7 Best Tape Measure For Woodworking of 2025

A tape measure will sound like a normal tool for most of us, but it is one of the most essential devices for woodworking. If you are a woodworker, you surely will need more from tape measures than others, which means you need a tape measure that can respond to most of your requirements.

Tape measures need to be accurate, flexible, and easy to use. The problem is it is not clear information when you plan to buy tape measure online. Therefore let’s check for our list of top tape measures which cover the good and bad reviews. We want to give you as much as useful information to know what you will get before you buy it.

In this article, we will should you the list of Best Tape Measure for woodworking that highly recommended!

Here are the best tape measure for woodworkers you can buy in 2025:

• Best Overall: Komelon SM5425 Speed Mark Tape Measure
• Best Digital: eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure
• Best Budget: FastCap PSSR25 Lefty/Righty Tape Measure
• Most Convenient: Komelon SL2825 Self Lock Tape Measure
• Most Versatile: General Tools LTM1 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure
• Best Lightweight: Lufkin W606PD Crescent Tape Measure
• Best Locking Feature: CRAFTSMAN CMHT37225S Tape Measure

Best Overall: Komelon SM5425 Speed Mark Tape Measure

Komelon SM5425 Speed Mark Tape Measure

See at Amazon

Komelon SM5425 Speed Mark Tape Measure came out with a revolutionary design, it was added in mark fractional graduations to the blade. With most tape measures with small printed units, you usually lose your place or get a result that is slightly off from true measurement, but you can quickly see the mark of measurement between the inches by visible numbers printed above the 1/8 markings on Komelon Speed Mark.

The blade on the Gripper speed mark is acrylic coated and a rubber-coated exterior case makes it become extremely durable. Besides, this device can be gripped easily and has a protected end hook.

Best Digital: eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure

eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure

See at Amazon

eTape16 ET16.75-DB-RP Digital Tape Measure not only makes a revolution for tape measure but also extends the utility of this device. With the large digital display, you can read the result of measurement and measure any angle easily. The controls on the side offer you options for more convenient control, its features also include three memories, centerline calculation, re-zero, and Inside/ Outside measurements.

It also features the ability to convert measurements easily from fractions to decimals, or inches to centimeters. In addition, this device was made from polycarbonate plastic to make it become lighter and easy to carry.

Best Budget: FastCap PSSR25 Lefty/Righty Tape Measure

FastCap PSSR25 Lefty/Righty Tape Measure

See at Amazon

While you measure something, you might need to write down the measurement or calculate something but it will be difficult because you are already working with heavy equipment and not carrying any notebook. That’s why FastCap PSSR25 Lefty/Righty Tape Measure came out and became a suitable solution for your problem, you can write directly on the notepad attached to it and this notepad is erasable.

The protective rubber boot will ensure the durability of your device. With the lightweight and portable design, you can carry it anywhere easily. Both metric and standard units of measurement are applicable for this tape measure, therefore it can be used as a global device. One more interesting thing, with FastCap Lefty/Righty tape measure, a left-handed person will be able to use this as easily as a right-handed person.

Most Convenient: Komelon SL2825 Self Lock Tape Measure

Komelon SL2825 Self Lock Tape Measure

See at Amazon

The Komelon SL2825 Self Lock tape measure features a unique design that allows you to extend the blade smoothly and it will lock itself, after that you can retract the blade automatically just with a button-pushing.

Based on your requirements or engineer scale, you have more options with different sizes of this device. In addition, the nylon-coated blade and impact-resistant rubberized case provide a long-lasting survival for this device out of the construction.

Most Versatile: General Tools LTM1 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure

General Tools LTM1 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure

See at Amazon

The General Tools LTM1 2-in-1 Laser Tape Measure is a very awesome concept that combines laser and traditional measuring tape. This device will surprise you with its versatility and flexible features. You can measure up to 16 feet with measuring tape and the laser will expand your range up to 50 feet, it will show you the high accuracy of an LCD screen.

The most convenient thing is you can use any method that’s suitable for your task at the moment. Users usually use the laser for measuring long distances, and the tape is used for measuring shorter ranges. Besides, the portable and compact size easily fits in your hand and hangs on a belt, it gives you the freedom to work at your own pace and get the job done.

Best Lightweight: Lufkin W606PD Crescent Tape Measure

Lufkin W606PD Crescent Tape Measure

See at Amazon

When you work with wood, you certainly have some difficulties in measuring a non-flat surface, so the Lufkin W606PD Crescent Tape Measure is a unique tool that provides you a solution for this type of measuring. This was designed for feature measuring circumference and diameters. With a two-sided blade print, you can simply turn the blade over for easy reading. The case was made from polished chrome to ensure the durability of the Lufkin W606PD tape measure. Additionally, it provides a compact size for easy storage and transport.

