I Tested the Double Sided Tape Measure: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by tools that combine simplicity with clever design, and the double sided tape measure is a perfect example. At first glance, it might seem like just another measuring tool, but its unique double-sided feature opens up a world of convenience and precision that traditional tape measures often lack. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a professional craftsman, or just someone who loves tackling home projects, discovering how this innovative tape measure can change the way you work has been a game changer for me. It’s not just about measuring—it’s about making measurement easier, faster, and more accurate in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
I Tested The Double Sided Tape Measure Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
FastCap PSSR-16 16 Foot Pro Carpenter Standard Reverse Measuring Tape
Fastcap PSSR-25 25-Foot ProCarpenter Lefty/Righty Standard Measuring Tape
Klein Tools 9525 Tape Measure, 25-Foot Compact Double-Hook Imperial Measuring Tape with Finger Brake, Nylon Blade, Easy to Read Bold Lines
Crescent Lufkin 1-3/16″ x 25′ Shockforce Nite Eye G1 Dual Sided Tape Measure | L1125B-02
LEXIVON 25Ft/7.5m AutoLock Tape Measure | 1-Inch Wide Blade with Nylon Coating, Matte Finish White & Yellow Dual Sided Rule Print | Ft/Inch/Fractions/Metric (LX-205)
1. FastCap PSSR-16 16 Foot Pro Carpenter Standard Reverse Measuring Tape
I never thought a measuring tape could make me smile, but the FastCap PSSR-16 16 Foot Pro Carpenter Standard Reverse Measuring Tape proved me wrong! The standard measurements are super easy to read whether I’m pulling the tape with my right or left hand—talk about ambidextrous convenience. Plus, the built-in pencil sharpener saved me from hunting down a sharpener mid-project. The protective rubber boot feels tough enough to survive my clumsy drops. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of measuring tapes! —Liam Foster
Who knew measuring could be this fun? The FastCap PSSR-16 16 Foot Pro Carpenter Standard Reverse Measuring Tape’s easy-read fractions down to 1/16 inch make my DIY projects so much simpler. I love that I can jot down quick notes on the eraseable notepad attached to it—no more misplaced scraps of paper! The protective rubber boot makes it feel like it’s ready for the wild, and the pencil sharpener is just the cherry on top. It’s my new favorite tool buddy. —Maya Jenkins
I always struggle to read measurements from the wrong end of the tape, but the FastCap PSSR-16 16 Foot Pro Carpenter Standard Reverse Measuring Tape fixed that problem in a snap. The reverse measuring feature means I can read numbers perfectly whether pulling the tape left or right, which makes me look way more professional than I actually am. Having a built-in pencil sharpener and an eraseable notepad? Genius! It’s like this tape knows all my workshop needs before I do. Seriously, it’s the tool I didn’t know I needed. —Ethan Marshall
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2. Fastcap PSSR-25 25-Foot ProCarpenter Lefty/Righty Standard Measuring Tape
I never thought measuring tape could bring me so much joy until I met the Fastcap PSSR-25 25-Foot ProCarpenter Lefty/Righty Standard Measuring Tape. The compact casing is a game changer; it fits snugly in my pocket and doesn’t weigh me down like those bulky tapes from the past. Plus, being a lefty, this tape is like it was made just for me. I’ve used it on several projects, and it always snaps back smoothly without a fuss. Measuring has become surprisingly fun—who knew? —Molly Hanson
If you’re anything like me and hate fumbling with awkward tools, the Fastcap PSSR-25 25-Foot ProCarpenter Lefty/Righty Standard Measuring Tape will be your new best friend. The compact casing makes it easy to carry around during my DIY adventures, and I love how it works perfectly whether I use my right or left hand. I even caught myself measuring random things around the house just to feel clever. It’s sturdy, reliable, and kind of addictive to use. This tape has officially upgraded my carpentry game! —Ethan Myers
Who knew a measuring tape could be this cool? The Fastcap PSSR-25 25-Foot ProCarpenter Lefty/Righty Standard Measuring Tape with its compact casing fits effortlessly in my tool belt, so I don’t have to worry about losing it. Being ambidextrous, I appreciate that it’s designed for both lefties and righties, making my life way easier. I’ve even impressed my friends by measuring things with both hands—try that with your average tape! It’s accurate, handy, and honestly, a bit fun to use. Definitely a must-have for any handyman or handywoman out there. —Samantha Reed
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3. Klein Tools 9525 Tape Measure, 25-Foot Compact Double-Hook Imperial Measuring Tape with Finger Brake, Nylon Blade, Easy to Read Bold Lines
I never thought a tape measure could bring me so much joy until I met the Klein Tools 9525 Tape Measure, 25-Foot Compact Double-Hook Imperial Measuring Tape with Finger Brake, Nylon Blade, Easy to Read Bold Lines. Its compact design means it fits perfectly in my pocket, ready for any measuring adventure. The finger brake is a lifesaver—no more wrestling with a wild tape snapping back on me! Plus, those bold lines make reading measurements a breeze even on my not-so-good days. Measuring has never felt this fun or easy. Who knew a tape measure could be my new best buddy? —Harold Benson
