Tape Measures

Tape Measures

Tape measures have automatic tape retraction, so the tape retracts by itself if you release the sliding lock. These tapes tend to be shorter and are commonly made in lengths of 2 m, 3 m, 5 m, 8 m and 10 m. They are suitable for measurement of shorter distances and smaller objects.

Measuring Tapes

Compared to tape measures, this type tends to be longer (10 m or more). Measuring tapes have a handy hook at the end to secure the tape during measurement. The downside is that the longer tapes are often non-automatic, so you must coil them manually by hand. They are used for land surveys and on construction sites, or in sports that require measurement of longer distances.