Rankings
The Stanley FatMax 33-716 is a 16 ft heavy-duty tape measure designed for professional jobsite durability with a 11 ft standout and Tru-Zero hook. It features reinforced BladeArmor and Mylar coatings for extended blade life. Ideal for framers and construction workers needing reliable solo reach and precision.
The Milwaukee 48-22-7125 is a heavy-duty magnetic tape measure designed for professional contractors, featuring a reinforced steel blade and magnetic hook for metal surface adhesion. Its primary trade-off is a slightly heavier weight and a tight belt clip that some users find difficult to manage. It is best suited for commercial electricians and construction workers who need durable, hands-free measuring capabilities on jobsites.
The Crescent Lufkin LM1125NE is a 1-1/4-inch by 25-foot magnetic tape measure designed for professional use, featuring the NITE EYE™ high-contrast double-sided blade for low-light visibility. It includes a 360° magnetic end hook, a 15-foot standalone reach for solo measurements, and a durable case with rubber over-mold grip zones. The tool is ideal for professional contractors and framers needing reliable low-light measuring on job sites.
The DeWalt 16 ft. Tape Measure (ToughSeries) is designed for construction professionals requiring durability and precision, offering a 100 ft. drop rating and 16 ft. unassisted reach. It features double-sided blade printing and a removable magnet hook, though its bulkier housing limits pocketability and it lacks metric markings. Best suited for heavy-duty sites like roofing and framing.
The Crescent Lufkin 25 ft SHOCKFORCE NITE EYE Magnetic Tape Measure is a heavy-duty professional tool designed for extreme durability and low-light visibility. It features a 360-degree magnetic hook and a case rated for 120-foot drops, though it lacks an auto-lock. Ideal for professional contractors, framers, and tradespeople in construction or roofing.
The Komelon SM5425 Speed Mark Gripper is a 25-foot tape measure designed for construction and DIY use, featuring an acrylic-coated steel blade with SpeedMark fractional graduations for quick readability. Its ergonomic design with a thick rubber jacket ensures a secure grip, though stand-out length is not specified. It is best suited for construction workers and contractors who need a reliable tape measure for framing, flooring, or general measuring up to 25 feet.
The Stanley 33-725 is a rugged, SAE-only tape measure designed for professional durability with a 25-foot range and 14-foot standout. It features a durable ABS case and BladeArmor protection, though it lacks a magnetic hook and metric scale. Ideal for contractors who prioritize jobsite dependability and solo measuring capabilities.
The Stanley FATMAX 33-730 is a 30-foot tape measure featuring a 1-1/4 inch wide blade designed for professional jobsite durability. It includes a high-impact case with BladeArmor technology and a 14-foot self-standing reach. While specific user reviews are unavailable, the build quality suggests it is well-suited for high-wear environments.
The Bosch Professional 1600A016BH is a 5-meter metric tape measure designed for professional tradespeople, featuring a robust aluminum housing and a strong magnetic hook for secure attachment to metal surfaces. It offers a 2.7-meter blade stand-out for extended reach without support and includes a blade lock for precise readings. It is best suited for construction workers and carpenters needing precise, hands-free measurements on metal surfaces or over long distances.
The DeWalt DWHT36107 is a rugged 25-foot tape measure featuring a wide base and Tylon-coated blade for enhanced durability and stability. It offers excellent standout for one-person measurements and a reliable rubber slide lock. However, the absence of metric markings and its bulky design are significant trade-offs for some users.
The Komelon 433IEHV is a professional-grade 33-foot tape measure featuring a high-visibility neon yellow nylon-coated blade with inch and engineer scales. It is housed in an ergonomic chrome case with a slide lock mechanism, designed for durability and readability in varied lighting conditions. Ideal for construction sites requiring visibility in low-light or outdoor conditions and one-person jobs utilizing the slide lock.
