Last Updated on November 13, 2021 by Barry Gray
When it comes down to woodworking, accuracy is always key. For that reason, you need measuring tools that you can rely on – including the tape measure that you use. If you’re wondering about the best tape measures for woodworkers, then you’re in the right place!
There are many accurate and reliable tape measures suited to the needs of woodworkers. Woodworkers can choose between analog and digital measuring tapes, each with unique features. There are important aspects to keep in mind when picking a tape measure, such as the measurement system it uses, its accuracy, additional features, and price.
Before choosing a tape measure to purchase, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. We’ll guide you through all of these factors! This will equip you with the knowledge needed to choose between the best tape measures available today, according to your needs as a woodworker!
Can You Use Tape Measures For Woodworking?
There’s a common misconception that tape measures are not always reliable, especially when compared to rulers. This is a particularly common belief in regard to woodworking, where accuracy is of utmost importance for the success of projects. Due to this, you may be wondering if you should use a tape measure for your woodworking at all!
Well, it’s a misconception for a reason! In this day and age, there are many fantastic and reliable tape measures for woodworkers to use. However, the trick to finding an accurate tape measure is to know what you’re looking for!
For example, do you want to get a traditional analog tape measure or a modern digital variant? Have you considered the lengths you’ll need to measure accurately with your tape measure? There are various aspects that you should keep in mind when finding the right tape measure for your woodworking
Once you find the right tape measure, you’ll be glad you put in the extra effort. After all, it can you’re your woodworking more efficient. Before we guide you through the best tape measures for woodworkers, we’re going to break down all the considerations you should keep in mind when choosing the right tape measure.
Factors Woodworkers Must Consider When Buying A Tape Measure
When picking the perfect tape measure for your woodworking needs, you’ll need to be mindful of the following factors!
Measuring Blade Length
One of the most important factors to keep in mind is whether you need a shorter or longer tape measure. Tape measures are typically 25-feet long; however, this varies between different models. To choose the right length, you’ll need to consider your woodworking projects.
Do you need an accurate tape measure that will serve you well in detailed, smaller projects? If so, you’ll want to get a shorter measuring tape. However, for larger projects, you may need a measuring tape longer than the standard 25-feet!
Measurement Accuracy
As a woodworker, you need to be able to rely on your measuring instruments to provide you with accurate readings and markings. After all, this is the main purpose of a measuring tape! However, not all tape measures are equal when it comes down to their accuracy. For this reason, you want to choose a tape measure that’s accurate.
There are two types of measuring tapes to consider here. The first is analog measuring tapes, which can vary in their accuracy. Then there are digital measuring tapes, which can be more expensive but are highly accurate. We’ll look at both types later, but the type you decide to get depends on the level of accuracy you require.
Measurement Units
The next factor that you should keep in mind when choosing a tape measure is the unit of measurement it uses. Many tape measures offer dual measurement units, allowing woodworkers to easily switch between the imperial and metric systems.
However, not all tape measures offer dual measurement. You might even decide you want to stick with the unit of measurement you know best. For this reason, you should keep this factor in mind when considering your tape measure options.
Measurement Readability
No matter how accurate a tape measure is, it’s not going to help you if you can’t read the measurement you’ve made! For this reason, it’s important to keep the readability of a measuring tape’s markings in mind when browsing options.
You want to make sure that the numbers on the measuring tape you choose are clearly readable by you. This will allow you to efficiently make measurements and markings as needed with your tape measure.
Durability
Regardless of the type of measuring tape that you decide to get, you want to make sure you choose a long-lasting one! When you make the right purchasing decision, your tape measure can see you through many woodworking projects over the years.
When choosing the right tape measure for your needs, you’ll want to consider the material of the casing that houses the actual measuring blade. You’ll also want to consider the material and quality of the measuring blade itself.
Locking Features
In order to take measurements with a tape measure, the device needs to have a locking mechanism. Some tape measures will have a manual locking mechanism, while some will have the ability to self-lock. This is an important aspect of a tape measure to consider, as the quality of the locking mechanism will influence the accuracy of your measurements.
Ease of Use
When you’re using your tape measuring while woodworking, there will likely be many considerations in your mind regarding the project at hand. At the end of the day, the last thing you need is to be struggling with your tape measure.
When purchasing a tape measure, you want to choose a type that you are familiar with. For this reason, you may want to search videos of the tape measure in use to help understand how it functions.
Extra Features
Of course, the most important aspect of your measuring tape is its ability to measure accurately. However, many tape measures today have additional features and unique designs. For example, you might want to consider splurging a bit more on a tape measure with an ergonomic design if you plan on using it frequently.
Some measuring tapes may be rated as resistant to rust or drop-proof, while others will have rubber coatings that extend the overall lifespan of the tape measure. Some measuring tapes will even be able to keep a record of different measurements you have made. A lot of these features can be useful to woodworkers, which is why it’s important to consider them!
Price
The last factor to keep in mind when buying a tape measure is the price and how much you’re looking to spend! How much you pay ultimately depends on your preference in terms of the other factors discussed on this list. Luckily, we’ll be looking at plenty of great measuring tapes across the price spectrum in the next section of this piece!
