The Tape Measure Story

Today is July 14th, National Tape Measure Day! In honor of this this special day, I’d like to share the story of the tape measure, which happens to be the same day (July 14th) in 1868 that Alvin J. Fellows received an official patent for a spring-click tape measure.

However, an existing tape measure design was created by James Chesterman in 1829 that did not have the “click” to the tape measure. The 1829 version sold for $17, which would be equivalent to $300 in todays standards.

Chesterman was in the Fashion Industry and designed the wire in crinoline hoop skirts that held the shape of the dress by loops sewn into the hem. After many versions of the tape measure, Fellows added the click to the final version and filed the patent.

The tape measure was created within the fashion community and is used by millions of people in various industries today.