The Craftsman CMHT37225 is an affordable 25-foot tape measure featuring a self-locking blade and clear fraction markings, ideal for DIY and light trade use. Its sturdy build and rubber overmold provide good durability for the price. However, the limited 10-inch standout and lack of a magnetic tip make it less suitable for heavy construction or solo long-distance tasks.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | — | 0.1 | 0.1best | — | — | 0.1best | 0.1best | — | 0.1best | — | 0.1best | 0.1best |
25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 33 | 16 | 25 | 5 | 16 | 25 | 25 | 300best | |
| ↓ lower better | 24.95 gramsbest | 317.5 grams | 680 grams | 630.5 grams | 521.6 grams | 540 grams | 544.3 grams | 360 grams | 453.6 grams | 472 grams | 667 grams | 544 grams |
10 inches | — | 14 inches | 14 inches | — | 16 inches | 10 inches | 2.7 inches | 11 inches | 9 inches | 17 inchesbest | 15 inches |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(3) | ||||||||||||
Warranty | Lifetime | Unknown | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | — | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime | — | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime Limited | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime |
Blade Material | Steel | Acrylic Coated Steel | Steel | Steel | Nylon-coated steel | Steel | Metal/Tylon | Nylon-coated steel | Mylar/Steel | Steel | Steel | Steel |
Housing Material | Rubber Overmold | ABS Plastic | ABS/Rubber | ABS/Rubber | Chrome | Tough Polymer | ABS | Aluminum, ABS | ABS/Rubber | Impact-Resistant | Reinforced | Rubber/Plastic |
Dimensions & Range(3) | ||||||||||||
Measuring Range | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | 33 | 16 | 25 | 5 | 16 | 25 | 25 | 300 |
Weight (grams) | 24.95 grams | 317.5 grams | 680 grams | 630.5 grams | 521.6 grams | 540 grams | 544.3 grams | 360 grams | 453.6 grams | 472 grams | 667 grams | 544 grams |
Standout (inches) | 10 inches | — | 14 inches | 14 inches | — | 16 inches | 10 inches | 2.7 inches | 11 inches | 9 inches | 17 inches | 15 inches |
Performance & Accuracy(3) | ||||||||||||
Accuracy / Resolution | 1/8 | 0.0625 | — | — | 1/16 inch | 0.0625 | Class II | 0.0625 | Blue Print Scale | 1/16 | 0.0625 | |
Scale Type | Imperial | — | SAE | — | Inch/Engineer | Imperial | Imperial | Metric | Imperial | Blue Print Scale | SAE | Standard |
Graduations | Fraction | 1/8 Inch | 1/16 | — | — | 1/16 inch | 1/16 | Metric | 1/16 | Double-Sided | 1/16 | 1/16-inch |
Features & Usability(3) | ||||||||||||
Locking Mechanism | Self-Locking | Positive Lock | Toggle Lock | Spring Return | Slide Lock | Lockable | Rubber Slide Lock | Yes | Toggle Lock | Finger Stop | Manual | Button Lock |
Hook Type | Non-Magnetic | Triple Riveted | Standard | BladeArmor | Dual-end hook | Removable Magnet | Wide Base | Magnetic | Tru-Zero | Magnetic | Magnetic | Magnetic |
Belt Clip | true | — | true | true | — | false | true | — | true | true | true | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the solid build quality, smooth self-locking mechanism, and easy-to-read fraction markings, making it appealing for both DIYers and light trade professionals.
Everyday users commonly praise the tape measure for its self-locking blade and clear fraction markings. The durable build is frequently described as sturdy, though some note plastic elements feel less robust.
“sturdy and nice”
“Our gripper feels good, fits comfortably in your hand, and is built with a purpose--to work.”
“When you reach in your tool belt... make sure you feel the Gripper Speed Mark because everything else is substandard.”
Choose Stanley for wider blade readability, or DeWalt for superior precision and braking technology.
Choose the 433IEHV for engineer scale precision and hi-viz visibility, or Stanley for longer standout and impact resistance.