The 10 Best Tape Measures For Woodworkers
Now that you know about the considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right tape measure for your woodworking, you’re ready to browse your different options. Keep reading as we guide you through the best analog and digital tape measures for woodworkers!
The 5 Best Analog Tape Measures For Woodworkers
Here are the top five analog tape measures for woodworkers!
#1: Craftsmen Tape Measure
This 25-foot analog tape measure from Craftsmen is a great and cost-effective option for woodworkers. With an added rubber overmold, you’ll have a superior grip when using this tape measure. The measuring blade’s coating also increases the overall durability and lifespan of this tape measure.
With a nearly stellar 4.8/5 rating from more than 5000 reviews, this is a tape measure that you can trust as a woodworker. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#2: FastCap PSSR25 Lefty/Righty Measuring Tape
Designed for use by left- and right-handed people alike, this is a fantastic 25-foot measuring tape for woodworkers. With easy-to-read measurements and a protective rubber boot, this is another fantastic and affordable measuring tape. To make it even better, this measuring tape features an erasable pad for you to take measurements on the tape measure.
From more than 3000 reviews, this measuring tape has a 4.7/5 rating and is a great option for woodworkers who need accuracy. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#3: Land Heavy Duty Measuring Tape
This heavy-duty measuring tape from Land is a great option for woodworkers. There are also a few different options available, allowing you to pick the right option for you. This tape measure features a self-locking mechanism and a magnetic hook, which allows for a precise measurement every time. Easy to read and affordable, there’s nothing not to love about this tape measure!
This tape measure has a 4.6/5 rating from ninety satisfied customers. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#4: Milwaukee Magnetic Measuring Tape
This 25-foot measuring tape from Milwaukee is another fantastic choice for woodworkers. With a reinforced frame, magnetic tip, and nylon bond protection for the measuring blade, this measuring tape has all the core features you need. The stop mechanism is even designed to protect your finger when retracting the blade!
With a 4.5/5 rating from more than 400 reviews, this is a great analog measuring tape. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#5: Stanley Tape Measure Chrome
This 25-foot chrome measuring tape from Stanley will serve you well through countless woodworking projects. With a protected blade and impact-proof casing, this measuring tape is always up for the job! With a secure lock mechanism and rust-resistant end hook, this analog measuring tape has all the features you need.
From more than 2000 reviews, this measuring tape has a 4.7/5 rating. For more information, you can visit the above link!
The 5 Best Digital Tape Measures For Woodworkers
Here are the top five digital tape measures for woodworkers!
#1: DTAPE Digital Tape Measure
If you’re looking for a digital tape measure, this option from DTAPE might be the one for you! Available in both a 165- and 328-foot option, this tape measure offers high accuracy. For those looking for handy digital features, this is a great choice. This water- and dust-proof measuring tape will last you for many years to come!
With a 4.5/5 rating from more than 2000 reviews, this is a fantastic option. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#2: eTape16 Digital Tape Measure
For woodworkers looking for the best of both analog and digital measuring tapes, the eTape16 Digital Tape Measure may be the best choice! With a durable body and highly accurate measuring, this cost-effective measuring tape will serve you well. For those times when your memory doesn’t serve you well when making measurements, this measuring tape’s memory functions will help you out!
With a 4.5/5 rating from nearly 4000 reviews, you can’t go wrong with this measuring tape. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#3: General Tools LTM1 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure
This 2-in-1 laser tape measure from General Tools is a versatile tool popular with woodworkers. With a simple one-button system, General Tools has prioritized your efficiency. You’ll be able to take measurements faster than ever before while being able to measure twice the length of standard 25-foot analog tape measures.
This tape measure has a 4.3/5 rating from more than 1000 reviews. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#4: LEXIVON Digital Laser Tape Measure
Like the tape measure discussed above, this option from Lexivon is also 2-in-1. With auto-lock functionality, this tape measure is designed for precision. You’ll be able to see clear readings on this tape measure’s LCD screen. This tape measure also features a metal hook for the measuring blade that is included.
With a 4.5/5 rating from upwards of 2000 ratings, this is a solid choice for any woodworker. For more information, you can visit the above link!
#5: PREXISO Laser Tape Measure
This fantastic 2-in-1 laser tape measure from PREXISO is a great choice for woodworkers seeking reliable measurements. With a 16-foot tape measure blade and a 135-foot laser tape measure, you’ve got everything you need with this tool. This easy-to-use tape measure is convenient to use and provides consistently accurate readings. This product from PREXISO was designed to last!
With a 4.5/5 rating from more than 400 ratings, this is a great digital tape measure option. For more information, you can visit the above link!
Conclusion
For woodworkers, accuracy is always crucial to the success of their projects. Due to this, woodworkers need to use reliable measuring tools – including tape measures. There are many fantastic tape measures for woodworkers to choose between today.
In this article, we outlined ten of the best measuring tape options available today! Equipped with one of these fantastic measuring tapes, you’ll get accurate measurements you can rely on every time, increasing your efficiency as a woodworker!
