Quality Tape Measure?

[Handyandy23]

I'm looking for a new 25' tape measure for general use, and not sure what to get.

I currently have a 25' FatMax, which I've had for quite a while. Reading reviews online it seems like this is actually preferred by many, but I've never been in love with it. It's supposed to have 11 ft standout, but I find over 6 feet or so I'm holding my breath and praying. Maybe over time it's gotten weaker, but it just doesn't have any extra features that excite me. I also purposely got one with metric on one half of the tape, since I'm in Canada, but because all building material is still imperial I almost never use the metric side. And instead it's a hindrance not having the lines go across the tape completely.

I was in Home Depot earlier and was really struck by the Klein tape. They claim 4m (about 12 ft) of standout and in the store it felt like I got there easily and felt very robust compared to my FatMax. I also liked that it had measurements on both sides of the tape, as on rare occasion that would be useful. I also liked the brake on the bottom to slow down retraction. Other features like the magnetic tip I'm not so concerned about for general use.

However looking it up online, the Klein didn't seem to get the positive reviews I thought it would. Lots of pros complaining it just didn't last, it kinked rather quickly, etc.

So I'm interested in hearing anyone on here that either has the Klein, or has any other suggestion on their favorite tape measure. COO isn't specifically a concern of mine, only quality (I'd rather buy a sturdier Chinese made tape than a more budget/basic US-made one). My main goal is getting one with good standout strength, but features like the Klein double sided numbers and slow down brake would be positives too.

 

[DuratecMan10]

Komelon makes a quality strong tape with a good strong standout. I have a 16' and a 25'.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Handyandy23]

Komelon makes a quality strong tape with a good strong standout. I have a 16' and a 25'.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for that. Saw those on Amazon but didn't click because I didn't recognize the name and thought it was a typical Amazon junk brand. But they seem to offer a wide variety and be well liked.

 

[Bogie1632]

I still use the older style Stanley PowerLock tapes. I dislike the Fatmax and pretty much all the auto lock ones out there, though I do have a 12' autolock in my box that I use for layouts. Just never got to be a fan of them over the PowerLocks and they are still inexpensive...maybe $15 for a 35' tape.

V/R
Bogie

 

[jd_1138]

I'd go with a metric, but you're Canadian so you probably already use metric. It's a pleasure using metric. Even if I'm buying lumber or other materials in feet/inches, it's nice to use metric once I am back at the house measuring, cutting, adding dimensions, etc..

I have a Starrett metric that I use a lot. Also, I inherited an older Stanley from my stepdad and also a Powr-Kraft from him. Those 3 are my go-to tapes.

 

[M6erfan]

I'd go with a metric, but you're Canadian so you probably already use metric. It's a pleasure using metric. Even if I'm buying lumber or other materials in feet/inches, it's nice to use metric once I am back at the house measuring, cutting, adding dimensions, etc..

Yup, a few Years ago I bought a Fisco metric tape.

 

[Handyandy23]

Re: metric, I may end up getting separate metric and fractional tapes. My current one is combined, but it drives me crazy that I can only measure one type on each half of the tape.

Even being in Canada I've still gotten used to fractional more for building materials. There's no reason why I can't use metric at home because it is a much cleaner measurement system, but I guess it's just an old habit.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Yup, a few Years ago I bought a Fisco metric tape.

I'm also a fan of Fisco measuring tapes, and they can be had in both flavors for those who want/need inches vs. metric.

My favorite style is this one:

 

[anavrinIV]

I have a 16' Fat Max that I adore as a basic tape measure, and I can pretty easily get ~12ft of standout with it even after many years. However, I recently needed one that would do over 25' for a new deck I'm building so I took a look at HD and came away with a 35' Milwaukee. I do not fawn over Milwaukee tools in general, but this had features the I really like.

It's not as strong a tape as my Fat Max but it's not as far off as I would think given the thinner nature of the tape. It is imperial only but marked on both sides. It has an architectural scale on the back side (1/4" = 1 ft) if you need to measure on a blueprint, and it has a cutout on the bottom for a finger to hold the tape without being off the front edge of the case. This took a little getting used to but has become second nature while using it over the past couple weeks. It has the magnetic end which comes in handy - if I need to make a long measurement I can pop a nail into one end and drag it as far as I need to go. It also has a ridiculously strong lock on it too.

Being 35' it is a large piece to hold but so far I am impressed

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Even in the days when all tapes were made in USA, I much preferred Stanleys, and still do.

 

[designer485]

Thanks for that. Saw those on Amazon but didn't click because I didn't recognize the name and thought it was a typical Amazon junk brand. But they seem to offer a wide variety and be well liked.

Komelon tapes are my absolute favorite. I have been using them for the past 10+ years in multiple sizes. They are the only ones I buy now.

 

[engineer2]

I have several brands around the house, but I always grab the Komelon. A link to their catalog: https://www.komelonusa.com/assets/uploads/2017/03/2014_Komelon_Full_Line_Catalog.pdf
The only downside, is difficulty finding a replacement blade, but I haven't searched recently.

