Wrencher 160
Well-known member
We used to match our tapes when starting a job so we weren’t mismeasuring from one guy to another
Tape measure rant
- Thread starter rmack898
- Start date
davethorik
Well-known member
Surprised no one has mentioned a premiere brand...Lufkin. For decades I have been carrying a tiny 10' Lufkin pocket tape which is in daily use. Eventually they get worn out or dropped/exploded and need to be replaced. Not handy where yo need to "push" it, because it simply isn't rigid.
Lufkin a premier brand? In 1962 yeah, sure. Not in 2020.
coljar
Well-known member
Yep, I've got these and I really like them.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
Back when we had to chase the dinosaurs off the site to start work, tapes were Stanley, Lufkin and Evans. If it was a Craftsman or Starrett, it was made by Evans, they did a lot of contract work. I used all three at one time or another, tapes don't do well in rain and mud. I found I liked the Stanleys the best. And the Evans the least.
The tape I found to be perfect for working in the shop is a 12' 3/4" Stanley Powerlock II . Nice metal case. I found another one at the fleamarket so I should be good for the rest of my life. If I want more accuracy I use a rule, more accuracy, a rule and dividers.
The tape I found to be perfect for working in the shop is a 12' 3/4" Stanley Powerlock II . Nice metal case. I found another one at the fleamarket so I should be good for the rest of my life. If I want more accuracy I use a rule, more accuracy, a rule and dividers.
Try measuring a piece of lumber with with that and let me know how it goes.
There is a very good reason to buy tapes that have a long stick out before they break - its so you can reduce steps throughout the day, saving time and energy by not having to walk all the way to wherever you need to hook your tape. Saving even 5-6' of walking per measurement doesn't seem like a lot, until you do it a couple hundred times a day.
Laser measures are great, I have one I use for doing facility layouts, but they have their limitations. We use different tools for different purposes, and a tape measure with a long stick-out is a useful tool given the right context.
Last edited:
rlitman
Well-known member
I’m not a Neanderthal so I don’t worry about how far my tape measure can stand out in its own. I use a Bosch GLM50C. Pretty cheap now days (I think this was under $150, cant remember).
For stuff below a few feet I am still using a few Stanley tapes. I’m still in search of a premium/precision tape for measurements under 10’ (for woodworking).
Well, the laser isn't always a good substitute for a tape, but it is indispensable for certain tasks.
As for a premium precision woodworking tape, I don't think you'll find better than the FastCat FlatBack. If you need more precision that than, you're not going to get it from a tape.
Attachments
Why didn’t you quote the rest of my statement? I’m a woodworker who uses tape measures regularly. I do not buy into needing my tape measure to stand up 22’ away. As the stand up increases so does the profile and thickness of material - not a desirable trait for my application. I would rather have a ACCURATE and PRECISE tape measure (the two works in all caps do not mean the same thing). I will concede the ability to span the Golden Gate Bridge with a long stick out tape measure as long as my measuring device meets the two criteria - accurate and precise.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You do realize that we are both trying to make the same point, right?
Lets word it a different way... If the only fastener you ever used was a nail, you'd think a screwdriver was a pretty silly tool.
Its the same when it comes to tape measures.
For the type of work you do, a big beefy tape doesn't make sense. For the type of work a framer does, a floppy high precision tape doesn't make a lot of sense. Neither of you is wrong, you are just using the tool that makes the most sense for your application.
Implying someone is a Neanderthal because they want a tape with a long stick-out is not warranted. Not everyone is using their tape measures for high precision work like you. It does not make them a lesser being because of it.
Surprised no one has mentioned a premiere brand...Lufkin. For decades I have been carrying a tiny 10' Lufkin pocket tape which is in daily use. Eventually they get worn out or dropped/exploded and need to be replaced. Not handy where yo need to "push" it, because it simply isn't rigid.
Post #23 ?
MikeF2316
Well-known member
I have a 25 foot Milwaukee that I can extend 13 feet in the air. None of my other dozen or so tape measures come close to that.
My main use for a tape measure is steel fabrication work. Working alone, a wide blade and stick out is a must.
I bought the 30' Milwaukee at HD for $14, however the first project I used it on was building a wooden fence. It held up well and was better than my Fat Max even though the blade was only 1" wide. The 30' Milwaukee with the 1.25" wide blade was $28 and I wasn't ready to spend that much.
Now that I've used the 1" wide tape and like it, I think I'll pick up the pricey 1.25" version on my next trip to HD.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
I bought the 30' Milwaukee at HD for $14, however the first project I used it on was building a wooden fence. It held up well and was better than my Fat Max even though the blade was only 1" wide. The 30' Milwaukee with the 1.25" wide blade was $28 and I wasn't ready to spend that much.
