Tape measures are the type of promotional product we don't think about too often, but when we don't have one we really wish we did. That's because tape measures are extremely useful items to have around the house and they make excellent marketing tools if you're in the construction or design industries.

But how much do you really know about these natty promo goods? Today we're looking into some unique facts about the history and development of custom tape measures!

Who Invented the Modern Custom Tape Measure?

The originally spring return pocket tape measure patent was issued in 1864 to William H. Bangs and it featured all the basic details you'd expect from a mechanical tape measure. You could stop the tape at any point and hold it using a press mechanism and then return it to its case by pressing a button on the side that would let it spring back into the case -- sound familiar?

Many promotional tape measures to this day operate on a similar system. Several inventors helped improve on Bangs' original concept before we arrived on the current industry standard-looking tape measures we see today.

What's The Hole On The End For?

Have you ever noticed that almost all household or trade tape measures have a narrow hole or slot as part of the end hook? These holes are actually a super handy feature if you're working on building something as it allows the tape measure to grab hold of a nail or screw so you can secure the tape when working on your own without having to worry about it dislodging or providing inaccurate information.

What's The Difference Between a Body Tape Measure and a Regular Tape Measure?

The type of tape measures used for construction and design are firm -- when you pull the tape out it is hard and often made of metal. Needless to say, this isn't the ideal type of device to measure the human body which is why promotional body tape measures are a device unto themselves.

These tape measures are ideal for BMI measurement and dressmaking, because they're flexible rather than firm, and are often referred to as "sewing tape." Promotional tape measures can be used to flexibly extend around the body to get accurate dimension details and are smaller/more lightweight than your standard tape measure.

Yes, There's a National Tape Measure Day!

Proving there's a day to celebrate just about everything, promotional tape measures have their own special day; July 14th. Why this particular day? Because July 14th was the day that Alvin J. Fellows was granted a patent in 1868 for the improved, mass-market version of the tape measure we've come to know and love today.

So next time July the 14th rolls by, remember to give your favourite handyman tool a little nod, it's earned it. Keen to talk about tape measures with your unique logo branding? Give our experienced team a call today. We can recommend the right product for the job and advise you on branding techniques.

Details spotted here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tape_measure