Fiberglass vs. Steel Measuring Tape: Which One Is Right for You?

11 Aug.,2025

 

Fiberglass vs. Steel Measuring Tape: Which One Is Right for You?

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Whether it’s surveying, engineering or construction, measuring tapes are some of the most important tools used throughout many phases of a project. Every measurement requires total precision and accuracy, so using the right type of measuring tape is integral to a project’s success.

Fiberglass and steel measuring tapes have long been popular choices across several industries. While they share several important features, there are also some distinct advantages to using one over the other depending on the job. Let’s break down the features and benefits of fiberglass and steel blades and see which one you should choose for your project.

Best Uses for Fiberglass Measuring Tapes

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Fiberglass tape measures are an ideal choice for numerous work environments and tend to work well in the fields of surveying, engineering, and building and construction. They are designed to withstand the wear and tear that occurs at outdoor worksites while giving you the level of accuracy you need to complete your projects.

In addition to their high level of durability, fiberglass tapes are rust-resistant (even to saltwater), tear-resistant and tend to be a more economical option when compared to steel tape. Another great benefit of fiberglass is that these tapes are safe to use around electrical hazards since they don’t conduct electricity like steel tapes.

Here are some things to consider when choosing fiberglass measuring tapes.

  • Look at fiber count. If your job requires a lot of measuring, you will want a heavy-duty fiberglass tape that is made with the strongest fibers.
  • Choose the right tape weight You want a tape that is as thin as possible. The thinner the blade, the less affected it will be in windy conditions, allowing for more accurate measurements.
  • Pay attention to stretching To keep fiberglass tape measurements as accurate as possible, don’t pull on the tape too hard. These tapes will stretch, which can throw off your measurement. But don’t worry; if the tape has a high fiberglass strand count, it should return to its proper length.

Keson’s fiberglass tape blades are more than twice as strong as the competition’s blade.

Keson fiberglass reinforced tapes are great examples of fiberglass measuring tapes that are very durable and can withstand extreme amounts of wear and tear. In fact, it was Roy Nosek, the founder of Keson, who introduced the first fiberglass long tape measure to the U.S. market in .

Keson fiberglass measuring tapes contain 40,000 fiberglass strands, giving them more tensile strength and superior accuracy. Two coats of PVC also protect these tapes from breaking. One coat is used to bind the fiberglass strands and a second coat is applied to the printed units to prevent the numbers from fading or wearing off.

Some fiberglass tapes are known for breaking at the attachment point, which is why the Keson fiberglass tape has an added blade shield  to supply more strength to this area and prevent breakage. These tapes also have a proven dielectric strength of 200,000 V/M to ensure your safety from electrical hazards.

Best Uses for Steel Measuring Tapes

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In one form or another, steel measuring tapes have been around since the s and are, by far, the most common type of measuring blade seen throughout the surveying, engineering, and building and construction industries.

Most of the pocket measuring tapes we are used to seeing have metal blades. In fact, steel is the most common type of measuring tape found in homes for DIY projects. When compared to fiberglass, steel has the advantage of being more durable over time with a longer life expectancy.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when using steel tape is that it’s not safe to use around electrical hazards. While steel tapes won’t stretch like fiberglass, they can be affected by extreme heat which will impact their level of accuracy. Working around water is also a consideration since steel blades can rust.

Here are some things to consider when choosing steel measuring tapes.

  • Look for coated steel. A nylon or lacquer coating (or several layers of coating) will protect steel from rust and wear.
  • Choose the right blade width. 3/8-inch wide blades are about 10-20% lighter than 1/2-inch wide blades, without sacrificing durability. Thinner blades are also less likely to move around in windy weather.
  • Determine level of flexibility needed: Steel isn’t as flexible as fiberglass, so it may be difficult to use when measuring on certain curved surfaces.

Keson’s multi-layer steel long tape measures last up to three times longer than the competition.

Keson nylon-coated steel tapes meet all the strength and durability standards you’re looking for in a steel measuring tape. Made with double layered .2mm nylon that is permanently bonded over a center core of 13mm steel, these uniquely designed tapes offer maximum corrosion resistance and provide at least three times the usual tape life.

How Do Your Tools Measure Up?

Regardless of the industry, all projects call for precise and accurate measurements. Knowing which type of measuring tape is ideal for your job is the first step toward a project’s success.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using tape ...

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using tape measurements in surveying?

Short Answer:

Tape measurement in surveying is a simple method of measuring distances using a flexible metal or fiber tape.

Advantages:

  • Easy to use and does not require special training.
  • Lightweight and portable, making it convenient for small surveys.
  • Low cost compared to electronic measuring devices.

Disadvantages:

  • Not suitable for long distances due to sagging and stretching.
  • Prone to errors caused by temperature changes, wind, and incorrect handling.
  • Time-consuming compared to modern electronic distance measurement (EDM) methods.
Detailed Explanation:

Tape measurement is one of the most commonly used methods in surveying for measuring short distances. It involves using a tape made of steel, cloth, or fiberglass to measure distances between two points.

Advantages of Tape Measurement in Surveying:

  1. Simple and Easy to Use:
    • Does not require advanced skills or electronic equipment.
    • Can be used by a single person or with minimal assistance.
  2. Low Cost:
    • Much cheaper than advanced surveying tools like EDM or total stations.
    • Ideal for small projects where high accuracy is not required.
  3. Portable and Lightweight:
    • Can be carried easily to different locations.
    • Useful for quick measurements in small construction sites.
  4. No Need for Power or Batteries:
    • Works without electricity, making it reliable in remote areas.
    • Can be used anytime without charging or calibration.

Disadvantages of Tape Measurement in Surveying:

  1. Limited Accuracy:
    • Tape measurements are less precise than EDM or GPS-based methods.
    • Errors can occur due to incorrect alignment or sagging of the tape.
  2. Prone to External Errors:
    • Temperature changes can expand or shrink metal tapes, affecting accuracy.
    • Wind and uneven ground can make measurements difficult.
  3. Not Suitable for Long Distances:
    • Tape measurements require repeated chaining, which increases errors.
    • Modern surveying tools provide better results for long distances.
  4. Time-Consuming Process:
    • Requires multiple people for long-distance measurements.
    • More effort needed to ensure correct alignment and tension of the tape.
Conclusion:

Tape measurement is a simple, low-cost method used in surveying for small-scale projects. However, it is less accurate and time-consuming compared to modern electronic measuring devices. It is best suited for short distances and preliminary surveys, while advanced methods are preferred for large-scale projects.

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