Tape measures are a critical tool when it comes to putting anything together. Industrial tape measures come in handy for all kinds of tasks including building, or just design and layout of projects. However, you don't have to stick with the traditional styles of industrial tape measures. You can find new kinds of measuring tape online as digital devices continue to roll onto the market.

Business people in all walks of life use tape measures. These tools aren't just for contractors putting up drywall or framing buildings; design or information workers use them for sizing up future projects, and managers often find them useful in deciding on every-day decisions like where furniture should go in a facility. Business operators might:

1. Need a tape measure for building projects done in-house, from bookcases to shelving.

2. Need a tape measure for fitting items through doorways and other spaces.

3. Need measuring tape for designing the use of an office or work space.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get digital tape measures

New technology has done great things to the tape measure. In the 'old days,' people who used these simple tools had to write down their dimensions so they wouldn't forget them. No more! New digital tape measures record measurements in digital format, storing them for later use.

I recommend: Check HSN for the Bob Vila digital tape measure that includes digital reads and voice recording. You won't need to remember your feet and inches with this handy device. Find more digital measuring tape online at ThinkGeek.

Find state of the art laser tape measures

Laser-operated measuring models pinpoint distances without any cumbersome tape. Forget rolling out that metal or plastic, and just point and click.

I recommend: The Calculated Industries Laser Dimension Master, available at TigerSupplies, is an example of this new laser technology. Find more laser distance models at Professional Equipment.

Get promotional tape measures

Yes, the old traditional or electronic tape measure is yet another opportunity for branding. Choose from a variety of models from different tape measure manufacturers where third party vendors sell online and get your business name or logo front and center on the up side.

I recommend: Get different styles of measuring tape with your business printed on them at Branders.com. Find more measuring tapes for branding at Specialty Promotions Unlimited.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Beware: new and improved types of tape or tapeless measuring devices may dazzle you with their neat features and functions, but some of them, especially the laser models, can be pricey. Do a little cost analysis before going out to buy. A laser measuring tape might be okay for an executive buy, but you don't want to spend a fortune on them only to find your new buys are casualties to every day misplacement.