Another Tape Measure Thread

[mobiledynamics]

My go to Tape Measure is the Green Leverlock...I have a huge stash I collected when they are NLA.

If I need standout, I will grab the FatMax.
Not sure if I am missing anything......and I guess one doesn't know until you try it.
Lot's of rants and raves about Tajima so I ordered one today after many years of just window shopping them.

For me, it's just -natural hand inclination- that is used to the LeverLocks in use, form and function.
Hence, I never really looked at other tape measures since they are not lever-lock

 

[fourjeepin]

I love the lever lock too. Several years ago Ace had a deal where the 26 footer was like $3. I decided to buy 2 more. But Ace messed up and doubled my order. Now I have good tape measures all over the shop.

All was well with measuring until I found myself washing machine shopping and picked up a FatMax auto lock to measure one of the machines. I didn’t bring it home with me that day but a couple of these might find their way to my house soon.

 

[redwrench60]

My go to’s are Stanley FatMax and PowerLock tapes. Good quality, simple, common, and affordable.

Honorable mentions to certain Komlons, and Lufkin Shockforce G2 NiteEye.

 

[lardy1]

I guess leverlock is a love it or hate it feature. Personally, I hate leverlock. But, that's why they offer options. Different strokes for different folks, we used to say.

 

[Rinspeed]

I've noticed over the years that tape measures are a personal thing. I like the Milwaukee 25 footers and have a couple. Also have a couple of the older plastic Stanley 12 footers and I really like them for the lightness.

 

[Galvonzo]

I used to be a fatmax user, then found an Irwin Strait-Line in lowes that had better features for me. Numbers on the back of the tape, a fingerlock cutout. I don't know if they have a magnetic model, but I took the magnet off my fatmax and it fits the Irwin rivets. The larger numbers are nice when I'm farther than arms reach and reading the tape. The first 6" have a protective coating vs the 3" coating on the fatmax.

Overall just a nice tape that works better for my specific use cases.

 

[speed bump]

I got old at some point and settled on Stanley power locks as my tape of choice. I have half a dozen komelons because Menards used to put them on sale for $5 and they do the job. When I was in the oilfield all of my tapes were Lufkin with my favorite being a 2133D.

Tapes seem to be a whatever makes you happy kind of thing.

 

[Git]

Woodworking - Fastcap 'FlatBack'

Two reasons, it perfectly flat (zero standout) and it has a metric scale on one side and inches on the other. I don't usually work with metric but instead of trying to work with 6 11/16", 170 mm is a lot easier to remember, divide into 2, etc.

 

[Jayman17]

Woodworking - Fastcap 'FlatBack'

Two reasons, it perfectly flat (zero standout) and it has a metric scale on one side and inches on the other. I don't usually work with metric but instead of trying to work with 6 11/16", 170 mm is a lot easier to remember, divide into 2, etc.

I really like the idea behind this but is it like dealing with a long wet noodle? I imagine it would be totally limp?

 

[darkzero]

Woodworking - Fastcap 'FlatBack'

Two reasons, it perfectly flat (zero standout) and it has a metric scale on one side and inches on the other. I don't usually work with metric but instead of trying to work with 6 11/16", 170 mm is a lot easier to remember, divide into 2, etc.

Sparked my interest, would come in handy at work. Looked at their website & searched Amazon and ebay for the version I wanted. Doesn't seem to be a popular model so no one se really carries it (Left Righty) at a reasonable cost to me.

Well Fastcap has a Father's day sale going on right now for certain categories. The model I wanted is $10.59 & it's $10 off with the code right now. So in cart the tape measure is only $.59, shipping is $10.75 so $11.34 shipped is not bad. So then I though I want 2 of them, one for work & spare at home. But then shipping is $15 for 2.

Cheaper to get it on Amazon (Prime) if buying 2 but I'd have to settle for the Old Standby Standard which is fine with me, I don't want/need the metric on there.

Yet another "but", 16 ft is too big for me at work. At work I pretty much always use a little Dewalt 9". So now I'm undecided & haven't pulled the trigger.

Sorry for the blah blah blah.

