I usually work alone so in trying to get a neasureemnt the tape often folds up when I try to extend it.
any good tapes that you can extend out ten feet or so?
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Replies
Stanley Fat Max is a good one.
10' might be pushing it to its limits, tho.
I had the fat max addiction, but at the cost I had to shake it. ; ^ ) Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
My father-in-law says that the key to pushing your tape out long distances w/o it collapsing is "holding your mouth right"
dito on the fat max, got a 35 footer and its great for solo estimating, measuring!
Is this for rough estimating, or do you need 1/16" accuracy?
I mess around with blue painter's tape, string, spring clamps, push pins, etc. to hold the dumb end.
-- J.S.
actual measurements.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
Just grind up a little Viagra and dump it in the case.
If you use Cialis instead, you only need to add some every other day. ;-)
-- J.S.
Yeah, but then yer tape is stuck out for 4 hours or more and ya gotta get it to a DR or better a nurse. Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
I hear that's how often some golfers get it in the hole
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
the stanley fat max claims to go to 11', it will but will bend a bit. It will go to 10 pretty well though. The blade is 1/4" wider which allows it to extend so far, the down side is the tape body will wider and larger than a regular tape which will take some to adjust to. when you stop at the supply house, check it out.
I prefer a tape that is only 3/4" wide, but I work alone. Also, I don't put a lot of faith in a tape measure that is extend that far. I just cut a piece of scrap 1x3 to 100". Use it when I'm measuring anything over head.
Takes a while to get used to, but very helpful when you adjust.
BTW, I take 90% of my measurements with a 72" folding rule.
BTW, I take 90% of my measurements with a 72" folding rule.
Friggin dinosaur; I thought I was the only one left using a rule..............It's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
[email protected]
Hey who you calling a " Friggin dinosaur; "?I got one and I use the bugger too---I was so done with a 25' er for trim work--who needs that brick in you bag when you only use 12-14 feet at a time anyway...I any case after some lookin' I found a 16' 1 inch blade tape by Fastcap--same company that donated to the Fest--Between my rule and the 16, the 25 doesn't get near the lovin it use to--Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
The brick............lol. I think for framing, the big wide tapes are the way to go. I don't own one. I also don't haul around half a cow on my waist all day.
I use a 3/4", 16' Stanley. I do mostly remodeling.
EricIt's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
[email protected]
I just like the 1" tape for the standout with crown and cabinets and I find it easier to push along the floor for base--I wanted a 16 for a long time but settled on a 25'er to get it--Till I found the tape series from Fastcap---Now I break out the 25 for framing and the 16 for all else--"half a cow on my waist"---I hear ya there---it was getting so bad I bought a Bucketboss and that is my second Toolbelt--if the bags go in it does too--have way more tools on hand and not near as much crap in my bags--That and a pair of suspenders and my hips are way happier.Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
How's the fastcap holding up?I saw those sometime back and asked about them here.someone said they don't hold up well.
bobl Volo, non valeo
Baloney detecter
So far very well--Keep in mind that the 16 I use is for interior work so keep that in mind when ya drop it in the mud,Has a pencil sharpener built in ( I don't use it cause I use mech) and a writing area which I always use--I like the case--it fits my hand well and has nice braking action-On the con side I wish the return spring was a little tighter--sometimes it strolls back into the case....I like the first foot has 32nd marks and the rest in 16th--Tape is gray background instead of yellow--which is fine--just use to yellow I guess.I think 16 is as long as they make so I think they are aiming at the interior market---Time will tell--I like it well so far--Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
look into a Starret magnesium 25 ft'er.
the blade is kinda sensitive ... went thru my last 2 last month. Time to remember which catalog I found them in and order 5 more.
might make it 10 this time.
extremely comfortable ... light weight ... thin ... doesn't stick way out and scratch all the finish work. Like a 16 ... but ... uh ... longer?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
might make it 10 this time.Do ya lose 'em--how could a guy have that many tapes--Are they really last only that long?the jury is still out on the Fastcap--but I like it so far--Another nice thing is the belt clip has a little lever on the top side so when you are in the tape on the pants mode you just squeeze it a little and it goes right on--Handy when estimating and such--no biggie when in the full bag mode---Did ya fill the Craftsman Box yet? Work well for a party cooler--No I am serious--give me a call sometime and I will tell you all about it--meant to at the fest---Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
FastCap fan here, too. Matter of fact, just got 10 direct from FastCap, since nobody near sells the Lefty/Righties...6 bucks each and 5 bucks shipping for the whole lot...I like to have tapes everywhere<G> "what's in a name?" d'oh!
