FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

metal tape ruler repair

| Posted in General Discussion on March 3, 2000 05:50am

*
Yesterday, I dumped my Stanley 25-foot metal tape in very sandy mucky water. The tape didn’t work at all after I retrieved it from the bottom of the stream. I took the tape apart last evening to cleaned it. When I rewound it and put it in the housing it want’s to shoot out of the housing. I know I am rewinding something wrong anyone got suggestion as to how I can fix it?

Thanks

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. George_W._Carpenter | Nov 13, 1999 11:12am | #1

    *
    You're winding the spring backwards. Item next, buy a new tape, or wear safety glasses... loosing an eye while friggin' with a $10 item is nuts.

    1. Stephen_Hazlett | Nov 13, 1999 11:54pm | #2

      *Now lets not be too hasty here George.Why,with the money saved by repairing old tape measurers a person could buy 3 tubes of caulk. Then think how much money could be saved by carefully storing the last unused 3 inches of each tube.Sorry Kerry,I couldn't resist.The first 3 0r 4 feet tape always rust out and break on me while the rest of the tape is still good.I just throw it out and buy a new one cause changing the tape isn't worth it to me( I am the most mechanically inept moron you could ever hope to meet)Stephen

      1. Babe_Mardell | Nov 14, 1999 02:22am | #3

        *When the first part of a tape rusts or breaks, try to capture the end before it retreats into the case. Then cut off the damaged part of the tape with tin snips and pop rivet the hook onto the remainder of the tape.

        1. jim_at_great_white | Nov 14, 1999 09:41am | #4

          *BABE How does this technique of shortening the tape 3 or 4 feet at a time affect its ability to measure acurately or in harmony with the other tapes on the crew.Or are you just riveting the hook back on till you can replace it later.

          1. Babe_Mardell | Nov 15, 1999 09:23am | #5

            *This is no problem. My tape has been shortened twice and now lacks 7' 3 and 13/16". I just have my crew burn that amount, except for one guy whose tape is 2' 7 and 1/2" short. He just burns 6' 5 and 3/4".

          2. jim_at_great_white | Nov 16, 1999 10:47am | #6

            *kerry I think the best way to repair your tape is what Stephen and George suggest. The only thing I would add, is buy a Craftsman tape, that way the next time you send it for a swim you can just trade it in no charge.(haven't paid for a tape in 3 or 4 years this way.)Babe. Wouldn't it be easier to trim everyones tape each time one on the crew breaks, just in case you forget which guys tape is trimmed where. I guess this would help to speed you up a little,(not that I'm saying you are slow or anything, wouldn't even think of it)JIM at GW

          3. Stephen_Hazlett | Nov 16, 1999 06:13pm | #7

            *Jim,Babe is just yanking your chain.Yesterday I had a chance to imagine myself putting Babes suggestion into action......." As the tape broke my cat-like 37 year old reflexes sprang in to action.I grabbed the tape before it succeeded in its cowardly attempt to retreat into its shell. I ignored the laceration of my hand and as my blood dripped on the roof I calmly shot a 1" zip screw into the end of the tape to act as a new hook.I reward myself for a job well done by smoking a cigarrette as I pose near the ridge in Marlboro splendor(the camera pulls back here and circles from a distance for a panoramic shot....My beer belly is edited out,my bald head disguised and a rugged manly tan is inserted).The missing 3' of the tape is of no consequence to me,after all I am a roofer,used to hardship.Besides + or - 3' is close enough right?"

          4. jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Nov 16, 1999 08:06pm | #8

            *Hey! You could just take the metal tape out of the body and use the body itself - What are they 3" or something? Lay the body on one edge, mark the other side, shift body and repeat in 3" increments across item to be measured!Plus, you'd be lightening that tool by removing the heavy guts of the tape! I'm goin' out right now...

          5. jim_jim_jim | Nov 17, 1999 02:02am | #9

            *Babe,Your procedure of having the rest of the crew burn 7' 3 & 13/16 (or some other amount) is prone to error. You should insist that everyone else break their tapes off at 7' 3 & 13/16 and re-rivet the hooks.Jim Crazy Legs,I think the really good tape bodies are 3 & 3/16". You could speed up measurement if you used a longer item, say a (near) empty caulk tube. For the tail end of the measurement, you could scribe 1" markings on the tube... wait, you could duct tape a 1' piece of broken tape to the outside of the tube! Don't trash those broken off pieces. --jim x 3

          6. jim_at_great_white | Nov 17, 1999 06:19am | #10

            *StephenDUH REALLY!Thanx for setting me straight.Jim

          7. Stephen_Hazlett | Nov 17, 1999 05:14pm | #11

            *Jim,don't be insulted. I assume everyone labors under the same handicaps I have,that is ...a very small I.Q. and a big sense of humour. Maybe the ratio is different in your case.but I could be wrong,stephen

          8. jim_at_great_white | Nov 18, 1999 06:47am | #12

            *Stephen No offense taken, just having fun with the rest of you fellers !Jim

          9. jim_at_great_white | Nov 19, 1999 05:38pm | #13

            *Stephen, my wife just reminde me that all caps is like yelling(screaming) at you,sorry 'bout that. By the way she did L way OL at your first post, great story.jim

          10. Framer_Pa_ | Feb 19, 2000 08:42am | #14

            *buy a CRAFTSMAN tape.....i havent bought a tape for 7 or 8 years. as they wear , just return it. its not the best tape on the market , but its FREE , and just as accurate as any stanley for 13 bucks. i prolly returned 50 or so to date , also use thier 100 ft tape too.

