Why no High Quality Tape Measures?
- Thread starter DIY_Guy79
- Start date
My preferred tape is a Stanley Powerlock with a metal case. I think it’s 12’, and the great thing about it is that it is in decimal inches
They’re not exactly cheap, although not all that pricey. But I’m not totally sure what a higher end version would look like, other than maybe adding a magnifier. Stronger or wider tape isn’t ideal for all things. More durable hook or printing is a good idea, but I don’t know that they’re not good right now - they’re kind of intrinsically prone to wear.
They’re not exactly cheap, although not all that pricey. But I’m not totally sure what a higher end version would look like, other than maybe adding a magnifier. Stronger or wider tape isn’t ideal for all things. More durable hook or printing is a good idea, but I don’t know that they’re not good right now - they’re kind of intrinsically prone to wear.
pizza
Well-known member
every one of my fatmax tapes slips. the auto lock mechanism always seems to wear out, and i'm not an extreme user in any sense. just a DIYer gentle on his tools.
Garcky
Well-known member
I'm sure I have at least a dozen tape measures. I'm looking at one on my computer desk right now. It's a WorkForce 25' tape from Home Depot that I bought several years ago. The case is metal, held together with four phillips head screws. It has a press-down lock on the top and a temporary pause button on the bottom of the case. I use the pause button as a brake when retracting the tape. I like it just fine.
I have several Stanley Powerlock 25' tapes of various ages. They all work just fine, too. I have a bunch of 10, 12, and 16 foot tapes, but I don't use them very often. Wherever I look where tools are, there is at least one tape measure I can grab.
The one thing I'm sure of is that I didn't pay very much for any of them. I consider them to be disposable tools, since I'm prone to putting them down and forgetting where I put them down.
When I'm using one for a precise measurement, I start on the 1" mark, rather than from the hook. Otherwise, the hook measurements are close enough for most stuff.
I guess I'm not seeing the problem, really.
I have several Stanley Powerlock 25' tapes of various ages. They all work just fine, too. I have a bunch of 10, 12, and 16 foot tapes, but I don't use them very often. Wherever I look where tools are, there is at least one tape measure I can grab.
The one thing I'm sure of is that I didn't pay very much for any of them. I consider them to be disposable tools, since I'm prone to putting them down and forgetting where I put them down.
When I'm using one for a precise measurement, I start on the 1" mark, rather than from the hook. Otherwise, the hook measurements are close enough for most stuff.
I guess I'm not seeing the problem, really.
RPH
Well-known member
I have the 25’ model. Very useful for documenting closure panel bonding coils after set up. Height of the studs from the table top. Made a lot of auto engineers happy. Easy check for me when they have process troubles.
cpttuna
Well-known member
About six years ago, ace hardware had tape measures on sale for $.99 each. I bought 6 of them because I tend to misplace them. I have one left. To me, an inch is an inch whether I'm using a tape measure or a ruler. That is why I buy cheap.
tdkkart
Well-known member
Buy the fanciest tape you want, and it'll still take only 1/2 a second to cut it in half with your bandsaw.
neophyte
Well-known member
BMI of Germany makes “Class 1” tape measures, that should have a high degree of accuracy.
I think the tapes are only available in metric.
Some BMI tapes have thin blades but seem to be very accurate and consistent across markings.
If you want a tape for abusive use I would recomend a stainless Komeleon tape.
hoffmanngroupusa.com
I think the tapes are only available in metric.
Some BMI tapes have thin blades but seem to be very accurate and consistent across markings.
If you want a tape for abusive use I would recomend a stainless Komeleon tape.
BMI Vario Locking Tape Measure ,accuracy class 1
Shop the best quality tools for the best price at Hoffmann Group USA.
hoffmanngroupusa.com