I guess I'm just old fashion. When I do need to measure something, I just usea 30' tape or a 100' tape. I use a screwdriver for the dumb end when I can't find a helper, or the little hook has nothing to cling to.

In a past life when I did plot plans for schools, I used a big wheel, then went to a little wheel with a quick reset for the number. The big wheel I had clicked every two feet (1 revolution) and would "ding" every 100 feet. It was a pain, but very accurate. But the 100 foot tape was the main tool.

I have seen appraisers use a bigger tape, maybe it's 200 or 250. They seem to make their way around the house pretty fast.
JF