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World's Greatest

THE GREATESTTape Measure

OUR SELECTION · 2026

Stanley PowerLock tape measure
Photo: Scott Brody / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

THE ONE WE CHOSE

Stanley PowerLock

STANLEY

The tape measure that locks and stays put.

A steel tape measure with a locking blade, introduced by Stanley in 1932. It is the tape measure on most job sites.

DESIGN · LONGEVITY · REPUTATION

Why it won

  1. I

    Introduced by Stanley in 1932.

  2. II

    Locking blade holds its length.

  3. III

    Steel blade with clear markings.

  4. IV

    Belt clip and durable case.

SWIPE →

FINAL

The verdict

A tape measure is a tool you use daily. This is the one you reach for without thinking.

THE DETAILS

INTRODUCED
1932
BLADE
Steel, with lock
MAKER
Stanley

BUY THE GREATEST

[ Buy it · Amazon ][ See it · Stanley ]

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Our selection, not a measurement. Selected October 4, 2026. Last reviewed October 4, 2026. How we choose. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links.

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