I know this is a personal preference that we all have, but what is the best tape you have ever used. I am using the Fatmax extreme with day glow and it sucks big time. The tape has too much of a roll on it to be useful and the coating is now covered in something that won’t come off.
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Replies
Call me a luddite but I like the plain old silver Stanley Powerlock II. Can be had just about anywhere and last long enough for what you pay for them.
I like that one too, or the powerlock contractor grade essentially the same tape in a yellow case, i don't think it is made any more.
I have a lufkin 25' chrome case red button I like so well I only use it in a pinch. Lufkin doesnt make that one anymore. I like it cause it is easier to lock and unlock than the powerlocks.Webby
>...the same tape in a yellow case,<
I was going to mention those (I've got 3 of the old style boxy yellow all set up with plastic lam attached for note pads) but since I can't find that style anymore I didn't mention it. Just recently got a 30' yellow box lever lock. I used to really like the lever locks but they couldn't be found around here for a long time and for some reason this one just work for me, maybe it's the size of the box.
Tried the Lufkin in 1991 and never looked back.. Hate the Stanleys. And Lufkins version of Fatmax isn't as good as these, except maybe tougher.They are available. This is where I've been getting them. And I keep spares.Glenn
I like the 25' Stanley maxsteel. I don't like the Fatmax--it doesn't fit the hand as well, and I don't really need the standout as much. It's preference.
I am with you. Have at least one of most out there but have at least 4 of the Max Steel 25's. A sleeper I found was a cheapie at Wal Mart, silver case and gray tape with big numbers. Have not seen them again.For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
OK- Well, I gotta say that I am addicted to the 25ft Fatmax. Nothing else beats the standout and being able to run the tape up the side of a building, and I think that makes this a faster tape to use. I probably go through about three of these a year, I'm not a full time framer, though. Usually buy them when they're on sale for $17-$20, and I always have at least one new stock in the van ready to go into service. I just like 'em.
I have a pair of Stabias, and they suck, big time. Always freezing up.
The Lufkins are fine, and they work really well. Often I'll get a couple at the December sales (retapes).
I've never been impressed with the Stanleys. It's just me.
By far the nicest tapes to work with are either the Irwin tapes, or the ones from Lee Valley.
Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR Construction
Vancouver, Canada
Here's where I make everyone jealous.
I don't buy my own tapes, unless it's for home use.
Per my union rules ALL tools are supplied by the contractor.
I have ran the gambit on tapes, & go through them quite often.
Chrome 25' Stanley has served me well over the years.
I did not care for the fatmax's when they came out as they were quite bulky.
My current job requires 30' & 35' for layout & the Fatmax's have faired better than the other tapes we have used. We do layout on oiled form plywood in the rain & massive amounts of dirt on the wood.
I usually get about 3 weeks out of the fatmax's & just one week out of the Lufkins & Chrome Stanleys.
Kobalt magtip 25' averaged about 2 weeks.
Chinese Empire's last about a day on my crew.
Craftsman Lever Lock. I really like how it stays put until you squeeze the bottom to retrieve the tape.
And speaking of tape measures... anyone have any opinions on the magnetic tape measure clip as seen here:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32556&cat=1,43513
I seems like a good idea, but I'm wondering how it works in the real world.
Took back the first fat max I got, then got a free one over a year ago. Don't know what they did differently, but I like it, especially for field work.In the shop, Fast Cap lefty, excellent.http://www.tvwsolar.com
Now you see this one-eyed midget
Shouting the word "NOW"
And you say, "For what reason?"
And he says, "How?"
And you say, "What does this mean?"
And he screams back, "You're a cow
Give me some milk
Or else go home"
A few of my guys gave those a try, but being in the steel stud world they have tendacy to pickup a lot of stuff you don't want stuck to ya.
Probably would be better in the wood construction area.
