Vintage tape measures

[Username already in use]

I'm sure there are at least a few of you guys out there, like me, who pick up the occasional vintage tape measure from the flea market and the like. Here's a few of the ones that have followed me home.
*The 10ft Evans Power Tape used to be my go to flea market tape measure until the hook recently broke off. Really did like that push button rewind feature. I'll be looking for another!
*Also at 10ft, is the Craftsman no 3953 'black & White tape. This is my new go-to for the flea market bag.
*The 50ft Disston 'Star Chief' was a recent find. I had never seen a Disston branded tape measure before. Winds up on the back side.
*The 25ft Lufkin Chrome Clad is the most recent acquisition and appears to be in lightly used but fantastic condition. Begging to be used on an upcoming project!

Well, you've seen mine, now let's see yours!

 

[jagwinn]

Great collection! I'll post some of mine soon.

 

[driftpin]

These are 45 years old. I bought them when I moved to south Florida and began working as a construction laborer.

Stanley 30 ft

Millers falls 100 ft.

The Sears 12 ft. one is probably older, I got that from a friend who died.

 

[RubiconJK]

Here is an old Atlantic 8' tape I found at an estate sale a few weeks ago.

 

[d42jeep]

Username,
Here is a tape measure that shouldn’t surprise you.
-Don

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Cool thread idea, Unaiu!

Here's my smallest, with its Singer brethren, in my little Singer Sewing Machines tool kit. Reads, "OVER A CENTURY OF SEWING SERVICE 1851". I'm interpreting that as 1951 or thereabouts and it does have a Registered Trademark symbol (R) on the tape, which is black-on-white steel. Made by Master.

I'm actually not sure how long it is. It's not marked on the case, and I don't want to pull it all the say out and risk it not going back in. The retracting action is fairly smooth, but I just don't want to risk it.

(Are you doing open reel? I've got some old 100-footers.)

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Not exactly a tape measure, but here is my vintage folding rigid 620 ruler

 

[d42jeep]

I seem to have amassed quite a Lufkin collection without really trying. Here are some pictures. The tape measure in the fourth and fifth pictures is unmarked except on the tape itself. Another Lufkin. Last but not least is a Craftsman Crown measure.
-Don

 

[Username already in use]

Great collection! I'll post some of mine soon.

Thanks! Let's see 'em!

These are 45 years old. I bought them when I moved to south Florida and began working as a construction laborer.

Probably someone more into craftsman can tell you when they used that crown top logo. I suspect '60s. Great looking tapes!

Here is an old Atlantic 8' tape I found at an estate sale a few weeks ago.

That Atlantic is pretty slick. Never heard of that brand before. That would have followed me home as well.

Username,
Here is a tape measure that shouldn’t surprise you.

Don, you've been holding out one me! I've seen that Evans power-tape in a few brands, but never POWR-KRAFT. Very nice!

Cool thread idea, Unaiu!

Thanks Lugz!
That little Singer tape is neat! Is it cloth?

(Are you doing open reel? I've got some old 100-footers.)

Sure! Why not. Let's see 'em!

Not exactly a tape measure, but here is my vintage folding rigid 620 ruler

Eh, it measures distance, right? Works for me. I've got an old folding aluminum rule that still gets some use.

I seem to have amassed quite a Lufkin collection without really trying.

They add up, don't they? That #926 Mezurall looks pretty old. Pat. # 1973843 was filed for in 1931 and awarded in '34, so that's an old one!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Thanks Lugz!
That little Singer tape is neat! Is it cloth?

Steel.

 

[DWise]

A few I have, and most get used.

 

[mjbuffum]

Recently bought this one in Utica NY from a man selling the estate of his late-grandfather. Man had an awesome workshop!

I've never heard of Martin a a company, but the tape pulls so smoothly and the return mechanism is very snappy. Definitely worth the $1.

 

[Mintgrun]

I have these two little six footers.
I really like the Mechanic's Pal.
It is very pocketable.


Made by Walsco, apparently.

