US-Made Tape Measures?

[jeffmoss26]

I bought an orange Starrett tape off ebay a month or so ago. US made!

 

[lbgradwell]

My Canadian Lufkins have always been pretty good. But then, I'm not very hard on tape measures...

Lufkin hasn't manufactured in Canada for a long time.

 

[Applesauce]

Lufkin hasn't manufactured in Canada for a long time.

Hmmm...didn't know that! I guess I have collectible tape measures.

 

[brickG-man]

Sorry, I wouldn't trust any measurements on a non-US made tape measure. Looks like there is yet another tool that I need to stock up on while there are still some made in the US.

 

[INSP380]

I use a Lufkin all day long. I use them until the paint wears off the blade then reblade it 2 to 3 more times before the spring is sprung. I use my tape ,its in my hand 50 + hours a week. Keep it clean and take care of it, they do last.

I check my tape every morning, pushed and pulled. Take care of them and they'll read right all day long.

Steve

 

[Tallboy]

Looking for a decent quality tape measure. Have traditionally used Lufkin 2312:

Lufkin has discontinued and replaced with the P2312:

Which is essentially the same tape with some little details that make it less desirable - the case has been been made more modern looking, which has made it bigger for no functional reason, the case has been rounded - the old one had a square back and could be backed into a corner (+2-1/2 IN, as noted in the housing), the bottom is not flat all the way across, so it is less stable and more prone to falling over if gently bumped while doing layout work. Additionally the blade finish is thinner than old one - you can see darkness peaking through the yellow paint. The lone improvement - functionally - was a beefing up of the hook-to-tape interface - my single complaint with the old one.

Vendors are switching over to the new ones and are not necessarily matching stock to model numbers yet...found out when I got 48 of the new ones thinking I was getting the old ones by product number.

I buy around 100 tapes a year for our facility and am looking for something comparable to what we were using.

Was hopeful and and ordered 4 USTapes 12 x 3/4" and all 4 failed to give an close enough reading (have a 12" calibration gauge) - all were between 1/32 and 1/16 off of correct.

Any ideas or experience with other brands.

Thanks.

 

[ecotec]

Most of the guys I see on construction sites use Fat Max. I have been using them since Craftsman stopped making the one with the big button on the bottom (a LONG time ago).

 

[jefferyb_2]

I use a Stanley Fat Max and a Klein. Both USA made.

 

[Tallboy]

Liking the looks of this one...didn't realize that Klein made tapes.

 

[BFHtime]

A few months back I saw a Bostitch tape that made a fatmax look like a little brother. I almost bought it but I have a number of tapes now.

 

[PRH44]

I use a FATMAX 25' and so do most of the electricians I work with. You can drop them off a lift or scaffold and they just bounce. with the 1.25" wide blade you can stick the tape out over 10' before it breaks over.
I haven't found anything else that can perform like that. So right now the FATMAX is the staple for me.

 

[lbgradwell]

Liking the looks of this one...didn't realize that Klein made tapes.

I believe you will find that to be a re-badged US Tape too...

 

[dr_clyde]

I have no idea what the COO is, probably china, but I carry a tape measure on my hip if I'm awake and dressed, and it's a Stanley PowerLock 12' with a metal housing. It has a 1/2" blade and NO metric on it. I wouldn't mind the metric if it was on the top... I have a cheapie enco in my box if i need to use metric.

I special order these tapes by the box from my LWS because I can't find them anywhere cheaper, and no local hardware stocks the ones with the metal housing. I drop it fairly often, and the plastic doesn't hold up.

I get anywhere from 2-3 months out of a tape before the first couple inches become worn off and unreadable. I've started to carry a 6" Starrett scale in my shirt pocket hoping that will make the first few inches last a bit longer.

For long stuff I have a FatMax 35' and a Lufkin 100' roll.

