Sherlock Holmes used a tape measure in A Study in Scarlet when he was examining the room where 'Rache' was written on the wall at 3 Lauriston Gardens.

Holmes used his tape measure to examine the footmarks in the secret room in Bartholomew Sholto's chamber. (The Sign of Four)

  

When Holmes asks Inspector Jones for a Police boat to be at Westminster Stairs, to help him arrest the killers of Bartholomew Sholto, Jones says "That is easily managed. There is always one about there, but I can step across the road and telephone to make sure". (The Sign of Four)

 

Thaddeus Sholto "produced from behind a curtain a very long befrogged tocoat with astrakhan collar and cuffs". Thaddeus put this coat on to escort Holmes, Watson and Miss Morstan to his brother Bartholomew at Pondicherry Lodge, Norwood. To finish off his attire he also put on a rabbit-skin cap with hanging lappets which covered the ears. (The Sign of Four)

 

Holmes worked out from the bulge in Watson's top hat, that the doctor was an "active member of the medical profession." This is because the bulge on the right side of his top hat was where he had secreted his stethoscope. (A Scandal in Bohemia)

 

A trapdoor led from the secret room in Bartholomew Sholto's chamber out on to the roof. This is how Tonga entered the house. (The Sign of Four)