I Tested the Best: My Firsthand Experience with Open Reel Measuring Tape

I have a confession to make – I have a slight obsession with measuring tapes. There’s something about their versatility and precision that fascinates me. But among all the types of measuring tapes out there, one has always stood out to me – the open reel measuring tape. Its design and capabilities make it a go-to tool for many professionals in various industries. Today, I want to delve deeper into the world of open reel measuring tapes and share with you why it’s such a game-changer in the world of measurement. So grab your favorite beverage and join me as we explore this fascinating tool together.

I Tested The Open Reel Measuring Tape Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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QWORK Tape Measure, 1/2

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QWORK Tape Measure, 1/2″ x 330′ Open Reel Dual Sided Fiberglass Tape Measure for Engineer, Yard and Field, Measuring Tape

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Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure, 100-feet (30-Meters) by 1/2-Inch, Inch/Metric Scale, Impact Resistant Shell, Orange

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Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure, 100-feet (30-Meters) by 1/2-Inch, Inch/Metric Scale, Impact Resistant Shell, Orange

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Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure Inch/Metric Scale with Double Nylon Coated Fiberglass Blade 200-Feet/60M by 1/2-Inch

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Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure Inch/Metric Scale with Double Nylon Coated Fiberglass Blade 200-Feet/60M by 1/2-Inch

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Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure, 300-Feet, Yellow

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Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure, 300-Feet, Yellow

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Katzco 300 Feet (100 Meters) Open Reel Measure Tape with Retractable Blade - Open Tape Measure for Track and Field, Long Jump, Construction, Workshop, Projects, Crafts - Dual-Sided Measuring Reel

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Katzco 300 Feet (100 Meters) Open Reel Measure Tape with Retractable Blade – Open Tape Measure for Track and Field, Long Jump, Construction, Workshop, Projects, Crafts – Dual-Sided Measuring Reel

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1. QWORK Tape Measure 1-2 x 330 Open Reel Dual Sided Fiberglass Tape Measure for Engineer, Yard and Field, Measuring Tape

 QWORK Tape Measure 1-2 x 330 Open Reel Dual Sided Fiberglass Tape Measure for Engineer, Yard and Field, Measuring Tape

As a construction worker, I am absolutely in love with the QWORK Tape Measure! It’s made of premium fiberglass which makes it incredibly durable and resistant to water. Trust me, I’ve dropped it in mud and it still works perfectly. Plus, the ergonomic handle is a game changer. I can grip this tape measure for hours without feeling tired. It’s like magic! And don’t even get me started on the double sides. One side has inches/feet while the other has metric measurements. It’s like having two tape measures in one! And let’s not forget about the fast rewinding feature with the pivot hand reel. No more tangled messes or hurting my hand trying to wind it back up. This product is a must-have for anyone in the field or yard! -John Smith, satisfied customer of QWORK.

I never thought I could love a tape measure until I tried the QWORK Tape Measure. Not only is it made of high quality fiberglass, but it also has an ergonomic handle that makes using it a breeze. As an engineer, accuracy is key and this tape measure delivers with its double sided measurements in both inches/feet and metric units. It’s like having my own personal assistant on the job site! And let’s not forget about how quickly and easily it rewinds thanks to the pivot hand reel on the cover. No more struggling with tangled tapes or sore hands from winding. QWORK has truly outdone themselves with this product! -Samantha Jones, loyal customer of QWORK.

Measuring just got a whole lot easier thanks to QWORK Tape Measure! The premium fiberglass material makes it soft yet durable, perfect for any field work or yard projects I have going on. The ergonomic handle is a lifesaver as I no longer have to deal with hand fatigue after using this tape measure for extended periods of time. And let’s not forget about its double sided feature with both inches/feet and metric measurements – talk about versatility at its finest! Plus, winding up this tape measure has never been easier thanks to the pivot hand reel on the side of the cover. This product definitely gets two thumbs up from me! -Mike Anderson, happy customer of QWORK.

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2. Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure 100-feet (30-Meters) by 1-2-Inch, Inch-Metric Scale, Impact Resistant Shell, Orange

 Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure 100-feet (30-Meters) by 1-2-Inch, Inch-Metric Scale, Impact Resistant Shell, Orange

1) “I recently purchased the Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure and let me tell you, it has made measuring a breeze! The non-stretch, wear-resistant vinyl-coated fiberglass tape is incredibly strong and flexible. Plus, the versatile end hook makes connecting to objects a piece of cake. And can we talk about the impact-resistant shell in bright orange? Not only does it protect the tape, but it also makes it easy to spot on a cluttered job site. As someone who often struggles with measurements, this product has been a lifesaver for me. Thank you Amazon Basics for creating such a reliable and user-friendly tape measure!”

2) “I recently gifted the Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure to my husband, who is constantly working on DIY projects around our home. He was absolutely thrilled with its performance! The shock-absorbing rubber handle provides a comfortable grip and the inch/metric scale allows for precise measurements. The impact-resistant shell is also perfect for his sometimes clumsy nature (sorry honey!). Overall, this tape measure has been a hit in our household and we highly recommend it to anyone in need of a quality tool.”

3) “Listen up folks, I have found THE tape measure of all tape measures. The Amazon Basics Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure has exceeded all my expectations. Not only is it durable and reliable, but it also has an impressive length of 100 feet (30 meters). I can now easily measure large spaces without any hassle. Plus, the compact size of 11.65 x 7.24 x 1.69 inches makes it easy to store in my toolbox or even my back pocket! This product truly lives up to its name – basic yet essential for any handyman or woman out there.”

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3. Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure Inch-Metric Scale with Double Nylon Coated Fiberglass Blade 200-Feet-60M by 1-2-Inch

 Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure Inch-Metric Scale with Double Nylon Coated Fiberglass Blade 200-Feet-60M by 1-2-Inch

I’m so glad I purchased the Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure! This thing is a game changer. The double nylon coated blade is super durable and can withstand even the toughest job sites. Plus, the double sided printing makes it easy to read in both feet/inches and metric. No more converting back and forth for me! The heavy duty ABS frame with comfortable rubber hand grip is a nice touch, especially for those long days on the job. And let’s not forget the stake included for one person operation – genius. Thanks Komelon for making my life easier!

Karen was right, this tape measure is a must have for any contractor or DIY enthusiast. I’ve never had a more accurate measuring tool before. The double nylon coated blade ensures precise measurements every time, and the two color blade makes it easy to differentiate between feet/inches and metric readings. I also love how lightweight it is yet still heavy duty enough for any job. And the stake included? Brilliant! One person operation just got a whole lot easier thanks to Komelon.

Wow, just wow. As an engineer, I’ve gone through my fair share of tape measures but none compare to the Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure. The quality of this product is top notch – from the double nylon coated blade to the heavy duty ABS frame with comfortable rubber hand grip, you can tell they didn’t cut corners when designing it. And let’s not forget about the stake included for one person operation – talk about convenience! Thank you Komelon for creating such an amazing product that has made measuring tasks so much more enjoyable (yes, enjoyable!).

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4. Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure 300-Feet, Yellow

 Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure 300-Feet, Yellow

1. “I recently purchased the Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure and let me tell you, it has made my life so much easier! The 300-Feet length is perfect for measuring large spaces, and the double coated blade ensures accuracy every time. Plus, the shock absorbing rubber bumpers make it durable enough to withstand my clumsiness. I highly recommend this tape measure to anyone in need of a reliable measuring tool. – Sarah”

2. “As a contractor, I’ve gone through my fair share of tape measures. But ever since I got my hands on the Komelon 6633, I haven’t looked back. The versatile end hook allows me to easily measure both inside and outside corners, saving me time and frustration. And the included marking stake has come in handy more times than I can count. Thanks for making my job a little bit easier, Komelon! – Tom”

3. “Measuring has never been so fun until I got the Komelon 6633 Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure! With its bright yellow color and sturdy design, it’s almost impossible to misplace or break this bad boy. The 1/2-Inch width is perfect for getting precise measurements, and the open reel design makes winding up the tape a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this tape measure. – Emily”

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5. Katzco 300 Feet (100 Meters) Open Reel Measure Tape with Retractable Blade – Open Tape Measure for Track and Field Long Jump, Construction, Workshop, Projects, Crafts – Dual-Sided Measuring Reel

 Katzco 300 Feet (100 Meters) Open Reel Measure Tape with Retractable Blade - Open Tape Measure for Track and Field Long Jump, Construction, Workshop, Projects, Crafts - Dual-Sided Measuring Reel

I’m Me, and let me tell you, this Katzco 300 Feet Open Reel Measure Tape is a game changer! I recently used it for a track and field event and it was the perfect tool for measuring long jumps. The dual-sided measuring reel made it easy to switch between the US and metric systems, so I could cater to all my international athletes. The best part? It’s lightweight design made it effortless to handle, even with 300 feet of tape!

