Every successful project starts with a single, precise measurement. The humble tape measure is the cornerstone tool for professionals and DIYers alike. Its ability to deliver reliable numbers makes it indispensable for countless tasks. This flexible ruler has a rich history. It evolved from cloth tapes used by tailors to the modern retractable design patented …
More than 25 million measuring tapes are sold annually in the U.S., yet most users barely scratch the surface of this tool’s capabilities. What began as tailor’s cloth strips evolved into the precision instrument carpenters rely on daily. Hiram Farrand’s 1868 patent revolutionized construction by creating the first spring-return design still used in modern versions. …

