Making a better tape-measure

[Krang]

This might not be applicable to everyone, but for me... I never use the clip, on tape measures. If I’m carrying it with me I have a tool belt with a pocket, but more often than not it just sits on a table somewhere.

Seeing as how my entire shop is in a metal container, and much of my surroundings have metal nearby... I figured why not a magnet?

Unscrew the clip, screw on a magnet, and you have an incredibly useable tool. Can stick it anywhere and is always within reach!

Hope this helps someone else out there.

PLUS!



Equals tape measure bliss.


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[Terranova]

https://www.thehardwarecity.com/pro...MIx6uVwcu_4gIVEdvACh1pdQRXEAQYDyABEgK2DvD_BwE

 

[Krang]

I’m not smart enough to have a completely original thought, but at least my way allows us to modify the tapes we likely already have =)


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[BFBOB]

You can salvage very strong, thin magnets from hard disc drives. No holes, so you'd have to glue them on. But, free!

 

[FigureItOut]

It's nice to post a link when you recommend a product, or at least something that someone can copy and paste to search for it. Thanks though, I'm going to get some of those magnets.

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[jdewitt]

It's nice to post a link when you recommend a product, or at least something that someone can copy and paste to search for it. Thanks though, I'm going to get some of those magnets.

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Here ya go https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076GWZK99/?tag=atomicindus08-20 I think those are the magnets.

 

[jives]

BTW, the Stanley Powerlock is still the best tape measure around. The 16' is perfect for the shop, small enough to fit in the hand, not a bulky fat thing like the new models.

 

[Bretny]

I have a 5 month old stanley fatmax. They have the brake/lock wedge into the edges of the tape. By this doing this its worn off the marks at the edges...right where i need them to be. Il never buy another Stanley tape again. The cheap to the expensive stanleys all have the lock hitting the tape in that spot.

I like my husky but they dont make them any more. Trying milwaukee STUD now.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I really LIKE the fatmax series EXCEPT for those damned edge locks. If they had one with the old school "from the backside" bar locks instead, it would be the best of both worlds...

Maybe that extra wide tape wasn't conducive to the old school style locks... if they could combine them, then yeah.

 

[Krang]

I’m really NOT a fan of the fat max or any other Stanley tape other than the standard powerlock. I just don’t find any of the other features appealing or useful as I’ve learned the old ways of using a tape and nail to accomplish just about any measuring task.

I didn’t think about posting a link, I will do so next time. Let me get the exact link for you now!


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[Krang]

By the way.... I use these magnets for all kinds of stuff. They hold some shelving on my container door. They hold up all 8 of my lights... the uses are unlimited.


VNDUEEY Strong 1.26"D x 0.2"H Neodymium Disc Countersunk Hole Magnets. Permanent Rare Earth Magnets with Screws- Pack of 10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076GWZK99/?tag=atomicindus08-20


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[flkeysdude]

Stanley Tools marketed a magnetic, tape rule holder back in the late 80's, early 90's. It was called the "Quick-Draw". It consisted of a belt clip which had a very strong magnet and a steel plate that replaced the original belt clip that was supplied from the factory. You simply pulled the tape rule off your belt and slapped it back in place when finished. It appears the same item is now sold by a company called Dietz (made in USA) and marketed as the "Magneto MagK 1 Tape Holder", available on Amazon Prime for $16.95. Just go to Amazon and type in "magnetic tape rule holder" and it will pop up with pictures...

Yes...Stanley's PL25 (25' Power Lock) is an excellent tape rule...

Hope this helps...!

 

[BukitCase]

I quit using anything but Leverlock tapes about 20 years ago, haven't had a f'n blood blister since... Steve

 

[icthruu74]

I love that every tape measure holder is designed to perfectly hold the old 25’ power-lock tapes. Go ahead and buy a new fancy tape, it won’t fit in the pocket on your bags. And I am somewhat disappointed that I can’t seem to find replacement tapes for them.

 

[MushCreek]

Stanley Tools marketed a magnetic, tape rule holder back in the late 80's, early 90's. It was called the "Quick-Draw". It consisted of a belt clip which had a very strong magnet and a steel plate that replaced the original belt clip that was supplied from the factory. You simply pulled the tape rule off your belt and slapped it back in place when finished. It appears the same item is now sold by a company called Dietz (made in USA) and marketed as the "Magneto MagK 1 Tape Holder", available on Amazon Prime for $16.95. Just go to Amazon and type in "magnetic tape rule holder" and it will pop up with pictures...

Yes...Stanley's PL25 (25' Power Lock) is an excellent tape rule...

Hope this helps...!

I like that idea. I hate tape measure belt hooks. Too hard to put on the belt each time, so I never use them.

 

[HenryAZ]

For the 25 foot ones, I like Starrett. For the 100 foot models, Lufkin (or Starrett, if you can find it used, as I did at a yard sale).

 

[Rc_Guy]

Most sprinkler fitters that I work with and know use these to hold a 25' fatmax.