A national survey by STANLEY®, a brand under Stanley Black & Decker and the leading tape measure manufacturer globally, found that nearly half of residential trade professionals prioritize their tape measure over their phone, wallet, or keys. In honor of National Tape Measure Day on July 14, STANLEY’s survey highlights the tape measure habits and preferred design features of residential pros.
“For almost a century, STANLEY has produced tape measures trusted by trade professionals,” said Peter Gabriele, Group Product Manager of Measuring & Layout at STANLEY. “We’ve continuously innovated in the tape measure category, providing new technologies backed by STANLEY’s performance and accuracy.”
Tape Measures Trump Phones for Trade Pros
The survey revealed that 75% of residential pros use their tape measure more than five times a day, with 50% using it at least ten times daily. Notably, 42% of respondents would rather go without their phone, wallet, and keys than be without their tape measure, and 44% would even forgo their morning coffee before leaving their tape measure behind on the jobsite.
Misplacing Tape Measures on the Job
Nearly two-thirds of residential pros reported misplacing their tape measure at least once daily, and 28% lose it up to three times per day. To combat this, 38% own more than three tape measures.
Different Jobs, Different Tape Measures
Residential contractors primarily use tape measures for cutting materials to size (65%), measuring room dimensions (44%), and estimating material needs (38%). To address various jobsite needs, nearly two-thirds use different types of tape measures. Key design features include tape length (71%) and reach (65%).
STANLEY’s Legacy of Quality
STANLEY introduced the first steel tape measure, known as the Pull-push tape measure, in 1930. The STANLEY facility in New Britain, Connecticut, was instrumental in developing the tape measure quality standards still used today.
Modern STANLEY tape measures cater to diverse jobsite needs. The STANLEY ControlLock™ Tapes feature an ergonomic finger brake, while STANLEY FATMAX® Tapes offer extended reach and magnets for secure attachment to metal surfaces. The STANLEY POWERLOCK® Tapes, with a 70-year legacy, remain a staple for trade professionals globally.
For more information about STANLEY tape measures, visit: STANLEY Tools Tape Measures.
National Tape Measure Day Giveaway 2024
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Enter between 8:00 AM ET on 7/14/24 and 11:59 PM ET on 7/21/24. For Official Rules and entry details, visit: STANLEY National Tape Measure Day Giveaway 2024. Open to legal residents of the 50 USA states and DC, who are at least the age of majority at the time of entry.
Survey Methodology
Stanley Black & Decker commissioned Atomik Research to survey 1,003 contractors across the United States. The sample included full-time, part-time, and self-employed residential contractors. Conducted from June 26 to July 1, 2024, the survey has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points with a 95% confidence level.