Now the only tape I would really like is a full Metric---When I have metric hardware or forgein metric cabinets I have to use a combo tape with english on one side---And the lines don't go all the way across---drives me nuts--Have an Uncle in Costa Rico and he was in Mn. this summer--told him I would like one and he said he would send one up--We'll see--Do you like the grey background? Took some getting use to for me---Do you have Woodcrafts stores out there? Its the place I found mine....Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Lee Valley has a pure metric tape.http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32564&cat=1,43513Also I think that Stanley, Scarrit, etc also make them.But you would need to try industrical supply sources such as MSCDirect and Grangers.
I have a Granger nearby--do you have this tape? Or do you know if it is a 1''blade (make that 25.4mm).......This could all be for not if my uncle comes thru for me--I don't install foreign kitchens to often but enough to have a true metric tape....Thanks for the link I'll hang on to it if Christmas comes and goes and no package from Costa Rico---Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
No, I don't even know for sure if Granger has it.Just that those kind of places, in general, are the ones that you need to go to for metric tapes.If you look at the catalog from people like Scarret and others (possibly Stanley) you will see that they make them.
Edited 9/23/2005 9:58 am ET by BillHartmann
I have a Starrett 25' that will extend 10', if you're careful.
These are great tapes and when Grainger had them cheap about a year ago I bought a half dozen, replacing tape cartridges makes no sense.
But old faithful is a Lufkin red end, 8' with slide extension.
http://www.coastaltool.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/hand_tools/lufkin/lufkin.htm?E+coastest
Edited 9/23/2005 11:16 am ET by cynwyd
Go down to the store? Find it in a catalog?Where's the fun in that--I need one off the shelf from someplace else--like someplace I will probably never get to--I need a good finish carp. from England or someplace else Metric--Tools with flair---Have a few Norwegian hand tools---they do the same thing as US tools--Just more fun to use---None of which go on job sites--I could never replace them--Shop use only--I don't doubt that my uncle will come thru--just poking around if he doesn'tMike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Mike, You can get a metric-only tape here: http://www.right-tool.com/right-tool/starhigqualm.html
thanks Mudslinger--(Taper, Mason, or Heckler?)If my uncle doesn't come thru for me I have the link in my folder--I can't tell if that is a 3/4 or 1" blade--kinda leaning towards a 1" cause I have a 3/4 metric/english and the blade is a little on the floppy side for me.thanks again and welcome to the gang--Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Hey when you get your old screen name back can I have "Bite Me"?Hardy-Har-HarMike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
<Do you like the grey background? Took some getting use to for me--->These are white, with a bazillion little numbers on it, drives everybody who uses it nuts<G><Hey when you get your old screen name back can I have "Bite Me"?>Start the bidding! "what's in a name?" d'oh!
You saying the lefties are white background?I have some of the "Old standby "line and they are grey--The first foot is in 32nd and 16th after that--Like I can't divide it by myself and need "ANOTHER" line on my tape.Hey--Maybe you would know the answer to this---In looking at my tape there is this little diamond thing every now and then. Do you know what they are for? Ok I'll start the bid at---Gee how could you put a price on that---Guess I'll have to pass--<g>Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Hey--Maybe you would know the answer to this---In looking at my tape there is this little diamond thing every now and then. Do you know what they are for?
It's called the Magic Number.
When you get a measurement that comes close to the diamond, you get an automatic 19.15789 minute break. Paid of course.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
best answer I heard yet!
planning on taking those breaks from now on ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Thanks Jeff.
This here cubit thing has my interest piqued.
That is, my religious interest.
I initially think this is BS, but am willing to hear from someone I know that has an interest in the scriptures.
Reminds me of Knots, in the nautical sense.
So, piffin, is that a cubit or not.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
>>>So, piffin, is that a cubit or not.You figuring he was holding the other end of the tape for Noah ?;o)
Are we there yet ?
"Make yourself an arc," God instructed Noah, "three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high."
A cubit was the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger and since Noah was the construction super, he used his own body measurements. For that reason a cubit is about 18 inches...
If you are taller, could easily be 19.2
All I ever Needed to Know I learned in Kindergarten- Robt. Fulghum
Thanks Warren for the explanation.
I've seen some guys using that elbow to extended middle finger thing, now I understand.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
You understand the extended middle finger thing? Good for you!
funny you asked that because yesterday i noticed that diamond for the first time -it just happened to be on the measurement for the top piece of trim (3") on interior doors - coincidental?