Someone abandoned one of these at a jobsite, I started using it and loved it:http://www.komelonusa.com/#product=203;category=3;view=1;subcategory=200It 'autolocks', the opposite of what I was used to, locks automatically with a pushbutton release. I wore that first one out, Lowe's carries them, so I got a replacement. Don't think I want to go back to the old style, where the lock button stops working after a while. I see on their site they have stainless steel models...http://www.komelonusa.com/#category=1;view=1;subcategory=0;product=2I keep finding more stuff on their site, like the 'magnetic' line...http://www.komelonusa.com/#category=2;view=1;subcategory=0;product=0Edited 1/1/2009 7:22 pm ET by PGproject
Edited 1/1/2009 7:24 pm ET by PGproject
http://www.komelonusa.com/#product=203;category=3;view=1;subcategory=200I like that one too! A co-worker has one that I've used a few times - it takes some getting used to though - you pull the tape out and then you want to push the button to lock the tape (like all the other designs), but it locks itself, so if you push the button (which unlocks it)it goes back in! It's a great idea though!The best part about it is it locks the tape tight until you are ready to retract it. Unlike some other tapes I've used!
I tried one of those (carmeleon) and couldnt get used to it. I seldom use the lock button on a tape anyways, I just "pinch" the tape between my thumb and finger. I switch tapes, depending on the job. For most trimming I dont use a tape, I hold the piece in place and mark it. I usually work solo, so the fatmax tapes (16' and 25') are used alot. I have a 25' Tajima that I like too. The fastcap are pretty good too, but the retractor springs go weak a little too soon.
I've got one of those Craftsman, too. It's a good one.
Every car, truck and tractor in America should run on natural gas- it's the future.
Same here. I liked the Stanley lever lock that came in a bright green or orange case but they replaced that with a new version that is junk. Moved on to the Craftsman and like it a lot.
Is that craftsman lever lock still made? I thought it was out of production.
Mine is pretty old.
I think it's a great concept.
Every car, truck and tractor in America should run on natural gas- it's the future.
Not exactly the same... here's what they have onlinehttp://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_9990000092739011P?keyword=craftsmen+tape+measure&sid=K-on-Sx20k061224x0000001I have the old metal cased one... somebody left it at the jobsite of my old house... asked around, nobody claimed so I kept it for a "backup"... much better than that!I don't understand why a lever lock isn't the standard vs. the push down button lock... just makes sense that once you extend the tape it should stay extended without having to flip a lock.
I had the metal case one, unfortunatly the spring broke. Sears replaced it with that model you posted. I liked the metal one better.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
That lever lock never seemed to catch on, Did it?
It was a good idea though.
Wish I had thought of it.
Every car, truck and tractor in America should run on natural gas- it's the future.
I just got a new one at the beginning of November - they let me trade in my old one because it would retract all the way. The case design may be different from what you have, if you've been using that one for a while, but I've been happy with the way this one works.
Did a fair amount of framing a couple of years ago and found that the FatMax was best for that because of the standout and toughness, so I've been using them, the 25'.I prefer the heft and size of the Stanley silver though, and that's what I've mostly used for almost 30 years. I do like the standout on the Fatmax I have to say.I've tried most of the brands, in fact I was sent 10 of them for a field study once to use, try & report on. I kept coming back to the silver. I epoxy a white Formica square onto the one side of all my tapes to write numbers on.
Th new craftsmans are red colored with no warranty on the blade itself. I've gotten as little as one hour out of the red ones.
Swear by craftsman hand tools. Swear at craftsman power tools.
MikeInsert initially amusing but ultimately annoying catch phrase here.
I've gotten as little as one hour out of the red ones.
Really? They seeem to hold up ok for me, but I'm not a framer, just an occasional trim carpenter.
The darn things just seem to sieze up. It's a spring issue.
MikeInsert initially amusing but ultimately annoying catch phrase here.
I agree with John, the Stanley powerlock, plain silver chrome.
Simple....simple, simple. Takes a lickin still works time after time.
Plus it has the simplist read out.....big numbers...... and pretty reasonably priced $7.00
"Gentle to the touch, exquisite to contemplate, tractable in creative hands, stronger by weight than iron, wood is, as William Penn had said,"a substance with a soul.'"
Eric Sloane
Starett and Lufkin in the shop. I still use a 25' even tho; most is well under that , just used to that size.
Field I have 4 or so in van, Stanley FAT max is marginal, Stanly yellow case most used, and an Irwin mag tip that I had to modify to get my finger hooked on the hook to pull it out..but I like the heft and the handy pc. of grafite for marking, that is built in. I prefer heavier tapes..dunno why.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
Hey...I think I'd rather take a poll and see how many people call em' "measuring tapes" or "tape measures".