Best Locking Feature: CRAFTSMAN CMHT37225S Tape Measure

CRAFTSMAN CMHT37225S Tape Measure

See at Amazon

CRAFTSMAN CMHT37225S Tape Measure should consider as a need to buy products from well-known manufacturer CRAFTSMAN. Its blade has 25-foot enough for every demand. This tape measure is super user-friendly and automatically locks it into place until you click a button to retract them.

The auto-locking mechanism allows for smooth, pleasant retraction, preventing the hook from slamming against the case, making the tapes more user-friendly and durable. To make taking measures easier, fractions are printed on the blade. This is displays a large numeral on it to make sure it's easy to read.

The increments between the inches are labeled as 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, etc that suitable for small woodworking projects or senior who requires a large print. Moreover, CRAFTSMAN equipsa white background that is much easier to read than the standard yellow background.

FAQs

1. What does a tape measure do? What are they good for measuring?

A tape measure is a linear measurement ribbon made of cloth, plastic, fiberglass, or metal. Due to its lightweight and compact design, users can easily keep a tape measure in your pocket. A tape measure can also be used to measure around curves and corners.

The tape measure is a crucial measuring instrument in the construction industry, as it will assist you in completing projects of all sizes, from estimates through construction. It is used for a variety of tasks, including landscape design, construction, and interior design. It will also help you work faster and more efficiently if you become familiar with the measurements on a tape.

2. How do you read a tape measure?

To read a tape measure, you need to understand the meaning of each of the black lines. The length of the line determines the length of the measurement.

On a tape measure, there are frequently two different measurement systems. This is a hybrid of the inch and metric systems. But, for modern measurements, mostly we use inches. Inches are measured by the longest mark, which is labeled with large numbers. Each successively smaller marking represents a fraction of an inch. For example, the line is roughly half the length of the inch mark is 12 inches.

The smallest measurement is a quarter-inch, while the length of the mark is approximately one-fourth of an inch. Look for a fractional read tape measure if you prefer your tape measure to have fractions of an inch mark. Footmarks are made every 12 inches so that you don’t have to convert inches into feet in your head for length measurements. Here's how to measure one inch on a tape measure in detail:

• 1-inch mark
• ½ inch mark
• ¼ inch mark
• ⅛ inch mark
• 1/16 inch mark

3. How many inches is a tape measure?

In general, tape measures have 16 marks to the inch

The feet, inches, and fractions of inches are plainly visible on standard or SAE tape measures. A tape measure's measurements are usually 16 markings to the inch. You can measure up to 1/16 of an inch with a tape measure. Some tapes have a scale of 32 to 64 markings per inch. Laser distance measurers can frequently measure to within 1/16 inch of accuracy. Here are some tips to read the tape measures:

• Find the nearest whole inch to the endpoint while reading a tape measure. Then look at the remaining indicator lines to see how many fractions of an inch are left. To get your complete measurement, add those to the full inches.
• Look at the large numbers to read an inch. This number is frequently written in large, black letters. It's easy to spot and refers to the longest of the edge markers. The amount of lines between inch marks shows how exact your tool can be.
• Locate the second-longest spot between the longer inch marks to read 1/2-inch measures. Look halfway between the 1/2-inch markers for 1/4-inch marks. In the same way, smaller fractions of an inch can be read.

4. How many types of measuring tape are there?

There are four major types of tape measurements: case, long or open-reel tapes, dimension tape (D-tape), and sewing tapes

• Cased Tape Measures: Case types are retractable, with a spring system that allows the blade to recoil. This tape measure type is the ideal tape measure for woodworkers because of its compact and portable design, which makes it a must-have tool for a variety of building and craft tasks.
• Open Reel Tape Measure: An open reel measuring tape, which is commonly used by surveyors, does not have a spring mechanism to coil the blade. The blade is rolled up using a hand crank. It's a long tape measure designed to measure great distances.
• Diameter Tape Measure: A diameter tape measure (D-tapes) is similar to a case tape measure in that it has an ultra-flexible blade that can readily wrap around pipes and poles. It calculates the circumference and diameter of a cylindrical object accurately using pi, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter.
• Sewing Tape Measure: Sewing tapes, often known as tailor's tapes, are ultra-flexible and easily conform to the body. They're used to take precise measurements for garment design and adjustments. They measure 60 to 120 inches in length.

5. How to measuring accurately with a tape measure?

There are three steps you can follow to measuring accurately.

• It's critical to keep the tape as flat as possible against the surface in order to acquire an accurate measurement. Either hook the pull tab on the surface's edge or press it flat on the inside of the surface.
• Then, if your tape measure has one, engage the lock or hold the tape in place with your hand to secure it. If you're in the planning stages, mark your surface with the measurement as close to the tape marking as feasible, or write it down on a notepad.
• Instead of letting the tape snap back in with too much force, slowly remove the lock to allow it to coil back in safely.

How To Choose The Best Tape Measure For Woodworker/Tape Measure Buying Guide?

