Self Locking Measuring Tapes?

[ItsNemo]

Okay, so here I was thinking that self locking measuring tapes are the best thing ever. I find them WAY better since the thing doesn't slam shut on me if I so much as slip a little bit...and I can immediately use both hands without having to set the lock manually (usually marking something). However I posted a short little video about it and the first comment came back with they're hated and haven't caught on...which surprised me.

So I need to ask the experts here, self locking or no? What's the downside to the self locks? You just hold the button to close, but it's not like that takes any extra effort than just holding the tape and waiting for it to close, and probably also stopping the thing with your other hand from slamming in and ruining the tape.

 

[Theronswanson]

Just use what you're comfortable with and like.

 

[Kuma601]

I like it and have that in a 12' length. I do grab the self locking one the most.

 

[f121]

I really like them. Im looking for a compact, lightweight 3m self locking tape to replace the regular one I carry.

 

[d.mcfarland]

@afazz

 

[Spencer Was Here]

They are a nice concept, but I gave up on them about a year ago.

My two main complaints are that they wear out the markings on the tap3 and whe they no longer lock tight, you have no recourse to try and manually lock them.

 

[bwringer]

I bought a batch of Komelon self-lockers on clearance without really paying attention.

The first few times I used them, I was a little confuzzled, but overall I really like them better.

I don't find that they wear out the markings. Then again, I don't use them all day every day, and I normally push the lever while extending the tape anyway. I suppose this could become an issue in frequent use in dirty environments.

Measuring tapes are consumables, not heirlooms, and the added convenience is significant once you adjust yourself a little. Even if they do wear out more quickly, I'd still lean that way.

Is this a religious devotion to the Church of the Holy Self-Locking Tape? Nah. Just a mild preference, all else being equal. I have tapes scattered everywhere, and if I grab a "normal" one, there's a moment of annoyance, no more.

 

[ItsNemo]

They are a nice concept, but I gave up on them about a year ago.

My two main complaints are that they wear out the markings on the tap3 and whe they no longer lock tight, you have no recourse to try and manually lock them.

Well that explains why people might not like them...though mine haven't worn out at all on the numbers side, one is a little looser on the locking at really long extensions (not where I often use them, I rarely go beyond 8-12 feet).

 

[RTM]

I have had a 25’ fit over 19 years, and as a homeowner, have not worn it out. My neighbor discovered he liked them too, and I showed him my old one. Just found a 16’ a few weeks back, so now should be set for the rest of my life. Gave another away, and the recipient was quite pleased (it was orange, didn’t match my cluttered color scheme )

 

[cmandp]

My tape I use for most projects is a 25' Komelon. Honestly I liked it at first but after using it for awhile I am starting to not like it.

For doing layout type measurements where I start from the 1" mark or otherwise don't use the hook it's annoying. It will slowly retract and move where I set it up to mark out a distance. Say you are marking plywood and set it down flat in order to measure; it will slowly retract into the case.

Doing measurements where you bend the tape to get more reach, say floor to ceiling, you have to hold the tape from retracting back into case as well.

I am thinking about going back to a standard Stanley Powerlock or other locking tape. I am used to needing to hold the tape for certain measurements and it absolutely locks and won't move when needed.

 

[Citation]

I have and don't care for the Komelon self locking tape measure. I like that it self locks but it's more like self limits. It doesn't actually lock. Sometimes I want to set a distance equal to tab at the end of the tape and the body of the tape measure. But if I so much as lightly pull on either end my measurement is lost. I rather like this Craftsman setup

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QG3ZXQC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This model self locks like the Komelon but if you push the tab forward it locks more like a traditional slide lock. Thus it doesn't retract or extend.

That feature aside, I prefer the rest of the Komelon to the Cman.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

Both are good just different in the shop setting with machines or steel the auto locks are nice. On the construction site, they retract a little too easy. When fitting cabinets, not too good if they self retract and scratch up the side of nice finished cabinet. Both have pros and cons, but I find I like the Stanley Powerlock still the best, along with the 99E utility knife. Just hard to beat the classics. Although Stanley is trying by making the tape thinner and thinner. But that's what it takes to get it on the shelf and hard to tell the difference.

 

[Wolley]

I almost never use a lock on a tape measure. I can't think of a reason to have it on all the time

 

[lardy1]

I hate self locking tapes. Maybe if I got used to it but I have one floating around and it always balls me up at just the wrong time, it seems.