 

[bonneyman]

Harry Epstein is offering a USA-made tape with their name on it.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/TapeMeasure/57213.html

 

[Tallboy]

Harry Epstein is offering a USA-made tape with their name on it.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/TapeMeasure/57213.html

I suspect the above post about the Klein is probably right after looking at the Epstein one you posted....USTape

Maybe I'll give a couple more a shot - I gave away the last ones to a coworker to take home for his 9 year old to play with.

 

[CJM8515]

I use a FATMAX 25' and so do most of the electricians I work with. You can drop them off a lift or scaffold and they just bounce. with the 1.25" wide blade you can stick the tape out over 10' before it breaks over.
I haven't found anything else that can perform like that. So right now the FATMAX is the staple for me.

Thats the one I love and use. I also have an older stanley non fatmax (they still sell the chrome ones) and that sucker is so old Im not sure how its still holding up.

 

[redmed]

Thats the one I love and use. I also have an older stanley non fatmax (they still sell the chrome ones) and that sucker is so old Im not sure how its still holding up.

I agree chrome 25' Stanley Powerlock (33-425) hold up well and Stanley stands behind them.

 

[davewo]

Anybody try: http:// store.harryepstein.com/cp/TapeMeasures/57213.html

 

[AndyA]

For new tapes, I like lufkin. They're made in America.......uh... Central America.

My favorites are vintage lufkin or K+E. You can find these with the satin chrome tapes, very nice! These will be manual rewind. Which I don't really mind. Having to hand feed an old spring rewind is just about as annoying.

 

[Teal Jay]

Here ya go:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_607957-355-...fatmax+tape+measure&productId=50276209&rpp=32

I have seen these in person.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Here ya go:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_607957-355-...fatmax+tape+measure&productId=50276209&rpp=32

I have seen these in person.

Picture on the site confirms "Made in USA with global components," for those to whom it matters.

 

[lilcraigford]

Here ya go:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_607957-355-...fatmax+tape+measure&productId=50276209&rpp=32

I have seen these in person.

Take note that those are made "...WITH GLOBAL MATERIALS." (Edit: Someone already pointed this out.)

Check eBay. There are a lot of NOS USA Craftsman, Stanley, Lufkin, etc.

 

[slyonedoofy]

I use these. The 26' tape is metric and standard. The 12' is made in the Dominican Republic. Not sure where the others are made.

View media item 47811

 

[Vinko]

So by way of an update, I got these beauties today. < $19 shipped for the pair, brand new and still in the original packaging.

All I can say is that I am thoroughly impressed. The plastic is way thicker and higher quality than the run of the mill import stuff and the heft is easily double as well. Feels great in the hand and they work flawlessly. I am definitely happy with my purchase and hope they last a long while.

Enjoy the pics!

These are great. I picked up a case of 6 of these. I can't find any more. Wish I picked up 4 cases at that price.

I came to this thread because I need to replace a few more measures in our shop and was wondering what was out there and how the Harry Epstein US Tape measures were holding up, if anyone of you bought them.

 

[JettaGetUpandGo]

I can't find anything to confirm this, but this Komelon shows made in the US: http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/komelon-ss130

Komelon USA is based down the street from me in Waukesha, WI, but Komelon headquarters is in South Korea.

I have this one and am very happy with it. No COO anywhere on it though: https://www.menards.com/main/tools-.../p-1461735-c-9149.htm?tid=3465774073509570631

 

[dnschmidt]

The best tape measures that I've used are made by FISCO in England.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Every tape I've ever had in the last 50 years has been an import.
They don't make tapes in NZ so can't use NZ made ones.. lol

In saying that, Stanley and Bahco are the best I've used.

 

[1foxracing]

Here's mine
Wright Tool 9505

 

[DekeT]

What is thew trush, Just curious.....

He edited out of the post but what I can tell from the words is:

thew - strong and muscular

thrush - vaginal infection

 

[Duck tape Bill]

I came to this thread because I need to replace a few more measures in our shop and was wondering what was out there and how the Harry Epstein US Tape measures were holding up, if anyone of you bought them.

