Silverline Open Reel Surveyors Tape 30m / 100ft x 13mm (MT45)

I could weep. This is one of the cheapest measures I own and it is far and away the best for outdoor measuring. Why have I been struggling all these years with ordinary reel tapes?You can stick it in soft ground and stays there if you don't pull too hard. You can also use the claw end to hook over things and draw the reel away. Again, you need to be fairly gentle, but it beats using a tent peg through a loop on the end of the tape.The handle is particularly effective. You can reel the tape in without bumping your fingers and when the handle is folded over, it locks the tape in place so it doesn't unreel accidently.Very pleased with this new toy! And yes, I do do a lot of measuring. :-)

Nicely made. Easy to use. Clearly marked. Decent sized numbers. Quick to rewind. Useful for planning building work. Excellent product for the price.

Ok, before we proceed with the review of this 30 Metre Open Reel Surveyor's Tape from Silverline it is important to remember it's RRP on Amazon of £7.38, and the fact that more often than not this price seems to be reduced further (I for instance purchased mine for £6.06).I highlight this not to excuse poor quality, but rather to make it quite clear that one's expectations must be realistic before purchasing it; in other words to remind that you more often than not get what you pay for!I had been intending to buy a Surveyor's Tape for some time, there are many job's that just can't be properly done with a tape measure or a digital range measure; from the start of choosing the right one for me I was struck by the range of both design, brand and price.I suppose the best way to buy any product is to decide on your criteria, mine was to have a Surveyor's Tape of at least twenty metres, preferably of below ten pounds and from a brand I know, for it to be of a sufficient quality but at the same time take into account that as a keen DIYer it will not be used extensively and only be used occasionally.The Tape that seemed to best meet this list of requirements was the Silverline MT45, and so it was ordered.It's quite lightweight, perhaps not as sturdy as I was expecting, and whilst the quality of build should be sufficient to withstand my intended use it will need to be treated with a degree of care. This is not to say it is delicate, it's just that some of the components could have been manufactured to a higher quality; the winding handle in particular just doesn't feel quite solid enough, a strange omission considering it's role and the fact it will be the part of the tool that is likely to receive the most heavy use.The 'tape' itself feels of a good and strong quality, it's waterproof and has measurements in both metric and imperial.The Surveyor's Tape comes with a guarantee, and as is standard with all Silverline handtools it is a lifetime guarantee; it must be registered online within thirty days of purchase to be activated. This guarantee covers any breakages or damage that comes about due to a flaw in it's manufacture, so this should perhaps go some way to reassuring those with concerns as to it's quality.So to sum this Surveyor's Tape up it does offer good value, and as long as you have realistic expectations you shouldn't be disappointed; it is suitable for a fair amount of use, and if it is cared for appropriately it should last for some time.

Great value tape. Easy to read. Appears to be robust. Has a gripper at the end of the tape, making it easy to use single handed - just attach to fence, building etc., and walk backwards.

Have used this in anger to set out a house. No problems in use, end hook accurately placed, accuracy good. Markings durable. Would buy again.

Used this to measure up our garden for some planning so wasn't looking to spend a fortune as it will be rarely used afterwards. Was very impressed by the quality for the price, easy to use and the real action is great so cannot see us having any bother with this product at all.

After a slight hiccup, which the seller probably rectified, I am extremely satisfied with the entire process. It's great value for the price, and I highly recommend it.

Great product, does exactly what it say it will do. Its a tape measure and it measures, I love it. Spend most days pulling it and winding it back up for fun.