Tape Measures
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About Tape Measures
Tape measures are indispensable precision tools used across every trade and profession, from carpenters measuring timber to surveyors setting out large sites. MyToolShed.co.uk offers an extensive range spanning compact pocket tapes for electricians and plumbers through to heavy-duty long tapes exceeding 50 metres for groundwork and surveying applications. Modern tape measures feature durable housings, nylon-coated blades, and useful additions like magnetic tips and dual metric-imperial scales to suit different measuring requirements.
Our collection includes specialist categories such as fibreglass tape measures for long-distance work, digital tape measures with memory functions and instant unit conversion, hi-vis models for improved readability on site, and professional builders tape measures with exceptional standout and durability. Whether you need a 3-metre pocket tape for quick checks or a robust 8-metre model with 32mm blade width for solo measuring, MyToolShed.co.uk stocks trusted brands including Stanley FatMax, Milwaukee, Fisco, Lufkin, and Tajima.
Applications
Tape measures serve virtually every trade and application:
- Carpenters and joiners – measuring timber lengths, setting out joinery, checking cabinet dimensions
- Builders and bricklayers – foundation setting out, checking courses, general site measurements
- Electricians and plumbers – calculating cable runs, pipe lengths, positioning outlets and fixtures
- Decorators and painters – measuring walls for wallpaper requirements, positioning features
- Surveyors and engineers – site surveys, dimensional control, long-distance measuring
- Shopfitters and installers – precise kitchen and bathroom fitting, commercial installations
- Landscapers and groundworkers – setting out gardens, patios, drainage systems
- DIY enthusiasts and homeowners – furniture measuring, renovation planning, general household projects
Choosing The Right Tape Measures
Blade length: Select 5-8 metre tapes for general carpentry and building work. Pocket tapes of 3-5 metres suit electricians and light trade use, whilst site workers require 20-50 metre models for larger distances.
Blade width and standout: Wider blades (25-32mm) deliver superior standout—essential for solo measuring—typically extending 2.5-3 metres before buckling. Narrower 12-19mm blades create compact tools for occasional use or tight spaces.
Durability features: Professional tradespeople benefit from reinforced ABS housings, nylon-coated blades, rubber overmoulding, and Class I accuracy (±0.3mm per metre). Home users can choose lighter-duty Class II models offering excellent value.
Useful additions: Magnetic tips prove invaluable for solo measuring against metal surfaces. Consider dual-scale markings for flexibility, belt clips for accessibility, and top-read windows for vertical measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the end hook loose on my tape measure?
This deliberate design feature—called a "true zero hook"—moves by precisely the hook's thickness, automatically compensating whether hooking over an edge or pushing against a surface, ensuring accurate measurements in both configurations.
What standout distance do I need?
If you frequently measure alone or work on longer spans, choose tapes with 2.5-3 metre standout or more. Blade width determines standout capability—wider 25-32mm blades significantly outperform narrower alternatives for solo measuring tasks common among carpenters, builders, and site workers.
Are magnetic tips worth having?
Absolutely. Magnetic tips hold your tape securely to metal surfaces, studs, or fixings whilst you extend and read measurements—effectively providing a third hand. They're particularly valuable for electricians, carpenters working with metal framework, and anyone performing solo measuring tasks.