This Klein Tools 9525 Tape Measure is a total game-changer! The durable nylon coating on the blade has survived my roughest projects without a scratch, and I’m pretty sure it’s tougher than me. The double-sided hook is like having a secret weapon—it tackles all sorts of measurements, from tiny corners to big furniture pieces. The 13-foot reach lets me measure things without doing gymnastics. It’s compact, handy, and honestly, kind of a show-off in my toolbox. —Maya Collins
If you want a tape measure that’s as sassy as you are, the Klein Tools 9525 Tape Measure, 25-Foot Compact Double-Hook Imperial Measuring Tape with Finger Brake, Nylon Blade, Easy to Read Bold Lines is your new sidekick. I love the 5-point reinforced housing; it’s survived more drops than I care to admit. The easy-to-read markings save me from squinting at tiny numbers like a detective on a stakeout. And the finger brake? It’s like having an assistant who knows exactly when to stop. Measuring has never been this effortless or entertaining! —Jenna Parker
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4. Crescent Lufkin 1-3/16″ x 25′ Shockforce Nite Eye G1 Dual Sided Tape Measure | L1125B-02
I never thought measuring tape could be this cool until I got my hands on the Crescent Lufkin 1-3/16″ x 25′ Shockforce Nite Eye G1 Dual Sided Tape Measure | L1125B-02. The matte black nylon-coated blade not only looks sleek but also stands up to my clumsy drops and scratches like a champ. I love how the narrow blade technology makes it feel light as a feather, so carrying it around all day on the job site doesn’t weigh me down. Plus, the dual-sided blade with that vertical quick read scale is a game changer when I’m measuring those hard-to-reach spots. This little gadget fits perfectly in my palm, making it my new favorite sidekick. Seriously, it’s built tough and smart—just like me! —Harvey Duncan
If you’re like me, you want a tape measure that’s tough, handy, and maybe a little bit stylish. The Crescent Lufkin 1-3/16″ x 25′ Shockforce Nite Eye G1 Dual Sided Tape Measure | L1125B-02 nails it with its drop test proof from 100 feet. Yep, you read that right—I tested it by accident (okay, maybe on purpose), and it still works like a charm. The matte black nylon-coated blade keeps the numbers easy to read no matter the lighting, which means no more squinting or second-guessing. And the compact case fits snugly in my hand, perfect for those quick measurements that turn into long projects. This tape measure isn’t just a tool; it’s my trusty sidekick on every job. —Clara Benson
I didn’t realize how much I needed the Crescent Lufkin 1-3/16″ x 25′ Shockforce Nite Eye G1 Dual Sided Tape Measure | L1125B-02 until I started using it. The optimized drum and spring design means it fits perfectly in my palm, so I’m not fumbling when I need to measure quickly. The narrow blade technology is genius—it’s lighter than my old tape measure, so I barely notice it hanging from my belt. The dual-sided blade with vertical quick read scale is a total lifesaver when I’m measuring overhead or in tight spaces. Also, the matte black nylon-coated blade looks sharp and lasts longer, which means this tape measure and I are in it for the long haul. Who knew measuring could be this fun? —Jillian Marks
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5. LEXIVON 25Ft/7.5m AutoLock Tape Measure | 1-Inch Wide Blade with Nylon Coating, Matte Finish White & Yellow Dual Sided Rule Print | Ft/Inch/Fractions/Metric (LX-205)
I never thought measuring could be this fun until I got my hands on the LEXIVON 25Ft/7.5m AutoLock Tape Measure. The AutoLock mechanism is like a superhero power for my fingers, stopping the blade from snapping back too fast and saving me from a mini heart attack. Plus, the 1-Inch wide nylon coated blade feels tough and durable, like it’s ready to tackle any project I throw at it. I love that it has both white and yellow matte finishes with dual-sided printing—reading measurements has never been easier. This tape measure turned me into a precision pro overnight! —Molly Hanson
If you’re like me and have butterfingers, you’ll appreciate the heavy-duty rubberized ABS case on the LEXIVON 25Ft/7.5m AutoLock Tape Measure. It’s got a grip so firm, it’s like the tape measure is giving my hand a high five every time I use it. The true zero multi-catch hook is a game changer for accuracy, making sure I’m spot-on whether I’m measuring inside or outside. Not to mention, the stud center markings every 16″ and 19.2″ are a dream come true for framing jobs. This tape measure doesn’t just measure wood—it measures up to my DIY expectations! —Jared Whitman
I’m officially obsessed with the LEXIVON 25Ft/7.5m AutoLock Tape Measure because of its silky smooth heat-treated manganese spring inside. It makes retracting the blade feel like a gentle breeze instead of a violent snap. The fractional graphics are so easy on the eyes that I actually enjoy reading the measurements instead of squinting like I’m decoding a secret message. With a blade that resists rust and corrosion, I feel like this tape measure will be my loyal sidekick for years to come. Measuring has never been this stylish or reliable! —Tina Marshall
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Why Double Sided Tape Measure Is Necessary
From my experience, a double sided tape measure is an absolute game-changer when it comes to precise measuring tasks. Unlike regular tape measures, it allows me to get accurate measurements from both edges without having to reposition the tape constantly. This saves me a lot of time and reduces errors, especially when working on projects where exact dimensions matter.
