Hi All,
Well my Stanley “Contractor Grade” yellow plastic “LeverlocK” 25′ tape I’ve had for it seems like about 10 years is just starting to get old. I’ve had a few others come and go but this one has been hangin on like no tape should.
When you think about it, nothing will mess up a job more than no tape measure. Nothing gets used more nothing is really as indispensable as a quality tape I have about 3 in various states the old Leverlock being my run away favorite of all time.
I was really disapointed in the Stanley’s I saw this weekend-the new ones are gimmiky and I don’t see them aroung for a decade like my yellow one.
Does anyone know where I can find some NOS ( new old stock) of these tapes? I found some 12’ers so maybe there’s a supply of 25′.
What’s your favorite?
N
Replies
I feel your pain. I've got an old yellow leverlock that I love. Had it about 7 years now and it's starting to wear out. They don't make 'em like they used to. Used to be able to take them back no questions asked, for a new one, but Stanley doesn't stand behind their stuff anymore. My back-up is a Lufkin 25' metal that I like alot, but just ain't as comfortable! Try E-Bay, never have personally, but it sounds like you can find just about anything on there.
How'd you get it to last THAT long!
"How'd you get it to last THAT long!"
I have no idea!!
I have several beaters that come out when concrete or tile show up, but I've USED this thing. It's always in my nail bags.
It just started to occur to me what a good tape it is. I was taking it for granted the other day when I couldn't find my others and how funny it would be if it broke on a job far from a hardware store. It would have shut me down so I'm looking for a replacement/nice extra one or 2 to have about.
I'm probably just too danged picky but the few I've seen are too expensive or cheesy. I was looking at one with magnetic tips which seemed like a good idea to the guy standing next to me since he was buying 2. He says they break all the time so I figured no thanks.
Don't even get me started on the new chalk line reels! I found an old Evans at an antique store last week to take care of that dilema.
See ya,
N
I like my tajima 25' so far. I had the old version it lasted pretty good. Then I got a nick in the edge of the blade. It was only a matter of time. ( still think It was that guy who nailed my butterscotch krimpets to the roof ) but maybe it just wore out. Hard tellin not knowin' LOL
The new one, I have had a month $15 bucks, rubber casing, has the stop lock and a hold button on the bottom, Which is a little different than the lever lock. It also has a wrist strap. I am not sure, what its good for, unless you have pouch-a-phobia ( fear of wearing your pouch ). I guess it could give you a quick free hand with out dropping your tape. It has the shock absorber, which helps I think. And the blade is coated almost feels like fiberglass.
Tools in Japan are required by law to have wrist straps, to lessen the chance of them being dropped on someone else while you're working with them.
Notrix,
You've said it all in your first sentence: "Contractor Grade". Some time ago, Stanley replaced the metal cases with metalized plastic cases. However, the "Contractor Grade" are still made [I hope/think -- check Stanley's site or catalogue] and these have metal cases. You may be able to find these is the best hardware store in town or may have to special order.
As for insuring the survival of your measuring device, don't allow the blade to snap back into the case. In other words, don't lend it to Pete Magnani. Also, I've seen a lot of chaps bend the tape back on itself for inside measurements. I don't see how this can be accurate and it probably damages the tape. A better way is to mark a convenient dimension, such as 10" or 1 foot, from one side and then measure from the other side to the mark and add them up.
~Peter
Remember that the black diamonds are the cubit marks. One cubit = 19.2".
PM22,
"Also, I've seen a lot of chaps bend the tape back on itself for inside measurements. I don't see how this can be accurate and it probably damages the tape."
I don't this puts any more strain on the tape than retracting it back into the case. That's a tight radius in there, especially as you get into the higher numbers.
Jon Blakemore
i am trying to reply.
View Image
So maybe this wull work.:
Jon,
I typed up two brilliant, witty replies loaded with gobs of semi useful information but porpero goofed up.
