Oversized Hooks

Oversized hooks grab on things easier and can catch on all four sides of the hook. Sometimes, though, they can also catch where you don’t want them to, like on your tool belt. They can also be clumsy when making measurements that require more finesse, like measuring into corners. Still, the benefits outweigh the hassles, and big hooks are better for most types of work.

‘Stand-Out’ Matters

A tape measure’s “stand-out” refers to how far it can be extended before tape crumples under its own weight. The greater the stand-out, the longer the distances you can conveniently measure on your own. But even for shorter measurements, a long-reach tape is easier to use. Because the blade is stiffer, you can handle it faster and with less care than you would a flimsy tape. Most pro-grade tape measures list the stand-out on the packaging. We’ve found most of those claims to be accurate— and sometimes even understated.