Best Measuring and Marking Tools with Self‑Lock Mechanism

TL;DR: The Stanley LeverLock offers a 7.6 m steel blade, a hands‑free lever lock, and a magnetic tip in a lightweight 0.75 lb housing, earning a 4.6‑star rating from nearly 39 k reviewers at $20.00.

The standout spec is the 7.6 m steel blade with a 2.1 m standout distance, all housed in a compact 49.5 mm × 146 mm × 86.4 mm frame that weighs just 0.75 lb. Its LeverLock mechanism locks the blade automatically, so you can keep both hands on the job.

Compared with the other six tape measures, the Stanley is lighter than the DeWalt (1.1 lb) and the Amazon Basics (1.06 lb) but heavier than the ultra‑light Craftsman 25‑Ft model (0.055 lb). Its height of 49.5 mm is much shorter than DeWalt’s 8.5‑inch height, putting it in the same size class as the Craftsman Evolution (56 mm) while offering a longer blade than the Komelon Speedmark’s 12‑ft blade.

Users consistently praise the lever‑lock for hands‑free operation and the Tru‑Zero magnetic tip for reliably grabbing metal surfaces. Professional reviewers note the ABS bi‑material housing feels durable yet stays lightweight, and the 1/16‑inch fractional markings are easy to read.

Technical details include a steel blade with polymer coating, a magnetic Tru‑Zero hook, and a limited‑lifetime warranty—features that professionals rely on for accuracy and durability on construction sites and woodworking benches.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option — the Stanley LeverLock offers Height: 49.5 mm

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Craftsman 25‑Ft Tape Measure packs a self‑locking steel blade, 10‑inch standout and a feather‑light 0.055‑lb weight into a compact 1.95‑inch‑high, rubber‑overmold housing for under $13.

What really stands out is the self‑locking mechanism paired with a 25‑ft steel blade that’s only 1.125 in wide. At just 0.055 pounds, the tape feels almost weightless in your hand, and its 1.95‑inch height, 5.75‑inch length and 3.5‑inch width keep it comfortably pocket‑sized.

Compared with the other six tools in this roundup, the Craftsman is dramatically lighter than the Amazon Basics 33‑Ft model (over a pound) and the Komelon Evolution (0.9 pounds). It also undercuts the Stanley LeverLock’s 0.75‑pound heft. In length, it trails the Komelon Evolution’s 25‑ft blade and the DeWalt’s massive 100‑ft blade, and it’s shorter than the Craftsman CMHT37370S’s 30‑ft tape. The 10‑inch standout is modest next to Stanley’s 2.1‑m (about 83‑inch) reach, but it’s comparable to the Komelon Evolution’s 7‑ft standout.

Users consistently praise the smooth self‑locking action that “prevents accidental retraction” and the clear fraction markings that make quick reads easy. Reviewers also note the sturdy metal‑heavy feel despite the low price. The main criticisms focus on the limited 10‑inch standout for solo measurements and the absence of a magnetic tip, which some professionals rely on for one‑handed work.

Additional details include a rubber‑overmold housing for a comfortable grip, a non‑magnetic steel hook, and a limited lifetime warranty that adds confidence for DIY projects.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Craftsman 25‑Ft Tape Measure offers Height: 1.95 Inches

Avoid if: You need a long standout reach or a magnetic hook for heavy‑construction tasks

TL;DR: The Amazon Basics 33‑Ft Tape Measure offers a self‑locking mechanism, dual‑sided markings and MID‑class accuracy for just $8.39, making it a solid budget pick for DIY projects.

At its core, this tape measure reaches a full 33 feet (10 m) and locks in place with a self‑locking push‑button, so the blade stays extended until you release it. It carries a MID Class II accuracy tolerance of ±1.1 mm and a true‑zero hook, which lets you start measurements from the very edge of a workpiece. The housing is molded from ABS plastic with a rubberized grip, and the blade is nylon‑coated steel for added rust resistance.

At $8.39 it undercuts the Craftsman 25‑Ft model’s $12.54 price tag and also beats the Komelon options that sit above $13. The Amazon Basics unit weighs 1.06 pounds, noticeably heavier than Craftsman’s feather‑light 0.055 pound version but a shade lighter than DeWalt’s 1.1‑pound tool. Its standout distance of 2.5‑3 meters edges out Stanley’s LeverLock standout of 2.1 meters, though the LeverLock’s patented lock is often praised for never slipping.

Reviewers consistently applaud the reliable lock and the clear dual‑sided inch/metric markings, with most comments highlighting how the lock stays put during hands‑free work. The most common gripe is that the blade can sag once it extends beyond the 2.5‑meter standout range, and the rubberized grip may become slick when wet. Professionals also note the hook feels a bit flimsy compared with higher‑end models.

From a technical standpoint, the tape’s 25 mm blade width and dual graduations give you both metric and imperial readouts without switching tools. The included belt clip and wrist strap add convenience on the job site, while the ABS plastic/rubber housing keeps the unit durable enough for everyday DIY tasks.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the Amazon Basics 33‑Ft Tape Measure offers Height: 1.97 inches

Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The DeWalt DWHT34036L offers a 100‑ft steel blade, push‑button self‑lock and a 5:1 gear ratio for rapid rewind, packaged in a rugged 1.1‑lb ABS housing for professional use.

The standout spec is its 100 ft steel blade, giving you enough reach for large framing or site‑survey tasks. A push‑button self‑lock secures the tape, while the 5:1 gear ratio makes manual rewind five times faster than non‑geared tapes.