 

[bonneyman]

Here's a few of mine. but no matter what I come across, I keep grabbing for the silver-bodied Lufkins.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

There's a classic pecker joke in almost every one of these posts. I'm surprised jakemac hasn't already exploited it!

 

[4xdog]

I have one of the (likely) 50s era Craftsman tape measures as shown in the original post, but probably not quite as good condition. This one was my father's from before I was born.


And here's a little guy I've had at least since the early 1970s, and it wasn't new when I got it. The company (in my hometown in southeastern Ohio) is still in business.

 

[jagwinn]

View media item 83687

 

[d42jeep]

I added to my Lufkin collection at an estate sale today.
-Don

 

[Username already in use]

16 footer. That’s an odd size, isn’t it?

 

[Tucko]

I was playing Bocce ball with a group of dads at one of my kids Scout campouts. We were primitive camping in the middle of nowhere in the Mojave desert, and two guys were arguing whose ball was closer. I calmly walked up and said, "Gentlemen, may I?" as I pulled a tape measure out of my pocket. Be prepared.

 

[Macduf]

Can't not stop getting them, all under $1. This is probably half the collection.

 

[d42jeep]

Here are a few I missed. While the Lufkin Magic Yard Stick made for Pacific Telephone isn’t really a tape measure, it’s too cool to leave out. It coils itself into a small circle when not in use.
-Don

 

[davethorik]

I've been meaning to start a thread like this but kept getting sidetracked. I figured there had to be others! As of now my collection is modest- mostly Lufkin; and most of those pre-Cooper Tools.

I also like finding NOS or new condition tapes in original boxes/packaging. Attached is the bulk of this collection...all Lufkin save for a lone K&E. 2nd pic a closeup of my Lufkin chrome plated Artisan tapes...I had one with hook and diameter on tape, meant for trees, already. But thanks to member 3baygarage I now have it's almost twin. Both immaculate!

I have collectors, collector users, and pure users...none of which are HF tapes, which I LOATHE. USA made mostly Stanley, and recently discovered Milwaukee, which are nice from overseas, are my users. I think I have some pics on phone, may have to do a photo shoot later.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I was playing Bocce ball with a group of dads at one of my kids Scout campouts. We were primitive camping in the middle of nowhere in the Mojave desert, and two guys were arguing whose ball was closer. I calmly walked up and said, "Gentlemen, may I?" as I pulled a tape measure out of my pocket. Be prepared.

Haha. Great story!

This is probably half the collection.

Uh-oh. I think I might have to break out my fancy scarlet letter H patch on Macduf.

While the Lufkin Magic Yard Stick made for Pacific Telephone isn’t really a tape measure, it’s too cool to leave out. It coils itself into a small circle when not in use.

Waiting for someone to say," just like an inch worm." Seriously, that is nifty.

Nobody got the **** joke allusion or nobody thought it was funny!?

"Add 2 inches."

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Hey hey hey this forum is pg!

 

[davethorik]

Here are a few I missed. While the Lufkin Magic Yard Stick made for Pacific Telephone isn’t really a tape measure, it’s too cool to leave out. It coils itself into a small circle when not in use.
-Don

Don,
I have a smaller version of that. Lufkin no. SR-18 (half yardstick), same gold color although I have seen others. Mine bears advertising for the Cunningham Supply Co.
In very tiny lettering by the end, it shows a U.S. PAT. 2,956,79?, last digit was past the 18" mark, but it's a 5.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US2956795

Does anyone else remember the slap bracelet fad of late 80s/early 90s? These were sold as kids toys, although with colorful fabric coverings, in a large number of patterns. I am an 80s child and remember those vividly! There were probably hundreds of thousands in teachers desk drawers nationwide that were all confiscated.

They sold these everywhere...toy stores, malls, even gas stations and convenience stores. I seem to remember a number of kids getting sliced, despite fabric. Then like all fads, faded away. And I have Lufkin to thank for all those memories. Odd.

 

[humber2]

16 footer. That’s an odd size, isn’t it?

