STANLEY STHT9-98985 Tylon 5m / 8m Tape Twinpack

The first thing to consider is the size of the Tape Measure. That doesn’t just mean the length of the tape – although that is important, of course – it can also mean the width of the blade and the dimensions of the case.

To ensure maximum durability, you might want to look for impact-resistant casing and the hook at the end of the blade is also worth think about as the flexibility provided by the hook can affect the accuracy of your measurements.

In terms of accuracy, check whether the Tape Measure has a Class Rating. Most professionals can be confident with Class II Tape Measures but for work which requires maximum precision, Class I tapes provide accuracy to within  ±1.1mm.