Battle of the Tape Measures

​Why do I keep a tape measure under my bed you ask? To measure how much sleep I can get before Christmas - duh! Christmas is only a short measure away but that doesn’t mean you can’t get started on some of your new year renovations…or at least start planning for them. Wanting some new shelves? Or has the partner bought a new table that you need to squeeze in somewhere before the in laws arrive? The tape measure is a sure and handy tool companion. Just hook it onto your belt and you can pull it out to measure anything your heart desires. UK Planet Tools has a wide selection of tape measures to choose from – so which is best and why?

---

WellCut 8M/26ft Pocket Tape Measure with Magnetic Hook, Anti-Impact 25mm Wide

This WellCut Tape Measure is set apart from the competition thanks to its unique MULTI FIX hook system. WellCut is well known for its innovative and comprehensive product range of power tool accessories and this extends (pun intended) to this 8m long tape measure. The multi toothed, triple-sided hook with two powerful magnets and a special hole for fastening to a screw mean that measurements can now be made across multiple planes in a uniquely convenient way for continued measuring ease.

​Features: Efficient: The WellCut 8m Measuring tape is extremely bend resistant for quick and efficient measuring. In a horizontal plane, this tape measure has a measuring length of 2.4 meters which is easily achieved without distortion. Practical: WellCut uses a high strength magnet for practicality which allows the tape to support long distance measurements, which would be otherwise impossible for your standard tape measure.

---

TOUGH MASTER 8m Tape Measure anti impact metric / imperial

This Tough Master anti-impact tape measure has been designed to withstand the toughest of worksites and environments. It’s strong and reliable, thanks to its durable composite case, rubberised impact-resistant outer cover and strong steel blade with rust-proof steel blade hook. Measuring and converting are easy, too, thanks to the easy-to-read metric / imperial tape measurements marked on the blade. Moreover the long 8m length makes it great to work with for a large number of jobs.

​Features: Sturdy design: The Tough Master tape measure's durable composite case has a rubberised impact-resistant outer cover which prevent damage when dropped. Also the strong steel blade guarantees years of reliable use. Ergonomic features: This ergonomic tape measure is light weight and has a grippy rubberised outer cover to make this 8m tape measure a pleasure to handle and use. The slide-button lock allows for one-handed operation.

---

Milwaukee 4932464600 8m Magnetic Tape Measure

This Milwaukee Magnetic Tape Measure is a premium magnetic measuring tape for all your scaling and measuring needs. With the incorporated Architect scale, scaled drawings can be easily calculated, and the finger stop function means that this tape measure is stable when freestanding. This tool is ideal for trade professionals as well as DIY enthusiasts.

​Features: Magnetic Hook: This 8m tape measure use a magnetic hook which allows use on flat surfaces and curved pipes. This makes measuring less complicated and makes those harder to measure objects a breeze. Architect scale: The use of an architect scale provides easy calculating of scaled drawings so you can easily put theory into practice. This makes measuring for planned builds more efficient.

---

Stanley STA033892 FatMax Xtreme Tape Measure 8m Metric Only 0-33-892

This Stanley FatMax tape measure has an implemented huge standout 32mm wide blade which means it can hook onto any item you are measuring with complete ease. The tape’s blade has a mylar coating making it 10 times more resistant to wear and tear. For the first 15cm of this tape is coated with armour to protect it, the slip resistant case also gives the tape measure extra strength and prevents damage.

​Features: 150% larger end hook: This Stanley tape measure has a hook that’s larger than its competition by 150% which means it can securely hold to all building materials, including rounded or odd shaped items. Class II accuracy: The 32mm wide blade on this FatMax Xtreme Tape Measure which provides a 4m blade standout has been designed to achieve a Class II accuracy which is perfect for trade professionals.

---

So how do these different tape measures measure up?

They are very similar in a number of ways – built to last, designed to make measuring easy and has implemented safety features to lessen the chance of injury. So which one should you go for?

If you are looking spend less than I would look at the WellCut and Tough Master Tape Measures as they are both extremely affordable and are still designed and made with care and consideration for a brilliant outcome of an efficient and ergonomic tape measure. The WellCut is especially great for working with metallic materials thanks to the magnetic hook making it sturdy to measure effectively.

Working on a high scale architectural build? Then the Milwaukee is the perfect tape measure for you. It has been designed to make calculating measurements from paper to brick very easy. It also has a high grade magnetic hook for longer distances that need a sturdy connection.

The Stanley Xtreme tape measure is the most expensive out of the choices however the price matches the quality of the durable material the outer casing is made with. It also has an 150% larger hook, beating all of the competition. So if you are look for a highly accurate tape measure with a hook that can compensate for internal and external measurements this is the tape for you.