I call em TM's...reckon technically they're tapes that measure so I spose' I've been callin' em the wrong thing all these years...wahh
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
i still call 'em rulers .... from my 6' folding rule days..... still got my folding lufkinMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
First thing I do after getting out of the truck is put the rule and the utility knife in the back right pocket.
I get poked at all the time by the youngins, till I whip it out and show 'em how to use it.
Then they're all in awe of granpa!
What I'd like to know is why every tape measure is made for left handed people. Nothing against leftys it just I'm right handed.
Fast Cap makes tapes for leftieshttp://www.fastcap.com/products.aspx?id=346I have two of their tapes... the Pro Carpenter is a bit of a dissapointment as I don't like the locking mechanism very much. The little doodle pad is handy though.I also have their "flat back" tape which is terrific for laying out accurate measures for woodworking cuts on flat pieces..... no "burning an inch" needed as the hook is very secure.To be honest... I have those two plus a fat max and the tape I trust the most is the Craftsmen stainless lever lock. To me, it's much better to push a button to retract the tape vs. sliding a button to lock it in place.
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For trim work, I use the right handed leevalley tape.
For door and window casing, I still use the folding wood rule.
For framing, I stick with the 25' stanley silver.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
I've got a Tajima that has a picture of a Geisha on one side and a flat, whiteboard-like surface on the other for writing down dimensions. Pretty handy.
...I'd like to know is why every tape measure is made for left handed people...
I'm right-handed too and the way I USUALLY use a tape measure is such that I'm reading the numbers upside-down. So I suppose that does mean that they are biased for left-handers.
But I've gotten so used to reading the numbers a certain way that if I were to buy a "right-handed" tape measure (and someone does sell them), I would probably start making mistakes. I would need ALL of my tape measures to read the same and then I wouldn't be able to use anyone else's.
Convention trumps reason, but fortunately, it's no big deal.
Now about that idiotic system of imperial measurements (inches, feet, etc.)... there's something we need to change.
I like a 16' left hand tape fro finish work and have a few 30' in the truck. I usually use a G Hilti Laser for measuring long runs.ML
I don't get the question. I don't always measure from one side. Sometimes the tape is upside down and sometimes it isn't.
Most of what I'm measuring is to cut or mark something. Pencil in my right hand -- tape in my left hand. The tape is up side down.
Sure, sometimes I'm measuring from the left. I have my right hand crossed over my left to make a mark. That's the exception.
I stand on the left side of the horses and cut on the left side of the horses. Anytime I am marking 2x to be cut my tape is upside down.
Hey as a lefty its only fair that I get one tool made for me.
Just deal with it, like I do with all my other tools
Bing
What really drives me crazy are all the tapes that read in both inches and centimeters.
Of course, I think this is a Canada-specific issue.
centimeters/millimters is awesome for running trim. No 1/16ths to worry about.
All metric would be okay (not my preference, but okay).
It's the "different numbers on each edge of the tape" thing that's annoying.Amateurs talk strategy, Generals talk logistics.
"It's the "different numbers on each edge of the tape" thing that's annoying."I own one because it's the handiest, fastest Metric/Fractional conversion table I've ever used.AitchKay
Try the Fastcap "Lefty/Righty" even works for us ambidexterious people :-)
I've a Stanley FatMax 25 and a Stabila 30. I prefer the FatMax. A lot of my measuring is done with a Bosch laser.
If I lose or wreck one of the tapes I am going to get this Tajima.
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"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
Yeah I have heard that Tajima has a sort of soft close like a kitchen door. I might try that when the Fatmax breaks.
call me a luddite too....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
i like the lufkin 20 footer- perfect size.
but it's more expensive than the 25!
pro.... for framing i like the stanley 25'
but for walking around and estimating, i like the HD Workforce 16'..called the Color Rules, light , compact, good hook, good legibility, about 5' standout, nice easy lock and release.... about $4
Milwaukee
Every car, truck and tractor in America should run on natural gas- it's the future.
Gotta put in one more vote for the Stanley Max Steel 25'
I loose 'em or they 'walk off' more often than breaking, so use the $2 each chinese versions, buy'em by the dozen to get the $2 price, then there is always one handy.