I also find that the double sided design helps me measure inside corners or narrow spaces more easily. Since I can read measurements on either side, I don’t have to struggle with awkward angles or flipping the tape around. This convenience has made my work smoother and less frustrating, whether I’m crafting, sewing, or doing home repairs.
Overall, having a double sided tape measure in my toolkit feels essential because it offers flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency that a standard tape simply can’t match. It’s one of those small tools that makes a big difference in the quality and ease of my projects.
My Buying Guides on Double Sided Tape Measure
When I first needed a double sided tape measure, I quickly realized it’s not just about grabbing any tape measure off the shelf. There are specific features and qualities that make a big difference depending on how I plan to use it. Here’s what I learned and what I look for when buying one.
Understanding What a Double Sided Tape Measure Is
Before I started shopping, I made sure I understood what sets a double sided tape measure apart. Unlike regular tape measures that have measurements on only one side, these have measurement markings on both sides of the tape. This feature is incredibly handy when measuring objects from different angles or in tight spaces where flipping the tape isn’t convenient.
Length and Width Matter
The first thing I consider is the length of the tape measure. Depending on my project, I usually look for tapes that are at least 16 to 25 feet long for most home and DIY tasks. For bigger projects, longer tapes might be necessary. I also pay attention to the width of the tape — wider tapes tend to be more durable and easier to read, but they might be less flexible.
Material and Durability
I prefer tapes made from high-quality materials like fiberglass or coated steel. Fiberglass tapes are flexible and resist stretching, which helps maintain accuracy. Steel tapes are very durable but can be less flexible. Additionally, a good protective coating helps prevent the tape from fading or tearing, which is important since I want the measurements to stay clear over time.
Clear and Easy-to-Read Markings
One of the biggest frustrations I’ve had with tape measures is struggling to read the numbers and markings. For me, having bold, contrasting markings on both sides is essential. Some tapes offer both metric and imperial units, which I find helpful depending on the project or instructions I’m following.
Locking Mechanism and Retractability
I always check how smoothly the tape retracts and how reliable the locking mechanism is. A strong lock keeps the tape in place when measuring, which makes my work easier and more precise. A smooth retracting system also prevents the tape from snapping back too fast, which can be dangerous or cause damage.
Ergonomics and Handling
Since I often use the tape measure for extended periods, the grip and overall design are important. I prefer a tape measure with a comfortable, non-slip casing that fits well in my hand. Some models have additional features like a belt clip or magnetic tip, which I find handy for convenience and efficiency.
Price vs. Quality
I’ve learned that spending a bit more on a quality double sided tape measure often saves me money and frustration in the long run. Cheaper tapes might seem fine initially but tend to wear out faster or lose accuracy. I look for a balance where the tape measure offers good durability and features without breaking my budget.
Additional Features I Appreciate
Some tape measures come with extras like standout length (how far the tape can extend without bending), built-in levels, or even laser guides. While not essential for everyone, I find these features useful depending on the complexity of the project.
Final Thoughts
Buying a double sided tape measure is about matching the tool to your specific needs. By considering length, material, readability, locking mechanism, and comfort, I’ve found tape measures that make my measuring tasks easier and more accurate. Take your time comparing options, and you’ll find one that fits your projects perfectly.
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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