Good tape measure?

[OctaneMotorsports]

I need a good tape measure (standard/metric combo). I was looking at Canadian Tire the other day and was surprised to see that they have a Stanley tape measure (just one on the shelf, probably older 'cause it's dusty as hell) that is "Made in USA with domestic and imported components". I almost bought it because of that alone but I thought I would get some opinions first. They have Lufkin tape measures too that appear pretty solid, but I believe they are imported. I will check out Home Hardware today too and see what they have. My tape measures get lost/borrowed and not returned more than they break so I just need something decent.

[Lyaec350]

Stanley "Made in USA w/ Domestic and International Components" = made in China/Taiwan... tons of threads about it. That said, I really like my Stanley tapes...

[strizzy]

I like the 26ft/8m Craftsman tapes the DOT gives me. I noticed some laborers started carrying them after I let them use mine...

The new red ones dont have a lifetime warranty though. But you can buy new tapes for them...dont see the sense in that, my belt clips tends to be the first thing to break.

[rsanter]

I have lufkin, craftsman, stanley and even a snap on. all work well
I grab the lufkin and the Cman the most

bob

[filthy]

Why not look at mastercraft maximum. Pretty good tapes IMHO.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444321 0861&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672912&bmUID=1201709226286&deptid=1408474396672839&ctgrid=1408474396672847&subctgrid=1408474396672912

[boiler7904]

I've got 6 Stanley tapes right now.

(1) 12' Standard (chromed metal case)
(2) 25' Fat Max
(1) 30' Fat Max Extreme
(1) 30' Standard (yellow plastic case)
(1) 200' Roll Tape

Only one I've had to throw away in the last few years was a 25' Fat Max that got some Great Stuff foam inside it and cured. For general and light duty use, I'd avoid the Fat Max lines since their so big and bulky (and kinda pricey). If you're going to use it outside in the wind a lot, you can't beat the Fat Max Extreme.

[JRGSPE73]

I've always been more than happy with my Stanley PowerLock tape measure. For me, less is usually more in this department - its a simple, straightforward tape that doesn't bind and always retracts smoothly. I've never been a big fan of the rubberized grips, auto lockers, etc - i don't need bells and whistles on my tape measure, just something that measures from point A to point B.

http://www.stanleytools.com/catalog_images/web_detail/33-425_web_detail.jpg

[l_bilyk]

I prefer lufkin tapes

[fourfeathers]

Older Craftsman lever lock for me. Occasional use.

[Yotaforce]

I have about 20 different tapes, most of which are going to go to the garbage because if you compare them at the 25' mark, they are all different. You just need one that is accurate and can be dropped on concrete from eye level without busting open! Also remember, when working on a project, always use the SAME tape as you started with!

[Franz©]

Ollies Bargain Outlet sells good tapes for a buck.
I don't even care when they get burned or swiped.
Cheap tapes last longer because people won't steal them.

[boiler7904]

I have about 20 different tapes, most of which are going to go to the garbage because if you compare them at the 25' mark, they are all different. You just need one that is accurate and can be dropped on concrete from eye level without busting open! Also remember, when working on a project, always use the SAME tape as you started with!

You're going to get some degree of difference between any two tapes you pick up. Part of my surveying classes in college was how to do tape (chain) callobrations for different tapes based on material, weather, etc. A tape is like a level. It needs to be checked against an old one of known length before you use it for anything of substance. Your last sentence couldn't be more true.

[lbgradwell]

I will check out Home Hardware today too and see what they have.

I wouldn't waste my time; they'll have the same Lufkin & Stanley products as everyone else, and, maybe, some odd brand like TASK...

I like the 26ft/8m Craftsman tapes the DOT gives me. I noticed some laborers started carrying them after I let them use mine...

I believe the Craftsman tapes are still manufactured by Starrett!

Also remember, when working on a project, always use the SAME tape as you started with!

Very important!

Why not look at mastercraft maximum. Pretty good tapes IMHO.