Now that I've used the 1" wide tape and like it, I think I'll pick up the pricey 1.25" version on my next trip to HD.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
casmurbax
Well-known member
Is a magnet good on a tape when you are using for metal work or does it become a hindrance? I never used one with a magnetic tip on it. Obviously it doesn't matter for wood.
Also, I been looking for a tape measure that a person who is left handed(no right hand) that shows the numbers facing them, as all tapes are mostly u sed for right handed people. My friend doesn't like reading the numbers upside down.
Also, I been looking for a tape measure that a person who is left handed(no right hand) that shows the numbers facing them, as all tapes are mostly u sed for right handed people. My friend doesn't like reading the numbers upside down.
rlitman
Well-known member
I can't say I use the magnetic tapes on metal work, but they to stick to corner beads and even sometimes screws.
I seem to recall FastCap making reverse labeled tapes.
edit: maybe just half forward, half reversed:
Dave455
Well-known member
Many choices for tapes.
Fisco (England), Lufkin (U.S.) or BMI (Germany). I own and have used all three. All good. Fisco offer metal bodied tapes if you prefer.
I must admit that I find steel tapes quite frustrating for a lot of applications, for the reasons mentioned.
Folding rules work well - there’s a reason why these traditional patterns evolve.
If I’m working at home I use a large steel rule in preference. Mine is a Fisher, made in Japan, and it’s got a nice satin finish that’s easy to read.
The last few months I’ve been using the BMI “Pocket Tape” shown. These are stripped down to the minimum, and they work superbly. You can open them out on a workpiece, take both hands off, and the tape body doesn’t fall over. Well thought out.
Fisco (England), Lufkin (U.S.) or BMI (Germany). I own and have used all three. All good. Fisco offer metal bodied tapes if you prefer.
I must admit that I find steel tapes quite frustrating for a lot of applications, for the reasons mentioned.
Folding rules work well - there’s a reason why these traditional patterns evolve.
If I’m working at home I use a large steel rule in preference. Mine is a Fisher, made in Japan, and it’s got a nice satin finish that’s easy to read.
The last few months I’ve been using the BMI “Pocket Tape” shown. These are stripped down to the minimum, and they work superbly. You can open them out on a workpiece, take both hands off, and the tape body doesn’t fall over. Well thought out.
Attachments
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
My favorite tape measure is an old Stanley Leverlock like the one below. You can pry it from my cold dead hands. Not a fan of the Fatmax I have, which won't stay open and won't fit in my belt holster. I also like my Komelon.
oldwino
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Back when I was running a crew one of my carpenters broke his tape. I was heading to the lumber yard and offered to grab him a new one. Asked if he wanted a 25 or 30’. After a long pause he said, better get the 25’, I don’t want to walk that extra 5’.
dutchgray
Well-known member
I have always liked Fisco tapes, we used to buy their standard tapes by the box but I think more walked than were worn out. BMI are fine but avoid their cheaper models, I have found the blades don't last and the printing wears quickly.
Never liked Stanley Fatmax, always found them to be too bulky and they are expensive. Ordinary Stanley tapes are fine but not the best quality, but can often be bought cheaply.
redwrench60
Well-known member
If you work in a metal fab shop or on industrial equipment don’t get a tape with a magnetic end. It’ll always be caked with metal chips and grinder shavings.
Ign
Well-known member
Truth
HenryAZ
MEMBER EMERITUS
I have a similar old folding rule. Pretty neat relic.
I will say that I spent over 30 years dependent on a good tape measure. I mentioned very early in this thread that Stanley has been the standard for me. After reading this entire thing again, there's nothing in this thread to even make me consider anything else except that Flat back. I think I'd like that in the wood shop. Thanks for mentioning it.
I will say that I spent over 30 years dependent on a good tape measure. I mentioned very early in this thread that Stanley has been the standard for me. After reading this entire thing again, there's nothing in this thread to even make me consider anything else except that Flat back. I think I'd like that in the wood shop. Thanks for mentioning it.
casmurbax
Well-known member
There is some great info from everyone, not surprised. I appreciate everyone's input.
Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, the Fisco’s are great. Like them a lot. I have a Lufkin that’s probably 25 years old that’s lasted well too. Taken a lot of abuse.
Interesting about the BMI. The one I’m using most right now is the “Pocket Tape” shown. I really like the design and in use it’s more like a thin steel rule. It will be interesting to see how it wears.
I have Stanley tapes that belonged to my Dad that are probably 50 years old. Metal bodied, British made, really sturdy, and superb quality. Everything that modern Stanley isn’t!
dutchgray
Well-known member
I should add I do have one of those BMI pocket tapes and it is excellent, it just their cheaper models (twoComp) are not great and the current cheap Stanley ones are better.