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When we aren’t uncovering the most enticing deals for our Dad Shoe Discounts page, Dad Shoe Deals is busy searching for sales to feature in our Dad Shoe Essentials section. It’s your one-stop shop for dad-approved products, including the best keychain tape measures, lawn mowers, and tire inflators, all available for dad-approved prices.
Just the Essentials
- “Why can’t I ever find my tape measure?” is a question that many dads ask on a regular basis, as these tools tend to go missing all the time.
- Buying a keychain tape measure from a trusted brand like Craftsman, Stanley, or Milwaukee is an effective way to prevent yours from getting lost, since it will always be with your keys.
- We’ve put together a list of the 13 best keychain tape measures priced under $13 to help you pick the right option.
Why You Need a Keychain Tape Measure
As a 40-something-year-old dad, I’ve gotten used to routinely losing my patience, my temper, and, at times, my mind (thanks, kids!). But I would argue there’s something I lose more often than any of these things — and, no, it isn’t my hair, like my teenager might lead you to believe (though I have lost plenty of that, too — thanks again, kids!).
Instead, I’m talking about my tape measure. Or rather, all 28 of the tape measures that I’ve welcomed into my home over the years, only to have them vanish into thin air. I’ve lost more money than I can count replacing them, and yet, I still can’t seem to find one when I need it most.
Thankfully, I think I’ve finally found a good solution to this problem and won’t have to worry about asking, “Why can’t I ever find my tape measure?” again. I recently purchased a keychain tape measure, and I don’t know why I didn’t buy one so much sooner. I’m still losing my patience, temper, and mind more often than I might like, but I’m no longer pulling my hair out because I can’t track down my tape measure.
Do you deal with this same issue? Check out the 13 best keychain tape measures priced under $13 below.
Craftsman 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure, $6 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 0.42 pounds
Materials: Rubber case and high-carbon steel blade
Say hello to the keychain tape measure that inspired this list of the best keychain tape measures priced under $13 in the first place. I randomly came across this Craftsman 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure on sale for $4, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best $4 I’ve spent in a long time.
Stanley PowerLock 3-Foot Keychain Tape Measure, $6 at Amazon
Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.6 x 1.0 inches
Weight: 0.11 pounds
Materials: Aluminum case and alloy steel blade
The regular-sized Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure was recently voted “Best Tape Measure” by The New York Times. The Stanley PowerLock 3-Foot Keychain Tape Measure is a miniature version that includes many of the same features.
Stanley FatMax 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure, $9 at Amazon
Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.6 x 1.0 inches
Weight: 0.11 pounds
Materials: Aluminum case and alloy steel blade
The Stanley FatMax 25-Foot Tape Measure came in a close second to the Stanley PowerLock 25-Foot Tape Measure during The New York Times’ recent review of measuring tapes. The Stanley FatMax 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure is a shrunken version that retains the larger Stanley tape measure’s unmistakable toughness.
Workpro 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measures (2-Pack), $8 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.51 x 1.24 x 1.12 inches
Weight: 0.16 pounds
Materials: ABS case and a plastic blade
The only thing better than buying one keychain tape measure for under $13 is getting two for the same price. This two-pack of Workpro 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measures features a couple of the more compact tape measures we’ve seen. Plus, they’re covered in a bright green color that makes them hard to miss.
Duratech 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measures (2-Pack), $9 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.32 x 1.32 x 0.52 inches
Weight: 0.08 pounds
Materials: ABS case and metal blade
Workpro is far from the only tool company that can hook you up with a 2-pack of the best keychain tape measures priced under $13. This pair of Duratech 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measures is another terrific option. Much like the Workpro tape measures, these are covered in a brighter color, making them easier to spot than other options.
Harrier Hardware 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure (2-Pack), $10 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.9 x 1.0 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 0.11 pounds
Materials: Plastic and rubber case and metal blade
Do you want to get your hands on a keychain measuring tape that’s a little more discreet than the brightly colored options we just showcased? The Harrier Hardware 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure is one of the best keychain tape measures priced under $13 for those looking for one that blends into the crowd.
Performance Tool 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure, $8 at Amazon
Dimensions: 2.4 x 2.1 x 1.0 inches
Weight: 0.09 pounds
Materials: Plastic case and alloy steel blade
If you’re not concerned about the color of a keychain tape measure, a clear one could be the right option for you. Several brands manufacture mini tape measures like this, but the Performance Tool 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure looks like the best of the bunch to us.
Win Tape 80-Inch Keychain Tape Measure, $8 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.7 x 1.7 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 0.06 pounds
Materials: Plastic case and alloy steel blade
Many of the best keychain tape measures priced under $13 have surprisingly long blades for their sizes, with some measuring up to 6 feet. The Win Tape 80-Inch Keychain Tape Measure takes this to the next level, extending nearly 7 feet long.