Compared with the seven‑product lineup, this model is heavier than the Stanley LeverLock’s 0.75 pounds and the Amazon Basics 33‑ft tape’s 1.06 pounds, but its 100 ft blade dwarfs the 30 ft Craftsman CMHT37370S and the 25 ft Craftsman 25‑Ft tape. The closed‑case design also feels bulkier than the open‑case Komelon Speedmark, which is built around a slimmer housing.

Users repeatedly praise the speedy rewind and the rust‑resistant coating that keeps the steel blade looking new on dusty job sites. Professional reviewers highlight the durable plastic/ABS housing and the folding hook tip that stays out of the way when not in use. The included belt clip and spring‑loaded carabiner add convenient transport options for contractors on the move.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option — the DeWalt DWHT34036L offers Height: 8.5 inches

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $24.97

TL;DR: The Komelon Speedmark offers a 12‑foot nylon‑coated steel blade with a self‑locking thumb button, compact 1.55‑inch height and bright yellow ABS housing, making it a solid budget pick for DIY tasks.

The standout feature is its self‑locking mechanism with a thumb push‑button return, letting you extend and retract the 12‑foot blade with one‑hand control. The blade is coated in nylon for durability, and the tape carries fractional graduations of 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 inches, plus handy conversion tables printed on one side.

Compared with the six other tapes in this roundup, the Speedmark’s blade is considerably shorter than the 25‑foot Craftsman, the 30‑foot Craftsman CMHT, the 33‑foot Amazon Basics and the 100‑foot DeWalt, positioning it as a truly pocket‑sized option. Its 5/8‑inch blade width is narrower than the 1‑inch blades on the Evolution and Craftsman CMHT, yet wider than DeWalt’s 3/8‑inch blade, giving it a balanced rigidity for most light‑trade jobs. The ABS case with rubber grip matches the material approach of the Evolution and Craftsman 25‑Ft models, while the bright safety‑yellow color adds visibility that many peers lack.

Users consistently highlight the built‑in conversion tables and fractional scales as “very helpful” for quick calculations on the job site. Professional reviewers praise the self‑locking control for delivering precise, single‑hand measurements, noting that the triple‑riveted hook adds reliable engagement. The main criticisms focus on the narrower blade, which can feel less stiff than wider‑blade competitors, and the lack of additional high‑visibility color options found in premium lines.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the Komelon Speedmark offers Blade Length: 12 feet

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Craftsman CMHT37370S delivers a sturdy 30‑ft steel tape with an auto‑lock lever, solid ABS/Chrome housing, and a comfortable belt clip, though it sits at a premium $14.99 price.

This tape measure’s standout feature is its 30 ft steel blade paired with an auto‑lock mechanism, allowing you to lock and release the tape with a single squeeze of the lever. The blade width is 1 in, and the housing measures 56 mm in height, 147 mm in length, and 89 mm in width, giving it a compact footprint for job‑site use.

At 476 g (about 1.05 lb), the Craftsman is heavier than the Stanley LeverLock’s 340 g body, and it also outweighs the Komelon Evolution’s 0.9 lb unit. It carries a longer tape than the Komelon Speedmark’s 12‑ft blade, but it’s shorter than the DeWalt model’s 100‑ft blade. Price‑wise, the $14.99 tag places it above the Komelon Speedmark, which is listed at a lower price point.

Professional reviewers praise the autolocking lever for one‑handed operation and note the extra‑durable blade as a durability win for tradespeople. Users also appreciate the built‑in belt clip for easy access. However, the lack of a magnetic tip and the fact that it does not meet ANSI/OSHA standards are common drawbacks noted in feedback.

Additional technical details include a steel blade, SAE scale, and a standard hook type. The ABS/Chrome housing provides a rugged exterior, and the belt clip is confirmed as present, making the tool ready for daily carry on a tool belt.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Craftsman CMHT37370S offers Height: 56 mm

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Komelon Evolution offers a 25‑ft nylon‑coated steel blade with a self‑locking thumb button, weighing 0.9 lb, making it a solid mid‑range choice for solo measurers who value durability and visibility.

The standout spec is its 25 ft blade length paired with a 7 ft standout distance, giving you enough reach for most residential jobs while keeping the tape compact enough to fit in a tool belt. The blade is coated in nylon‑reinforced steel and printed on both sides in SAE units, with graduations every 1/16 in, so you’ll see measurements clearly even in bright conditions.

Compared with the other six tape measures in this roundup, the Evolution sits between the longer Amazon Basics 33‑ft model and the shorter Komelon Speedmark’s 12‑ft blade. It’s lighter than the Craftsman CMHT37370S (which weighs about 1.05 lb) but a touch heavier than the Stanley LeverLock’s 0.75 lb case. Its 7 ft standout beats the Craftsman 25‑ft tape’s 10‑in solo reach, yet it doesn’t stretch as far as the DeWalt 100‑ft professional reel.

Professional reviewers highlight the automatic self‑locking mechanism as a time‑saver for one‑person work, noting that the thumb‑push button releases the tape smoothly. Users appreciate the high‑visibility yellow case and the dual‑end hook that lets you start measurements from either side. However, the 3.0‑star rating from 319 reviewers suggests mixed satisfaction, with some users wishing for an engineer‑scale version and noting that the overall feel is lighter than premium models.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option — the Komelon Evolution offers Blade Length: 25 ft

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns