Tape Measures

There are plenty of office tasks that require quick measurements. Whether you need to measure the dimensions of a room for furniture or projector installations or are trying to figure out what size monitor will fit comfortably on your desk, there are plenty of tape measures to choose from. Available in lengths ranging from just 5' to over 50', there are tape measures that feature both imperial and metric units of measurement to suit any user. For other measuring needs, there are a variety of rulers, yardsticks and tape measures, plus other basic supplies to suit everyday projects.

Flexible or Rigid

Most standard tape measures are slightly rigid and feature blades made of some type of metal. These types of tape measures are great for measuring distances between straight points. They utilize stop buttons to lock the blade in place, helping you achieve accurate tape measurements. An end hook can be used to attach the end of a tape measure to the end of a unit it's measuring to hold the blade in place while you check the tape measurements. Choose a tape measure with a magnetic end hook for simplified attachment when measuring metal objects.If you need to measure items that aren't strictly linear, it's best to select tape measures that are made of flexible materials, like fiberglass. A fiberglass tape measure can be bent easily around items, making them ideal for taking measurements on irregularly shaped items, large objects or around entire rooms.

Design Elements

Instead of toting around a heavy tool box, consider a tape measure with an integrated belt clip, which allows easy hands-free carrying. For measuring large outdoor spaces, consider open-reel tape measures, which extend long distances while you walk and can be re-coiled back onto the wheel once you're finished measuring. For heavy-duty jobs, consider tape measures with impact-resistant cases and durable, coated blades to withstand everyday use.