Quelay 4-Foot Keychain Tape Measures (2-Pack), $10 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.38 x 1.38 x 0.39 inches
Weight: 0.09 pounds
Materials: Metal case and metal blade
Keep durability in mind when searching for a keychain tape measure, since it will go wherever you go each day and begin to break down if it isn’t wear-resistant enough. The Quelay 4-Foot Keychain Tape Measure will have you covered in the durability department, thanks to its heavy-duty metal construction.
Milwaukee 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure, $13 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.85 x 1.85 x 0.79 inches
Weight: 0.15 pounds
Materials: Plastic and rubber case and stainless steel blade
People typically know Milwaukee as the manufacturer of some of the best power tools in the business, but that isn’t all the brand does. It also produces many other well-made products, such as the Milwaukee 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure. I likely would have had my eye on it if I hadn’t stumbled upon the Craftsman 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure first.
Alovexiong 3-Foot Keychain Tape Measure, $6 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.4 x 1.4 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 0.4 pounds
Materials: Plastic case and alloy steel blade
Would you like to make it appear as though you have one of the best keychain tape measures priced under $13 from Craftsman or Milwaukee without paying name-brand prices? At first glance, most people will mistake the Alovexiong 3-Foot Keychain Tape Measure for a product from one of those companies. The same applies to the Hautmec 10-Foot Keychain Tape Measures (3-Pack).
Grevosea 3-Foot Keychain Tape Measures (12-Pack), $10 at Amazon
Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 0.05 pounds
Materials: Plastic case and alloy steel blade
The only things I lose more than my tape measures are my keys. And I’m well aware of the predicament this could put me in. There is a chance I could lose both my keys and my new keychain tape measure at once if I’m not careful.
I’m going to look into sticking one of those new Apple AirTags onto my keychain to prevent this from happening. But just in case even that doesn’t work, a 12-pack of Grevosea 3-Foot Keychain Tape Measures will help ensure I always have at least one handy.
Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Nite Eye Keychain Tape Measure, $12 at Amazon
Dimensions: 2.0 x 2.0 x 0.75 inches
Weight: 0.17 pounds
Materials: Plastic case and alloy steel blade
SCREEEEEECH!!! *me slamming on the brakes*
Well, I was literally THISCLOSE to publishing this as a “The 12 Best Keychain Tape Measures Priced Under $12” post. That is, until this little lady showed up in my “Customers who viewed this item also viewed” box on Amazon and swept me off my dad shoe-covered feet. Isn’t she a beaut?
But, no, seriously, this is the Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Nite Eye Keychain Tape Measure — the only keychain tape measure I would halt publication for, for what it’s worth. And while its name could use some work (please don’t ask me what it’s called in person!), it’s already threatening to replace my new Craftsman 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure. Am I allowed to carry both?
Buy One of the 13 Best Keychain Tape Measures Priced Under $13
You don’t need me to tell you that $5, $10, or even $20 doesn’t go as far as it used to. So I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to create this list of the 13 best keychain tape measures priced under $13.
The Craftsman 6-Foot Keychain Tape Measure, in particular, is impressive, given that I’ve seen its price drop as low as $4.15. But really, I would recommend any of these just to help you avoid having to turn your house upside down the next time your tape measure goes missing.
Do you want to take a look at other great deals on dad shoe essentials? Click here to continue shopping for everything from dad hats and sneaker cleaners to sports equipment and tool sets.
FAQs About Keychain Tape Measures
What Is a Keychain Tape Measure?
A keychain tape measure is a smaller version of a traditional tape measure, with a hook or clasp that lets you attach it to the same ring you use to carry your keys. Keychain tape measures are typically 3 to 6 feet long and are often used for home improvement projects, moving jobs, and other tasks that require measuring.
How Big Is a Keychain Tape Measure?
All keychain tape measures are typically miniature compared to their traditional counterparts, though some are significantly smaller than others. Most products featured on our list of 13 keychain tape measures priced under $13 fall between 1.5 by 1.5 inches and 2.5 by 2.5 inches.
Which Brand Makes the Best Keychain Tape Measure?
Craftsman, Stanley, and Milwaukee probably make the best keychain tape measures, given their commitments to quality and excellence. However, each of the brands on our list of the 13 best keychain tape measures priced under $13 has provided solid products made from high-quality materials.
What Are the Benefits of a Keychain Tape Measure?
Many benefits come along with keychain tape measures. The best keychain tape measures are lightweight and highly portable, making them easy to carry around and use on a whim. Many can also help you measure things up to 6 feet long, which is impressive considering their small stature. They’re extremely affordable, too, turning them into must-haves for everyone from construction company CEOs to average Joes.
How Much Do Keychain Tape Measures Cost?
Keychain tape measures are very affordable. Even the best keychain tape measures from brands like Craftsman, Stanley, and Milwaukee often cost under $13.