Why do you need to choose a diameter tape, anyway? Because you want a quick and easy way to take a tape measure out of your pocket and find the diameter of a pipe or other round object. The best pipe diameter tape measure for your job can be solved by asking these questions:
- Metric or inch, or both? Some tapes are marked in any of these 3 different scales.
W906PD Lufkin Diameter Tape - How big is the pipe? Some tapes stop at 24 inch diameter. Some go to 38 inches.
Pi-Cobra Diameter Tape, Inches T217-6654 - Does a brand name matter? Lufkin tools have made a name for themselves. Pi-Cobra tapes are made in China, but they are less expensive, and longer.
- What accuracy do you need? The pocket sized ones are quick and convenient. They are accurate to 0.01 inch. If you need a highly accurate one, check out Pi Tape. They cost about 10 times as much, and they can’t fit in your pocket. But here is their accuracy: Pi Tape metric tapes have a diameter accuracy of ± 0,03 mm up to 3 600 millimeters. Pi Tape inch tapes have a diameter accuracy of ± 0,001″ up to 144 inches.
PI Tape 24″ to 48″ Range Periphery Tape Measure ‑ 57‑065‑856