Have you ever wondered what the hash marks, black diamonds, and red squares on a tape measure mean? We'll help crack the code—and show you how to use the tool.

Interpreting the numbers, lines and symbols The odds are good that most households have at least one retractable tape measure, either in a toolbox, a junk drawer or on a garage shelf. These measuri… ...

Length Whether you're buying a retractable metric tape measure or one with inches and feet, you'll want to think about the length that best suits the type of projects you like to tackle.

Interpreting the numbers, lines and symbols The odds are good that most households have at least one retractable tape measure, either in a toolbox, a junk drawer or on a garage shelf. These measuri… ...

Interpreting the numbers, lines and symbols The odds are good that most households have at least one retractable tape measure, either in a toolbox, a junk drawer or on a garage shelf. These measuri… ...

Interpreting the numbers, lines and symbols The odds are good that most households have at least one retractable tape measure, either in a toolbox, a junk drawer or on a garage shelf. These measuri… ...

Interpreting the numbers, lines and symbols The odds are good that most households have at least one retractable tape measure, either in a toolbox, a junk drawer or on a garage shelf. These measuri… ...

"I thought there could be a better way to take, store and transfer measurements using a tape measure," said an inventor, from Chula Vista, Calif., "so I invented the SMART RETRACTABLE TAPE MEASURE ...

Metric tape measures are well worth considering, whether jotting down dimensions is part of your day job or your weekend DIY hobby. Here are our top picks!

It was this final version that truly launched the retractable tape measure into the mainstream, especially when it was taken up by the Stanley tool company, who sold it at for a reasonable price.

Interpreting the numbers, lines and symbols The odds are good that most households have at least one retractable tape measure, either in a toolbox, a junk drawer or on a garage shelf. These measuri… ...