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Tape Measures

Tape measures used in construction come in many styles, sizes, and shapes, but a 25-foot tape (like the Stanley 25-footer shown below) is perhaps the most popular at the job site. They are inexpensive and durable, and fit easily into tool belts.

The 25-foot tape measure is perfect for every day carpentry work. You can measure just about any framing and trim materials used in construction with a 25-footer.

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I have owned my Stanley 25-foot tape measure for nearly 40 years. It is pretty banged up, but it continues to work like a champ. I have wanted to upgrade to a 30-footer for a long time, but could never justify the purchase, since my 25-footer was still very functional and could do everything that I demanded of it.

Not long ago, I received the Stanley 30-foot tape measure as a birthday gift (I suppose someone got a hold of my wish list). It was perfect timing for my new 16' x 30' free-standing shelter project. The extra 5 feet really helped out on the long measurements and, since the size of the instrument didn't change significantly, it still fit nicely in my tool belt.

Combination Square

While the 25-foot tape measure is the most commonly used measuring device in tool pouches, there are clearly reasons to own other types. I have a 50-foot and a 100-foot tape-measures for measuring and squaring larger objects, like framing a floor or framing a roof, that I keep stored in my truck toolbox.

Other Tape Measures

I carry a compact 12-footer in my glove box that I sometimes take into the hardware store to measure materials, etc. My wife carries a small 3-foot tape measure in her purse for measuring items she is planning to purchase for her craft projects.

While I don't use my 50-foot and 100-foot tape measures every day, they are unquestionably essential carpentry tools. When you need them, you need them. Try measuring an 80' slab with a 25' tape measure. You can do it if you have to, but the lost precision, measuring the 80' length 25 feet at a time, could be significant.

Combination Square

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