Anyway, if you dare open you tape case, you will find the spool has a diameter of about an inch. I think these guys bend the tape more than that. My statement about doubts of accuracy stands.
~Peter
Edited 7/8/2003 12:20:48 AM ET by PM22
If you want to talk accuracy, look on the back side of your tape measure, it should tell you how many inches to add to your measurement when extending the tape and butting the case against the opposite inside corner. ( For most tapes, you add 3 inches to your measurement, but some cases tell you to add 3-1/4 inches or some other "oddball" number, which is why I normally just bend my tape into the corner instead....like all the other thousands of carpenters out there that do the same.)
Accuracy is a misleading thing. What may be considered "accurate" enough for a framer, almost certainly will never do for a finish trim person. Normally, by bending the tape as you say, you should nevertheless ( when first starting out) be within an 1/8th of being right on the mark. You may be an 1/8th shy, or an 1/8th long, but normally an 1/8th is plenty good for most carpentry. The more you practice reading a tape measure in this bent fashion, the more you become familiar with how to accurately read the thing until one day, you are no longer an 1/8th off, you are instead within a 1/16th, and usually just a "shy" 1/16th at that; so you won't have to recut because it is too long
Making a mark part way, and then measuring back to that mark from the opposite end is, in most cases, slow and unnecessary. Doing that all day long will get you nowhere in a hurry. Now if it's just a one-time measurement and you really want to be sure, then maybe...but if I feel I need to be razor edge accurate, I'll use a different measuring tool altogether...usually my 6ft Luftkin rule with the adjustable slide, or else a pair of sticks that I clamp together when measuring corner to corner ( such as a window opening, or such)
My advice to anyone so inclined to mark part way and then measure back to it, is to go ahead and do this, then use the tape in the other (bent fashion) and learn how to compensate to arrive at the same actual measurement . This would be good practice. After awhile, bending the tape and securing an accurate reading will become do-able.
As for whether this action puts undo strain on the tape itself...I certainly don't think so. I've damaged more tapes by retracting too fast than for any other reason.
Davo
Remember that the black diamonds are the cubit marks. One cubit = 19.2".
Are you trying to confuse people or start something new?
The black diamonds are for 5 in 8' layouts, but i bet you knew that, hunh?
cubit
A cubit is a unit of linear measure, from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger of a man. This unit is commonly converted to 0.46 meters or 18 inches, although that varies with height of the man doing the measurement. There is also a "long" cubit that is longer than a regular cubit by a handbreadth. (Ezekiel 43:13)
SamT
I just measured my elbow and it is 19.2" long and therefore a cubit long and also exactly matches the 19.2" diamond [cubit] marks on the tape measure. Therefore it is obvious that 19.2" is a cubit.
You are right that there are five cubits in 8 feet which is an alternative to 16" and 2' layouts. Don't blame me. God thought of it when Moses built his ark.
~PeterView Image
Just so you know Noah built the ark not Moses.
Moeses wouldn't have needed an Ark, could have just parted the water on his own... :)Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic.
He said when Moses built HIS ark, not THE ark. Maybe Moses had his own?
Moses did have an ark built. It was the little ark of the covenant to acrry the tablets with ten comandos around with them.
Excellence is its own reward!
I got 19.2 inches too.... Got me a cubit.... Way cool.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Dang! My cubit's only 18 1/2". Now I know why the girls don't chase me.
SamT
As Bill Cosby would say "right.... what's a cubit?"
jeff
Never use a tape, m'self.
After al these years I've gotten my squinties sharp 'nuff to be more accuarate than a NASA trajectory. I just eyeball it.
;)
Pretty soon. I won't be needin' the plumb stick either. I plan to get me one of them water level thingies. I won't have to use dye in the water either 'cause I'll just hook it up to my bladder bag.
But I think I'll have to buy a new blade for my circular saw. This one is down to only three teeth left.
My hammer head finally wore the teeth off'n it too. Smooth pecker tracks are not as noticeable as those waffle faced ones, not that it matters - the painters can fix either one. God Bless them painters.