 

[Rinspeed]

I really like the Milwaukee ones and they hold up well.

 

[Robinson1]

I like basic simple old fashioned measuring tapes

Lufkin Legacy Series
Stanley Power Lock

 

[bonneyman]

I like Lufkin, but Keson puts out a short tape measure built just like the Lufkin's I like. And they do long tape measures as well.

https://www.keson.com/products/toggle-series/

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I have several Millwaukees of various lengths and like them. Haven't had any problems with them. Not sure about standout length, I don't do that often. The other day I got my 25' horizontally out 10' after a few tries.

 

[dnschmidt]

FISCO. That's the number. I've got a lot of them and I like them a lot. Also, Fastcap makes a lot of very unique tapes one of which is flat and enables very accurate measurements when laying out woodworking projects. Fastcap's tapes are a well kept secret outside of the woodworking world. Their true 32 tapes are the nuts for people that build European cabinets.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I bought a Klein magnetic double hook when checking out Epstein Tools in KC.
I like it even if it isn’t metric

 

[MushCreek]

I've had the best luck with the old standard chrome Stanley. They seem to handle being dropped better than most, and they're pretty reasonable. I recently bought a pricey Milwaukee because I wanted markings on both sides, and it had other features I thought I wanted, like a magnet on the tip. The magnet is a mixed blessing, as the added weight makes the blade twist easily. If you tilt it a little when it's extended, it rolls over and folds. Also, it has a nice spot underneath to brake the blade with your finger, but I haven't gotten used to it, and it has a very strong spring. In short, I rarely use it.

 

[wafrederick]

Stanley has a lifetime warranty on their tape measures,I have sent them in to get warrantied for a weak spring in them and received replacements issue free.The Milwaukee tape measures,I have read they are trash and don't last,this has been on the Milwaukee fan facebook sites.

 

[BlackLS2]

Komelon...and a Bosch GLM 20 laser ($25) for larger stuff. I don't find Fisco's hold up well. Stanley and Lufkin very reliable, but use a Komelon and you won't go back.

 

[Handyandy23]

Komelon...and a Bosch GLM 20 laser ($25) for larger stuff. I don't find Fisco's hold up well. Stanley and Lufkin very reliable, but use a Komelon and you won't go back.

I love my Bosch laser, use it on everything I can. But still need a tape mainly for measuring material, and the odd instance where the laser won't work.

 

[Sweetcorn]

I've always been a big fan of the Komelon tapes, but the last 25' one I bought is pretty flimsy.

I've bought a couple Milwaukees since then and I've really liked those.

 

[Noworries]

Stanley powerlock here rugged reliable time tested and inexpensive.. Milwaukee has a nice one but at 25-30 bucks it aint for me..

 

[Fierljeppen]

I've used Stanley tape measures my entire maintenance career until -5- years ago when I picked up a 25' Milwaukee on sale.

No comparison for me, better reach and much more durable.

 

[mrborohachi]

Tajima, made in Japan.

Good video where he explains it's features not found in any other tape measure.

If your in Southern California theres a tool store that stocks them. Unfortunately they don't have any Metric only versions. I sent a fellow GJ'er to Tool Shack in Azusa https://www.instagram.com/toolshackazusa/?hl=en

and because we're proud 'muricans that don't eat Royal w/cheeses they only had the full line in SAE. Too bad because he lost 2 sales. All kidding aside my buddy still managed to spend $300 in the store this is GJ.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Ive had these for about 10 years. They standout to about 8ft after a lot of heavy service, it was closer to 12 when new iirc. I rarely do construction anymore but when i do i always take one along. I cant get used to using any other brand and style. I dont know what they new versions of this are like but might be worth a try.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[mr.lemons]

I think Tajima tapes are mostly made in China. Some models the tape part is made in Japan but the case is made in China. Haven't used one so not questioning the quality just noting in case COO is important.

 

[CTyankee]

16 ft- Stanley Fat Max

25 ft - Stanley Powerlock

 

[Robbie B]

I’ve got a Stanley, can’t remember the exact model but it’s not a fat max I know, not fond of it, also have a komelion I got because I’m not fond of the Stanley. Don’t like it either. They both have that stupid rubber over mold that makes it hard to get out of my carpenter’s pouch. I’m gonna hit HD and pick me up a basic 25’ power lock next chance I get. I carry a power lock 12” in my pocket at work and like it a lot and I think I’ll like the bigger one also.

 

[Rinspeed]

Stanley has a lifetime warranty on their tape measures,I have sent them in to get warrantied for a weak spring in them and received replacements issue free.The Milwaukee tape measures,I have read they are trash and don't last,this has been on the Milwaukee fan facebook sites.

I have easily bought at least 30 Milwaukee 25' tape measures, in the last two years, for the guys at the shop. For anyone to say they are "trash" is a joke.

