A measuring device with a measuring tape and a one-piece handle. The handleincludes amain body with a fixed reference, an anchor portion with a movable referenceand a resilientelement. The measuring tape is secured to the anchor portion. The resilientelement allows theanchor potion to move with respect to the main body when the measuring tape isunder thetension. The resilient element is configured so that the movable referencecomes into alignmentwith the fixed reference when the measuring tape is under proper tension. Thefixed referencemay also provide a reference from which to take measurements. The resilientelement mayinclude a pair of nonlinear segments that straighten under tension. The mainbody may include apair of fixed references disposed on opposite sides of the measuring tape, andthe anchor portionmay include a pair of corresponding movable references.