 

[rancherbill]

Komelon are the best tapes ever!!! I like that some models are printed on both sides of the tape. When they are sale I buy some for Christmas presents.

This shows traditional tape companies are super slow to react to foreign competition. Theses guys came, stole some market share with a better product and created a niche. Based on the comments a lot of people like them.

 

[ItsNemo]

I almost never use a lock on a tape measure. I can't think of a reason to have it on all the time

I never use the lock on regular tapes either...it's not to think of these as much as self locking measuring tapes as they are not self closing.

 

[Kuma601]

For measuring rooms and the outside around the house the laser is great. For close stuff the old way works for me.

 

[Ohmthis]

I have two self locking tapes and I’ve learned their limitations they truly don’t “lock”, but hold. For times I’d like to lock the tape to make repeated measurements, it creeps on me and I’ve got to reset the tape. Other times where I’d like to lock the tape and measure by reaching up and measuring overhead the thing creeps or slides further down. I still use them, but prefer the power lock tapes.

 

[Citation]

I have two self locking tapes and I’ve learned their limitations they truly don’t “lock”, but hold. For times I’d like to lock the tape to make repeated measurements, it creeps on me and I’ve got to reset the tape. Other times where I’d like to lock the tape and measure by reaching up and measuring overhead the thing creeps or slides further down. I still use them, but prefer the power lock tapes.

This is exactly my experience and why I decided I like the Craftsman tapes that hold and separately lock. I wish they otherwise felt as quality as the Komelon. Having owned several types, the Komelon hold vs traditional lock vs the hold+lock setup, the hold only is my least favorite. I would rather have traditional lock vs just the hold setup.

 

[u2slow]

I got a couple of self-locking by mistake. Thought it was alright I'm the beginning... but they lost their grip pretty quick so now it's just slow or fast retrieve

 

[vavet]

I like the idea of the Self locking tape, but when the locks wear out, then it’s a paperweight,
the only time I have found a need for the laser units was hanging strip lights in my garage on a scaffold. I wanted them reasonable parallel to the front wall and the laser was a pretty good way, you lose perspective when on a scaffold with your neck at weird angles.

 

[alinc100]

Right now. I am pretty enamored with the Lufkin G2 in 16 ft. The contrast of the black background and neon marking is much easier on my old eyes. It also shines well when using a laser to do layout on walls. We are working indoors ,on commercial jobsites, doing interior finish and many would be surprised how dimly lit some office settings are during construction. I will say letting it retract at full speed is VERY painful ,and on the previous G1 versions I broke/snapped the end off more than once.

 

[LeeG]

I use the Komelon 16' tape measure with the belt clip from the Fastcap tape measures. Prior to using the Komelon, I mostly used the Fastcap Old Standby tapes for woodworking and shop projects. I really like the "press to open" clips. Much easier than trying to slide them on your pants pocket or belt. These clips are not a product they sell directly, you have to call them and ask for some replacement clips for your Fastcap tape measures.

Lee

 

[fourjeepin]

I just found this thread after falling for the Stanley FatMax auto lock. I bought 2 a couple of weeks ago. Started on a project last weekend replacing the skirt boards around my patio. Saturday tape #1 stopped retracting. Sunday I made a trip to HD for a replacement but they didn’t have any so I got the Milwaukee version.

Well this weekend I got back to my project and tape #2 started getting stiff then completely locked up while fully retracted. Neither got wet or muddy but both saw a bunch of dust from the pvc boards I was using.

Anyone had similar experiences? Thoughts on the Milwaukee autolock? I’ve used it a few times it seems solid, but I find the retract button isn’t as easy to reach as the Stanley. It’s several dollars cheaper too.

 

[dr_clyde]

I don't care for self locking.

I buy Stanley 12' Powerlock tapes by the case. They're one of the few tapes that still has a metal housing. I carry one on my person every hour of the work day, and the low profile, small form factor and metal housings makes the Powerlock a winner for me. Once they wear out or get too hard to read I chuck it in the scrap and pull out a fresh one.

For longer tapes, I'm less fussy but I do prefer the FatMax series from Stanley if I have my druthers. But since I'm not carrying it on my pocket I'm a lot less fussy.

I have a few oddball tapes that see some use, a Fastcap flat back one for measuring curves, a Stanley pocket tape with a diameter scale on the back, and a Lufkin 100' tape all are in my box for when the need arises.