Measuring Tape

A retractable steel blade coiled in a compact case, with a hooked end tab and a thumb lock. A 25-foot tape with a wide blade stands out further unsupported and is the trade standard. The hook is meant to slide slightly - that movement compensates for its own thickness on push and pull measurements, so do not tighten it.

Buying tip
25ft is the trade standard. A wide blade stands out further for one-person measuring.