Abstract: An otherwise conventional handheld, coilable tape measure having an exposed, rotatable wheel forcible into friction engagement with the coiled tape so that the tape may be uncoiled and extended by holding the tape measure with only one hand, forcing the wheel against a fixed, flat surface, and pushing the tape measure away from one's person. The wheel is loosely mounted so as to stay in contact with the coiled tape as it is extended and its wound diameter decreases, either by a fixed stub pin axle and slot arrangement or by a fixed arbor and large, open wheel center.