Tape Measures

Tape measures used in construction come in many styles, sizes, and shapes, but a 25-foot tape (like the Stanley 25-footer shown below) is the most popular at the job site. They are inexpensive and durable and fit easily into tool belts.

The 25-foot tape measure is perfect for everyday carpentry work. You can measure just about any framing and trim materials used in construction with a 25-footer.

I have owned my Stanley 25-foot tape measure for nearly 40 years. It has many battle scars from years of use but still works like a champ. I have wanted to upgrade to a 30-footer for a long time but could never justify the purchase since my 25-footer was still very functional and could do everything I needed.

Not long ago, I received the Stanley 30-foot tape measure as a birthday gift (I suppose someone got a hold of my wish list). It was perfect timing for my new 16' x 30' free-standing shelter project. The extra 5 feet helped out on the long measurements, and since the size of the instrument didn't change significantly, it still fits in my tool belt.

While the 25-foot tape measure is the most commonly used measuring device in tool pouches, there are clear reasons to own other types. I have a 50-foot and 100-foot tape measure for measuring and squaring larger objects, like framing a floor or a roof.

Other Tape Measures

I carry a compact 12-footer in my glove box that I sometimes take into the hardware store to measure materials, etc. My wife carries a small 3-foot tape measure in her purse for measuring items she is planning to purchase for her craft projects.

While I don't use my 50-foot and 100-foot tape measures daily, they are still unquestionably essential carpentry tools. When you need them, you need them. Try measuring an 80' slab with a 25' tape measure. You can do it if you want, but the lost precision, measuring the 80' length 25 feet at a time, could be significant.

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