lube a tape measure

[compyello]

I have a stanley powerlock II 33-425, I would like it if it retracted better. Can I take it apart and lube it or tighten the spring? I saw something where they talked about removing the perimeter screws and not the center and things will not get out of place, is this true?

 

[jmm]

Don't take it apart unless you are VERY patient and have about 3 hands. I've never tried to mess with a Stanley (mine have held up very well), but the others I've messed with have been a serious pain. Out of 3, I've only ever fixed one of them...the others went in the trash (one was a Hazet).

 

[metaldad]

yep, they can be a royal pain to reassemble.
I wouldn't.

 

[jmm]

Not to mention, it's next to impossible to set the tension exactly as it was to begin with.

 

[Haveblue]

Dont take it apart, but make sure its clean and spray it with some silicone.

 

[2oolhound]

It's been years but I used to do mine all the time. If you're working in the rain or wet conditions saw dust and dirt builds up and get carried in. You have to let it reel in between your fingers and thumb to keep as much debris out as possible but eventually they clog up. It will prevent the spring from winding fully after a while. We used to be able to buy new springs but that was 40 years ago. The 75' spencer loggers tape needed most maintenance and you always kept spare tape reels and springs on hand for them. They came with instructions on how to service them (they were too expensive to just replace). After dealing with them the small tapes seemed like a cake walk. You just need to get used to it.

 

[rkevins]

pull the tape all the way out and wipe it off, then let it retract while you hold a peace of wax paper letting the tape retract through it.

I haven't tried this but read it somewhere.

 

[jhelrey]

I pull it completely out where it says stop, etc. I take WD40 and spray it inside. I shake it around for a moment then let it rewind. I use it a few times and then pull it out a few times and this time, wipe clean with rag.

 

[BlindViper]

I take apart the stanley fatmax tapes and add or remove tension from the blade. Its a pain in the *** when they have so much tension new they will give u a blood blister.

 

[bonneyman]

I take apart the stanley fatmax tapes and add or remove tension from the blade. Its a pain in the *** when they have so much tension new they will give u a blood blister.

Sounds like the spring recoiler on my old lawn mower.

 

[compyello]

Well thank you everyone. I guess I better not take it apart. It is my grandfathers so I could not guess on the age or how well it was taken care of I just grabbed it because I do not have a 25 ft. and he doesn't have a use for it. I would like it if it retracted better so I will try some of the suggestions and let you all know how it works out.

 

[Danglerb]

I'm thinking two steps, clean out the dirt etc., then some kind of dry lube. WD40 might work, but its a dirt magnet.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I pull it completely out where it says stop, etc. I take WD40 and spray it inside. I shake it around for a moment then let it rewind. I use it a few times and then pull it out a few times and this time, wipe clean with rag.

This is what I've always done. Many a times during my woodbutcher days. Always worked great.

 

[metaldad]

Well thank you everyone. I guess I better not take it apart. It is my grandfathers so I could not guess on the age or how well it was taken care of I just grabbed it because I do not have a 25 ft. and he doesn't have a use for it. I would like it if it retracted better so I will try some of the suggestions and let you all know how it works out.

Grandpapa's?
I'd put it on the shelf, and admire it.
And reminisce when passing it.

 

[Outlawmws]

Well I'm surprised, while the stores no longer carry replacement blades, apparently you can still order them through sears and even Stanley direct. Not cheap, but not as bad as a whole new tape...

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I'm thinking two steps, clean out the dirt etc., then some kind of dry lube. WD40 might work, but its a dirt magnet.

i wouldn't think if you wiped it off it would be a dirt magnet.

 

[Jolomite]

My preferred method for cleaning old tapes is to use Johnson's paste wax.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/SC-Johnson-16-oz-Fine-Paste-Wood-Wax-00203/100154748#.UYf9xZH4Lkg

You can make a great improvement without disassembling the unit. Simply extend the tape out to its full length and using a rag/ paper towel, give the blade a good schmear of the wax. You can let it dry while extended (just a few minutes until the wax gets a hazy look) or you can let the tape retract.

The way I figure, if you let some of the wax retract back into the housing it will act as a fairly dry lubricant that will stay in place. Once dry, rub excess off the tape. I find this process does a good cleanup for the tape, lubricates, and is a rust inhibitor.

Good luck, I'm sure your Grandfather would be proud that you are taking good care of his tools.

 

[TwoInch]

maybe a dry teflon spray?