Best Measuring Tapes for Finish Carpentry

So you've started some sort of woodworking hobby or maybe you've decided to pick up this trade for a future business. You may think a measuring tape is as good as any... since you're reading this your can probably guess that statement is not true. A measuring tape can be useful and a measuring tape can be essential depending on on you think about it. in this article I will share my favorite measuring tape to use along with a few other types that I dont think measure up but are great in their own right. (I do earn a small commission on the links provided. If you find any of these useful and decide you may want to try them, please consider using my links to purchase as it helps me out. Thanks for reading.)

Digital Measuring Tape Combos

Several devices of this kind integrate a physical tape with a digital element. Reviews from customers praise the product's quality, but I do have a few complaints;

1. Lets get this elephant out of the way and point out the price tags. Ranging from $60 to $249, this is a a steep price to justify on any tool let alone one you will likely misplace as soon as you turn your back. (Woodworkers know what im talking about, the struggle is real) in)

2. Part of the excessive price tag is due to the technology and app integration. When it comes to working in a real workshop any tool that requires the user to open apps on their phone is only a distraction.

3. Lastly. digital tools in my experience are often unreliable long term and require delicate care and attention to calibration which will require some sort of device and technical support.
   

digital laser and tape combo

Digital laser and tape combo 2

As a carpenter I can agree that a laser measuring device such as the BOSCH GLM100-23 100 are extremely useful when measuring long distances or distances out of reach like a ceiling or a long wall. however, digital measuring devices are no replacement for a good old measuring tape.

Milwaukee 25' Wide blade Magnetic Tape

You'll find these in every retailer of tools, Milwaukee has a cult like following and many will swear by the brand but is it one of the best measuring tapes for finish carpentry? In my opinion the design is not ideal for finish work.

• 
  

wide blade

• The 1lb device with basic readings make it difficult to wield long term and leaves too much room for error when recording measurements.

• The critique will apply to the Dewalt versions as well. These brands are in direct competition with each other and often will just recreate what each other are producing.

• on the plus side these tapes are extremely durable and great for a construction site. They can help with picking up nails or screws dropped from a ladder and can withstand a fall from the same ladder. Another plus is they are easy to find onsite

Milwaukee wide blade

Here is my selection of best measuring tapes for finished carpentry.

I have come across these tapes in my local lumber yard and then on Amazon. The brand is called FastCap and they produce a wide varitey of tools and equipment for carpenters specifically. My favorite tool I they offer is a multitude of Measuring tapes. The FastCap Pro Carpenter 25ft lefty/righty Measuring tape is my selection for best out of the Pro Carpenter collection for the following reasons

FastCap Pro Carpenter

1. the measurements are printed down to the the 16th of an inch so there is no guessing what notch the measurement is to. the 1/8" markings are written in black while the 16th of an inch markings are in red, great feature

2. the Tape is legible from either direction because it is mirror printed. I find this extremely useful since you never know what direction you will need to pull the tape to get your measurement

3. The front has a space for recording measurements on the go which can be easily erased for continuous use.

4. It is durable, light and compact.

5. finally my favorite feature is the built in pencil sharpener. I know I am notorious for misplacing my pencils and always have to get a new one. This is why I started purchasing large packs of Golf pencils to keep in the shop they are an inexpensive way to keep pencils stocked and with this measuring tape I can keep them sharp for accurate markings. Oh, and did I mention they are only $9.99? This the FastCap Pro Carpenter lefty/righty tape as the only measuring tape I carry on me and in my shop
   

FastCap Pencil Sharpening Tool

To recap

• Digital Measuring devices like the BOSCH GLM100-23 100 in combination with a FastCap ProCarpenter Measuring tape is a productive combo to equip yourself with. You will find yourself wondering why you spent money on all the different tapes.