Break-Time!
You want a good time, sort of, do a search for the diamonds on the tape.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
It's called the Magic Number---Not on my tape it isn't---It is more like the "Diamond of Doom"Good thing closets aren't 19" deep or I would never get them done---Cut this piece twice and it is still to short----Go figure--I like the sound of a 19.15 minute break---Paid even, Sweet.When do I start? Can I have Dinosaurs room?Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
<You saying the lefties are white background?>Ayup-+, and there's no diamonds, I keep them on the soles of my shoes< G> "what's in a name?" d'oh!
Hey Billy--weren't you in on the tape marking discussion--I thought for sure you were--Was just egging you for a response about the "Diamonds of Doom"Like if a piece of base or such landed on the diamond it was doomed not to fit----Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
Those black diamonds are the cubit marks. A cubit is 19.2" or nearly 19 3/16". Five cubits equal 8 feet which is handy for laying out rafters, studs and trusses in between 16" and 2' on center.
You remember cubits from the Bible story about Moses and the ark don't you? Anyway, the cubit is God's own measurement so don't knock it.
~Peter
But the problem is that a qubit can spontaneously disintegrate. In fact, researchers have trouble keeping them together for longer than a second. (They go especially fast if you look at them.)
Edited 9/21/2005 10:55 pm ET by DanH
the cubit is God's own measurement so don't knock it.Never would--Just learned the other day that it took Noah (my youngest sons name) over a hundred years to build the ark--Guess when you live to be 700 and some you have the time--The whole black diamond thing was a spin-off of a conver. I had with some BTers at the Fest--We were all laughing about all the marks on the tape and there is hardly any room for the numbers-In any case I have used the 19.2 for various things when I need 8foot breaks and was trying to get some of them to respond kinda like a kid tugging on you shirt.Mike" I reject your reality and substitute my own"
Adam Savage---Mythbusters
The 100" scrap does come in handy. What type of work do you do that you favor the folding rule? Just curious. I've got one, but don't use it real often.
Mike
Mostly interior trim, kitchens, and site built furniture. Honestly I use if for alsmost all measurements under 72". I'm just used to it. I think it's a lot easier to read, and mark with.
.......and accurate.It's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
[email protected]
" I take 90% of my measurements with a 72" folding rule."
Dang, you must be old.
(-:
Freedom is not something to be secured in any one moment in time, We must struggle to preserve it everyday. Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. [President Ronald Reagan]
Does anyone still make the sliding "folding" rule?
"Does anyone still make the sliding "folding" rule?"
Yup - I've bought a few recently. My kids used to play with them, and they tend to break easily.
They sure are nice for inside measurements...
Never fight ugly people - They have nothing to loose.
Lufkin makes one.http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/lufkin/index.cfm?model_list=1&att_id=LUF003&att1=Wood%20Rules&att2=Red%20End^%20ExtensionLowe's carries it:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=99902-273-X46&lpage=noneAnd thanks, Boss, I'd forgotten about these. Last one I used was my Dad's -- lost track of it after he died. Might just pick another one up, they are, as you pointed out, right handy for inside measurements.Leon Jester
That's not what I was talking about. The one I was talking about extended like an extension ladder -- didn't fold at all.
I think Lee Valley maybe...........I'm thinking that is called a box ruler?It's Never Too Late To Become
What You Might Have Been
[email protected]
You might be better off getting a ten foot stick, make a ten foot mark and measure back to that.
I've been framing for a long tome and had lots of tapes. I must say the best tape you can get is the Stanly Fat Max.
DeadOn
Fat max's are too big, bulky and too heavy.
I have a slimmer 35' version of that tape that stanley makes. It's just right.
blue
I like the 25' Max Steel buy Stanley. Last year True Value had them for $4.95. Usually about $14. Not quite as much standout as Fat Max but more standard size case, seems like 9' standout. Web site says 8'+.
http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=HT%5FTAPES%5FMAXSTEEL&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=33-799&SDesc=MaxSteel%26%23174%3B+Tape+Rules+Reinforced+With+Blade+Armor%99+Coating
The 1" ones are 9' standout.
http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=HT%5FTAPES%5FMAXSTEEL&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=33-224&SDesc=8m%2F26%26%2339%3B+x+1%26quot%3B+MaxSteel%26%23153%3B+Tape+Rule
Edited 9/13/2005 9:47 pm ET by rasconc
Fat Max. Sigh.