          11. Phil_Long | Feb 21, 2000 04:10pm | #15

            *Fair dinkum, what a load rubbish! Hands up (less a couple of fingers) all those who have had their tape loose the last 400mm. OK, keep your hands up if you have successfully repaired the tape, replaced the tape with a new tape in an old housing and got it to work or replaced the tape, got it working and then haven't lost the lot. I don't see too many hands up.I always thought the "old tape grave yard" was when you pulled the housing apart and used the tape as a measure on the feed side of the radial arm saw bench.Short of that, cut the tape into 8" lengths and mark the runner beans next spring

          12. jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Feb 23, 2000 07:01am | #16

            *...there goes the neighborhood...

          13. TLE_Builders | Feb 23, 2000 07:51am | #17

            *My tape broke first thing in the morning as we were starting a frame job on a new block foundation. Sent my helper into town for coffee and a new tape for me. He not only brought back flavored coffee (hazelnut for chris sakes!)he came back with a refill for my tape instead.The first problem was trying to get the old tape apart, seems that Stanley choose to use a #1 size phillips to hold the cases together. After breaking the tip of my pocketknife using it as a screwdriver, I got it reassembled and it actually was working pretty good.Within an hour,as I was laying out the sill to drill for the anchor bolts, I knocked the tape down into the block core. I could hear it rattle all the way to the bottom.I went to town and bought 2 tapes.

          14. Ross_Welsh | Feb 25, 2000 06:18am | #18

            *Kerry:I hope you find all the above stories and information as fascinating and amazing as I do; what a rich folklore our trades have. About 20 years ago I actually took apart a tape measure---never again. I see you also have have found what evil lies inside that box. Now, if the tape itself breaks and you can actually catch it, you might be able to replace just the tape,if you can pull it out far enough with out breaking the spring. Do you see where I am going with this? One thing leads to another. I tell you there is something mysterious inside that box, don't go there. Get a new tape measure.

          15. jim_at_great_white | Feb 26, 2000 07:28am | #19

            *I remember the evil that lurks inside Ross. When I was a youngster and thought I could save a little money by rewinding that spring inside. Well I spent about 1 hour or so taking the tape apart rewinding the spring and putting it back together again. Just as I was tightening the last screw in the case I heard that tell tale whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, so I threw it in the trash can and went to the store and bought a new one,never to open a tape case again.Jim

          16. jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Feb 26, 2000 10:41pm | #20

            *triple jims - or better yet, measure the diamater of the tube with your broken tape (you might have to burn something here) then put a mark on the side of the tube and roll it along counting each time the mark is top dead center...you might have to adjust timing occasionally, but you could even use several colored marks and put a stobe light on it and...oh far out man, I'm goin' out in the shop right now to start makin' mine!

          17. jim_"crazy_legs"_blodg | Feb 26, 2000 10:44pm | #21

            *Oh hell, I used to buy 16' replacement kits (around 10 bucks) and put them in old 25' cases instead of buyin' a new tape (around 10 bucks) since that left more room ion there for dirt and crud in the winter. I guessed I showed them, huh?

          18. Martin_Kircher | Mar 02, 2000 07:43pm | #22

            *Tapes what the heck at those? I gotz me one of dem sticks dat fold out. No sharp edges to cut your fingers on. No springs attached. They even make on that is exactly 36inches long. You can only fold that one once be sure to do it at the end of the day.Thank you thank you...I be here all week. Be sure to tip the waitresses.

          19. jim_jim_jim | Mar 03, 2000 05:50am | #23

            *I once had a Stanley 25' that I happened to break at about 17' (5 meters to you, Mark). I managed to punch a new hole in the broken end and reattach it to the spring. I'd loan this tape, then wait for the reaction when the borrower discovered he had a 17 rather than 25 footer.I'm surprised that this topic still has life. Since there is so much interest in tape repair, I've decided to quit my day job and go into the tape repair business. You can send your broken tape to me, postage paid, together with a check for $24.99 plus $6.99 shipping and handling. Since you need your tape FAST, I'll do rolling repairs. So you won't get your original tape body back. But I will gaurantee equal or greater total length and stand-out length. What do you guys think?jim x 3

  2. kerry | Mar 03, 2000 05:50am | #24

    *
    Yesterday, I dumped my Stanley 25-foot metal tape in very sandy mucky water. The tape didn't work at all after I retrieved it from the bottom of the stream. I took the tape apart last evening to cleaned it. When I rewound it and put it in the housing it want’s to shoot out of the housing. I know I am rewinding something wrong anyone got suggestion as to how I can fix it?

    Thanks

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Installing Prefinished Cabinet Molding

Use these assembly techniques when installing crown risers and molding to minimize visible gaps and nail holes.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data