Abstract: A new and improved tape measure end retention apparatus includes a base assembly and a screw clamp assembly connected to the base assembly. The screw clamp assembly extends over a top side of the base assembly and is adapted to secure a free end of a tape measure to the base assembly. The screw clamp assembly includes a pressure plate which includes a convex-shaped damping surface, and a first concave channel is adapted to be placed in registration with the convex-shaped clamping surface. The screw assembly includes a knurled knob for rotating the screw assembly. A plurality of magnets are located at the bottom side of the base assembly and include a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet each of which extends longitudinally along the base assembly. The magnets are retained in complementary magnet-receiving channels located in the bottom side of the base assembly. The magnet-receiving channels include channel walls each of which includes apertures that are in registration with each other.