Tape measure rant

[rmack898]

Since they first came out, I have had about 8 or so 30' Stanley Fat Max tape measures scattered about the shop so one is alway within easy reach.

Every now and then one of them will become damaged and I replace it with a new one. I don't think any of the tapes in the shop now are older than 3 years.

When I first started buying the Fat Max tapes it seemed as if the blades were a lot stiffer than the current batch I have. Anything past 50 or 60 inches stick out and the tape folds in half and pisses me off.

I'm open to suggestions for a better tape measure, I'm pretty rough on them.

 

[Climatecreator]

I like these. https://amzn.to/30uOz8N that's my daily for HVAC work I've had it a few years no issue with stand out at all.

CC

 

[BiggityBen]

i've been using Milwuakee, Klein, and Snap On tape measures for the last few years with no issues to report but i'm also probably not as hard on them. i keep the Klein on the work truck (it also has a magnetic tip) and the other two are home/home shop use. replaced my two older Craftsman and one Stanley i've had since before i was even double digits in age

 

[1982fxr]

****** tapes make loud swear words come out of my otherwise pure and clean mouth.

 

[The Cobbler]

when tape measures were roughly $1 per foot, they were all quite good. Now that they have got cheaper & mostly made in another continent, they are mostly pretty crappy .

 

[Want2race]

I like these. https://amzn.to/30uOz8N that's my daily for HVAC work I've had it a few years no issue with stand out at all.

CC

I just bought that. Initially I was in love but a few days into it I notice the retraction spring is a bit weak. Definitely the best bang for my buck but not the ultimate tape measure

 

[Gummi Bear]

I have tape measures everywhere. Here’s the ones I use most:

A 16’ Klein in my glovebox that was old when I bought it at a pawn shop 20 years ago. Not much for standout, no magnet tip, but is simple and reliable.

My tool pouch has a newer 25’ Klein, with the 8’ standout, and magnetic tip. Really like this.

An old Stanley 25’ that I’ve had for probably 30 years is what is in my tool chest. Again, it predates the FatMax, but is still well made.

All of these are USA made. I have several other cheap ones stashed here and there for convenience.


I don’t own one, but several of my coworkers use the Milwaukee tapes, like mentioned above. They’re pretty much everything you might want. I’d like to own onw to see how they hold up, what I’ve used of them seems pretty nice.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[lardy1]

In my 30+ years as a carpenter/cabinetmaker, you couldn't sell me anything except a Stanley. Unless things have changed, they are the standard.

 

[Climatecreator]

I just bought that. Initially I was in love but a few days into it I notice the retraction spring is a bit weak. Definitely the best bang for my buck but not the ultimate tape measure

Might of got a bad one. I have to watch my finger if I'm not applying brake....usually I keep my trigger finger wrapped under the bottom of the tape to control the recoil but if I'm not paying attention while talking etc it'll get me. Maybe return it, Milwaukee good about warranty usually.

CC

 

[Climatecreator]

I do think things have changed

I get the oddest looks when I break out my folding ruler

CC

 

[RTM]

It’s here that you’d get the odd looks. In my travels through Switzerland and Germany, folders are the norm. We had a Swedish crew come on site to set some equipment and they all carried folders. Some even use them on their advertising logos.

I hauled one out over the weekend, as I was too lazy to hoof to the backyard to retrieve my tape for one cut. I prefer them for inside measurements like doors and windows.

 

[Want2race]

Might of got a bad one. I have to watch my finger if I'm not applying brake....usually I keep my trigger finger wrapped under the bottom of the tape to control the recoil but if I'm not paying attention while talking etc it'll get me. Maybe return it, Milwaukee good about warranty usually.

CC

Thanks! Appreciate the info. Will certainly try

 

[Climatecreator]

It’s here that you’d get the odd looks. In my travels through Switzerland and Germany, folders are the norm. We had a Swedish crew come on site to set some equipment and they all carried folders. Some even use them on their advertising logos.

I hauled one out over the weekend, as I was too lazy to hoof to the backyard to retrieve my tape for one cut. I prefer them for inside measurements like doors and windows.

Yeah I'd believe that. The USA got tape measure fever. Though they DEFINITELY have their advantages that why I use both. In my bag I have a folder and a small tape.

I like folders also for laying out and taking pictures, they make great a great reference.

CC

 

[lowside67]

A contractor friend came by with some Starrett tape measures - after playing with them, I ordered one - looking forward to upgrading my crappy Dewalt.

-Mark

 

[lardy1]

When I worked in cabinet shops I used a folder a lot. Mostly for layout.

 

[rlitman]

A contractor friend came by with some Starrett tape measures - after playing with them, I ordered one - looking forward to upgrading my crappy Dewalt.

-Mark

My favorite tapes are Starrett.

