A tape measure is disclosed which has a spooled measuring blade mounted via a rotatable connection within a casing. The blade is extendable from the cave via an opening for use. The blade can be braked with respect to the opening by operation of braking means. The braking means are operable via a pivotable switch which has a length greater than the radius of the fully spooled blade. The switch is located and sized so that the brake can be engaged or disengaged by a user's hand without changing grip. The brake is a cam brake rotatably connected to the switch via a push-pull member.