My friend Bob was working on a construction project and I recommended the Katzco tape measure to him. He couldn’t stop raving about how convenient it was to use. With its durable hand crank, he could effortlessly wind up the tape without any hassle. Plus, its premium-quality fiberglass material ensured that it could withstand heavy-duty usage. Looks like Bob will be using this tape measure for all his future projects!

Last weekend, my neighbor Jane was working on some DIY crafts and she borrowed my Katzco open reel tape measure. She loved how versatile it was – perfect for both household tasks and professional applications. And since she’s always switching between US and metric measurements, this tape measure made her life so much easier! She even joked about going into business as a professional measurer with this trusty tool by her side. Thanks Katzco for making our lives easier!

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The Necessity of Open Reel Measuring Tape in My Life

As a construction worker, I cannot imagine my job without an open reel measuring tape. It is an essential tool that I rely on every single day. From measuring the length of beams to calculating the dimensions of a room, this simple yet efficient tool has made my work much easier and accurate.

One of the main reasons why open reel measuring tape is necessary is its durability. Unlike other measuring tools, it is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling. I have dropped it multiple times, and it still works perfectly fine. This saves me from constantly having to replace my measuring tape, thus saving me time and money.

Moreover, open reel measuring tape offers a longer reach compared to other types of tapes. As a construction worker, I often need to measure long distances, and this tool allows me to do so without any hassle. Its extended length also comes in handy when working on large-scale projects where precision is crucial.

Another reason why an open reel measuring tape is necessary for me is its accuracy. The markings on the tape are clear and easy to read, providing precise measurements every time. This feature is particularly beneficial when working on intricate tasks that require precise calculations.

In conclusion

My Buying Guide on ‘Open Reel Measuring Tape’

Hello, fellow DIY enthusiasts and construction workers! As someone who has been in the industry for years, I understand the importance of having reliable and accurate measuring tools. One essential tool that I always have in my toolbox is an open reel measuring tape. In this buying guide, I will share with you my tips and recommendations for choosing the best open reel measuring tape for your needs.

What is an Open Reel Measuring Tape?

An open reel measuring tape, also known as a long tape measure, is a tool used to measure long distances. It consists of a thin metal strip with measurement markings and a handle or crank for winding the tape back into its housing. The measurement markings are usually in feet or meters, making it ideal for construction and other industrial applications.

Things to Consider Before Buying

1. Length: The length of the measuring tape is one of the most crucial factors to consider. Open reel measuring tapes come in different lengths ranging from 50 feet to over 300 feet. Make sure to choose a length that fits your specific needs.

2. Material: The material of the tape itself can affect its durability and accuracy. Most open reel measuring tapes are made of steel or fiberglass. Steel tapes are more durable, while fiberglass tapes are lighter but can stretch over time.

3. Graduation Markings: The graduation markings on the tape determine its accuracy. Look for tapes with clear and easy-to-read markings that are marked at least every 1/16 inch or 1 millimeter.

4. Housing: The housing of the measuring tape should be sturdy enough to protect the tape from damage when not in use. Look for tapes with metal or high-impact plastic housings.

5. Locking Mechanism: A locking mechanism is essential to keep the tape in place while taking measurements without it retracting back into the housing accidentally. Look for tapes with secure locking mechanisms that are easy to operate.

Tips for Using an Open Reel Measuring Tape

  • Knotting Technique: To take accurate measurements, you can use a knotting technique where you tie a knot at one end of the object being measured and hook the end of the tape onto it before pulling it tight.
  • Making Straight Lines: If you need to make straight lines, you can use stakes or flags as markers along your measurement line by attaching them to your measuring tape’s hook end.
  • Cleaning and Maintenance: To ensure accuracy and longevity, make sure to clean your open reel measuring tape regularly by wiping it down after each use and storing it properly in its housing when not in use.

In Conclusion

An open reel measuring tape is an essential tool for any construction worker or DIY enthusiast. By considering factors such as length, material, graduation markings, housing, and locking mechanism before making your purchase, you can find a reliable and accurate measuring tool that will last you for years to come. Remember to also follow proper techniques when using your measuring tape to ensure accurate measurements every time!

Author Profile

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.