For all cutting jobs, always choose a ruler with a metal edge inset, to avoid damaging the ruler itself.
Do not use old dressmaking tapes when accurate measuring is needed, because they are likely to have stretched. Use a steel tape instead.
Choose a steel tape with both imperial and metric markings on the same side. This offers you a simple visible conversion table from one system to the other. Merely read across the tape.
Apart from a standard 10ft/ 3m tape, it is a good idea to have a longer surveyor's tape for room, house and garden measurements.
A steel rule stuck to the workbench with strong glue is useful for small measuring jobs - it won't move as you use it and it will never get mislaid?