Still, FatMax has been the industry leader for standout. I'm not sure you'll find something longer, if that's your criteria.

They do it by having a deeper curve in the tape than the competition. For my typical fine carpentry work (where 1/16" lines are terribly coarse), I don't care for this, but if you need stickout and 1/8" is close enough, it's the bees knees.

 

[engineer2]

Komelon, Starrett, or Milwaukee.
Had a Fat Max and returned the piece of ****.

 

[Bretny]

Have you noticed that the tape brake on your Stanley is right at the edge of your tape? A bit of use and now all your grade Mark's are completely gone within 1/4in of the edge of the tape...right where you need them. I bought one Stanley tape about 2yrs ago and it will be my last

I have Milwaukee tapes now.

 

[PugetDude]

I like the new Dewalt 25' Tape Measure with the 1-1/4" wide blade.
It's like my old Stanley 1" tape measure on ******.

 

[PeteW]

Stanley Powerlock 25' has been my go-to for a long time. A friend sent me this picture the other day and now I may give it a second thought when I need to buy another one.
https://scontent-msp1-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/107733724_10158279418556702_6003814210777084109_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=brptRmfY5gUAX-gY1S8&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.**&oh=427bade1c8107cd047d34bd9fecdd490&oe=5F3CE32A

 

[jives]

Wow, never seen such an error in a tape. My go-to has always been a 16' Stanley Powerlock for in the shop. A smaller and much better fit in the hand. Just replaced my old and lost Stanley about 6 mos. ago, and within a month the blade tip got crinkled up and the tape is now useless.

 

[rmack898]

I've consumed more than my share of RED KoolAid so I'll give it a try.

I bought this tonight at HD

 

[NUTTSGT]

Stanley Powerlock 25' has been my go-to for a long time. A friend sent me this picture the other day and now I may give it a second thought when I need to buy another one.
https://scontent-msp1-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/107733724_10158279418556702_6003814210777084109_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=brptRmfY5gUAX-gY1S8&_nc_ht=scontent-msp1-1.**&oh=427bade1c8107cd047d34bd9fecdd490&oe=5F3CE32A

That looks like an issue where the end was trimmed off in the wrong place. Curious to see if the tick marks would be the same if aligned by numbers and not the end .

It also shows why its important to use one tape measure on a project , so everything stays consistent. If doing layout with another person, why it's also smart to compare both tape measures before starting.


I have several Stanley's in various locations and sizes. I grab a smaller one when its a small project. As in keeping a 12 footer in the console of the truck along with a 3'. The shorter one is for swap meet use .

Recently got a couple of Lufkins that have a spot to allow finger braking. Wife ordered one for. Christmas and they sent 1 box of 5.

 

[Climatecreator]

I've consumed more than my share of RED KoolAid so I'll give it a try.

I bought this tonight at HD

Glad to hear it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I have several Stanley's in various locations and sizes. I grab a smaller one when its a small project. As in keeping a 12 footer in the console of the truck along with a 3'. The shorter one is for swap meet use .

That's why I keep one of these https://amzn.to/3eUXaGR on my keychain. I can't believe how many times it's come in handy!

 

[bdbecker]

That's weird. I'd be frustrated too if my tape was breaking at 60". I'd guess they either changed the alloy, the thickness, or the profile on those new ones. Alloy is not so easy to check, but the profile and thickness can be measured easily enough between the old and new versions.

For reference, my Stanley model 33-726 is 0.008" thick. The blade is 1.114" wide and 0.218" deep.

Stanley even uses the 14' stick-out figure on their website as a selling feature. It might be worth contacting their customer service and letting them know what you are seeing.

-----

...It also shows why its important to use one tape measure on a project , so everything stays consistent. If doing layout with another person, why it's also smart to compare both tape measures before starting...

Almost got into a fistfight with my brother because of this. We were installing new floors at my folks' place. He was taking measurements, I was running the saw. I kept cutting everything long and he was giving me **** about not knowing how to read a tape measure. In the midst of a heated exchange, Dad figured out it was the POS no-name tape measure my brother was using was causing the issue.

He was working as a framer at the time and his boss was buying the cheapest tapes he could find in case quantities. Since everyone on the crew was using the same crappy tape, there weren't any issues. We then got to thinking - on big builds that he was working on, what sort of issues were these cheap tapes causing if we were seeing nearly a 1/16" error over 4' doing floors? Maybe not for their crew, but for everyone else after? When my brother showed his boss the next week, it was Stanley tapes from then on.

 

[Bretny]

I have actually ran into this issue more than once but not even with cheap crappy tapes. I bought a 2 pack of Milwaukee tapes for this reason..so at least who ever is helping can be useing the same tape measure. It also helps for measuring across the diagonal of a box to make sure things are square.