Choose the Stanley FatMax for wider blade standout and stud marking features, or the DWHT36107 for its specific wide-base layout stability.
Choose Bosch for magnetic utility and metal-surface work; choose Stanley for dual-scale versatility.
Professional reviewers and editors describe the Komelon SM5425 as revolutionary since its introduction in 1999, praising its purpose-built feel and ergonomic design. Retailers and experts emphasize that the SpeedMark feature makes readings quick and easy, positioning the tool as superior to standard tapes for those needing reliable, comfortable performance in a tool belt.
There are no direct consumer reviews or complaints documented in the provided sources. Feedback is inferred as positive based on promotional emphasis on comfort, reliability, and the ease of use provided by the rubber grip and clear markings.
Sources emphasize jobsite dependability, with professionals praising the 14 ft reach and durable case.
User feedback is positive, noting reliable performance, a secure lock that won't creep, and easy readability.
The provided search results do not include professional reviews from independent reviewers or expert publications, so there is no expert commentary available.
The provided search results do not contain consumer reviews, user testimonials, or feedback data, so there is no consumer sentiment analysis available.
No independent expert reviews from publications like Pro Tool Reviews or Fine Homebuilding were found. Manufacturer and retailer descriptions emphasize professional reliability, describing the tool as built to perform and last with a vibrant hi-viz blade suitable for any job.
No consumer reviews, ratings, or testimonials were found in the search results. Consequently, common themes regarding user praise or complaints cannot be derived from the available data.
Professional reviewers and editors praise DeWalt's ToughSeries as the model choice for toughness, highlighting its 100 ft. drop rating and Rip-Shield coating. The Compact Series is lauded for improved ergonomics, featuring a 20% smaller grip and a finger brake for better control.
Everyday users commonly praise the tool's durability, noting it survives jobsite abuse and 100 ft. drops. Users appreciate the ease of solo measurements and the clarity of the double-sided print. Recurring complaints include the bulkiness of the ToughSeries model, which does not fit in pockets, and the absence of metric markings.
Professional reviewers describe the DeWalt DWHT36107 as a very good 25-foot tape measure suitable for contractors and DIYers. They highlight its thick build, reliable lock, metal clip, and overall durability as key strengths for framing, plumbing, and electrical work.
Everyday users and reviewers echo professional praise for the tool's versatile markings, reliable locking mechanism, and ruggedness. The most recurring complaint among users is the absence of metric markings.
Retail and manufacturer descriptions emphasize the tool's robust build quality, ergonomic design, and reliable performance for professional usage. No direct quotes from independent professional reviewers or editors are available in the source data.
Search results contain no consumer reviews, testimonials, or mentions of common praise or complaints. Availability notes suggest potential stock issues in some regions, but no user-submitted feedback is present.
Professional reviewers emphasize the tape measure's durability and reach, highlighting the patented BladeArmor® coating and high-impact case as standout features.
Consumer feedback is positive, focusing on usability and durability, with praise for the wide blade and versatile hook.
The search results indicate this tape measure is positioned as a heavy-duty professional tool rather than a consumer-grade product.
Everyday users praise the Milwaukee 48-22-7125 for its ruggedness and durability, noting that it withstands repeated drops and jobsite abuse while maintaining functionality.
Professional reviewers praise the tool for its 'crazy durability' and accurate calibration, comparing its premium build quality favorably to DeWalt XP.
Everyday users rate the product highly for its durability and low-light readability, frequently praising the magnetic hook's strength and the stability of the blade.
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the NITE EYE™ visibility, magnetic hook durability, and 15-foot standout as key strengths for job-site use. YouTube verifier channels confirm the reach and features, focusing on pro-grade reliability without noting critical cons.
Direct consumer reviews are unavailable, but indirect feedback highlights praise for easy readability and grip. Users appreciate the marking accuracy for height measurements and on-center marks, with no recurring complaints listed.
Choose Bosch for superior blade stand-out and magnetic features; choose Komelon for scale variety.