 

[Handyandy23]

I hit up Home Depot this afternoon and fondled quite a few tape measures. I ended up walking away with a Milwaukee Stud

My local HD only carries Stanley/FatMax, DeWalt, Klein, and Milwaukee tape measures. The Klein they only have the one style aimed at electricians that's $44 CAD. The rest they had about a dozen flavors of each brand on the pegs.

Neither DeWalt nor FatMax had any tapes with measurements on both sides. The top of the line, Made in USA version of both felt nice and solid, but just nothing in particular stands out about them either. The FatMax boasted 14 feet standout, and seemed to be pretty darn close to that when I tested it. It was a nice take, but $40 CAD with no "extra features".

Milwaukee had several different grades that varied in features. The Wide Blade said 14' of standout and my in-store testing it seemed similar to the high end FatMax in that regard. But then it also had measurements on both sides of the tape, and a handy opening in the bottom for your finger to rest to slow down retraction speed. $30 CAD ($10 cheaper), but Made in China though. The Magnetic looked like the same tape with the magnets, but only 12' claimed standout (I guess due to the weight of the magnets on the end).

The Stud (Gen II) was very similar to the Wide Blade, except the case is maybe a quarter inch taller, which I'm assuming helps house a more robust return spring. They also claim it's tested for an 80' drop. Also 14' of standout, so the tape itself seems very similar, although they do advertise some kind of cross weave material that's supposedly more tear resistant.

The big selling feature for the Stud over the Wide Blade for me, though, was how darn smooth the tape feels going in and out. The others in all brands had a certain friction feel to them, but the Stud was just like butter going in and out. Maybe it doesn't mean anything in real world use, but I'm hoping it's a sign of a better quality spring and setup.

At the end of the day, even made in China, it had the quality feel and features that I was after. The double sided measurements were a must-have for me, which DeWalt and FatMax didn't have (at least in store). And the finger slot for slowing retraction speed one-handed was really slick, just a small thing I didn't realize I'd like so much until I used it. Best of all it had an old $35 sticker on it, so even though it rang up at $40 I got it for the cheaper price. Maybe a little pricey for a tape, but for my uses I think it'll last me a really long time.

I still might give a Komelon a try if I can find one in a smaller metric tape measure, just to give myself options, but I think the Milwaukee fits the bill for what I wanted.

 

[JR 42]

All the Tajima stuff I've seen in person has been made in China- quality made, but not my thing. I shoot for ABC (anywhere but China) when I can, which pretty much means Stanley for tapes.

In my case, I'm perfectly happy with basic stuff (no autolock, braking, magnets, etc etc, though a rubber housing prevents dents in hardwood floors if I drop it). It's more likely I'll lose a tape or leave it laying around where a coworker will break it than wear it out myself. I like the cheap Thai- made Stanley green and black 25' (on sale for $5), classic silver, and Fatmax (on sale).

I've not been impressed with any big/ box store brands (DeWalt, Milwaukee, etc, and also Komelon and Lufkin) I've handled, especially considering price and COO. My needs aren't very demanding, though... I've probably spent more time playing with standout than actually using it.

The older diecast silver Stanleys were much, much better than the current version, but progress marches on.

ETA, wow I thumb- type slowly. OP, glad you found something you like, I hope it holds up for ya (I killed the last expensive tape I bought with my own idiocy ((my idiocy killed the tape; my idiocy's not a currency yet))).

 

[Showkey]

I really like the Milwaukee ones and they hold up well.

Another vote for Milwaukee..........have several brands, Milwaukee is the go tape now.

Often “on sale” In twin pack

 

[liliysdad]

I buy the Lufkins every year when Tractor Supply puts the 2-pack on sale for about 10 bucks. They are good tapes....but at that price, nearly disposable. Cheap enough to have one everywhere I need, good enough to use for anything I want.

 

[caltemus]

Does anybody make a tape with a metal body and not vapor deposited plastic? I find myself getting old stanley and blackhawk tapes on ebay because they've got a metal housing and I can easily enough replace the tape/springs.

 

[gentzel]

I buy the Lufkins every year when Tractor Supply puts the 2-pack on sale for about 10 bucks. They are good tapes....but at that price, nearly disposable. Cheap enough to have one everywhere I need, good enough to use for anything I want.

For disposable tapes, I have a pile of free HF ones. Keep a few in the car and give them away whenever I run across someone who needs one (in a craft store, at a hardware store, yard sale, etc.).

 

[Prybar]

Like some others have stated, I used Stanley in various designs my entire life until recently picking up a Milwaukee. I LOVE it! Not planning to go back any time soon.

 

[Outlander]

Not sure brand even matters based on the number of tape measures I misplace or lose I can lose cheap and expensive ones with equal dexterity!

 

[Spacey_G]

I use the Stanley Powerlocks. That's what I grew up with and everything else (including Fatmax) feels like a gimmick in comparison.

I'm sure there are others that have legitimate advantages but I just don't like the look/feel of anything other than the Stanleys.