Top 10 Best Tape Measures in the UK 2021 (Stanley, Milwaukee and More)

This inexpensive pocket tape comes equipped with 5 m of lockable tape to help you size up everyday measurements with ease. Unfortunately, though, the tape is white instead of the industry-preferred yellow, making it a little harder to spot the measurements from a distance. 

The other point of concern is this particular tape by Coral features the metric system, and that's it. The choice to leave the imperial system off the tape is a controversial one that'll likely put some people off, especially considering we still commonly size up people's height in feet and inches. 

This retractable tape by LiteTour has taken the world by storm. Through its uniquely sleek and stylish design, it has become a must-have for many people to have kicking about in the house. The fact that it's retractable also makes it stand out from the typical sewing and tailoring tape crowd. 

The big thing to watch out for with this tape is the tape itself is black, making it much harder for some people to spot the measurements. A stylish little number but which, unfortunately, fits the style over substance mould a little too well. 

Tolson has packed a lot of good points into this pocket tape's construction, especially considering the price. The biggest is that the blade benefits from the classic tape pairing of a yellow nylon coating set to black and red numbers, making it very visible. 

They've also included some rubberised, impact-resistant points onto the case to help prolong the tape's life. The quality won't be to the same high standard as the pocket tapes further up the list, but Tolson has made a valiant effort at creating a well-made tape for less.

If it's length you're searching for, you can't look past this extra-long surveyor's tape from British tool brand Draper. With a choice between 50 and 100 m of high tensile fibreglass tape, Draper has allowed you to measure out a full-sized football pitch, should you see fit. 

The tape's winding mechanism will help you reel in all those metres in a breeze, ensuring your time spent squaring up is easy. The only hitch is that the case is made entirely of ABS plastic, which, although strong for plastic, still instils the possibility of breakage.

For professional tailors and sewing specialists, there's really no other option out there worth considering for a flexible, case-less tape. This particular offering from Alfya is a 2-pack of fibreglass tapes, with one providing all red measurements and the other black. 

Both tapes hit the desired 1.5 m mark, which is the tried and tested industry standard for tailoring. Each tape is double-sided by design, allowing you to focus in on the metric system for certain garments and the imperial for body measurements. A bonafide classic pairing of tapes that's certainly set to impress. 

Milwaukee is a genuine giant of the tool industry, producing a popular selection of builder's drills and tools for close to 100 years. Their magnetic tape may not have the same acclaim as their drill range, but that doesn't make it any less of a good product. 

This is a compact tape that comes equipped with 8 m of strong, nylon-coated steel blade with a heavy-duty magnet riveted to the end. This powerful magnet will ensure that builders and DIYers can get the job done alone, in confidence, with their measurements being bang on. 

We're convinced that with price considered, this surveyor tape by Am-Tech is as good as any found online. The 30 m of fibreglass, double-sided tape has been finished with a reinforced metal ring, allowing you to hook onto your chosen point and start reeling out the tape. 

The case is another remark to the well-made nature of the tape. Constructed of rubber, the ergonomic design is made to fit perfectly in the hand, and will easily handle a few knocks and drops. Don't hang about deliberating on this one, pick it up today and start designing your new and improved garden tomorrow. 

If the idea of a laser meter pricked your ears and caught your attention in the buying guide, then this terrific tool by Hanmer is for you. It has a built-in, rechargeable lithium battery that, when fully charged, will guide your line markings for up to five continuous hours. 

The laser's measurements are configured and easily read from the top of the tape in digital form. The included 5 m of tape features a hardwearing nylon coating and a magnetic end. It also shows the metric system making a complete measuring machine with a digital edge that'll enhance any builder's day. 

Prym's reputation for its dedication to creating quality haberdashery products has once again outdone itself. Dating back to 1530, Prym is Germany's longest-standing family-run business, having 12 generations of expertise under their belts. 

Their "colour plus" tape measure benefits from coloured decimetric zones, making it easier to read, which in turn helps to minimise measurement mistakes. The press stud will also keep the polyester blended tape in good working order by eliminating any chance of it getting twisted and bent out of shape. 

American brand 'Stanley' is the world's largest supplier of hand tools. Let that sink in for a moment, and then come and get acquainted with their much-loved FatMax tape. Coming in 5, 8 and 10 m lengths, the FatMax is a stone-cold classic for anyone who requires trust in their tools. 

It features both the metric and imperial systems on the one side for a no-fuss tape that suits builders down to a tee. The mylar coated blade is at the top of the tape game, providing up to 10 times more resistance to wear and tear. Weighing in at just 160 g for the 10 m tape, the FatMax is every builder's favourite.