 

[FigN⋅m]

Sparked my interest, would come in handy at work. Looked at their website & searched Amazon and ebay for the version I wanted. Doesn't seem to be a popular model so no one se really carries it (Left Righty) at a reasonable cost to me.

Sorry for the blah blah blah.

Just Sayin'...
It's a pretty decent tape with some cool features.

I have a little Milwaukie 6ft that I use for a lot at work -
especially since we deal with a fair bit of metric.

 

[darkzero]

Just Sayin'...
It's a pretty decent tape with some cool features.

I have a little Milwaukie 6ft that I use for a lot at work -
especially since we deal with a fair bit of metric.

Just thought the flat back tape might be useful for me going around bends & stuff. I was given a flat tape measure (like what tailors use) but I never use it cajse puttig it away is annoying. Retractable would be cool (I know similar others do exist).

But whatever, was just a thought & I could live without. My needs really are just for layout to drill holes in the body & equipment we install as well as making custom brackets or modify.

 

[FigN⋅m]

I was given a flat tape measure (like what tailors use) but I never use it cajse puttig it away is annoying. Retractable would be cool (I know similar others do exist).

Funny, that's also one of the most common types we use, and we just drape over our necks - customers joke we look like tailors

We always wish for/kid a bracelet-style retractable would be awesome for exterior work...

 

[darkzero]

Funny, that's also one of the most common types we use, and we just drape over our necks - customers joke we look like tailors

Yeah, that might not look right at my work but then again that don't matter & we don't get vistors/customers that often anyway. Plus I wear a neck light pretty much all day & my earbuds or whatever (open ear buds) have a strap to wraps behind my head too. Good idea though, can't believe I never thought to try it.

 

[redwrench60]

I wish I could go back in time and raid every hardware store in town of all the 12’ Stanley PowerLock II plastic housing tapes they have. They have everything I want and nothing I don’t. They are lightweight, ergonomic and tough. I really like all the conversation charts and information tables on the back of the blade.

 

[geneg]

I wish I could go back in time and raid every hardware store in town of all the 12’ Stanley PowerLock II plastic housing tapes they have. They have everything I want and nothing I don’t. They are lightweight, ergonomic and tough. I really like all the conversation charts and information tables on the back of the blade.

Absolutely! The Powerloc had a metal case & tape exited on the opposite side. (don't have as many of them) The PL II's are my go to tapes for everyday work. I probably couldn't count how many I own. I still buy everyone I see at estate sales & swaps. Some still bubbled on the cards. I even have a couple of the leather holsters for them. I also bought 12 refills via offer on ebay- so, hopefully I'm good for life. Set my Grandson up with a new metal case one along with 2 refills. He can have the rest of mine when I'm finished using them.

 

[gatewaysysop]

My go to are these, from Fisco:



Have them in a few sizes. Best I've ever owned, and I've even given these as gifts to a few folks.

 

[redwrench60]

Absolutely! The Powerloc had a metal case & tape exited on the opposite side. (don't have as many of them) The PL II's are my go to tapes for everyday work. I probably couldn't count how many I own. I still buy everyone I see at estate sales & swaps. Some still bubbled on the cards. I even have a couple of the leather holsters for them. I also bought 12 refills via offer on ebay- so, hopefully I'm good for life. Set my Grandson up with a new metal case one along with 2 refills. He can have the rest of mine when I'm finished using them.

I snap them up when I see them which is rare anymore. I really like the ones with the plastic housing, with the 3/4” wide blade with conversion tables on the back. These are a sweet spot on weight, size and carry-ability. Sounds like you’re set for life!

 

[Melancholia]

I get where you're coming from—it might seem like we've talked tape measures to death, but you know what they say, it's the little things that count! I find the mm ruler to be a game-changer. Those tiny increments make it so much easier to get things spot on, whether you're building a bookshelf or fixing up your backyard. I mean, who hasn't been saved by the accuracy of those millimeters when you're eyeballing a project? It's like having a secret weapon in your toolbox. And let's face it, nothing beats the satisfaction of measuring twice and cutting once, right? So, count me in for another tape measure thread—I'm all ears for tips and tricks on how to make the most of this humble but indispensable tool!