that you could conveniently make a comparison without taking notes on your own.
You could have either US or Metric readings by automatically converting between them so that you could have numbers that are complied with your reading habits.
The re-zero options make it convenient to restart when you finish each measure job.