I was at the lumberyard the other day and I saw 1 1/4" Stabila tape measures - and they were about half the price of the Fat Max. I paid about $12.95 each, and they are gems.
I got 2 of them.
Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR Construction
Vancouver, Canada
Aaron,
Most of those we sold at my store were returned because the numbers wore off.
I hope they fixed that problem.
darcy
Hey Darcy, long time no hear.
How long did it take before the numbers started going? How long ago did it happen?
Hanks for the heads up.Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
Aaron,
The Stabila tapes were returned shortly after I started at the store so I am not sure when they were purchased....I could probably find out though, let me see what I can do.
(I moved and am working at the Citrus Heights store now so I will have to sweet talk the Chico store for those records...(blame it on our archaic computer system.)
I'll letcha know,
darcy
This Lufkin has been my favorite tape for the past 15 years.http://www.cornerhardware.com/item_213837/Lufkin/Lufkin/-25-Ft-Tape-Measure/item.htmlI must be the only one around who likes them. Hate Stanleys, and these fit in my pouch perfectly. Feel good in my hand, too.
Aaron, to show you the power of BT and what a little BS'ing will do...........
Went to a local yard trade show ystdy. Saw the stabila display and stopped to talk to the rep. Mentioned how I was pretty well stocked in the level/laser dept, but was interested in taking a look at their tapes. Well, they don't put them out as the yard doesn't stock that item. He did have one down back, below the table. A 25' and he gave it to me to take a look. Seemed stout enough, not too big......shorter a bit than the stanley's I usually use. We talked a bit. Explained to him the luck we had procuring for the fest give aways, he asked if I had called stabila about a donation........well, no. Did have some donated by a fine fellow tho. He suggested I ask stabila next time, might get lucky.
At any rate, he also suggested I take the tape and give him a report back on how I like it. So, thank you for bringing it up. Wouldn't have walked away with anything other than catalogues and a full stomach if you hadn't mentioned it.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
My pleasure
Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
Especially in windy areas such as most of southern Wyoming, the fat max has a big advantage over other tapes. The initial cost is palatable, but the stiff blade doesn't hold up well so I drink cheap beer for a week each time it's replaced. For the last 6 years I've averaged 6-8 months per tape. One lasted 14 months and one lasted 3 weeks. They supposedly improved the durability, but my last tape only made it 8 months and the one in my belt now is on its last legs after 4 months.
A 25' fat max was about the largest that would fit my Oxy tool belt. The leather has stretched a bit and now it falls out once in a while so it will probably be replaced with a 30' version in a few months.
~D
The Fat Max can be returned for a free replacement anytime at Home Depot. I just returned one last night. They are great, but stiff so they do break eventually. I probably return them twice a year for replacements.
For inside work I use a 16 footer, cuts down on the weight. The 11' standoff is no joke, I've tested it.
Mike
I don't think stanley has a lifetime warranty on their fat max tapes. I think you got the "rare" occasion of an idiot at the returns counter.
D, (Daryl, right?)
You know, it's possible, but I've had an amazing string of good luck because I've probably returned 10 or 15 Fat Max tapes to HD over the years for free replacements. Stanley used to advertise the lifetime warrantee on the Fat Max line--they may have discontinued the warrantee and HD is just being their usual selves, accomodating on return items, but I don't think so in this case.
You should have seen the "rare" idiot at the returns counter this time. Methinks her parents should have strayed farther from the family tree.
Mike
Another vote for the folding rule. I was only
a kid , I mean a real kid, when my old man
let me use his. Well I went to tapes by
the time I was 18. Not long ago I
got tired of being off 1/8 or even a quarter
I picked up a folder, and dammit I was
on the money. THe little brass slider
is great too in odd places.
Now they are limited as everybody knows
but for a lot of jobs they are great.
No comments about me needing
glasses. Already got 'em!
Onder Otherthings?
I'm not much of folding rule guy, though I do collect them along with other old tools. I habitually check the ends on the tapes I use to see if they're bent. Off by an eighth to a quarter? How do you do that?
Mike
I gotta laugh at myself. When I started in rough framing, I used to use a wooden stick rule too! I did it because the boss did it.
Now, I don't know what I use.
blue
I got a 25' tape made by Tajima a couple months ago that I really like. It has a white background on the blade which I think is much easier to read. It extends out to ten feet...but I have to support it with my left hand at about the 7' mark. I also have a 25' Stanley Fat max with the wider blade that extends to about 12'. It works OK but its a little too bulky, so I use the Tajima most of the time.