I use small tapes…twelve footers, sixteen footers and I like half the tape to be metric.
I’ve been using Stanleys. Well, it seems that once a Stanley takes a dive for the concrete the hook gets bent and it’s fix-the-tape time. The hooks used to be of a stronger steel!
So, what tape do you folks use?
My criteria is that it be small, 16′ is plenty, have metric and Imperial and the bloody thing must be durable. I’m ready to switch manufacturers again. Any suggestions?
Lee
Replies
Lee, my favorite tape bar none is the Lee Valley 12' x 1" blindman's tape. I like it because it's not too long, it's wide and stable, and the markings are very easy to see with those pointy marks that help me be accurate. Here's the link. Only downfall for you might be that it doesn't have metric.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
I like the Stanley 12' MaxSteel. It has metric and is durable, but more expensive than their run-of-the-mill.
Edited 10/7/2004 3:02 pm ET by Frozen
Edited 10/7/2004 3:02 pm ET by Frozen
Lee,
I have used many brands of tape measures, and all seem to have the same problem when the hook takes the blunt of the fall on any hard surface. I've had the same issue with Stanley, lee Valley, Klein, Starret, FastCap, and many others. I've ended up going back to Stanley Fat Max and Max Steel, they have a heavy hook and holds up well. It's larger than what I need most of the time, but I can rely on it. I was using the Fastcap tapes, but I went thru 6 tapes in 4 months for the same reason. Now I have alot of large pencil sharpeners that don't work too well.
If you're having the problem at your bench, I'd recommend getting foam pads for the floor around your bench & machines to minimize damage to tool drops. I picked up enough pads at pep boys to cover my floor around my bench & miter station for under $20, mainly to save my feet, but has saved some of my tool edges as well.
Edited 10/7/2004 3:18 pm ET by craig
I've been using the Stanley tapes for 20+ years now. My 3.5 metre/12' tapes, exactly as you describe with metric and imperial markings, are all model no. 33-215. My 16 footers aren't to hand to get the model no off. I've got 25 and 33 footers too, all Stanley.
I seem to be able to make my tapes last for years without damage. I've got one I've been using since the late 1980's with all original parts. The markings are getting a bit worn now, and it has a sturdy metal case unlike newer ones I use.
I just don't seem to drop tapes very often. I don't put them on flat surfaces to be knocked off. I take a measuerment, make a mark or whatever and the 12' tape and 16' tapes go right back into my old fashioned joiners apron pockets-- I carry both tapes there when in the worshop.
There's your answer. It's not your blasted tapes, it's your lack of a traditional joiners apron that's causing the problem, ha, ha. Slainte.
Geez, how about using a pliers to straighten a bent end?
I do a fair amount of renovation and job site installations, and tapes get beat up. I pull out my lineman's pliers, straighten up the end, calibrate it to make sure it's accurate, and off we go..............
An old carpenter year after years always used a Craftsman measuring tape. When I commented that they must be very durable, his answer was quick:" I go trough a measuring tape in 5-6 months, Sears is kind enough to give me a free replacement according to their warranty. In ten years I paid only once for the 15-20 Craftsman tapes I used.
John Cabot
I'll second that. I use to buy Stanley's but a friend of mine suggested craftsman for the same reason. I have owned nothing else since. If it takes a ding, or the spring gets worn, I simply walk into sears and they give me another one no questions asked. Matter of fact my latest one is going back tomorrow for replacement.
I find that for shop use, as opposed to construction use, that a shim glued to the bottom of the tape works well to protect the hook from fall damage. In the shop I usually use my hand to pull the tape out of the case - for construction, I tend to use the hook over a lumber edge to pull out the tape.
Lee-
There is no doubt in my mind that FASTCAP has the best tape measure on the market today. The FASTCAP model that I can not live with out has the markings with fractions down to 1/32 on every inch of the tape of both sides as well.
I love this tape measure so much that I refuse to use any other one. And when I misplace it or my wife sneaks it out to measure something or other-- I et pretty testy. It is absolutly the best tape ever.
Good luck
I agree!!!!! I love mine, I even gave up my old Lufkin folding rule for one of their tapes.
