Finding a good tape measure can be a real pain. I know when I was researching them actually finding a review was a huge tough.
Most people don’t actually talk about tape measures, or they just dismiss them out of hand. That is understandable since it is just a tape measure.
As I have been learning more about DIY I have wanted to get the best tool I could afford for each tool I have. So at some point I thought “Hey I wonder if there is a better tape measure.”
This research lead me to the FastCap Measure Tape.
About the Tape Measure
Most tape measures do one thing. They pull out with lines on them to signify length. That is about it.
The FastCap Measuring Tape definitely measures, but it has a unique feature where the opposite side of the tape has the measurements in reverse. This is so you can see the length from both angles, you aren’t left reading numbers upside down.
There is a tab on the clip that you can press at the top to attach to your belt or jeans instead of trying to push it down. This saves wear and tear on your clothing and saves time from repeatedly not getting it to slip on.
It also features a notepad on side so you can note down a measurement instead of trying to remember the measurement as you walk 50 feet away to make a cut.
Finally, there is also a pencil sharpener for your standard round pencil, which is genius. Think about the number of times you can’t just quite make a mark with your pencil that you need to. You have to hunt down a pencil sharpener, now you have one on you.
What I Like About this Tape Measure
There are really only 2 features I like the most. The first one, and oddly my favorite, is the tab on the clip to clip it to your clothes. I hated trying to attach a tape measure to my jeans and not quite being able to get it to clip on. Now I never miss.
The second feature I like is the reverse side measurements. I measure at a lot of different angles, so it is great to get a good view of numbers no matter the angle I am measuring from. It also measures down to the 1/16″ on both sides so the precision is there when needed.
Tape Measure Cons
The only con I have run into so far is the clip I love so much. It does stick out so when I get into a tight spot the clip tends to grab onto things. As an example I was getting in and out of my jeep, and I am a bit big for it so when the tape measure grabbed on one too many times it broke the clip off.
Conclusion
As a testament to my appreciation of this tape measure. Once I broke the tape measure I pulled out my phone and bought another one right on the spot.
This is the best tape measure I have owned. The rubber sides adds to grip, and I find it a great size for my hands. When I can help it I only use the FastCap Measuring Tape.
All that said while I like the notepad I personally don’t use it often at all. However, I have seen people on YouTube that swear by it so some people use it a lot.
I definitely recommend the tape measure, and I recommend you add it to your tool belt.