Excellence is its own reward!
just don't know what got into me...
LOL.
Excellence is its own reward!
just don't know what got into me...
Merlot, lots and lots 'o Merlot :)
Got me a new 2-4' sherlock roller extension, old one just didnt work the same after being run over.
DOH!!! wrong thread for new tools....
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic.
Edited 7/8/2003 12:30:50 AM ET by CAG
That is hands down one of the funniests posts I've read outta you. Cracking me up today Piffin! Bladder bag... AHAHAHAhahahahahahah!
Please don't add that to my recent query for the ideal water level solution. :-)>Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
can you believe that pipsqueak CAG thunk that such creativity can come out of a bottle of Merlot?
Oh, Hi CAG!
;).
Excellence is its own reward!
Didn't figure CAG knew what a bottle of Merlot was. Most folks don't start consuming the finer things in life till they are sage age.Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
He was pokin' fun at me a few posts back here. He knew that Merlot was my favorite vino until I quit buying french grape juice..
Excellence is its own reward!
Me' 'ole man has introduced me to many of the finer things, personally I like Cabernets with Merlot's a close second
Not that I am an expert by any means on fine wines, I've drinken everything from watermellon flavored Boones (freshmen year is still a haze) to some pretty pricey and very tasty stuff.
Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic.
Wanna know what's funny? I hadn't had a drink for two days the night I posted that bit of nonsense..
Excellence is its own reward!
In the interest of staying young and foolish I'm presently consuming a fine "chillable red" from a box. The bouquet is... well, it ain't exactly a dozen roses, but the memories of the day I spent framing and setting 2x12 ceiling joists by myself are slowly receding with every sip.
Cheers!Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
Merlot - "finer things" ?
It's vin ordinaire; it's what you drink with everyday dinner; it goes with Poule á là Roi; and the best examples come from Italy with a screw-cap. .
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Well what do I know? I'm drinking wine from a box! :-)>
I'm the kind of guy that will drink a "dessert" wine with dinner because I'm in the mood for it and then turn around and have a glass of dry merlot with my creme' brule because I want something that contrasts with the sweetness and it's too late for coffee.
Texas wineries are right up my alley because a lot of them break the rules. Grape Creek Vineyard makes a Cabernet Rouge that is 75% Cabernet Savignon, 2.5% Sangiovese (whatever that is) and 19.9% Ruby Cabernet. A true wine critic might spew the vile concoction from his refined pallet with a few unrefined descriptions but I'll gladly drive 3 hours to Fredericksburg to purchase a bottle of it.
No doubt I would appreciate wines a lot more if I took the time to better understand them but after the first two glasses, does it really matter? :-)>Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
Nothing wrong with enjoying vin ordinaire; but, we must maintain truth in advertising..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
I percieve that you are a man of some refinement. If I may request of the wine steward the presentation of a bottle and two stems, would you be so kind as to recommend a palatable merlot for us curs of low degree? :-)>Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
A friend of ours is pretty much into wines ( we call him the "Wine ####"((got bleeped, sort of like the Soup N### in Sienfeld))) and I was shocked that he served us Franzia Merlot in the box. We usually buy this and it is a super value in our opinion. It is truly a vin ordinaire but smooth enough to stand alone or with many foods. Not what I would put out to impress anyone but we like it for day to day. Five liters for about $13 US. Our friend says he likes to blend their Cabernet and Merlot together.
When I was stationed in Germany we used to buy French table wine in a plastic bottle for about 30 cents per liter as a joke gift. We called it "Eau de Stain Your Shorts".
Edited 7/15/2003 9:21:22 AM ET by RASCONC
And that's what vin ordinaire is for; something to pour in your goblet at dinner time for you daily glass of red wine (1 glass a day is supposed to be good for your health).
One Merlot I like is Merlot Delle Venezie - Donini (spelling ?). It doesn't over-power the food, is pleasant enough, and, best of all for my needs, has staying power after it's opened..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
1) I'm sure your local selections and my local selections are different.
