Pocket Tape Measures
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About Pocket Tape Measures
Pocket tape measures are indispensable measuring tools found in every tradesperson's toolkit and DIY enthusiast's workshop. These compact, retractable devices feature a flexible steel blade marked with metric and imperial measurements, housed in a durable case that fits comfortably in your pocket or on your tool belt. Modern pocket tape measures have evolved into sophisticated instruments featuring standout rigidity, magnetic tips, dual-sided printing, and advanced locking mechanisms for enhanced accuracy and convenience.
MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range of pocket tape measures from trusted brands including Milwaukee, DeWalt, Stanley, Hultafors, and Draper. Whether you're measuring for kitchen installations, marking timber for carpentry, or tackling construction projects, you'll find blade lengths from compact 3-metre versions for detail work through to extended 10-metre models for larger sites. Today's tape measures incorporate innovative features such as impact-resistant cases, Class 1 and Class 2 accuracy ratings, auto-lock mechanisms, and reinforced hooks for extended durability.
Applications
Pocket tape measures are genuinely universal tools used across virtually every trade and industry:
- Carpenters and joiners measuring timber, marking cutting lines, and checking dimensions for fitted furniture
- Electricians calculating cable runs, positioning outlets and switches, and measuring enclosure dimensions
- Plumbers determining pipe lengths, spacing radiators and sanitaryware, and measuring installations
- Builders and bricklayers setting out foundations, checking course heights, and verifying structural dimensions
- Kitchen and bathroom fitters taking precise measurements for worktops, units, and appliances
- Decorators measuring rooms for wallpaper calculations and positioning features
- Landscapers marking out garden features, measuring decking areas, and planning outdoor projects
- DIY enthusiasts tackling home improvements, furniture assembly, and household tasks
Choosing The Right Pocket Tape Measures
Blade Length: Consider your typical measuring requirements. 3-5 metre tapes suit most DIY tasks and detail work, whilst 5-8 metre models offer versatility for general trade use. Professional tradespeople working on larger projects often prefer 8-10 metre versions for measuring room dimensions without assistance.
Blade Width and Standout: Wider blades (25-32mm) provide superior standout, typically extending 2-3 metres horizontally before bending. This proves invaluable when measuring alone or working at height. Narrower blades create more compact tools but sacrifice rigidity.
Accuracy Rating: For professional work requiring precise measurements—particularly carpentry and kitchen fitting—invest in Class 1 accuracy tapes (±0.3mm per metre). Class 2 tapes suit general construction work where exact tolerances are less critical.
Case Durability: Impact-resistant rubber overmoulding protects against drops on hard surfaces, essential for site work. MyToolShed.co.uk offers models with reinforced belt clips that withstand repeated attachment and removal from tool belts.
Additional Features: Magnetic tips facilitate single-handed measuring against metal surfaces. Auto-lock systems enable one-handed operation when working on ladders or in confined spaces. Dual-sided printing allows reading from multiple angles without repositioning the tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 accuracy?
Class 1 tape measures offer superior accuracy with a tolerance of ±0.3mm per metre, making them suitable for precision work like joinery and kitchen fitting. Class 2 tapes have a tolerance of ±0.6mm per metre, which suffices for general construction work.
Why does the end hook move slightly?
This is intentional design, not a defect. The floating end hook compensates for its own thickness, moving inward for internal measurements and outward for external measurements. This "true zero" feature ensures accurate readings regardless of whether you're hooking over an edge or pushing against a surface.
Are magnetic tape measures worth the extra cost?
For tradespeople frequently working with metal surfaces—electricians, HVAC engineers, and steel fabricators—magnetic tips prove invaluable for single-handed operation. For general carpentry or plastering work, standard end hooks suffice and save money.