Yep, not bad at all. They go on sale quite often too...

I have used Lufkin and Stanley for years, and both are just fine. I currently use a 25' Stanley Fat Max Extreme because it has a 13' standout! That is a bonus when you're working by yourself... They are overly expensive though.

I also have a 25' Lufkin Classic. For some reason, Cdn Tire routinely sells these for 65% off, or something around $5! Buy 2 the next time you see this!

[bmwpower]

25' yellow Fat Max here. Have dropped it many times from the roof, no problems. Nice, long runout. Other tapes are just too floppy.

[eschoendorff]

Also remember, when working on a project, always use the SAME tape as you started with!

Maybe that's been my problem. I just use whatever tape is closest...

[dxdexter]

I have used and owned may different manufacturers tapes and have finally found the perfect one for myself. The tape is a Lufkin (USA made) 26'/8m with a 3/4" blade,model HV1038CME.
I personally hate the large bulky 25' tapes with a 1" blade, so the 26'/8m tape in such a small case is a blessing.
I also have had good luck with the Mastercraft "Easy Grip" 25/7.5m tape. Its usually a great value during sales.
If you need the tape to "stand out" on its own then you will have to go with a wider blade, but must deal with increased bulk.

The biggest problem with most tapes is that they are unreadable within the first inch because of large wide hooks which obscure the different length markings , making reading in this area very difficult. Which ever tape you choose keep this in mind if you frequently measure under 1".

Heres a tip. I do a lot of kitchen cabinetry and have found that if you start a job with a particular tape, then use the same tape throughout the entire job. Believe it or not I have found differences between individual tapes that will cause problems when trying to get tight fits between components.

[Franz©]

You're going to get some degree of difference between any two you pick up. It needs to be checked against an old one of known length before you use it for anything of substance.

I recall a woman tellin me the same thing more or less a number of years back. When I found out she meant some other man she used to, I picked the bottle of Skotch up and walked right out of her apartment.

[wrenchr]

A like a facom lufkin as well!! lol

[kwright]

I went shopping for a small (10 - 12') tape measure this weekend. I looked at Craftsman, or rather tried to, Stanley, Lufkin and a out of curiosity, a number of no-name brands.

The sears store didn't have a tape in the small size I was after and all their larger tapes - 25' & up - were made in the Dominican Republic.

I did find small Stanley tapes, the larger ones, 25' or larger *were* made in the USA, the smaller one were all made in China. Same situation with Lufkin, which surprised me. As I only looked at small Lufkin tapes, I can't speak to their larger units (didn't see any).

ALL the no-name brands were Chinese made, no real surprise here.

I didn't come home with a new tape.

[Stuey]

Hmm. Nobody really addressed the OP. Who makes a good combo tape? Most of the tapes sold at big box shops are imperial only. Only on my cheapo $1 Walmart branded tape do I have an imperial and metric scale.

Anyways, I have a 25' Stanley (metal case shown above) and a 25' Craftsman, and a 25' Empire.

Sears has the Empire one for $5, their 25' Craftsman goes on sale for $7.50 once a month or so, and I got my Stanley for $9. Out of the three, the Craftsman is my go-to tape since it has a more positive lock than then Stanley. I still do love my Stanley though.

[MAD]

Hmm. Nobody really addressed the OP. Who makes a good combo tape? Most of the tapes sold at big box shops are imperial only. Only on my cheapo $1 Walmart branded tape do I have an imperial and metric scale.


Starrett makes English/Metric combo tape measures in several different numbering styles. I believe at least some of their tape measures are still U.S. made.

http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/PLH2.asp?NodeNum=52450&Mode=REF

http://catalog.starrett.com/catalog/catalog/PLH2.asp?NodeNum=52450&Mode=PLIST

[Stuey]

Hmm, apparently Stanley and Lufkin make combo blades too. I've never seen these at the big boxes, but McMaster had listings for them. I guess they're not high demand tape styles.