Favorite or best tape measure?

[Joe Mamma]

What do you guys like to use when it comes to tape measures? Do you have any preferences when it comes to manufacturers, types, places to buy, etc?

I like the ones that are hand wind and not spring assisted. I'm thinking about getting one from U.S. Tape to replace one that I misplaced. But I thought I'd check in here to see if there is anything else I should consider.

Thanks.

Joe Mamma

 

[Ign]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41695

 

[matthew]

I'm a pretty big fan of this one from Stanley, because it has both fractional and decimal inches on it. For anyone that works in decimal inch units most of the time, that's really nice. It's also a good size, and has a durable metal body.

I do like the old fashioned hand wind ones, as well.

 

[Jack Olsen]

For me, the key is to have half a dozen of them. I don't care about the quality so much as I get frustrated at not being able to find one.

 

[Joe Mamma]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41695

That's funny. I actually searched for this topic before I posted. I didn't see that or anything else similar. But I guess it doesn't hurt to have updated information!

Joe Mamma

 

[Shipfittin]

My current tape measure is the 25' from Bostitch. I use it all day long at work and abuse it climbing through different ships structures. It is on the heavy side, but has seem to be holding up very well. I really like how wide the tape is, and it does have a larger lip that is supposed to grip better. I don't really think it grips any better then any other tape, maybe on wood?

The one thing that I look for in a tape measure is how well does it read. I have a really hard time reading some of the yellows the different manufacturers use. Some of my shipmates have tapes that are blue and some are silver, they make reading extremely easy.

A lot of companies are coming out with tape measures that have a magnet in the lip. Which sounds great, especially for someone working with steel. The problem I've noticed is that cheaper versions just seem to stick a magnet on top of the lip itself. Then when you use the tape as advertised you really need to add the thickness of that magnet to your measurement. The more quality magnetic tapes actually seem to in-bed the magnet in the lip so you don't have that problem.

 

[MaximRecoil]

My father and grandfather and pretty much everyone else always had a Stanley PowerLock when I was a kid, so that's what I have also. I bought it in the late '90s; never had any problems with it.

Mine has a chrome-plated plastic body. When did they start using plastic instead of steel? I'm pretty sure my father's 1960s or 1970s era PowerLock was chrome-plated steel.

 

[ZRX61]

For me, the key is to have half a dozen of them. I don't care about the quality so much as I get frustrated at not being able to find one.

What he said, I was actually using 3 of them in the garage earlier. 1 at each end of the bench I was bracing up & the 3rd on over by the compound miter saw

 

[Zengineer]

For me, the key is to have half a dozen of them. I don't care about the quality so much as I get frustrated at not being able to find one.

Same deal. Canadian Tire had some Lufkin 25' tapes on for $3.99 a year ago, and I bought 4 of them. Pretty happy with that decision!

 

[crewchief888]

For me, the key is to have half a dozen of them. I don't care about the quality so much as I get frustrated at not being able to find one.

^^^ me too.
theres probably 15 of them laying around the house and garage.
i have them from 12ft to 100ft, most of them are off brand 12 ft.

i cant seem to find one when i need one tho...

probably right with my pencil..
marker
soapstone
that i can never find either.

 

[senlow]

L.S. Starrett



The last word in measuring instruments. Made in USA

 

[Stinger]

The only one I can find when I need one...

 

[1931S/X]

the kobalt mag tip tapes have grown on me. i was using klien but they are far from cheap and made overseas anyway. i picked up a 2 pack of koblat for dirt cheap, one broke i returned it and got money back since they scanned the 2 pack. they hold up well and im pretty hard on tapes.

 

[84bimmer]

Same deal. Canadian Tire had some Lufkin 25' tapes on for $3.99 a year ago, and I bought 4 of them. Pretty happy with that decision!

I like this Mastercraft Maximum from Canadian Tire, it is one of the coolest tape measures I've ever seen. Double sided, tape has a special durable coating, and the metal tip has magnets on it-so handy for cutting metals. The tip has 4 rivets and is tight.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...C%2B1%25BC-in.%2BTape%2BMeasure.jsp?locale=en
My father-in-law gave it to me for XMAS, I think it will last forever.
But I like to have several tapes, and just leave them where they will be used.

 

[OccupantRJ]

My father and grandfather and pretty much everyone else always had a Stanley PowerLock when I was a kid, so that's what I have also. I bought it in the late '90s; never had any problems with it.

Mine has a chrome-plated plastic body. When did they start using plastic instead of steel? I'm pretty sure my father's 1960s or 1970s era PowerLock was chrome-plated steel.

I also use the Powerlock, but for metal fab, I like the old one I have with the belt clip placed so I can wear it on my left side. I draw the tape, hook it from right to left, and that leaves my right hand to mark with.

 

[rt dak]

As long as it has a metal case it's alright with me. Just like the feel of them better. My favorite is good old Stanley PowerLock probably because it's what my grandfather and father used.

 

[ToddyB]

Klein 16'ers. I like the size and the bottom marking. I only wish they had a scale for us lefties like some of the old Stanleys.

 

[TireTracks]

I want to get a stanly Powerlock. I like my dads one, it's the one i've used most of my life.

I have 2 Lufkins that are Ok, the Powerlocks are nicer. I like the yellow tapes, easy for me to read compaired to the white lufkins.

 

[Hammer1963]

L. S. Starrett 12' x 1/2" will both foot/inch and Metric

Snap-on 12' x 1/2" Inch/Metric

 

[ghnl]

I like a Lee Valley 10'. Small enough to keep in my pocket. The one I have is called a 'Righthander'. One holds it in the left hand, slides the tape out to the right and the digits are 'right side up' for taking measurements/making marks with one's right hand.

