Long Tape Measures

About Long Tape Measures

Long tape measures are indispensable tools for measuring extended distances accurately across construction sites, landscapes, and large-scale projects. Unlike standard pocket tape measures that typically extend to 5 or 8 metres, long tapes range from 10 metres up to 100 metres or more, making them essential for site surveys, foundation setting out, property measurement, and drainage planning. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive selection from trusted manufacturers including Stanley, Faithfull, Draper, Stabila, and Lufkin, available in both open reel and enclosed designs to suit different working environments and budgets.

The range encompasses steel and fibreglass blade options, each suited to specific applications. Steel long tapes offer exceptional durability and accuracy for general construction and engineering work, whilst fibreglass tape measures provide non-conductive properties essential for electrical contractors, plus excellent resistance to moisture and chemicals. Specialist variants available at MyToolShed.co.uk include diameter tapes for measuring pipes and circular objects, tank dipping tapes for liquid depth measurement, and surveyor's tapes with enhanced accuracy ratings for precision work.

Applications

Long tape measures serve numerous professional trades and applications:

• Surveyors and Site Engineers: Land surveys, topographical measurements, and establishing construction site dimensions
• Builders and General Contractors: Foundation setting out, plot boundaries, building lines, and material quantity calculations
• Groundworkers: Planning drainage runs, measuring excavations, and laying out roads and pathways
• Landscapers: Garden design, measuring lawn areas, irrigation planning, and setting out planting schemes
• Electricians: Calculating cable runs and working safely near electrical equipment with fibreglass tapes
• Roofers and Cladding Specialists: Measuring building elevations and calculating material coverage
• Quantity Surveyors: Site dimension verification and costing measurements
• Property Professionals: Measuring land plots, building footprints, and garden areas
• DIY Enthusiasts: Large-scale home improvement, fencing runs, and garden projects

Choosing The Right Long Tape Measures

Length Requirements: Select 10-30 metre tapes for typical building and landscaping work, 50 metre variants for larger sites, and 100 metre tapes for extensive land surveying and civil engineering projects.

Blade Material: Steel tapes offer superior durability and accuracy for construction work, whilst fibreglass alternatives are essential for electrical trades due to non-conductive properties. Fibreglass also excels in wet conditions and is lighter for all-day use.

Reel Type: Open reel designs from Faithfull and Bahco are lightweight and economical for occasional use. Enclosed reels from Stanley, Draper, and DeWalt provide better protection in harsh conditions and feature fast-rewind mechanisms for professional daily use.

Accuracy and Graduations: Most professional tapes meet Class II accuracy standards. Check that millimetre graduations and clear numbering suit your precision requirements, with high-visibility printing for readability in poor light.

Safety Information

Always inspect the blade before use for kinks, damage, or worn sections. Control the tape when extending and retract slowly to prevent the blade whipping back, which can cause cuts or eye injuries. Never allow steel tapes to snap back freely.

Use fibreglass non-conductive tapes when working near electrical installations or overhead power lines to eliminate electrocution risk. Wear safety gloves when handling long tapes extensively, as blade edges can cause cuts. On busy sites, ensure extended tapes don't create trip hazards and never leave tapes extended unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between fibreglass and steel long tape measures?

Steel tapes are more durable and maintain accuracy over time, ideal for general construction. Fibreglass tapes are non-conductive (essential for electrical work), lighter, rust-resistant, and better suited to wet environments, though they may stretch slightly with extended use.

Can I use a long tape measure on my own?

Yes, most long tapes feature a ring end hook that can be secured to a fixed point, enabling single-person operation. For very long distances or windy conditions, having an assistant ensures greater accuracy and prevents the tape from bowing.

How do I maintain my long tape measure?

Wipe the blade clean after each use to remove dirt and moisture. Store in a dry location away from direct sunlight. Never store wet, particularly steel variants which will rust. Periodically check the winding mechanism and apply light oil if it becomes stiff.