Driftpin in post #3 shows a 30feet Stanley in an "add 3" " case.

My Stanley is a 5m - 16ft in the same 3" case

Both only have the sticker as the suppliers identification, 33-158 for mine.

The rear clasp has Made In Australia stamped.


Could be best part of 50 years old.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here are a few 100-foot open reelers. The one with the handle is a Lufkin. The other one is an older Lufkin. Pic 3 is a reel for a Keuffel & Esser. No tape. I think I'll put a big kite on it!

 

[Stuart in MN]

Here's a few of mine. but no matter what I come across, I keep grabbing for the silver-bodied Lufkins.

That combination tape measure / utility knife is pretty ingenious, I've never seen one like it before.

 

[HeelSpur]

This one says, Dial 50'. Clothe tape.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/razorear/28672471838/in/dateposted-public/

 

[bonneyman]

That combination tape measure / utility knife is pretty ingenious, I've never seen one like it before.

Thanks! I saw it at a yard sale, and told the wife I had to get it - it was just too different. The knife portion acts as a really comfortable handle when using the measure. For a Taiwanese tool I like it.

 

[RedVise]

I'm sure there are at least a few of you guys out there, like me, who pick up the occasional vintage tape measure from the flea market and the like.

Great thread, thanks.

A few I have, and most get used.

Very nice collection.

Can't not stop getting them, all under $1. This is probably half the collection.

I agree, nice collection.


Brian Will post a few this evening.

 

[MShaw]

Here's my only contribution. It belonged to my wife's great uncle. He died 50 years ago. No label or marking. Cloth tape.

 

[twertsy]

Here are a bunch I've picked up over the years. Second pic is Firestone, Mabo and Stanley left to right. Last Lufkin has never been used.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[bluebolt]

I have a few.


The oval one in Pic 4 is Vietnam era Demolition Charge Computing Tape.


My favorites are the Craftsman's.

 

[DWise]

Very nice collection Blue, and I like your Craftsman's also.

 

[d42jeep]

Here are the ones from my summer home toolbox. The leather covered one is another Lufkin. The 5 ft. metal folding rule is unmarked.
-Don

 

[RedVise]

Here's a couple. Thought about using the big Lufkin as a border around my sons room when he was younger. Didnt think it would last so I saved it.


Brian

 

[Username already in use]

Can't not stop getting them, all under $1.

Agree completely! Sometimes they're just too cheap to not bring home!

While the Lufkin Magic Yard Stick made for Pacific Telephone isn’t really a tape measure, it’s too cool to leave out.

'Magic yard stick'... I LIKE IT!

As of now my collection is modest...
I also like finding NOS or new condition tapes in original boxes/packaging.

New In Box... mmmmm... Awesome!

I have collectors, collector users, and pure users...none of which are HF tapes, which I LOATHE.

Foreign tape measures are the ****. Seems every time I go to use one, I'm on the metric side... USA USA USA USA

Pic 3 is a reel for a Keuffel & Esser. No tape. I think I'll put a big kite on it!

Great idea for the empty spool! Those are some nice open reel tapes, Lugz!

That combination tape measure / utility knife is pretty ingenious, I've never seen one like it before.

Stuart, That's a pretty cool tape measure. Unique to be sure.

I have a few, but this is my favorite one.

The Saturn tape is very cool. I'd like to add some local advertising tapes to my modest collection.

Here are a bunch I've picked up over the years. Second pic is Firestone, Mabo and Stanley left to right. Last Lufkin has never been used.

Todd, why do I picture a whole Huot stack at your place devoted to just vintage tape measures.

I have a few.
The oval one in Pic 4 is Vietnam era Demolition Charge Computing Tape.

Great collection Bluebolt. I wouldn't be mad if you posted a close up of just the demolition charge computing tape. That's a new one for me!

Moving some things around and re-arranging a bit and I re-discovered this odd Lufkin 'woven' tape. Measures in 10ths of a foot. What do you guys suppose this was used for?

 

[stewed baker]

Construction/surveyors use 10ths.
Elevations on survey markers.