2) Recommending wine, particularly a daily wine, is a hopeless task as there's nothing really to distinguish them and everyone has a different idea of what they want.
3) If I had my choice, I'd serve nothing but Ruffino's Ducale Gold Label or Chianti Classico Riserva, but they've become too dear of late..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Thanks Phil, both of those are carried by a local supplier so I may give them a try.
My wife called from Fredricksburg this morning. She was at the beach with several friends, recovering from running Vacation Bible School last week, but they had to leave early because of the hurricane so they are spending a couple of days there instead. This little conversation about tape measures was just the reminder I needed to have her pick up a couple of bottles of the Grape Creek Cabernet Rouge.
All that and I learned a new term - "vin ordinaire." Feeling more refined every time I say it. Thanks for the recommendations.Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
If I may, top-end Chiantis have moved out of ordinaire territory and into vintage status, so they are becoming a little pricey. There are some more affordable Ruffinos that are also quite good..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Hi right back at ya ;), just caught that
and the only thing that has ever come out of an entire bottle of any wine for me was a hangover.Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic.
Any black diamonds? Heh heh heh...
I don't if they're still making it or not but Starrett made a magnesium case 25' tape. You can get them online at McFeely's for $15.95.
Al
That Starret tape is the best damn tape ever!
I got the first one "free"....included with a framing nailer from Tool Crib....
Looked forever after that one broke.....even had the case with the broken off tape inside.......looked forever for the replacement tape too....to no avail....till the wife threw it away!
Boy was she luck I found McFeely's sold them. I bought 2....one still in the packaging....and plan to add one to every order from McFeely's I make for the rest of that tapes life....don't be without one again.
Just feels right......
Looks cool too...chicks dig it.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
There's a lumberyard in my neighbourhood that sells Starret tapes in recycled plastic cases for $10.00 Canadian. I bought 2 after my first one, which I've had for 10 years or so, split.
We tested my tapes against the lead carp's Stanley and it was dead accurate.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
Veering sharply back onto topic, I also have a pair of the yellow 25' Leverlocks that are kinda long in the tooth, and I love 'em too much to toss them away. The yellow ones had a thicker blade, heavier hook, stronger spring, all for only a couple of bucks more than the green (and orange) ones. I do not understand why Stanley did not sell more of them. Maybe marketing guys did not give it a chance? Maybe not enough pros use the Leverlocks to make the sales target for the better version. Please, Stanley, if you are listening out there in cyberspace, bring them back.
I have a Big Johnson, and I like it very much. It stays stiff up to about 8'. Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?
Intersting you chimed in on this thread today; I was thinking about it as I watched my Stanley Big Max tape split at about the 4 foot mark. Bought that tape just a few weeks ago. Won't buy another.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
I bought a Tajima in june. It was a newer version of the old one just like it. Which I liked. Interestingly enough, it is shaped like the fat max. But standard width.
I am afraid it might limit my accuracy with that extra wide blade. Of course then I would have another good excuse.
Anyway the Tajima ( new and Improved ) never worked right. I dropped it once in the begining and not that hard.It even looked cheaper. I don't go thru tapes like some of you guys. But , It never worked right after that.
It bogged down on me again last week. I forced it and the blade snapped off. Thats When I just started using my Big Johnson.Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?
That oughta be handy in holding up that big roof overhang, Corabell.
Excellence is its own reward!
yeah things are kinda slow right now on that job but its looking good. I know you "told me so"" but we are going to pella Hell-a. The price was right and it was hard to turn it down. I just have to dot all my i's and cross my T's and hope for the best. $145 for 30" x 47" fixed. still don't know why the are so cheap.Where there's A wheel there's a way, got any wheels?
I have 12" but I don't use it as a rule!Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
Mine is only six but it's an angry six.
Who Dares Wins.
Edited 8/30/2003 4:45:22 PM ET by Gunner
25' Fat Max by Stanley, great tape, it will reach to 11' before breaking.