Instead of wasting our time or money on choosing a not-good laser measure without any research, we believe that all of us have to find out some of the basic criteria below for our laser measuring tools before the final decision.

Quality

We will look at the function of the tool to see what it can do or can’t do because we all know quality is a massive factor in selecting any products that we think will be best for us.

Brand

The popular and well-known brand can mostly ensure top quality products for you or at least you know that their products go through hard testing before sale.

Durability

When we use laser measures on construction sites, we can’t avoid outside damage for tools like drops, knocks, or fall. The durability will affect how long the tool can survive daily use around construction and building sites.

Easy to use

Nobody wants to waste time or feel uncomfortable when they can’t figure out how to even use it. We all know that the manual measuring tools are all simple and straightforward to use so everyone hopes that laser measures will be the same.

Price

Everybody has different budgets, so the wide range of prices can make sure that nobody missed out when they really need one.

Accuracy

When you looking to purchase a laser measure, certainly you will look for a tool that can guarantee high accuracy for you. With low accuracy measures, they can cause a very bad effect on your construction projects.

Rage

How long a laser measure can reach is another important factor that you need to look for besides accuracy. Some users may want to get a lower range beside the professional will prefer the higher one.

Functionality

Laser measures out there have multiple functions, you will need several knowledge to help you make an informed decision. Here are some tape measures feature that users can consider:

• A blade: When expanded, the blade of the tape should remain straight and solid. Blades that are too cheap flex quickly, denting and sinking in areas. Steel or fiberglass blades of good quality should physically "stick out" for 10 feet or more. Nylon-coated metal blades are extremely robust and flexible.
• Tang: The metal end-hook at the tape measure's tip ensures an accurate reading, although the tang is frequently the tape measure's weakest portion. When purchasing, ensure sure the tang looks and feels substantial without being static—when you gently tug it, there should be a slight in-and-out movement.
• Belt clip or holder: A belt clip—a steel or nylon pincer that connects to a tool belt or pocket—is commonly included with cased tape measures. Some people dislike the clip because it adds bulk and makes the tape measure more difficult to handle or stow in a pocket. In this case, detach the clip or get a clipless variant.
• Auto-lock: When working alone or in confined locations, a tape measure that automatically locks when drawn out is extremely useful. Simply push a button and, depending on when you release your finger, the blade will shorten or totally retract.

Komelon

Komelon Co. Ltd. is a Korean chemical, machinery, tool, and engineering company, headquartered in Busan, Korea. Established in 1963, it manufactures plastic and steel tape measures, level gauges, and other tool products. The company is commonly referred to as "Komelon" (Spelling Korea Motorized Electron). Komelon manufactures the Kobalt brand of tape measures for US-based home improvement chain Lowe's.

FastCap

FastCap was founded in 1997 by Paul Akers, a 20-year veteran in the cabinet-making/woodworking industry. One day, while Paul was building some cabinets, he got an idea for a self-adhesive screw cap cover and the Fastcap was born.

Over the past five years, FastCap has grown exponentially and has expanded its products based from the Fastcap to a vast array of woodworking products and tools to accommodate the professional cabinet maker and woodworker needs.

General Tools & Instruments

General began as the brainchild of Abe and Lillian Rosenberg in New York City in 1922. Originally dubbed General Hardware Manufacturing Co., the company specialized in the wholesale of "hard goods," offering a full range of domestic and professional items from clothesline pulleys and screen-door hardware, to specialty hand tools.

Over the years, General grew its product line and expanded into new market segments like digital test and measurement tools. After three generations of leadership by Abe’s family, the company was acquired by High Road Capital Partners in 2014.

Lufkin

Lufkin is a brand featuring primarily measurement tools such as calipers, gauges, micrometers, and measuring tapes. Lufkin is a brand of Apex Tool Group. The company was founded by Edward Taylor Lufkin, an American Civil War veteran of the Sixtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Cleveland, Ohio 1869, and was originally named E.T. Lufkin Board and Log Rule Manufacturing Company. Its Canada-based plant was in Barrie, Ontario. The company was acquired in 1967 by Cooper Industries.

CRAFTSMEN

We’re CRAFTSMAN®, an authentic American icon. For nearly a century, we’ve been the brand homeowners, home builders, auto enthusiasts, and master mechanics trust. Today’s CRAFTSMAN continues that legacy. At CRAFTSMAN, we believe that time spent with tools should be time well spent. CRAFTSMAN users look for reasons to get their hands dirty. They take pride in every accomplishment, from the simplest oil change to coaxing a few more horsepower from their favorite ride.

Conclusion

We are now at the end of the review and buying guide for the best tape measures. We hope that all the information above will help you get the best measuring tape for your work.

This product is not an optional tool, so do not take it randomly. You need to understand clearly your woodworking projects before making your purchase. With all of that, you absolutely can get the best tape measure for woodworkers or, rather, for yourself.