My favourite shop tape is an unusual one. A 6 foot by 1/4 inch pocket tape which doesn't have a hook to bend. The 0 is about 3 inches from the end. It's meant to be used to measure the diameter of a pipe when wrapped around the pipe but the diameter scale is on the back of a regular scale which I use. Quality tape in a nice rounded smooth case which you can hardly feel in your pocket. Great for measuring surfaces not from the edge and good to measure on drawings.
look here: http://store1.yimg.com/I/cspoutdoors_1807_1703950
Never understood having both Fractional and Metric on the same tape - I use both but never on the same job.
Never understood units smaller than 1/16th inch - hard to read and not very usefull in everyday woodworking. I have a 12 inch rule that Lee Valley used to make - every edge from end to end is in 1/16ths - never have to turn the ruler around or tip it over - no matter which way you pick it up is always right.
Edited 10/8/2004 10:49 am ET by Corners
I use a Stanley Fat Max tape. They last me about a year, I am a remodeler by trade. It is accurate enough to use in the shop for general layout. I have droped it many many times, off ladders, roofs, scaffolding, it makes a solid sound when it bounces!
Mike
Thanks everyone. I'm going to give the Fat Max and the Fastcaps a whirl.
Lee
Glad I'm not the only one
I think you are right Stanley tapes are junk now - I would rather pay more to keep quality than make junk and keep the price down.
I like the 16 ft. old Stanley and haven't seen a decent 16ft. tape out there.
Ron
I lost my old Stanley the other day. I have found it since. Replaced it before it turned up though and I like this new one. 16 foot (I don't like them bgger because they are too heavy and bulky to keep handy then) and the best part is the price!! UNDER $5 from Wal-Mart. It is a Kom Pro 16 foot x 1". Give it a try ... just as a spare you can't go wrong for $5!!! Now that my old Stanley showed up for work again he has found himself riding the bench. Sorry no metric though ... What? You expect to get EVERYTHING you want??!!??!
Edited 10/10/2004 2:54 am ET by Clay
If you buy a cheap tape, be sure to check it against your other rules. I bought one recently that was almost a sixteenth of an inch off.
If you are like me, and use the tape only for long measurements and a steel rule for short ones; this can create gaps in your joinery. Craftsman makes a good tape.
Regards,
Dan
Fast Cap for me. I've been using one since January, nearly everyday, building and remodelling, and another one is in my shop apron. I'm going to get another one (25') just to have for a spare, although the first is holding up fine.Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT
That's good advice Dan. I just checked my Kom Pro against against my Stanley and they both read the same. It is good to know though. This tape has a cheap price but nice features, I prefer it to my Stanley. The blade has a nice smooth nylon coating too ... most odd brand tapes I haven't liked the blades .... this one is better than the Stanley (as far as I can tell). The blade locks automatically wherever you pull it to and then you push a button to retract it. I never felt the need for such a feature but now that I have it ... I really like it! The Stanley waits in the truck now ... like a pinch hitter ... too old to play everyday ... trying to stay useful for a few more seasons.
I have two favorite tapes. One is a small tape measure from Lee Valley, which I use for making furniture. The other is a free tape measure I got from Amazon when I bought a larger tool. It works very smoothly and has a clear, easy-to-read style that I find superior to anything else.
Dont laugh too hard but I go to one of those cheap dollar stores in my area and for $1.oo I get aboout ten of these 16' tapes that have Imperial with all the markings for carpentry and metric ,and its accurate.For $1.00 I cant wrong and if it breaks,so what I have more on backup.These will easily last me for a year and if I lend one I dont care if I dont get it back.Good Luck.
Vertis,
About a month ago I ran across those $1 tapes and bught a couple...so far so good. However, during the football game yesterday there was an advertisement for the Stanley 'Fat Max' that has been mentioned here. In the commercial the guy pulled out his 'Fat Max' to change channels on the TV when the remote could not be found.... Maybe we need to re-think our cheap import....lol
Hmm,I should try that on my TV(30 sec.later).At 9'7"from the TV it stated sagging a bit.That other TV must heave had soft touch buttons.Cheers.
My first choice for a measuring tape would be a Stanly Fat Max although I also have a very dependable Lufkin.
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