 

[premierplayer]

FatMax, 25'
http://www.stanleytools.com/default...ule+Reinforced+with+Blade+Armor™+Coating
blade will stand out horizantal 11'
can't do that with a PowerLock

 

[TireTracks]

FatMax, 25'
http://www.stanleytools.com/default...ule+Reinforced+with+Blade+Armor™+Coating
blade will stand out horizantal 11'
can't do that with a PowerLock

My dad has one of those, the paint/coating is chipping off the blade.

 

[TireTracks]

My father and grandfather and pretty much everyone else always had a Stanley PowerLock when I was a kid, so that's what I have also. I bought it in the late '90s; never had any problems with it.

Mine has a chrome-plated plastic body. When did they start using plastic instead of steel? I'm pretty sure my father's 1960s or 1970s era PowerLock was chrome-plated steel.

http://www.stanleytools.com/default...#34;+PowerLock®+Tape+Rule+1/2"+Blade

Is says it's made of die cast metal.

 

[premierplayer]

My dad has one of those, the paint/coating is chipping off the blade.

he should tell 'Stanley' about that

 

[Stuart in MN]

http://www.stanleytools.com/default...#34;+PowerLock®+Tape+Rule+1/2"+Blade

Is says it's made of die cast metal.

Their 12' rule may be die cast metal, but the 25' rule is plastic - if you look it up on their website it doesn't mention the material used for the case. Even so, they're still pretty durable - I dropped mine off the roof once (from two stories up); it bounced off the sidewalk, and other than some scuffs it was fine.

 

[Chadro]

That's funny. I actually searched for this topic before I posted. I didn't see that or anything else similar. But I guess it doesn't hurt to have updated information!

Joe Mamma

If you're not sure, post it. The search feature has too many quirks to be relied on. Search for Mac in titles only and it'll tell you there are no topics.

 

[Tatsuya]

L.S. Starrett



The last word in measuring instruments. Made in USA

Yeah, if it's NOS. Some of their tape measures aren't made here anymore.

 

[moparmuscle88]

im in the same category of not the quality, but the quantity, i want as many as i can have, becaue theyre always getting misplaced, dropped of a roof, sawn in half (yes, did that last week) or wear out... we must have 20 of them laying around between the work truck and the shop

 

[MaximRecoil]

Their 12' rule may be die cast metal, but the 25' rule is plastic - if you look it up on their website it doesn't mention the material used for the case. Even so, they're still pretty durable - I dropped mine off the roof once (from two stories up); it bounced off the sidewalk, and other than some scuffs it was fine.

Yeah, mine is the 25′ version. I just took it apart to confirm that it is plastic (even though I've always been 99% sure it was plastic due to the look, feel, and sound of it). In addition to it being too light in weight to be metal, on the inside of the case mine has some places where the chrome is scraped off, and the white plastic is showing. And to double confirm it, I tested the white plastic with my utility knife and the blade sunk into it like butter.

This makes me wonder if the old ones like my father and grandfather had were steel or "die-cast metal" (AKA: "pot metal" AKA "die-cast zinc"). If they were pot metal, the newer plastic ones may actually be tougher, due to being more resilient (pot metal is rather brittle). Steel of most any variety would trump them both though.

Anyone have an old metal 25′ version? Does a magnet stick to it?

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

My all time favorite is a 25' Empire - it's been dropped, beaten, kicked, you name it and never had a problem. USA made to boot!

It's an older version of this one:

 

[zoomzoomjeff]

L.S. Starrett



The last word in measuring instruments. Made in USA

I also use several Starrett's that are made in USA. But I used to work for them, so I'm also convinced they're the last word in accuracy.

One is a "Rapid Eighths" that has clearly labeled 1/8" increments. Great for accurate and quick measurements. I use it sparingly so it can stay in nice shape.

I also have one that's in a magnesium housing. It was my old demo--we used to THROW it into the concrete to prove it wouldn't break.

And then I have one or two cheapos that are my "everyday" tape. Don't care if the end slaps the housing on the return, etc.

 

[MaximRecoil]

I also have one that's in a magnesium housing. It was my old demo--we used to THROW it into the concrete to prove it wouldn't break.

Magnesium? That's interesting. They must have chosen that for its light weight (expensive though). Steel is tougher and cheaper, but about 4.5 times heavier.

As the old saying goes, you can get it cheap, strong, and light; but only two of those at the same time.

 

[wilb1976]

Stanley Fat Max 16', works great for my needs.

 

[oldjacks]

Here is my favorite an old art deco Craftsman from I believe the 1930's. It has a beautiful blue coating on it and what appears to be a brass insert with the Craftsman Logo.

 

[Grinder Bill]

For me, the key is to have half a dozen of them. I don't care about the quality so much as I get frustrated at not being able to find one.

Yup. I buy em on sale 3 at a time.

My most usefull tape is the busted one... I cut up a tape and ground down the end to exactly the 20" mark; now I have a metal measuring stick... Repeat as required.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

+1 on the Fat Max.

I just bought a new one over the holidays, my old one went to my car box. Over the years it has withstood a beating, numerous falls, water spills, jobs and it still works. I bought a new one on sale for my main box.

It's tough as nails, easy to read and handle.

25' Fat Max.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I like the kind with little marks and numbers on them...Just using regular tape to measure stuff can be difficult and sticky...

 

[speed bump]

Lufkin 25' ft engineers scale tape, buy one, use it, wonder how you lived without it.

 

[ekuhn]

Stanley Powerlock 30'

 

[freeman4ever]

+1 Komelon!