I have both the 25'x1" & 12'x3/4" HJE tapes and they have held up great. I did bend the end of the 12' tape (user error) but It's still my go-to tape. These are made by US tape, and appear to be identical to the Wright versions, just with different stickers.

 

[SMKS]

They've already been mentioned in this thread, but the U.S. Tape-made Harry Epstein tapes are nice and a good value. I have several.

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/100-usa-tape-measure-3-4-x-12.html

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/100-usa-tape-measure-1-x-25.html

 

[gatewaysysop]

The best tape measures that I've used are made by FISCO in England.

I have one of these, a very nice piece indeed. Be aware, there seem to be some imports under this label now.

 

[engineer2]

I haven't been able to kill my Komelon tape measures, but I think they are Korean with a USA office in Waukesha WI. They are big and heavy, and the magnet and story pole are nice features.
Had a Fat Max Xtreme and one drop on the floor from 4 ft broke the metal housing, so back it went.
Lufkin is OK, but had to rebuild the rewind mechanism once.
Stanley is OK but the thumb locks eventually jam/break.
Stanley Lever Locks are good, but eventually the they won't lock the tape.

 

[Vinko]

I've got to order the HJE make. I still think the older Starrett's are my favorite. Durable, great tape, well made casing.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I have one of these, a very nice piece indeed. Be aware, there seem to be some imports under this label now.

If they are made in England then they would definitely be an import to you.

 

[shockwave]

I have been using the Stanley fat max for over 10 years now without any issues I can say they hold up and are a better quality than most tape measures

 

[Shadetree mech]

Hi all,

Had two import tape measures give out on me in fairly short order and, as infrequently as I've used them lately, that's pretty sad. I've been trying to find a decent US-made tape measure, hoping it would be a tad better on quality, but I haven't had much success.

Does anyone have any ideas? I'm looking at some NOS Starrett branded ones on flea-bay, but wondering if there isn't something else I might look for, either vintage or new, that would do the job?

If anyone has some suggestions, model #s or brands I can look for, I'd love to here them.

I still have my US made Stanley classic 25’ and 16’ that I purchased new in 1991. They have endured all kinds of rough treatment in conditions at cement plants, coal plants, asphalt roofing plants doing metal fabrication and repairs on conveyors and other process equipment. They still serve me well all this time and still accurate when comparing to my 36” long Starrett metallic yard stick that I purchased new in 1992 along with pi tape. Also still have my 5 ft Stanley that I got from Baker Oil Tools Inc. In 1984 with their company info stamped into the metal case. I also have a Master Rule Mfg Co Inc 5 ft tape in a drawer in my shop. Have not used it much but it is accurate. I have noticed many people tend to go with what they started with in their trade. Most manufacturers stayed consistent in the old days with their markings and increments ( given the length and width of the measurer) which I know I grew accustomed to with the traditional 25 ft power-lock no matter if I was hanging sheetrock or metal fabrication or systems maintenance. The very few times I tried to use an alternative they felt awkward in my hands and the incremental markings just seemed a little off but mostly I think it was just a slight variance in the printing of one other company compared to Stanley 25 ft power-lock. You get used to something as frequently used as a tape measure and it becomes a part of you and your trade.

 

[Shadetree mech]

I found this site tonight, ustape.com,
trying to find U.S.A. made tapes. The tapes are priced competitively however, it's the shipping that's high for some reason.
Really nice tape measures though and, made here. Worth checking out and, be sure to look at their 25' tape made by, PROTAPE SERIES ULTIMATE TAPE.
It's NOT ROUND but, horse track shaped for your hand.
Good luck

Try to find out if they have any distributors in your area that carry their products to avoid shipping charges.

 

[liliysdad]

I still have my US made Stanley classic 25’ and 16’ that I purchased new in 1991.

That’s about as long as it’s been since this thread was alive…

 

[Shadetree mech]

That’s about as long as it’s been since this thread was alive…

Well the site suggested this thread to me. I never knew there was an end date on threads. So now I know. I will never look at a thread more than a few days old any longer. Thank you for your guidance in this issue and use of this site. I appreciate your time.