The Best Cheap Tape Measure
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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“Measure twice, cut once.” A tape measure is one of the five essential household tools, along with: a hammer, screwdriver set, pliers and a wrench set. Professional tape measures are designed to withstand dust, moisture, and significant drops.
For those who require a durable measure that can take a beating, check out these tape measure field tests. For the rest of us, a 25-foot locking-and-retracting tape measure with a functional belt clip and easy-to-read markings is good enough. Many inexpensive tape measures meet this standard.
How Much Does a Good Tape Measure Cost?
A good tape measure (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $9, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same 25-foot measuring tapes cost around $6 while on sale: an average discount of 33%. Here are the best tape measures for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find 25-foot tape measures with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any tape with a price above the mid-point.
To find measuring tapes with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Models with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 10% of the analyzed products remain.
Craftsman 25-Foot Chrome Classic Tape Measure
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $5
This Craftsman tape measure has clear markings, a quick wind up and approximately seven feet of rigidity, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that the tape is thin and it kinks easily.
Lufkin Legacy Series L925 Classic 25-Foot Measure
Good Value: $7 | Great Deal: $4
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Lufkin’s inexpensive tape measure is solid, sturdy and it has a smooth pull, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the belt clip is poorly made; others say the lock is difficult to activate.
LaserJamb ProCarpenter PMS25 Pad Metric/Standard Tape Measure
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $3
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LaserJamb’s budget dual-unit tape measure has a reliable brake and lock, even after being dropped, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the metric layout is difficult to read at a glance.
Stanley (33–425) Powerlock 25-Foot by 1-Inch Measuring Tape
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $7
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This classic Stanley tape measure is virtually unchanged over the last 40 years. Most online reviewers like or love it. Some customers were frustrated that the measure came in a hard-to-open plastic container.
Komelon (SL2825) Self Lock 25-Foot Power Tape
Good Value: $9 | Great Deal: $6
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This Komelon tape measure has a fantastic self-locking feature according to several online customers. On the flip side, some unhappy customers complained that the self-lock feature doesn’t work as well over time.
Komelon (SM5425) Speed Mark Gripper 25-Foot Measuring Tape
Good Value: $8 | Great Deal: $6
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This Komelon measure has black and white numerals that several online customers praised for being easy to read. Critical reviewers found the tape’s retraction feature to be less reliable than other measures.
Lufkin (QRL625MP) Quickread Hi-Viz Value 25-Foot Tape Measure
Good Value: $8 | Great Deal: $5
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Lufkin’s Hi-Viz tape measure comes in bright colors that are designed to be spotted easily. Some customers dislike that the tape is marked in fractions and decimals, with bold half-inch markings.
About the Author: John DeFeo is a data scientist who specializes in the analysis of online customer reviews. He was formerly the head of editorial insights for brands such as Live Science and Tom’s Hardware.
