You’ll definitely need a tape measure to make sure any restorations you’re making to your home are accurate and don’t create more work than you need to fix any avoidable mistakes. Not all tape measures are the same, however, and if you’re looking for a good one, Harbor Freight sells the Bauer 25-foot Self-Locking Tape Measure. Bauer is a solid brand that makes some of the best power tools sold by Harbor Freight, and its tape measure is high quality, employing a durable steel blade that instantly locks into place with no unexpected snapback. An easy thumb release lets you automatically retract it just as smoothly.
The tape measure has a tough ABS plastic case, a thermoplastic rubber overmold that provides a better grip and stronger impact resistance, and a spring steel belt clip. The tape blade itself has a protective nylon coating, and matte finish that reduces glare and makes it easy to read, even in sunlight or under bright work lights. It’s marked in 1/16-inch increments that are nylon-bonded and won’t fade.
One drawback to the Bauer 25-foot Self-Locking Tape Measure is that it’s more expensive than many other tape measures — in some cases, more than twice the price, if not more. That includes those that are just as long and also sold by Harbor Freight. However, the Bauer 25-foot Self-Locking Tape Measure doesn’t exactly break the bank with its $8.99 retail price, and its quality construction makes it a solid buy if you’re willing to spend a few extra bucks.
