Elite Medical Instruments Retractable Compact Tape Measure This handy, compact tape measure is perfect to carry in your pocket or purse for those times when you need to measure something while on the go. It’s also great to have around the house for quick measurements. Because the tape is flexible, it can fit around round objects as well as measuring straight lengths. When you pull out a length of tape, it stays in position. Then you hit the button to retract it.