Tool people > Tape measures

[Brandon]

I need a good tape measure. I've had milwaukee, dewalt, Stanley... harbor freight... are there any that hold up and don't suck?

Seems the locking mechanism stops working after a while or they do not stand out all that well (Milwaukee)...

16 to 25 foot is the range I am looking for.

 

[spencer rifle]

I have a Stanley Leverlock 26' that I have used pretty hard for a number of years and it is still going strong.

 

[glank09]

I’m a big fan of the Stanley Fatmax tape measure. They seem to hold up really well.

 

[cburnworth]

I like my stanley fat max, however they only stand out about 3' before bending. About the same for the craftsman.

 

[jerrob]

I use a Stanley Leverlock 25' 40+ hour per week. The locking mechanism works fine, it's when the paper thin blade gets a nick in the edge and lays my index finger open when retracting...................oh the profanity!
They've all dropped in quality and if you're looking for something that wont fail mechanically, you're gonna need a seamstress tape.
Seriously though, if ya find one that doesn't suck, please share.
Good luck

 

[kickbacked]

I rock a stanley as well. Never had any issues with it locking.

edit: just checked and it is a stanley powerlock

 

[jamil]

I’ve had the best luck with Stanley as well but they all start sucking after awhile. I’m looking to replace mine soon, so hopefully someone has found something better.

 

[Butch627]

I used various Stanleys for decades but have found Milwaukees to be much better in the last year.

 

[Rookie]

frost bank branch

I can't tell you how many times it's been launched across the garage, dropped, and gotten hit with weld splatter.

 

[mbkintner]

Lufkin has always performed best for me.

 

[jamil]

frost bank branch

I can't tell you how many times it's been launched across the garage, dropped, and gotten hit with weld splatter.

I have the Komelon self grip. After a few years, let’s just say it’s not as grippy as it used to be. I have to augment the grip.

 

[04FXSTS]

Lufkin has always performed best for me.

I also like Lufkin, never been that brand oriented but my last couple have been Lufkin and they seem to be holding up well. One thing I have figured out, I don't need a metric scale on one side of the tape for me that side is un-usable. Too many times I will want to mark on a certain side of the tape but that will be the metric side. Jim.

 

[WhitleyStu]

Starrett for small tapes and Stanley Fatmax for mid to large tapes.

 

[Brandon]

Ive had 2 milwaukees, milwaukee hand tools suck imo. Power tools is a complete opposite, love their power tools.

 

[eldirector]

I have an older Stanley that stays in the box until needed. I use the freebies from Harbor Freight when out and about. Keep a few in various tool bags/boxes, and don't worry so much when they end up in the mud or under a tire (oops). I don't use these tools for a living, so probably to treat them as well as I should.

It is pretty funny that my DAD's tape measure is still going strong, but anything I've purchased is crap.

 

[gunworks321]

Have a 30' Stanley I have used for twenty odd years. Drove over it about five years ago and still working fine. Case is cracked, but functions as it always has. Probably will replace it soon as the end clip is linda bent and won't stay on a long board.

 

[jamil]

I kinda think the difference is in when they were purchased. Probably the stuff made today is mostly ****, even from some of the best brands. Things were built to last back in the day.

 

[Brandon]

Reviews seem to be all over the place... one says milwaukee is the best. Others say dewalt and fat max... amazon reviews are taken w/a grain of salt.

There is one i think i am going to try though, lufkin black widow or shockforce, reviewers say it is easier to read in low light conditions which is worth a shot.. often times at work lighting isnt the best.

 

[jamil]

Reviews seem to be all over the place... one says milwaukee is the best. Others say dewalt and fat max... amazon reviews are taken w/a grain of salt.

There is one i think i am going to try though, lufkin black widow or shockforce, reviewers say it is easier to read in low light conditions which is worth a shot.. often times at work lighting isnt the best.

Get back to us in 20 years and let us know if it lasts.

 

[sparky32]

I am extremely tough on tools. At work im the guy if he has got it... it lasts. Tools that are not basic wrenches or screwdrivers are gonna fail if you use them on a daily basis everday for a living. Ive broke many tape measures and lean to milwaukee right now because when I snap the tip off I take it back to Home Depot and they give me another one free.

Check out these channel locks i broke the jaws off. It happens when they are used and abused.