The difference between a good tape measure and a bad one comes down to two things: whether the blade stands out far enough to reach across a room without buckling, and whether the lock holds when you let go of it. This one is self-locking, so the blade stays where you pulled it to without you holding a button down while you mark the line.
The blade is thickened, hardened steel with a wear-resistant coating, which is what keeps the printed markings legible after a year in a tool bag instead of wearing down to an unreadable smear across the first twelve inches - the section that gets used most often and abrades fastest. The case is sized to sit in the palm or clip onto a belt.
It suits building work, joinery, hanging shelves, measuring up for furniture and curtains, and the general household measuring that happens with whatever tool is nearest to hand. Several lengths are available. Retract the blade under control rather than letting it snap back; a hard return is the quickest way to crease a blade or bend the hook at the end, and a bent hook quietly throws off every measurement you take afterwards.
Self-locking blade - stays extended without holding a button
Thickened, hardened steel blade
Wear-resistant coating keeps markings legible
Palm-sized case, belt-clip friendly
Several lengths available
For construction, joinery, DIY and household measuring
Retract under control to avoid creasing the blade or bending the hook
