Does anyone else love these old Stanley Leverlock tapes?

[afazz]

For some reason I do! I realize there are much better and more advanced tape measures out there, but for the type of work I do (automotive fabrication and light carpentry), combined with some nostalgia, I really like these.

I have seen 1-2 other configurations over the years in images or missed eBay auctions, but I think I have all of the common ones in the 25’+ range.

 

[FrankLee]

I've got about six of the 8' & 12' lever locks that I like. I usually remove the belt clips. They fit well in my pocket. I also have a 25 footer.

 

[gleman]

I like the leverlock in the thin 8 and 12 ft. versions. I like the Power lock or FatMax for the 25.

 

[BukitCase]

I like 'em a LOT better than others, it's been YEARS since I got a blood blister for having my fingers in the wrong place/time... Steve

 

[Bubba Fett]

Those were great tape measures. I wish I had bought more of them. Not really a fan of the Fatmax tape measures.

 

[Tools4Me]

Leverlocks are my favorite tapes for general use, but I use other tapes as well. I have a Fat Max tape with an extra wide blade so I can free-extend the tape out almost 10 feet before it will crack and fall. My Leverlocks max out at about 7 feet. I also have a Powerlock tape for certain circumstances, like times when I'm wanting to set my tape down on a flat surface so I can mark multiple points along the tape's length. Leverlocks sometimes start retracting the tape if you set the tape down while extended, since the release lever is on the bottom. I currently have 4 Leverlock tapes, all lime green 25 footers (30-925 model) in very good condition, accumulated here and there from garage sales over the last 10-15 years.

Life for me is sort of a double edged sword. I love and prefer my Leverlocks, but I find myself continually grabbing a FatMax or Powerlock tape instead, because my favorite tape measures will last longer if they almost never get used. You'll just have to trust me, it all makes perfect sense in my head.

 

[craftsman creep]

Have never got to use one yet maybe I’ll try and find one.
-Preston

 

[Big Bad Dad]

I used to have a couple and liked them. I dont think they sell them any more? Seems like the fat ones are in style...

 

[nadogail]

I am a fan of any tool marked Fat Max.

 

[mervyn]

Love my 30 footer

 

[BukitCase]

Google Search

I just bought one at HD about a month ago, gimmick magnet on the end - kinda nice working steel when you want inside dim's... Steve

 

[Skyman]

I salvaged a nice one when we cleared out my dad's basement. First one I've ever owned or used. I like it better than the others I have.

 

[fourjeepin]

I have one of the HD not for resale ones. It’s a 12 footer, I think.

 

[Wolley]

Do they still make those? I don't think I would want a locking feature to be on all the time when I almost never use it on a regular tape. Also I don't bust out a 30 ft until I need it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I dislike any tape with an auto lock "feature".

 

[bonneyman]

I liked the Powerlock style of tape with the locking "slide" right where the thumb rests. Then I found a Lufkin style that had a toggle switch at the thumb rest position instead of a slide. I like that alot better.

 

[reader2580]

I like the Leverlock tapes, but the locking part wears out in no time.

 

[sixfootfive]

I love the Leverlock style. I don't remember looking for any specific features in a tape measure 35 years ago, but bought one, got used to it, and loved it. I've worn out a couple of them. I find the ones with the thumb lock difficult to use, maybe just because I'm not used to them.

 

[afazz]

I have one of the HD not for resale ones. It’s a 12 footer, I think.

Is it available for resale by chance?

 

[afazz]

Google Search

I just bought one at HD about a month ago, gimmick magnet on the end - kinda nice working steel when you want inside dim's... Steve

Interesting, I have seen the new ones but didn’t notice the magnetic feature. This would be quite handy at work when I’m measuring ceiling height (to beams, ductwork, conduit) for equipment placement. I’ll have to pick one up.

 

[Sgtboz]

For some reason I do! I realize there are much better and more advanced tape measures out there, but for the type of work I do (automotive fabrication and light carpentry), combined with some nostalgia, I really like these.

I have seen 1-2 other configurations over the years in images or missed eBay auctions, but I think I have all of the common ones in the 25’+ range.

I always found the Leverlocks had the most control and it was easy to 'feather' the tape when you needed to. They're my favorite.

 

[jeffmoss26]

mmm orange

 

[dwasifar]

Count me in. I had a green one, don't know what happened to it, but the new Leverlocks are not as good.

 

[Ilikeike]

I like the lever lock type,

I still have this old Craftsman I keep in my truck box.

 

[boom_bap]

Gosh, I hate mine. I have 2 leverlock 25s and a 25 fat max. The levellock is so weak so the tape always retracts. If there was a way to tighten it I'd have 3 good tapes instead of 1...

 

[afazz]

I like the lever lock type,

I still have this old Craftsman I keep in my truck box.

Very cool! I have never seen one of these but I like it.

 

[ecotec]

I like the lever lock type,

I still have this old Craftsman I keep in my truck box.

I had a Craftsman leverlock that I must have warrantied 20 times back in the 90’s.

One day, I went to get a replacement. They stopped making the Craftsman version. They gave me a leverlock Companion, and told me when it breaks it wasn’t warrantied anymore. It was the same tape measure except for the label.

Between those, ratcheting tap handles, and raised panel ratchets… I made good use of the lifetime warranty.

 

[Edie]

For some reason I do! I realize there are much better and more advanced tape measures out there, but for the type of work I do (automotive fabrication and light carpentry), combined with some nostalgia, I really like these.

I have seen 1-2 other configurations over the years in images or missed eBay auctions, but I think I have all of the common ones in the 25’+ range.

I used a 25'Leverlock in our laminated cabinet/ countertop business for years but now the tape is cracked. Maybe I will replace the tape. I recently bought a Milwaukee Auto lock because the release lever is easy for my small hand to reach. Same reason I first bought the Leverlock: small hand could easily operate it. Now the new Leverlocks are too big and heavy, hence the Autolock.

 

[flyingblind]

I have a few old tapes. I use a 25 foot Lufkin (not shown) for the most part.

 

[Wamsutta]

Yes I like the Leverlock tapes; but could we see a picture of that red Snap-on box?

 

[Shocker]

I have 3 of them, 2 25' and a 30'. One of my 25' is getting weak on the lock part.

I have so many tapes that things get pretty jumbled!

 

[whitesco]

I like the lever lock type,

I still have this old Craftsman I keep in my truck box.

I have the same one, it’s my go-to unless I specifically need something else

 

[roofdweller49]

I like these from komelon

Komelon USA - Tape Measures Category

Komelon USA - Tape Measures Category

www.komelonusa.com

The release is right there by your thumb. I think HF has these rebranded too

 

[nadogail]

Lever Locks were good, at Present I prefer my Fat Max.

 

[mobiledynamics]

My go to is Leverlocks for most things....

If I need standout, I am going to grab a FatMax

I still have a cabinet full of brand new 16 and 25 Green Leverlocks. I went hoarding when the well started looking dry

 

[roofdweller49]

The problem with fat max tapes is the curve is so extreme, it's hard to read

 

[Jmellc]

I like Leverlock & had a few but had them wear out quickly.

 

[The Cobbler]

any lever lock tape I owned wore out prematurely I found .

 

[Lassen Forge]

I have one thats a relic from when our company was supposed to go metric some 30-odd years ago, then never did - 5 meters (metric only) in tomato soup orange... I kept it more out of it being a curiosity (because who uses... gasp... METRIC??? We're... AMERICANS! ), but then I found it unpacking when we moved here... it's become my go-to in the past year, so much so I have a special hanger for it in my shop.

Wish I'd grabbed not only a couple extras, but the 10m one as well.