Pencils, tapes and razor knives always go missing. Did a "Christmas in April" house couple years ago. Guy I brought grabbed my good tape, since I talked him into coming, I let him use it and of course a pencil and a knife. Towards the end of the day he comes by to help me with a window. He needed a tape(?) so I handed him what I'd been using. He complained it was a crappy tape. No wonder they keep taking my knives.
Guy is not a bad framing carpenter, but he never brings any tools, and he'll let you know which are good and bad. I always had to supply my own tools, find less and less that do. And the ones that don't buy 'em don't respect 'em.
Gotta go back to work. I like wood; smells good, holds up its end of the bargain.
I work alone so much that I'd go nuts if I didn't use the fatmax tapes that stand out 13'
Nothing more frustrating than standing on a ladder trying to hook something with your tape going, going... uh... almost.... CRACK.... over and over.
With the long standout you can bump things for measurements easily too.
I could care less that they don't last as long. I usually get the 25' er for less than 20$
Fits in occidental's tape holder no problem.
Nothing more frustrating than standing on a ladder trying to hook something with your tape going, going... uh... almost.... CRACK.... over and over.
LOL, I wonder how much time we've wasted doing that.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I've been using Craftsman 25 footers for awhile now. The standout is as bad as any, but if it breaks you get a new one for free.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
I think craftsman quit replacing tapes. last time I took one in they said they no longer do that and gave me a red tape that is made by craftsman but not replaceable I was told.
It is a nice tape though and if it does break I will go there and be such a pain in the vutt that I'll get one anyhow.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
so if we give you a tape measure, you'll go away?
;^)
Sure.... but there is no guarantee that I won't come right back.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
Edited 1/8/2009 1:46 pm ET by PeteDraganic
like a yo-yo, eh?
and hey, update the threads on your Dad.
Edited 1/8/2009 1:51 pm ET by john7g
Yeah, just like a ...... hey, wait minute, did you just call me a yo yo?
I will update it next week probably as there is more to report. hard to keep regular updates when things move so slowly.
did you see the video I posted of him?
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
>...... hey, wait minute, did you just call me a yo yo?<
well if the string fits...
no, I haven't seen the vid but I think I remember seeing the post. Been too busy to look at evything I want to so I'll go back and see if I can find it.
lol
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
This one:
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I think it's the best compromise between compact case and big enough blade for general purpose use. I just wish they would protect the tip so it didn't bend under the first time you drop it.
Steve
They tried that with their rachets back in the 90's. They would just give you a rebuild kit instead of the whole thing. It drove my dad nuts cause the body of his was messed not the guts.
I took it in for him and made a little stink about it, I got a whole new rachet.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
http://www.fastcap.com/ Check out this sight. The tapes are real good...Jimmy
I got a fastcap but look at this. They are good, too.
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Milwaukee 49-19-0026 25 Foot Magnetic Tip Tape Measure, inch/metricOther products by Milwaukee
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3 Reviews
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(0)View ImageSee all 3 customer reviews...
View Image View Image (3 customer reviews)<!---->
List Price:
$24.20
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$18.36 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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In Stock.Every car, truck and tractor in America should run on natural gas- it's the future.
I've been very happpy with the "Big Johnson", for the reasons many of the reviewers mention:
http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Level-925-25-Foot-Measuring/dp/B0009WG58U
Yeah my wife likes it too.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
For ease of reading, when doing trim, etc., I prefer a Lufkin 25-ft Quick Read. The numbers are printed to the tape so that if you hold the tip up, they are right side up. Which makes it very easy to read from either the left or the right. And, it has fractions on the "left" side, and decimals on the "right" side. http://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-QRL525MP-1-Inch-25-Foot-Measure/dp/B000P3KAFW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1230956662&sr=1-5
For easy use in framing, or other rough work, I like Stanley lever locks, because they stay locked out until you push the release to retract them.
I like the Fatmax 25'. The 30' is to big and the 30' Fatmax Extreme is way to big but I do own one for those days I need a long reach tape. I allways make sure I have at least 2 of what ever my favorite tape is at the time. When ever I have a helper I need one for me and one for him. There is nothing more aggravating than having someone cut a piece of trim or worse yet a bunch of pieces of trim only to find the tapes are an 1/8" different.
I use a 25' fat max. Lifetime warranty on if the blade breaks so i haven't bought a new tape in four or five years now. Always have a brand new spare in the truck.