 

[PugetDude]

That's weird. I'd be frustrated too if my tape was breaking at 60". I'd guess they either changed the alloy, the thickness, or the profile on those new ones. Alloy is not so easy to check, but the profile and thickness can be measured easily enough between the old and new versions.

For reference, my Stanley model 33-726 is 0.008" thick. The blade is 1.114" wide and 0.218" deep.

Stanley even uses the 14' stick-out figure on their website as a selling feature. It might be worth contacting their customer service and letting them know what you are seeing.

-----


Almost got into a fistfight with my brother because of this. We were installing new floors at my folks' place. He was taking measurements, I was running the saw. I kept cutting everything long and he was giving me **** about not knowing how to read a tape measure. In the midst of a heated exchange, Dad figured out it was the POS no-name tape measure my brother was using was causing the issue.

He was working as a framer at the time and his boss was buying the cheapest tapes he could find in case quantities. Since everyone on the crew was using the same crappy tape, there weren't any issues. We then got to thinking - on big builds that he was working on, what sort of issues were these cheap tapes causing if we were seeing nearly a 1/16" error over 4' doing floors? Maybe not for their crew, but for everyone else after? When my brother showed his boss the next week, it was Stanley tapes from then on.

Worked at a heavy industrial steel fabrication shop in the early 1980's- they had a 25' master tape nailed to the wall next to the time clock. You had to verify the the tape you were using matched the master on the wall before you clocked in and started your shift.- if it didn't, you went to the tool crib and got a replacement. Solved a lot of layout issues.

 

[MrSurly]

This one has become my go-to these days. 25', 9' standout, printed on both sides, magnetic tip, survives 20' drop on concrete. There's a new "Gen II" that has a 1.3" width and 17' standout; I haven't tried that one yet but I really like the Gen I.

 

[klassenl]

I use the $8 Stanley tapes from my local Home Hardware. I'm not framing so I don't have the need for anything greater than 25 feet. And when they break or get lost its not a big deal.

 

[ez-duzit]

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.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

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.

I've thrown away 4 of the larger orange Lufkins. I thought they were junk. I have alittle 6' in my junk drawer in the kitchen, but that's all that remains.

I have been using 16' Starrretts at the shop. Been pretty happy, I have 3. I don't think I recall where a huge stickout has been needed, but it seems to be the goldilocks of rigidity so far for me.

 

[derek_m]

I have an old Malco, old Stanley and a new Milwaukee. All seem to be pretty good.

 

[neophyte]

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 used to be a standard for quality tape measures, but they were owned by Cooper tools, which was combined into the Apex Tool Group, which was then sold to Bain Capital. Since then, all Or most of the production of Lufkin products have been offshored. The same with most Apex brands.
I don't know if quality has gone into the crapper, But there seem to be some complaints about it.

 

[bdbecker]

If we're talking tape measures in general, I'm a big fan of the FastCap ProCarpenter series.

https://www.fastcap.com/product/procarpenter-tape-measure?cat=308

My favorite is the Standard-Reverse that lets you read the measure from either side. I've also got the Standard-Metric for when I'm bouncing between the two systems, and keep meaning to pick up the True32, which is basically metric version of the Standard-Reverse. It should be noted that the stickout on the FastCap tape measures is not good compared to the wide blade options available from other brands, so not very pertinent to the OP's original question.

 

[Mr. T]

I don't know if quality has gone into the crapper, But there seem to be some complaints about it.

I still have good luck with the Lufkins I buy at work. But I wouldn’t be surprised if some aren’t up to par anymore.

One of my cooler old flea market finds that I still use is a Lufkin surface gauge.

 

[like2wheel]

Lufkin used to be a standard for quality tape measures, but they were owned by Cooper tools, which was combined into the Apex Tool Group, which was then sold to Bain Capital. Since then, all Or most of the production of Lufkin products have been offshored. The same with most Apex brands.
I don't know if quality has gone into the crapper, But there seem to be some complaints about it.

I had a conversation with an Apex rep last year, & he was bragging that his tool had the longest stick out of any.

 

[neophyte]

I still have good luck with the Lufkins I buy at work. But I wouldn’t be surprised if some aren’t up to par anymore.

One of my cooler old flea market finds that I still use is a Lufkin surface gauge.

The older Lufkin machinist tools were probably as good as Starrett, and a few of the items might have been better.

I had a conversation with an Apex rep last year, & he was bragging that his tool had the longest stick out of any.

I think one of the older Lufkin tapes, the one with the sort of round housing, was rated at one point for being the best in that regard.
I think I had better luck with a Komelon Stainless tape though.

 

[Kevin54]

I have a FatMax that will go out to almost 9'. But if a flea farts on top of it, it will buckle. Other than that....I'm sold on FatMax.

 

[topcok88]

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).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shed of tools]

Can’t believe the luck you’ve had with the Stanley with all the framing crews I’ve worked with the Fatmax is and always has been the standard.